Jammu : The Border Security Force on Thursday said it has detected a cross-border tunnel along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district and claimed to have foiled the plans of Pakistan-based terrorists to disrupt the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.An alert has been sounded in the Jammu region.The 150-metres-long tunnel was detected in an area under the Chak Faquira border outpost in Samba on Wednesday evening, BSF officials said."With the detection of this tunnel, BSF-Jammu has foiled the nefarious designs of Pakistan-based terrorists to disrupt the upcoming Amarnath yatra," BSF DIG S P S Sandhu said.The tunnel was freshly dug and originated from the Pakistan side. Its opening was about 2 feet and so far 21 sandbags, used to strengthen the exit of the tunnel, have been recovered, he said.An official, on condition of anonymity, said, "A newly dug tunnel at a distance of 150 metres from the International Border and 50 metres from the border fence was detected opposite Pakistani post Chaman Khurd (Fiaz) which is 900 metres from the Indian side."He said the opening of the tunnel was about 300 metres from the border outpost Chak Faquira and 700 metres from the last Indian village.The detection of the tunnel comes nearly a fortnight after security forces gunned down two suicide bombers after they attacked a CISF bus and killed an assistant sub-inspector in the Sunjwan area of Jammu on April 22.Inspector General of BSF Jammu Frontier, D K Boora lauded the devotion and dedication of the troops in detecting the tunnel and said this was the fifth one detected in less than one-and-half years."This shows the evil strategy of Pakistan establishment to create trouble in India," Boora told reporters here.The BSF has launched a massive drive to detect any tunnel along the International Border following the April 22 encounter in the Sunjwan area of Jammu—PTI

The Border Security Force on Thursday said it has detected a cross-border tunnel along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district and claimed to have foiled the plans of Pakistan-based terrorists to disrupt the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Alert in Jammu after cross-border 'terror tunnel' detected

New Delhi (The Hawk): Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to further enhance its capability through optimum use to technology and strive to strengthen the infrastructure of the border areas at a faster pace. He was addressing all ranks of the BRO at an event organised in New Delhi on May 07, 2022 to celebrate the 63rd Raising Day of the Organisation. Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry and other senior officials of BRO were present on the occasion. A number of BRO personnel attended the event virtually.&nbsp;“The Chinese presence has increased in the Northern sector in the recent past. Due to their proficiency in construction in mountainous areas, they manage to reach different places very quickly. The BRO must continue to work in parallel and focus on increasing their capability with full use of technology,” said the Raksha Mantri. He added that the Government, on its part, is making all efforts to provide the required support to the BRO in this direction.Shri Rajnath Singh mentioned about the recent announcement of increase of capital budget of BRO by 40% to Rs 3,500 crore in Financial Year 2022-23, reiterating the Government’s commitment to the country's security and development of border areas. He assured the BRO of not just budgetary, but all possible support in this endeavour.The Raksha Mantri described the development of border areas as a major part of Government’s comprehensive defence strategy, noting that it will bolster the security apparatus of the country and bring a positive change in the lives of people residing in remote areas. He stated that people's participation is also a key part of the defence strategy. “The more empowered the people of border areas become, the more aware and concerned they will be about the security of those areas. Citizens are the greatest power of a Nation. Therefore, with changing times, we are committed to move forward for the development of our border areas. It is our top priority to provide maximum facilities to those who work round-the-clock for our security,” he said.Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the Organisation for opening new doors of security and prosperity not just in the areas where it is undertaking a project, but for the entire country. He described BRO as not just a construction organisation, but a shining example of unity, discipline, dedication and devotion to duty.Underlining the importance of roads, bridges &amp; tunnels in the progress of a nation, the Raksha Mantri said the projects completed by the BRO have enhanced the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces and improved the socio-economic conditions of the people living in far-flung areas. “Infrastructure development in border areas is an indicator of the Government’s unwavering commitment to build a strong, secure and self-reliant ‘New India’ as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that border areas have emerged as new centres of development and the regions like the North-East are not only developing themselves, but have also become a gateway for the all-round progress of the country. He asserted that the development of these areas is important for the Nation’s progress at the international level as well, as the North-east region connects India with South Asia and Southeast Asia.The Raksha Mantri also commended the BRO for promoting tourism in far-flung areas through its 75 Cafes and Tourism portal. These initiatives are symbolic to the ever-increasing growth of the Organisation, he said.Shri Rajnath Singh remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who had laid the foundation of the Golden Quadrilateral, which connected Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and provided a major base for a large number of economic activities all over the country. The Raksha Mantri said, this vision of increasing the connectivity in the country is reflected in the ‘PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity’ envisaged by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He predicted that, in the coming times, it will definitely prove to be a master-stroke plan for the holistic development of the nation.In his address, DGBR Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry exhorted the BRO personnel to continue on the path of excellence with renewed vigor and dedication. He encouraged them to soon conclude certain critical tunnel and airfield construction projects.On the occasion, the Raksha Mantri also virtually laid the foundation stone of a married accommodation complex at Todapur for the BRO personnel posted at Delhi during their peace tenure. The complex will house 323 quarters, along with allied infrastructure for the personnel.&nbsp;Shri Rajnath Singh also launched two softwares - BRO Resource Management System and BRO Budget Management System – developed by Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N). The softwares will automate the distribution and utilisation of the resources as well as the budget of the BRO.In addition, the Raksha Mantri flagged-in ‘BRO@63 Multi-Dimensional Expedition’ organised in the run up to 63rd Raising Day. Sixty-three BRO personnel, including six women, took part in the 12-day expedition which comprised four distinct activities i.e., a mountaineering trek to the 15,000 feet Pangarchula peak covering a distance of approximately 50 kilometres; Rafting in the rapids of River Ganga for 35 kilometres; Cyclothon from Dehradun to Delhi covering a distance of 591 kilometres and a Fit BRO Endurance Run from Roorkee to Delhi covering a distance of 190 kilometres. During the expedition, the teams also conducted various public outreach programmes and interacted with the people, especially with the youth, urging them to contribute to the Nation Building. The expedition was flagged-off by Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh from Dehradun, Uttarakhand on April 26, 2022.Shri Rajnath Singh also flagged-off ‘BRO@63-All Women Electric Vehicle Rally’. A team of 10 women officers and all ranks of BRO will traverse approximately 750 kilometres on Electric Cars through the National Capital Region, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This first-of-its-kind Electric Vehicle Rally has been organised to sensitise the people on ‘Environmental Conservation and Climate Change’, in line with Prime Minister’s vision to switch over to 100 per cent Electric Vehicles by 2030. The initiative is also a part of a series of events being organised to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.The Raksha Mantri also felicitated officials of Project Himank in Ladakh and 13 Border Roads task force in Jammu and Kashmir for their commendable work during last year.It is pertinent to mention that raised with just two projects in 1960 - Project Tusker in the East and Project Beacon in the North - the BRO has today become a vibrant organisation with 18 projects in various states. It has constructed over 60,000 kilometres of roads, over 840 bridges, four tunnels and 19 airfields under adverse climatic and geographical conditions along India's borders as well as in friendly foreign countries, thus contributing towards our strategic objectives.In 2021-22, a total of 102 infrastructure projects - 87 bridges and 15 roads - were completed by the BRO - the most in a single year. This included construction of world’s longest highway tunnel, above 10,000 feet Atal Tunnel, Rohtang and world highest motorable road over Umling La in Eastern Ladakh. For the first time in the history of the BRO, women officers were given the command of Units, with three road construction companies (RCCs) being currently commanded by them. It also created the first-ever All Women RCC in Joshimath, Uttarakhand.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to further enhance its capability through optimum use to technology and strive to strengthen the infrastructure of the border areas at a faster pace.

Enhance capability through latest technology for faster infrastructure development in border areas: Rajnath

Guwahati :&nbsp;Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived here late Sunday on a three-day visit to Assam during which he will attend the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government's first anniversary celebrations, and travel to the India-Bangladesh border.Shah was received at the Guwahati airport by Sarma and other senior state BJP leaders a little after midnight.Honoured to receive Adarniya HM Shri @AmitShah ji at LGBI Airport, Guwahati. Adarniya Griha Mantri ji will attend several events over next two days in Assam," Sarma tweeted.The home minister will visit the Mankachar border outpost of the BSF on Monday morning and interact with the officers posted there.He will also lay the foundation and take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for CENWOSTO-II (Central Workshop and Stores) for Central Armed Paramilitary Force (CAPF) at Kelenchi in Tamulpur district.Shah will later inaugurate the Census office at Amingaon in Kamrup district, and the Superspeciality Cardiothoracic and Neurosciences Centre at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital in the evening.On Tuesday, he will present the 'President's Colour' to Assam Police at a ceremony in Guwahati, and also interact with the officers and personnel of the force.He will then address a public rally to mark the completion of one year in office of the Sarma-led dispensation.Shah is scheduled to return to New Delhi on Tuesday evening—PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived here late Sunday on a three-day visit to Assam during which he will attend the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government's first anniversary celebrations, and travel to the India-Bangladesh border.

Amit Shah arrives in Assam on three-day tour

CHANDIGARH : Averting a possible terrorist attack, Punjab Police on Sunday arrested two people and recovered an IED, filled with RDX and packed in metallic box, weighting over 2.5 kg from Naushehra Pannuan village in Tarn Taran district close to the Pakistan border.The improvised explosive device (IED) was equipped with timer, detonator, battery and shrapnel.Those arrested have been identified as Baljinder Singh and Jagtar Singh. The police have also recovered a motorcycle and two mobile phones from their possession.Baljinder Singh was working as a nursing assistant in a private hospital in Ajnala, while Jagtar Singh is a labourer. Both were involved in the alleged terrorist act for money and drugs, a police official said.Their arrest came three days after four persons were arrested with recovery of three IEDs packed in a metallic case (2.5 kg each) and one pistol from Karnal by Haryana Police following the inputs from Punjab Police.Divulging details, ADGP, Internal Security, R.N. Dhoke said the police in Tarn Taran had a received a tip-off that the duo carrying explosives were planning to carry out a blast.SSP Ranjit Singh sent police teams to conduct raids in the area and the accused were arrested with an IED in metallic box when they were going on a motorcycle, he said.As per the SSP, initial investigation revealed that the accused had gone to retrieve the IED on the instructions of their accomplice, Jobanjit Singh, who is facing criminal cases and has been declared a proclaimed offender.The SSP said a bomb disposal team later defused the IED, laden with nearly 1.5 kg RDX—IANS

Averting a possible terrorist attack, Punjab Police on Sunday arrested two people and recovered an IED, filled with RDX and packed in metallic box, weighting over 2.5 kg from Naushehra Pannuan village in Tarn Taran district close to the Pakistan border.

IED filled with RDX seized in Punjab, two held

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Police booked Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun under anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and "sealed" the state's borders after Khalistsni flags were put up on the gates of the state assembly complex in Dharamshala on Sunday.Himachal Pradesh police chief Sanjay Kundu also ordered the sealing of the state's border and beefing up of the state-wide security, citing "pro-Khalistan activities" in the state and the banned outfit's announcement of a Khalistan "referendum day" on June 6.The "sealing" of the border implies strict checks on vehicles and people entering the hilly state, police said.HP Director General of Police Kundu said Pannun has been booked as the main accused under section 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and sections 153 A and 153 B of the India Penal Code, besides section 3 of the HP Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1985.While section 13 of the UAPA pertains to the offence of inciting or abetting terror acts, sections 153 A and 153 B of the IPC deal with the offences of promoting communal or sectarian divides and animosity.Kundu said the FIR against Pannun and others was lodged on the complaint of Ram Chand alias Ajay Kumar of Kaned village under Dharamshala tehsil of the Kangra district.In a statement on Sunday evening, the DGP said, "Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel to Sikhs for Justice has been made the main accused in the case.”The case was lodged at Dharamshala police station, he addedThe HP DGP also set up a seven-member Special Investigation Team to expeditiously investigate the case involving the putting up of Khalistani banners and scrawling of pro-Khalistan slogans and graffiti over the outer walls near the main gate of the Himachal legislative assembly complex Tapovan in Dharamshala.The members of the SIT are Kangra's Additional Superintendent of Police Puneet Raghu, Jawalaji's Sub-Divisional Police Officer Chander Paul, Mandi's Deputy SP Sushant Sharma, Jawali SDPO Sidharath Sharma, besides the Dharamshala police station's SHO and the Yol police post in-charge, the DGP said in his statement.The SIT has been directed to take up the investigation of the case immediately and carry out a professional and impartial investigation to ensure transparency, the HP police chief said.“The SIT has also been directed to contact with the state and central intelligence agencies to unearth the inter-state and international linkages if any,” he added.Kundu also ordered to “seal” the state's border and beef up security at crowded and sensitive places in Himachal Pradesh.The HP DGP also asked the various field formations of the HP Police to remain on high alert in view of the incidents of Khalistani elements in the neighbouring states and also that of the putting up of a Khalistani banner in the Una district on April 11.His directions followed “also in view of the incident of hoisting banners and graffiti of Khalistan on the outer boundary of Vidhan Sabha in Dharamshala as well as the threat posed by SJF's announcement of June 6 as the voting date for Khalistan Referendum in Himachal Pradesh”.Additional DGP-CID, range IGs and DIGs and district police chiefs too have been directed “to seal all interstate borders/barriers and keep a strict vigil at the places of probable hideouts i.e. hotels and inns of criminal elements, he said.“They have been directed to keep the special security units, bomb disposal squads and quick reactions teams in position and on high alert and strengthen the security of dams, railway stations, bus stands, towns, government buildings and vital installations,” said Kundu.The HP police chief also directed various field formations “to sensitise all the security staff/chowkidars of government buildings, banks, PSUs about the threat and to advise them to report any matter of concern to the local police station immediately.Pannun had earlier also called for hoisting the Khalistani flag in Shimla on April 29—PTI

The Himachal Pradesh Police booked Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun under anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and "sealed" the state's borders after Khalistsni flags were put up on the gates of the state assembly complex in Dharamshala on Sunday.

Himachal seals borders after Khalistani flags surfaced

Moscow: &nbsp;Russia will strengthen its border with Finland if NATO’s striking weapons are deployed in the neighbouring country amid the latter’s intention to join the military alliance, a top official said in Moscow “If NATO deploys offensive, striking weapons in Finland, in close proximity to us, we will strengthen our border and increase the presence of Russian troops on the border,” Xinhua news agency quoted Viktor Bondarev, chairman of the Defence and Security Committee of the Federation Council, as saying late Sunday.He called Finland’s intention to join NATO “disturbing” in a geopolitical sense. Earlier on Sunday, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and the government’s foreign policy committee took an official decision to start the process of the country’s application to become a NATO member. Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sanna Marin, President Niinisto described the day as historical as a new era is opening. He said the Finnish security is not “a zero-sum game”, not directed against anyone.In a phone call initiated by Helsinki on Saturday, Niinisto informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of Finland’s decision to seek NATO membership in the next few days. In response, Putin “stressed that abandoning the traditional policy of military neutrality would be a mistake, since there are no threats to Finland’s security”, adding that it may also have a negative impact on Moscow-Helsinki relations.—IANS

Russia will strengthen its border with Finland if NATO’s striking weapons are deployed in the neighbouring country amid the latter’s intention to join the military alliance, a top official said in Moscow “If NATO deploys offensive, striking weapons in Finland, in close proximity to us, we will strengthen our border and increase the presence of Russian troops on the border,” Xinhua news agency quoted Viktor Bondarev, chairman of the Defence and Security Committee of the Federation Council, as saying late Sunday.

Russia to strengthen border with Finland if NATO deploys weapons

Itanagar: The Indian Army's Eastern command chief on Monday said China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is engaged in infrastructure capacity enhancement across the international border in Arunachal Pradesh. General Officer Commanding-in Chief of the Eastern command, Lieutenant General R P Kalita, however, said the Indian side is also continuously upgrading its infrastructure and capabilities to deal with any situation which may arise along the border. "Across the Line of Actual Control in Tibet region, a lot of infrastructure development is going on. The other side is constantly upgrading their road, rail and air connectivity so that they are in a better position to respond to a situation or mobilise forces," he said at a press conference in Guwahati. The Chinese authorities have built border villages close to the LAC that can be used for dual purposes, Kalita said."We are continuously monitoring the situation. We are also upgrading our infrastructure and capabilities as well as the mechanism to handle the situation. These have put us in a robust position," he added. The Indian Army Commander acknowledged that difficult terrain and inclement weather conditions have been the biggest challenges while enhancing capabilities and infrastructure in forward locations. He asserted that the Indian Army is fully ready with 'high level of operational preparedness'.—PTI

The Indian Army's Eastern command chief on Monday said China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is engaged in infrastructure capacity enhancement across the international border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Army says China building infrastructure near Arunachal border

Beijing: Taking advantage of the Russia-Ukraine war, China has been conducting military drills on its far north-eastern border, raising expert concerns that Beijing could be considering a push into Russian territory. Anthony Klan, writing in&nbsp;The Klaxon,&nbsp;an investigative Australian newspaper. said it has obtained images and details of China's air force and army conducting secretive exercises in the Russian border areas along the Ussuri River, near Russia's sparsely populated Khabarovsk and Ussuriysk regions, in February and March this year. The military drills involve Chinese Air Force fighter jets and bombers, including live-fire exercises, out of its north-eastern Harbin Air Base, and China's 78th Group Army running tank and armoured vehicle tactical drills. The activities are considered unusual because the only border China shares in the region are with Russia.The military drills come despite China publicly backing Russia's February 24 military operation in Ukraine, said Klan."Beijing secretly began its air force and armoured unit drills from February, near Russian borders, in the name of routine exercises," said one senior intelligence source.Intelligence sources said China's military activities along the Ussuri River had gone unnoticed with the global spotlight focused on Russia's Ukraine invasion and on China's movements in the Taiwan Strait, reported&nbsp;The Klaxon.China and Russia have a history of tension in the region. In March 1969, China surprised Moscow by ambushing the remote Damansky Island in a bloody attack which saw 31 Soviet border guards killed and brought the two powers to the brink of an all-out war.The tiny island, known as Damansky in Russian and Zhenbao Dao in Chinese, sits in the middle of the Ussuri River, which itself marks the China-Russia border in the Far East.The deadly ambush remains a sore point with many Russians. Any move by China into Russian territory would send shockwaves around the world, said Klan.China has publicly expressed support for Russia, but experts note Beijing has territorial disputes with almost all of its neighbours, making an advance on Russia far from out of the question. "China appears to be way too prepared for the ongoing war situation," said one security expert."The far eastern territory of Russia including the areas of Khabarovsk and Ussuriysk are already remote and Russians have hardly enough military presence to secure these areas, especially if China attempts to venture out".—ANI

Taking advantage of the Russia-Ukraine war, China has been conducting military drills on its far north-eastern border, raising expert concerns that Beijing could be considering a push into Russian territory.

China eyes Russian territory as Moscow focuses on Ukraine: Report

Kolkata: An alleged smuggler was shot dead by BSF troops in West Bengal's Murshidabad district during an encounter at the Indo-Bangla border, officials said.The incident happened on Sunday, when BSF personnel observed the movement of smugglers in the area, they said."When the jawans tried to stop the smugglers, they were attacked with sharp weapons. The troopers initially tried to stop them by using non lethal weapons. Sensing danger, one of the jawans was compelled to use his personal safety weapon and shot the smuggler," a BSF statement said.Later, the body of the smuggler was recovered, and he has been identified as Rohil Mandal.His body was handed over to police, the officials added.—PTI

An alleged smuggler was shot dead by BSF troops in West Bengal's Murshidabad district during an encounter at the Indo-Bangla border, officials said.

BSF troops gun down smuggler' near Indo-Bangla border

An alleged smuggler was shot dead by BSF troops in West Bengal's Murshidabad district during an encounter at the Indo-Bangla border, officials said.



New Delhi: The Indo- Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) mountaineers practised yoga at an altitude of 22,850 feet in the Uttarakhand Himalayas amid the snow conditions. The ITBP mountaineers were on the summit of Mount Abi Gamin last week where they did a high altitude yoga session at a place in the snow-capped terrain en route. While approaching the summit of the mountain, the 14 member team of ITBP mountaineers practised Yoga for 20 minutes amidst snow conditions on June 1 and recorded the highest high altitude yoga practice session to date by anyone, stated a release from ITBP. It was a rare effort by the ITBP mountaineers and never before seen extreme high altitude yoga practice at such an altitude creating a unique one of its kind record.Inspired by the Prime Minister's vision on the International Day of Yoga and the theme this year- 'Yoga for Humanity', the ITBP mountaineers practised yoga at such an altitude to give the message to the people to remain fit by practising various yogasanas. Over the years, the ITBP has taken many initiatives to promote yoga by performing yoga asanas at top mountain ridges in the higher reaches of the Himalayas. The ITBP personnel have been exemplary in promoting Yoga by doing various asanas including Surya Namaskar and various other yogasanas at different high altitude Himalayan ranges on India-China borders including Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in bone-chilling minus temperatures around.—ANI

The Indo- Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) mountaineers practised yoga at an altitude of 22,850 feet in the Uttarakhand Himalayas amid the snow conditions. The ITBP mountaineers were on the summit of Mount Abi Gamin last week where they did a high altitude yoga session at a place in the snow-capped terrain en route.

ITBP creates record, practices yoga at 22,850 feet

Jammu: The police have recovered three magnetic IEDs dropped by a drone in the border area of the Jammu district in a fresh attempt to smuggle explosives through the aerial route, officials said on Tuesday. The IEDs, with their timers set and packed inside tiffin boxes, were recovered from the Kantowala-Dayaran area of Kanachak in the Akhnoor sector, Additional Director General of Police, Jammu, Mukesh Singh said.On Monday night, BSF troops resorted to firing briefly along the India-Pakistan border in the Jammu district after hearing a humming sound which led to a suspicion that a drone was flying around.A police party was immediately deployed and they followed anti-drone standard operating procedure in the area.Around 11 pm, security forces noticed the drone in the Dayaran area of Kanachak and fired at it again, the ADGP said."The payload attached was brought down but the drone could not be shot," he said, adding the IEDs were diffused through a controlled explosion and a case has been registered.—PTI

The police have recovered three magnetic IEDs dropped by a drone in the border area of the Jammu district in a fresh attempt to smuggle explosives through the aerial route, officials said on Tuesday.

3 IEDs in tiffin box on drone found near Pak border in Jammu

Ladakh: The destabilising and corrosive behaviour of the Chinese Community Party in the Indo-Pacific region is simply not helpful and some of the defence infrastructure that is being set up by China near its border with India is alarming, US Army's Pacific Commanding General Charles A Flynn said on Wednesday. The armed forces of India and China have been engaged in a tense border standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5, 2020, when there was a violent clash between the two sides in the Pangong lake areas. Last month, it came to light that China is constructing a second bridge in an area held by it around the strategically key Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh and it could help its military to quickly mobilise its troops in the region.China has also been establishing other infrastructure such as roads and residential areas in the border areas with India.China has maritime border disputes with various countries in the Indo-Pacific region such as Vietnam and Japan. When asked about his assessment of the India-China border standoff in Ladakh, Flynn told reporters in New Delhi, "I believe that the activity level is eye-opening and I think the some of the infrastructure that is being created in the (Chinese Army's) western theatre command is alarming."The western theatre command of the Chinese Army borders India.Flynn said when one sees China's military arsenal in all domains, one must ask the question why is it needed."So, I do not have a crystal ball to tell you how it (India-China border standoff) is going to end or where we will be at. I will express to you that it is worthy of asking this question and try to get their response as to what are their intentions" he noted.He said the talks that are going on between India and China are helpful."However, behaviour matters here as well. So, understanding what they are saying is one thing but the way they are acting and behaving by the way of build-up is concerning. It should be concerning to every one of us," he noted.Flynn also talked about how the behaviour of China has changed between 2014 and 2022."I was in this command from 2014 to 2018 as the commander of 25th infantry division and then the deputy commanding general of my current command (United States Army Pacific) as a two-star general. Then I left and went to the Pentagon to be the operations officer for the Army for three years and I came back a year ago," he noted.He said when he looks back on what the CCP and the PRC (People's Republic of China) were doing then to what they are doing today, it can be said that they have taken an incremental and insidious path.The destablising and corrosive behaviour that they project into the Indo-Pacific region is simply not helpful, he added."Our ability to strengthen the relationships in the region as a counterweight to those destablising activities and to strengthen the network of allies and partners and like-minded countries that care about the protection of their people, national sovereignty, land, resources, free and open Pacific Ocean and society,” he said.”I think it is worthy of us working together as a counterweight to some of those corrosive and corruptive behaviours that the Chinese do," he said.Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande had on May 9 said China's intention has been to keep ”alive” the boundary question with India though it remains the ”basic” issue between the two countries. India and China have held 15 rounds of military talks so far to resolve the eastern Ladakh row.As a result of the talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.However, each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector.—PTI

The destabilising and corrosive behaviour of the Chinese Community Party in the Indo-Pacific region is simply not helpful and some of the defence infrastructure that is being set up by China near its border with India is alarming, US Army's Pacific Commanding General Charles A Flynn said on Wednesday.

Some Chinese defence infra near Indian border is 'alarming': US

The destabilising and corrosive behaviour of the Chinese Community Party in the Indo-Pacific region is simply not helpful and some of the defence infrastructure that is being set up by China near its border with India is alarming, US Army's Pacific Commanding General Charles A Flynn said on Wednesday.



Singapore: China is continuing to harden its position along the borders with India, US Defence Secretary Lloyd James Austin said on Saturday, stressing that America stands by its friends as they uphold their rights as Beijing adopts the "war coercive" and "aggressive approach" to its territorial claims.Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Austin noted that China is taking aggressive and illegal approaches to the territories it claims in the South China Sea and advancing its illegal maritime plans.Further to the West, we see Beijing continuing to harden the position along the borders it shares with India, he said.The Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a tense border standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5, 2020, when a violent clash between the two sides erupted in the Pangong lake area.China has also been building bridges and constructing other infrastructure such as roads and residential units in the border areas with India.China also has maritime border disputes with various countries in the Indo-Pacific region such as Vietnam and Japan.We remain unwavering in our mutual defence commitments," Austin assured.His comments came days after a top US General said some of the defence infrastructure that is being created by China near its border with India in Ladakh is "alarming", calling the Chinese activity in that region as "eye-opening".Flagging concerns over the Chinese infra build-up, the US Army's Pacific Commanding General Charles A Flynn, who was on a visit to India on Wednesday, also said the "destabilising and corrosive" behaviour of the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific region is simply not helpful. Austin also told the defence delegates at the Singapore dialogue the importance of joint exercises conducted by the USS Theodore Roosevelt with the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force in the Indian Ocean last spring.Stressing that the US remains open and fully prepared to deter and defeat future aggression, he said, We also stand by our friends as they uphold their rights that is especially important as the People's Republic of China adopts the war coercive and aggressive approach to its territorial claims.He said the US believes that India's "growing military capability and technological prowess can be a stabilising force in the region.India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the resource-rich region.China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. China also has territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea.The South China Sea and the East China Sea are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. They are also vital to global trade.On the Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia, he pointed out that last month's summit in Tokyo had brought together the world's largest producers of prosperity and security.The Quad leaders are eager to work with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands to advance our shared goals , said Austin.He underlined that Australia, India and Japan have been holding security dialogues about maritime security cooperation since 2015.In the past few months, Japan and the Philippines launched a new 2+2 dialogue and so did Australia and India, noted the defence secretary. We are also working together to make the security architecture transparent and more inclusive, he informed the delegates. —PTI

China is continuing to harden its position along the borders with India, US Defence Secretary Lloyd James Austin said on Saturday, stressing that America stands by its friends as they uphold their rights as Beijing adopts the "war coercive" and "aggressive approach" to its territorial claims.

China Continuing To Harden Its Position Along Borders With India: US Defence Secretary

New Delhi / Dehradun (The Hawk): Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved setting up of wayside amenities at 75 locations in 12 States/Union Territories on different sections of roads with Border Roads Organisation (BRO). These are intended to provide basic amenities &amp; comfort to the tourists and lead to boosting of economic activities in border areas, besides generating employment for the local people. These wayside amenities will be branded as ‘BRO Cafes’.&nbsp;The BRO has its reach in the remotest border areas and besides addressing strategic needs, it has been instrumental in socio-economic upliftment of the Northern and Eastern borders. This has resulted in increased tourist influx in these scenic locations, hitherto inaccessible. In order to provide conducive and comfortable transit of tourists on these roads located at harsh climatic and geographical conditions, the need to establish multi-utility wayside amenities along the major tourist circuits in these regions was recognised. Since the inaccessibility and remoteness of these roads preclude widespread commercial deployments, the BRO, by virtue of its presence, took it upon itself to open such facilities at remote places. The scheme provides for development and operation of wayside amenities in public private partnership mode with agencies, on license basis, which will design, build &amp; operate the facility as per guidelines of BRO. Amenities like parking for two and four wheelers, food plaza/ restaurant, separate rest rooms for men, women and differently abled, first aid facilities/MI Rooms etc. are proposed to be provided. Selection of licencees will be done through a competitive process.

 Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved setting up of wayside amenities at 75 locations in 12 States/Union Territories on different sections of roads with Border Roads Organisation (BRO). 

MoD Approves Establishment Of Wayside Amenities ‘BRO Cafes’ On 75 Border Roads In 12 States/UTs	

Chandigarh: In a major police crackdown on Wednesday, one gangster involved in the killing of famed Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala was reportedly shot dead by Punjab Police on the outskirts of Amritsar close to the India-Pakistan border, while another suspect is holed up inside a farmhouse after over four hours of exchange of fire.Moosewala was gunned down on May 29 close to his native village near Mansa in Punjab.The operation being carried out by the Anti-Gangster Task Force is going on at Bhakna village close to the Attari border, where gangsters Manpreet Singh, alias Mannu, and Jagroop Singh, alias Rupa, both the key accused in Moosewala's killing, were holed up.However, there is no official confirmation yet about the identity of the slain gangster.The police said that Manpreet, a henchman of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, along with Rupa, among others, had fired at Moosewala on May 29 which led to the singer's death on the spot.Anti-Gangster Task Force chief Pramod Ban had told the media last month that jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, the main conspirator, had confessed that the plan to kill Moosewala was hatched in August last year to avenge the murder of Vicky Middukhera.Ban said that 13 people have been arrested in the case so far after the first arrest was made on May 30, a day after the murder of Moosewala.Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, who is a member of the Bishnoi gang, had claimed responsibility for Moosewala's murder.Ban had said that the shooters had reached Mansa on May 25, the scene of the crime close to Moosa village. "Some of the weapons were provided to them on reaching Punjab. AK series assault rifles were used to gun down Moosewala," he had said. —IANS

In a major police crackdown on Wednesday, one gangster involved in the killing of famed Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala was reportedly shot dead by Punjab Police on the outskirts of Amritsar close to the India-Pakistan border, while another suspect is holed up inside a farmhouse after over four hours of exchange of fire.

Moosewala murder accused killed in encounter near Amritsar

United Nations:&nbsp;UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed outrage after UN peacekeepers opened fire and killed two residents of a town in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that borders Uganda.In Kasindi, North Kivu province, military personnel of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) opened fire at residents on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.In addition to the two deaths, 15 others were injured in the deadly incident, said the DRC government, which strongly condemned the shooting."The Secretary-General is both saddened and dismayed by the loss of life and serious injuries sustained during this incident," Guterres' deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement late Sunday.Moreover, Guterres conveyed his deepest condolences to the victims' families, the Congolese people and the Congolese government and wished the injured a speedy recovery.Furthermore, the Secretary-General emphasized the need to "establish accountability for these events."The UN has established contact with the peacekeepers' country of origin, with the aim of "urgently initiating judicial proceedings with the participation of victims and witnesses so that appropriate sanctions can be handed down", the statement said.In a communique, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and head of MONUSCO Bintou Keita said that some soldiers of the Intervention Brigadeopened fire at the border post for "unexplained reasons".Describing the soldiers' behaviour as "unspeakable and irresponsible", the MONUSCO chief said that perpetrators were identified and arrested -- pending the conclusions of an investigation that has already started in collaboration with the Congolese authorities.The UN envoy did not mention the peacekeepers' nationalities.Since July 25, thousands of people have been demonstrating against MONUSCO in several towns across the country, particularly in Goma, the capital of North Kivu, where some of the UN mission's offices have been ransacked and looted by demonstrators.The demonstrations turned violent as protesters demanded that MONUSCO exit their country for failing to protect civilians amid rising violence.According to the Congolese government, 15 people had lost their lives during the protests in North Kivu, including a peacekeeper and two police personnel from MONUSCO in the city of Butembo.UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix met DRC President Felix Tshisekedi on Saturday in Kinshasa to discuss the cooperation between MONUSCO and the Congolese government."We have agreed to draw lessons from these serious incidents, an in-depth assessment is underway between the UN and the authorities to move forward in our collaboration to restore confidence in the Congolese people," said Lacroix.—IANS

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed outrage after UN peacekeepers opened fire and killed two residents of a town in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that borders Uganda.

 UN peacekeepers kill 2 civilians in DRC, Guterres outraged

Dehradun (The Hawk): A hundred feet high tricolor will be hoisted in Gunji on the China-Nepal border.&nbsp;The unfurling of the tricolor in public places as well as in person is like a festival for the countrymen, on the occasion of Mahatosav, the elixir of freedom. Along with the government, NGOs also made up their mind to celebrate this festival openly. have been On the occasion of the completion of 75 years of independence, apart from saluting the martyrdom of its martyrs across the country, it will also act as a catalyst in increasing the spirit of patriotism. Whether the flag is hoisted on our borders or in any corner of the country, it will keep the whole country in a thread.The 100-feet-high tricolor will be hoisted on August 15 in Gunji, situated on the China-Nepal border at an altitude of about 14,500 feet above sea level. The administration has started preparations to hoist the tricolor here at a cost of about Rs 45 lakh from the district plan. For the first time, the tricolor will be hoisted near the China and Nepal border at such a height. Which will be a strong message not only for the onlookers but also for the world. Situated about 150 km from Pithoragarh district headquarters, Gunji is situated on the triangular international border. At this important stage of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the health of the passengers is checked. The international market for India-China trade is in Gunji. People in this region rarely migrate towards the valleys even in winters. Whereas seasonal migration takes place from other high altitude places. This area has also been connected by road about three years ago. Since then the traffic has increased throughout the year. DM DrAshish Chauhan informed that the work of setting up the flag has been completed. On August 15, the flag will be hoisted on the occasion of Amrit Mahotsav of Independence.

 A hundred feet high tricolor will be hoisted in Gunji on the China-Nepal border.

A Hundred Feet High Tricolor Will Be Hoisted In Gunji On The China-Nepal Border

Ahmedabad:&nbsp;The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday morning seized two Pakistani fishing boats in the creek area along the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district, officials said. Pakistani fishermen, who had entered the Indian waters illegally in the Harami Nala creek area, abandoned their boats on seeing a BSF patrol and fled to their side of the maritime border, said a BSF release. Some fishing equipment and nets were found in the boats but there was no suspicious cargo, it added. While Indian fishermen are barred from entering the creek due to security reasons, Pakistani fishermen often enter illegally looking for a better catch. Last month, the BSF had apprehended four Pakistani fishermen and seized ten boats in the creek.—PTI

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday morning seized two Pakistani fishing boats in the creek area along the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district, officials said

Two Pak fishing boats seized in border area of Kutch

Melbourne:&nbsp;Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is hopeful he will be in contention for a place in the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar series in India early next year, though he said he was extremely disappointed at not getting a chance to play in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle recently.Despite emerging as Australia's leading run-getter in the ODI series in Sri Lanka, he missed out on a Test berth chiefly because Travis Head was declared fit ahead of the first game and in the second match the ground staff at Galle prepared a good batting pitch.But Maxwell, who said he was "shattered" by missing out on a Test recall in Sri Lanka, is confident he remains seriously in contention for the four-Test series in India in 2023. The charismatic all-rounder has not played a Test since 2017, but with the appointment of Andrew McDonald as chief coach, he is back in the red-ball frame for the first time in five years."I was shattered when I got told (of net getting selected for the Test vs Sri Lanka)," Maxwell told ESPNcricinfo while playing in the Hundred in England."It wasn't that I thought they made the wrong call, I was just genuinely disappointed. I loved being a part of it (Tests), and I loved the thought of playing again. Even not thinking about Test cricket for a couple of years, I felt like I was ready again. I loved working with the coaches and coming up with new tactics to deal with difficult spin bowling.I'm glad Heady (Travis Head) got through his fitness test because I'd have hated to be in because of an injury to one of your players. Unfortunately, they changed the conditions. If it was the same conditions for both Tests, I probably would have played. But they made a slightly better wicket, and the selectors made the right call," added Maxwell."I tried not to get too excited or get my hopes up too much because I know, having been in that situation so many times and been on the wrong side of it, the ups and downs of selection and the 50-50 calls...but yeah, I allowed myself to get a little bit too excited."Maxwell revealed he was concentrating on targeted training sessions on spinning wickets at Victoria's Junction Oval to help him with his preparations for the gruelling India Test series next year."Last year I had a pre-season at Junction Oval, where we would use the same pitches, maybe four or five net sessions in a row and by the fifth net session they were basically India. And it was awesome. They were the best net sessions I had."—IANS

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is hopeful he will be in contention for a place in the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar series in India early next year, though he said he was extremely disappointed at not getting a chance to play in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle recently.

 After 'shattering' Sri Lanka Test exclusion, Maxwell hopeful of berth for India series next year

Aizawl: A ministerial level meeting between Assam and Mizoram was held in Aizawl on Tuesday to evolve strategies for a lasting solution to the inter-state border disputes between the two northeastern states.
The Mizoram delegation was led by Home Minister Lalchamliana, while the Assam deputation was headed by Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora.
After the meeting, Bora told the media that both the states agreed to promote and maintain peace and to prevent any untoward incident along the borders, adding that the deputy commissioners of the bordering districts of Assam and Mizoram would meet at least once in two months.
A joint statement issued after the meeting said: "Both the states agreed that economic activities, including cultivation and farming, which have been practised by the people along the borders of the two states, shall not be disturbed and they would continue regardless of the administrative control presently exercised by either state at such locations, subject to forest regulations and after informing the deputy commissioners concerned."
Bora said the next meeting would be held in Guwahati in October.
At Tuesday's meeting, Mizoram Home Minister was accompanied by state's Information and Public Relations minister Lalruatkima and top officials of the state home department, while the Assam delegation also included Housing and Urban minister Ashok Singhal and three officials, including state border protection and development commissioner and secretary, G.D Tripathy.
The Mizoram and Assam delegations had met in August last year to find a permanent solution to the vexed border issues after a series of clashes in the last two years.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga met over the border issues in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi in November last year and agreed to form committees involving all the stakeholders to resolve the border disputes through talks.
Assam has border disputes with Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
The worst-ever violence along the 164.6 km long Assam-Mizoram border was reported on July 26 last year, which left six Assam Police personnel dead and nearly 100 civilians and security personnel of the two neighbouring states injured.
The decades-old boundary dispute between Mizoram and Assam mainly emerged from two colonial demarcations in 1875 and 1933.
While Mizoram accepted the demarcation under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BERF) notified in 1875, which covers vast stretches of area now falling under Assam, as its actual boundary, the Assam government said that the demarcation made under the 1933 notification was its constitutional boundary. —IANS

A ministerial level meeting between Assam and Mizoram was held in Aizawl on Tuesday to evolve strategies for a lasting solution to the inter-state border disputes between the two northeastern states.

The Hawk

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Alert in Jammu after cross-border 'terror tunnel' detected

Sunil Aswal

Tag : Border

Alert in Jammu after cross-border 'terror tunnel' detected

Sunil Aswal

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