Washington: United States President Joe Biden has lauded the suspension of Russia, a veto-wielding permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, from the world organisation's leading human rights body, saying this 'meaningful step' by the international community has further demonstrated how President Vladimir Putin's war has made his country an 'international pariah'.The 193-member UN General Assembly on Thursday voted to adopt a draft resolution moved by the US to suspend Russia from the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) over allegations that Russian soldiers killed civilians while retreating from towns near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.The 'Suspension of the rights of membership of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council' resolution was adopted with 93 votes in favour, 24 against and 58 abstentions. India abstained from voting.Reacting to Russia's suspension from the UNHRC, President Biden said: "This is a meaningful step by the international community further demonstrating how Putin's war has made Russia an international pariah."Biden said the US worked closely with its allies and partners around the world to drive this vote because Russia is committing gross and systemic violations of human rights."Russian forces are committing war crimes. Russia has no place on the Human Rights Council. After today's historic vote, Russia will not be able to participate in the Council's work or spread its disinformation there as the Council's Commission of Inquiry investigates Russia's violations and abuses of human rights in Ukraine," he said.No permanent member of the UN Security Council has ever had its membership revoked from any organ of the world body.The UNHRC is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world.Observing that the images coming out of Bucha and other areas of Ukraine as Russian troops withdraw are horrifying, he said the signs of people being raped, tortured, executed -- in some cases having their bodies desecrated -- are an outrage to our common humanity."Russia's lies are no match for the undeniable evidence of what is happening in Ukraine. That's why nations in every region condemn Russia's unprovoked and brutal aggression against Ukraine and support the brave people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom."The US will continue to work with responsible nations around the world to gather evidence to hold Russia accountable for the atrocities being committed, increase the pressure on Russia's economy and isolate Russia on the international stage," Biden said.In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Russia's suspension from the UNHRC, said 'a wrong has been righted'."Today a wrong has been righted. The world is sending another clear signal that Russia must immediately and unconditionally cease its war of aggression against Ukraine and honour the principles enshrined in the UN Charter," Blinken said.By suspending Russia from the UN Human Rights Council, countries around the world chose to hold Moscow to account today for gross and systematic violations of human rights in its premeditated, unprovoked and unjustified war of choice against Ukraine, he said."We have seen growing evidence of Russia's brutal disregard for international law and human rights in Ukraine, most notably in the death and devastation it has caused in communities such as Bucha, Irpin and Mariupol."The atrocities the world has witnessed appear to be further evidence of war crimes, which serves as another indication that Russia has no place in a body whose primary purpose is to promote respect for human rights," Blinken said.US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in her remarks at the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council, described this as an important and historic moment."Countries from around the globe have voted to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council for its gross and systematic violations of human rights. We have collectively sent a strong message that the suffering of victims and survivors will not be ignored," she said."After all, this is not only about accountability for Russia. It's about standing with the people of Ukraine. And it's about the credibility of the UN. Right now, the world is looking to us; they are asking if the United Nations is prepared to meet this moment."They are wondering if we are a platform for propaganda and a safe haven for human rights abusers -- or if we are prepared to live up to our highest ideals, enshrined in the UN Charter," she said.The international community has taken a collective step in the right direction, Thomas-Greenfield added.The Human Rights Council consists of 47 Member States, elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly.The General Assembly, by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, 'may suspend the rights of membership in the Council of a member of the Council that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights'. —PTI

 United States President Joe Biden has lauded the suspension of Russia, a veto-wielding permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, from the world organisation's leading human rights body, saying this 'meaningful step' by the international community has further demonstrated how President Vladimir Putin's war has made his country an 'international pariah'.

Biden Hails Russia's Ouster From UN Human Rights Council

Washington: The pressure on India to take a hostile attitude towards Russia and China was not subtle, but it was guarded, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan after Monday's 2+2 ministerial meeting in Washington, DC.The unprecedented attention that India received on account of the Russia-Ukraine war was flattering to India as it appeared that Indian neutrality had become a case study for other countries in balancing the US and Russia. But it emerges that the idea of many of the visits and conversations was also to push India in one direction or another because we seemed flexible.India's consistent position of abstention beginning with the first United Nations Security Council resolution to the UN General Assembly resolution to suspend Russia was seen by many as a balancing act, which could topple one way or another.The condemnation of the Bucha massacre by the Russians was seen as evidence of the pressure working on India.The US, which had expected India to abstain in the Security Council, considered the Indian position 'shaky', but when it found that certain Indian actions like the purchase of Russian oil and development of innovative financial arrangements for trade, the US decided to pursue a carrot and stick policy to wean India away from its tilt towards Russia. Some of the US statements in this connection were counterproductive, particularly when an official pointed to the possibility of sanctions against India and another suggested that India should move away from its 'NAM and G77' relationship with Russia.The opportunity of the 2+2 meeting in Washington was taken by the US not only to raise these issues, but also to seek a virtual meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi to review India-US relations in the light of these developments even while the war was still raging. The White House stated that President Biden held a 'constructive, direct conversation' with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the US is seeking more help from India to apply economic pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine.It also said that President Biden told Prime Minister Modi that his administration could help India diversify its oil imports, but that it was not in New Delhi's interests to increase energy imports from Moscow.The US did not want to see a significant increase in Russian energy imports by India. 'The President conveyed that we are here to help them diversify their means of importing oil.'The imports from the United States are already significant, much bigger than the imports that they get from Russia.'The President conveyed very clearly that it is not in their interests to increase that."The US virtually laid out some benchmarks relating to Russia to enable the US to have a productive relationship with the US. The new dimension introduced by the US was not acceptable to India as it was something that had not happened even during the Cold War.India focussed at the summit as well as the 2+2 talks more on the concerns over the continuing Russia-Ukraine war and the need to resolve issues through peaceful negotiations and stressed that Prime Minister Modi had spoken to both President Putin and President Zelensky several times and urged them to return to the negotiating table.As for import of Russian oil, which was important for India's energy security, it was pointed out that Western Europe had imported more Russian oil 'one afternoon' than what India imported in a whole month since the beginning of the war.India believed that it had a stabilising role in the global economy and this applied to both fuel and food. Prime Minister Modi recalled that India had condemned the killings in the Ukrainian city of Bucha, where the discovery of hundreds of civilian bodies following a Russian withdrawal from the town sparked international outrage, and called for an independent investigation.President Biden emphasised the defence partnership between the two countries and said that the US and India are going to 'continue our close consultation on how to manage the destabilising effects of this Russian war'.'The root of our partnership is a deep connection between our people, ties of family, of friendship and of shared values,' he said, hinting that the Ukraine war had become a source of tension in recent weeks.The fact that the other members of the Quad, which was a bulwark against China had not only supported the US, but also imposed sanctions against Russia was a factor he had in mind when he spoke of defence cooperation. The hint was clear that the Quad had imposed a certain obligation on the member countries to work together in defence matters. Although defence cooperation between India and Russia is a matter of legacy, which was recognised by the US, it may also emerge as another benchmark for establishing a stable defence partnership between the US and India.The threat of CATSAA over the supply of S-400 missiles is still in the distant horizon.US Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economics Daleep Singh, who visited India recently had said the US will not set any 'red line' for India on its energy imports from Russia but does not want to see a 'rapid acceleration' in purchases.Though it was clarified that this was not a threat of sanctions, only a wish expressed that India should be on the right side of history.'But this was a constructive call, it was a productive call.'It's a relationship that is vitally important to the United States and to the President.'I would not see it as an adversarial call,' the White House spokesperson said.The summit discussions and the 2+2 dialogue were in the spirit of greater cooperation between India and the United States as members of the Quad, which should not be disturbed by the Indian position on the war. The pressure on India to take a hostile attitude towards Russia and China was not subtle, but it was guarded.Those who are familiar with the roller coaster ride nature of India-US relations will not miss the danger lurking in the present situation.Secretary of State Blinken said rather bluntly that the US was monitoring human rights abuses in India by the government and some officials, revealing a traditional weapon in the US armoury. India has successfully withstood the pressure so far, but there is many a slip between the cup and the lip.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;—Rediff.com

 The pressure on India to take a hostile attitude towards Russia and China was not subtle, but it was guarded, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan after Monday's 2+2 ministerial meeting in Washington, DC.

US Introduces Russia Benchmarks Into India Relations

Srinagar: Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said normalcy has returned to Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asserted the recent attacks on minorities in Kashmir will be handled by security agencies.The Union minister said there were still some incidents of violence in Kashmir but such things are common to the entire country.“But, broadly, the normalcy what we see in the entire Kashmir valley is such a wonderful thing for everybody — for the people who live here, for the people who want to visit this heavenly beautiful place, as well as for the country. It is in the interest of everyone to secure peace in the entire area,” Rijiju said on the sidelines of a function here. There has been a spurt in attacks on civilians in Kashmir over the past two weeks. In the latest set of incidents, militants killed one local Rajput Hindu in Kulgam district while five other persons — four non-local labourers and one local Kashmiri Pandit shopkeeper — were injured in four separate attacks. “These will be handled by security agencies. (Under) the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, things are being taken care of. I am very happy to see that normalcy has returned to Kashmir,” he said. On the tourist arrivals in Kashmir this year, Rijiju said Jammu and Kashmir plays a leadership role in the tourism sector in the country. The valley is not just beautiful, but there is so much to see and do — its culture, handicraft, activities and the basic character of the people. There can be a lot to show to the people across the world. Be it sports or culture, Kashmir is moving forward fast and its benefits will reach everyone,” he added.—PTI&nbsp;

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said normalcy has returned to Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asserted the recent attacks on minorities in Kashmir will be handled by security agencies.

Rijiju Says Security Agencies Will Handle Attacks On Minorities In Kashmir

Srinagar: Two terrorists have been killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces at in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Thursday, police said. “Two terrorists killed. Search operation going on,” police said.The firefight between terrorists and security forces took place at Badigam Zainapora area of Shopian after a joint team of security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about presence of terrorists.As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding, they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.—IANS

 Two terrorists have been killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces at in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Thursday, police said. “Two terrorists killed. Search operation going on,” police said.

Two Terrorists Killed In  Encounter At JK's Shopian

Meerut: The security forces have busted a syndicate of cow smuggling and held five accused from Uttar Pradesh on April 12.The accused used to smuggle cows from various states and supply them to Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram as well as Bangladesh. Assam police had announced a reward of Rs two lakhs on accused Akbar Banjara.Special Operations Group (SOG) and Falawada police acted on inputs of April 11, held two accused Babukha and Ranjit, and recovered 2 cows and cutting tools from them. Whereas, accused Akbar Banjara and Iqbal escaped from the spot.A police official said, "On April 12, after inputs of informers from Meerut, Akbar, Salman and Sameem were held and taken into custody. During the interrogation, the three accused disclosed that they used to smuggle cattle from different states and take it to Assam from where it was smuggled to Bangladesh."The official added, "They have two cases registered against them in this regard at Kokrajhar Police station in Assam under various acts of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act. Since then the accused Akbar and Salman are operating out of the state and transactions worth crores have been done by the accused." The accused further disclosed to the police that there are two big syndicates involved in cattle smuggling, in which one syndicate is run by Ravi Reddy and the other is run by himself. Detailed information about the criminal history and property and associates of Akbar and Salman is being done from Assam.&nbsp;—ANI

The security forces have busted a syndicate of cow smuggling and held five accused from Uttar Pradesh on April 12.

Cow Smuggling Syndicate Busted, 5 Held

New Delhi: Intelligence agencies on Tuesday, April 19, said they had unearthed a big cyber-security breach allegedly involving military officials with suspected links to enemy countries. Top sources said: “Military and intelligence agencies have unearthed a cyber-security breach involving some military officials. This is likely linked to espionage-related activities by a neighbouring country. The breach happened through WhatsApp groups.”Sources said that an inquiry has been ordered into the issue. “Acts of infringement of existing orders especially involving counter-intelligence matters by military officials are dealt with strictest possible manner as they are subject to the Official Secrets Act,” an official said. “Strictest possible action would be taken against all the officials found guilty in the ongoing investigations,” the officials assured. Asked to provide further details on the matter, the defence official said, “Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, we would request to avoid speculations on the breach or seeking out personnel involved as it would compromise the probe.”

 Intelligence agencies on Tuesday, April 19, said they had unearthed a big cyber-security breach allegedly involving military officials with suspected links to enemy countries. Top sources said: “Military and intelligence agencies have unearthed a cyber-security breach involving some military officials. This is likely linked to espionage-related activities by a neighbouring country. The breach happened through WhatsApp groups.”

Cyber Security Breach Reported In Military, High-Level Probe Ordered

New Delhi: Heavy deployment of security personnel in violence-hit Jahangirpuri in northwest Delhi will continue till the time normalcy returns, officials said on Tuesday.Clashes broke out between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Jahangirpuri on Saturday, in which eight police personnel and a local resident got injured.According to police, there was stone-pelting and arson during the clashes and some vehicles were also torched.On Monday, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana had said that the presence of police personnel in sensitive areas, including Jahangirpuri, will continue till the situation becomes normal.Speaking to a television news channel, Asthana had said, “We have deployed adequate force not only in Jahangirpuri, but in other areas also. We will use technology for surveillance and are monitoring the situation to make sure that no untoward incident occurs in the future.” Meanwhile, the road in front of the mosque where the procession was allegedly attacked has been shut and the entire area cordoned off with barricades by police.Police have also pitched tents near the barricades. Over 500 police personnel and six companies of additional force have been deployed in the area round the clock. A total of 80 tear gas gun parties and water cannons have been deployed. Drones are also being used in the sensitive areas for rooftop surveillance, police said. All senior officers have been instructed to be at the spot to avoid any untoward incident, said.On Monday, a peace march was organised by police along with the members of Aman Committee in Jahangirpuri area.The committee appealed to the people of the area to maintain peace and harmony, not to spread and trust rumours or misinformation and to report mischievous activities, police said.—PTI&nbsp;

 Heavy deployment of security personnel in violence-hit Jahangirpuri in northwest Delhi will continue till the time normalcy returns, officials said on Tuesday.

Heavy Police Deployment To Continue In Jahangirpuri

 Heavy deployment of security personnel in violence-hit Jahangirpuri in northwest Delhi will continue till the time normalcy returns, officials said on Tuesday.





New Delhi: Residents of troubled Jahangirpuri offered Friday prayers at the violence-hit C-block mosque amid heavy security, with police saying the locality will remain barricaded for some more days to maintain law and order.Anwar, a local resident, said the police designated a route for people to go to the mosque which had witnessed communal violence last week, leaving nine people injured, eight of them police personnel."Things are normal on our side. There is Jumma today. Our neighbours and others are going to the Masjid too. I myself visited the mosque and&nbsp;&nbsp;(Contd On Page 2)

Residents of troubled Jahangirpuri offered Friday prayers at the violence-hit C-block mosque amid heavy security, with police saying the locality will remain barricaded for some more days to maintain law and order.

Jahangirpuri Locals Offer Namaz Amid Heavy Security

Residents of troubled Jahangirpuri offered Friday prayers at the violence-hit C-block mosque amid heavy security, with police saying the locality will remain barricaded for some more days to maintain law and order.



New Delhi: Amid the tactical firing at the security forces’ camps in Chhattisgarh since the last 10 days, the intelligence agencies have sounded an alert that the Maoists may execute a bigger attack in the state.Sources quoting the intelligence inputs said that the ultras have initiated more than 10 incidents of firing and shelling at the security forces’ camps, the latest being on the CRPF’s Milpa and Amalgunda camps in Chhattisgarh.Sources also said that the ‘Maoists may be planning to execute a bigger attack on the security forces in coming weeks’.“The Maoists are currently running the Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) in Chhattisgarh. They do it from March to June with a purpose to evaluate the strategy of the security forces and to inflict major damage to the security forces. “The security forces are fully alert in Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states and we are also aware of their TCOC. We will not let them go free once caught in an encounter,” a source in the security forces deployed in the Maoist area, said. According to the information received from the security forces in Chhattisgarh, the Maoist have fired intermittently at night with grenade launchers from a distance to make their presence felt in the area. “This way, they also want to give a message to the local population that they are still strong and can attack the security forces at will, this is an old mind game of these ultras,” a senior officer of the Chhattisgarh Police said.The Potakapali camp of the CRPF in Sukma (Chhattisgarh) was targeted by the Maoists last Monday. They fired at the camp but later fled when the CRPF commandos retaliated with heavy firing.The officials deployed in the operation areas said the Maoists start firing between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. or in the wee hours and then flee from the spot when the security forces retaliate.The operational camps of the CRPF, ITBP, BSF and SSB have been hit by firing in the last ten days, they added. The officials said that this intermittent firing at the forces’ camps is done to provoke them to come out of the fortified areas of the camps. But all the personnel have been directed to strictly follow the standard operative procedures during such incidents. In any case the security personnel are not allowed to go out of the base camp until they have been asked to do so by the commanders during such firing incidents. The officials said that the Maoists footprint is decreasing in Chhattisgarh; however, they are still dominating in some parts of Bastar. The forces deployed there are fully alert and counter operations against them have been prepared, said the officials.—IANS

 Amid the tactical firing at the security forces’ camps in Chhattisgarh since the last 10 days, the intelligence agencies have sounded an alert that the Maoists may execute a bigger attack in the state. Sources quoting the intelligence inputs said that the ultras have initiated more than 10 incidents of firing and shelling at the security forces’ camps, the latest being on the CRPF’s Milpa and Amalgunda camps in Chhattisgarh.

Maoists Planning Bigger Attack: Intel Agencies Sound Alert

 Amid the tactical firing at the security forces’ camps in Chhattisgarh since the last 10 days, the intelligence agencies have sounded an alert that the Maoists may execute a bigger attack in the state.
Sources quoting the intelligence inputs said that the ultras have initiated more than 10 incidents of firing and shelling at the security forces’ camps, the latest being on the CRPF’s Milpa and Amalgunda camps in Chhattisgarh.




Srinagar: Mourners flocked the house of a Kashmiri Pandit government employee shot dead by terrorists inside his office in central Kashmir's Budgam district Thursday, as his family and relatives waited for his body and the father demanded a probe into the incident.Rahul Bhat, who had got the job of a clerk under the special employment package for migrants in 20120-11, was gunned down by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora town."His body should be returned immediately and an inquiry ordered into the incident to identify all those who are involved in his cold-blooded murder," his father Bita Bhat said at his Durga Nagar residence in the outskirts of Jammu.Wails and shrieks filled the house as mourners including neighbours and relatives rushed to comfort the family after hearing about the killing of Bhat, who was in his early 30s."I was at a hospital accompanying my ailing brother when a family friend called from Kashmir and informed me about the incident. I tried to contact the deputy commissioner of Budgam and the concerned police officers but my calls went unanswered," the father told the mediapersons, trying to put up a brave face and hold up his emotions.He said it was the responsibility of the deputy commissioner to at least inform the family as his employee was killed inside his office chamber in broad-daylight."If a person is shot inside his office, nobody is safe in the valley. When such a thing has happened it is a glaring example of the government's failure. Those serving (among the Kashmiri Pandits) there are doing it at their own risk as the government has failed to provide security to them," he said.Tears rolling down her cheeks, Rahul Bhat's mother Babli asks the government to 'return' her son.A relative of Bhat broke down before the media. "They have taken our children for dying there and not for jobs."Bhat is survived by his parents, wife and a minor daughter. His wife and daughter were putting up with him at Sheikhpora migrant colony in Budgam district.Rakesh Koul, the Bharatiya Janata Party municipal councilor in south Kashmir's Mattan, said the selective killings by terrorists is a cause for concern for the whole community, especially those who are serving in the valley."We have risked our lives and returned to Kashmir with a hope to rebuild a connection with our roots," he said, as he tried to console the bereaved family members.Bhat's neighbours said he was a thorough gentleman and the news of his killing came as a shock for them.Politicians cutting across party lines condemned the killing and demanded stern action against the perpetrators of violence."The coward Pakistani terrorists have once again bled the Kashmir by the cold-blooded murder of Bhat. Those behind the killings will not be spared and will be eliminated by our security forces," J-K BJP president Ravinder Raina said.—PTI

Mourners flocked the house of a Kashmiri Pandit government employee shot dead by terrorists inside his office in central Kashmir's Budgam district Thursday, as his family and relatives waited for his body and the father demanded a probe into the incident.

Slain Kashmiri Pandit's family slams govt for 'lack of security'

Srinagar: Security forces killed on Friday two Pakistani terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba who were behind the killing of a Kashmiri Pandit government employee in his office in Jammu and Kashmir a day ago.Security forces trapped the two terrorists, who had infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir recently and managed to escape from an anti-terror operation two days ago, in Brar in the Aragam area of Bandipora district in north Kashmir on Friday. They were killed in an encounter, a police spokesman said.The duo came under the scanner of the security forces during tracking of a local LeT terrorist, named Lateef Rather alias Osama, who was involved in terror incidents in Srinagar and Budgam in the last two months, the police spokesman said.A week ago, the movement of Rather was confirmed in the Salindar area of Bandipora where he had gone to receive a fresh group of LeT terrorists who had infiltrated into the union territory, the spokesman said.The presence/movement of these terrorists was confirmed and shared with the Bandipora police. Accordingly, an operation was launched on May 11 resulting in the elimination of a local terrorist, identified as Gulzar Ahmed Ganaie of district Baramulla.However, the two Pakistani terrorists managed to escape from the spot. A police team kept following their footprints and their presence was confirmed technically in the Chadoora area of Budgam where the Kashmiri Pandit government employee was killed on Thursday.Thereafter, the spokesman said, their footprints were again confirmed in Brar and accordingly the operation was launched on Friday, resulting in their killing.He identified the slain terrorists as Pakistani nationals Faisal alias Sikander alias Mohsin and Ukasha.A hunt was underway for Rather alias Osama, the spokesman said.Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site in Brar and all the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation.Earlier in the day, Inspector General of Police of Kashmir Vijay Kumar said the two terrorists trapped in Brar were Pakistani and belonged to the LeT. They had infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir recently. They had managed to escape during an encounter in the Salinder forest area on Wednesday, he said."IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar has congratulated joint team of Police/SF for tracking down the said foreign terrorists who had recently escaped during an encounter and whose presence was technically confirmed yesterday at terror incident site at Chadoora which confirmed their involvement in killing of Rahul Bhat," the spokesman said.Bhat (35), who was posted in the Tehsil office in Chadoora under a special employment package for Kashmiri Pandit migrants, was shot dead in his office.—PTI

Security forces killed on Friday two Pakistani terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba who were behind the killing of a Kashmiri Pandit government employee in his office in Jammu and Kashmir a day ago.

2 terrorists behind killing of Kashmiri Pandit gunned down

Varanasi: &nbsp;A court-mandated videography survey of the Gyanvapi Masjid complex here began for the third consecutive day on Monday amid tight security, officials said.Till Sunday, around 65 per cent of the survey was completed."The survey at the Gyanvapi Masjid complex has started," Varanasi District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma and Police Commissioner A Satish Ganesh told PTI.The mosque is located close to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple and the local court is hearing a plea by a group of women seeking permission for daily prayers before the idols on its outer walls.Yesterday, the DM had said that the survey work on Monday will begin at 8 am and all the parties have been directed to remain present."About 65 per cent of the survey work has been completed. The survey will continue on Monday as well. This is completely an archaeological survey work, since the advocates were not familiar with the survey work, the work took some time," Madan Mohan Yadav, the counsel for the Hindu side in the case, had said on Sunday.The survey was stalled last week amid objections by the mosque committee, which claimed that the advocate commissioner appointed by the court for the survey did not have the mandate to film inside the premises.In his order on Thursday last, District Civil Judge (Senior Division) Ravi Kumar Diwakar had turned down a plea by the mosque committee to replace Ajay Kumar Mishra, who was appointed advocate commissioner by the court to survey the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex.The judge also appointed two more advocates to help the court commissioner with the survey and said it should be completed by Tuesday.The district court had said that locks should be broken if the keys are not available to access certain areas of the complex for the survey. It also asked district authorities to register FIRs if the survey was not allowed.The Supreme Court had on Friday last refused to grant an interim order of status quo on the survey. The top court, however, agreed to consider listing the plea of a Muslim party against the survey.Advocate Yadav had said the three court-appointed advocate commissioners, five lawyers each from the two sides and an assistant besides a videography team will carry out the survey.—PTI

A court-mandated videography survey of the Gyanvapi Masjid complex here began for the third consecutive day on Monday amid tight security, officials said.

Survey underway at Gyanvapi Masjid complex for third day

A court-mandated videography survey of the Gyanvapi Masjid complex here began for the third consecutive day on Monday amid tight security, officials said.



Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday held three back-to-back meetings with top officials of the security establishment to assess the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including the recent killings of civilians, as well as reviewed arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra for which the UT administration will provide RFID tags to every pilgrim. While Lt Governor of J&amp;K Manoj Sinha was present in all the three meetings, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande attended the meetings to discuss the security situation in the UT. Senior officials from the Centre, paramilitary forces and the UT administration were also in these meetings., Later in a statement, the Union home ministry said the J&amp;K chief secretary informed the meeting that each pilgrim will be provided with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card and will be insured for Rs 5 lakh.Shah said a "hassle-free" journey for the pilgrims is a priority of the Modi government and directed that all arrangements, including additional electricity, water, and telecom facilities be made. The home minister also stressed for the enhancement of mobile connectivity along the yatra route as he directed that earth-moving equipment should be placed at vantage points to clear the route in case of landslides. This is the first yatra after the Covid-19 pandemic, and due to the high altitude, adequate arrangements will have to be made for yatris who have any health-related problems, he said. The home minister asked for an adequate number of oxygen cylinders, medical beds at an altitude of more than 6,000 feet and deployment of ambulances and helicopters to deal with any emergency medical situation.All categories of transport services should be increased during the Amarnath Yatra for the convenience of passengers.During the meeting, it was also decided to enable WiFi hotspots to ensure connectivity throughout the 39 km of the Yatra route from Pahalgam in South Kashmir. The other route is through Baltal in central Kashmir where pilgrims treks for nearly 15 km. The yatra, which presents a big security challenge for the government, could not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and was cut short in 2019 just before the abrogation of Article 370. About three lakh pilgrims are likely to take part in the pilgrimage, scheduled to begin on June 30 and expected to end on August 11. About 12,000 paramilitary personnel (120 companies) in addition to the Jammu and Kashmir police are expected to be deployed along the two pilgrimage routes, one from Pahalgam and the other via Baltal, officials said. Drone cameras will help the security forces to ensure the protection of the pilgrims. Besides the Amarnath pilgrimage, the meetings also reviewed the security arrangement especially in the wake of several targeted killings, including of Kashmiri Pandits, in Kashmir. There has been a spurt in attacks on non-Muslims and outsiders living in the Kashmir valley since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, which accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, in August 2019. The security review comes following a spate of killings in the Union territory.On May 12, Rahul Bhat, a government employee, was killed by terrorists inside his office in Budgam district. A day after, police constable Reyaz Ahmad Thokar was shot dead by terrorists at his residence in the Pulwama district. Also last week, four pilgrims were killed and at least 20 injured when the bus they were travelling in caught fire near Katra in Jammu. Police suspect a sticky bomb might have been used to trigger the fire. Bhat's killing triggered protests by members of the Kashmiri Pandit community who staged protests in the Valley demanding enhanced security and transfer of government employees to safer locations.On Sunday, the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a conglomerate of major J-K parties, urged Kashmiri Pandit employees not to leave the Valley as it was their home and it would be painful for all. Top officials of the ministries of health, telecom, road transport, civil aviation and IT took part in the meeting to discuss logistics for the annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva at an altitude of 3,888 metres.—PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday held three back-to-back meetings with top officials of the security establishment to assess the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including the recent killings of civilians, as well as reviewed arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra for which the UT administration will provide RFID tags to every pilgrim. 

Amit Shah holds 3 meetings on J-K, including on Amarnath Yatra security

Delhi: India is facing multiple security challenges in a highly complex and unpredictable geo-political environment, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday and called upon the armed forces to be fully prepared to handle any challenge and repel any security threat firmly. Also, Venkaiah Naidu, who is the first vice president to visit the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, in 52 years, said taking into account new and emerging areas of conflict, the armed forces should develop the Indian military into a "future force." The last vice president to visit the college was Gopal Swarup Pathak, in 1970. "We are facing both symmetric and asymmetric threats from outside and within. Therefore, our armed forces should be fully prepared to handle any challenge and repel any security threat firmly," the vice president said while addressing the officers and staff of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.Historically, India has never been expansionist in its outlook and her approach has always been of peaceful coexistence and one designed to deter the forces of terror and disruption. "The nation is confident that any attempt to challenge India's sovereignty by inimical forces would be dealt with strongly by our security forces," Naidu warned. Pointing out that wars today are no longer fought on battlefields alone but on different terrain, the vice president said the hybrid nature of conflicts often makes it difficult to decide clear winners or losers in the conventional sense. Information and cyber warfare, increasing use of drones and robotics and space-based assets have brought a paradigm shift to the battlefield. "Therefore, our armed forces should focus on and develop capabilities in these new and emerging areas of conflict. It should be our vision to develop the Indian military into a 'future force'," he said. As the officers step into the future, they will have to graduate from single service competencies to multi domain challenges requiring thorough understanding of joint and multi domain operations. "As directing staff and trainers of this prestigious Institution, you have to be catalysts of change and inculcate a sense of jointness and synergy amongst all students as you mould future leaders and soldiers."Self-reliance in defence and aerospace technology assumed paramount importance in an endeavour to create a Samarth Saksham Bharat he said and referred to the Centre's several policy initiatives and reforms to promote indigenisation and&nbsp;aatmanirbharta&nbsp;in defence manufacturing. Apart from several other key policy measures, the conversion of Ordnance Factory Board into seven new defence companies is also a praiseworthy move that would provide autonomy while enhancing efficiency, Naidu claimed. "Today, geostrategic and geopolitical compulsions, terrorism and climate change, have added to the complexity of the security matrix. Therefore, there is a need to have a deeper understanding of such issues," he urged. The VP underscored the importance of securing the national interests in the changing world order and also cater to emerging security challenges. The Defence Services Staff College, the oldest and most prestigious tri-services institution of the nation, successfully conducted courses during COVID-19 by proactively adopting a hybrid system of online and contact teaching modules.Commandant of the Defence Services Staff College Lt Gen S Mohan and Sashirekha Mohan, besides officers and veterans, participated in the event.—PTI

India is facing multiple security challenges in a highly complex and unpredictable geo-political environment, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday and called upon the armed forces to be fully prepared to handle any challenge and repel any security threat firmly.

Naidu urges armed forces to develop Indian military into future force

Srinagar: Three terrorists were killed in an ongoing gunfight with the security forces at Kreeri in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said on Wednesday, adding that one Jammu and Kashmir policeman died during the operation. All the three terrorists were Pakistani nationals, said the police. “Three Pakistani terrorists killed. One JKP personnel also attained martyrdom in this chance encounter. Incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition recovered,” Jammu and Kashmir Police quoting Inspector General Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar tweeted.The gunfight took place after a joint team of the police and the security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where the terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.—IANS

Three terrorists were killed in an ongoing gunfight with the security forces at Kreeri in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said on Wednesday, adding that one Jammu and Kashmir policeman died during the operation.

3 Terrorists, Cop Killed In Gunfight In J&K’s Baramulla

Jaipur:&nbsp;Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra visited the Internal Security Academy in Mount Abu on Wednesday and discussed its functioning with the officials. Mishra inquired about the internal security related courses and online courses running in the academy. During his visit, he expressed the need to make the training programmes in line with the current challenges faced in the field of internal security. According to a statement, Inspector General of Central Reserve Police and Director of the Internal Security Academy, M S Shekhawat welcomed the governor by presenting him a memento and a copy of the book 'India First'. Commandant Premchand made a presentation about the establishment, purpose, and activities of the Internal Security Academy.—PTI

 Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra visited the Internal Security Academy in Mount Abu on Wednesday and discussed its functioning with the officials.

Rajasthan Governor visits Internal Security Academy

Srinagar: Three Pakistani terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit were on Wednesday killed in a "chance" encounter with security forces in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.A cop also lost his life in the encounter which took place at Najibhat crossing in Kreeri area in the north Kashmir district.Inspector General of Police, Vijay Kumar, said the encounter took place at one of the nakas (checkpoints) laid by the security forces across the valley. “There were nakas across Kashmir today (Wednesday). At one such naka at Najibhat crossing in Kreeri area, there was a chance encounter (with militants). Three Pakistani JeM terrorists were killed,” the IGP told reporters here. He said a policeman was also killed in the encounter. Kumar said while the police force was pained at the loss of one of its men, the killing of the three terrorists was a huge success. “The three terrorists could have come to Srinagar and carried out some big attack,” he said. The IGP said the terrorists were active in the hilly areas of Gulmarg for the last three to four months. “We were regularly tracking them,” he said, adding, so far this year, 22 Pakistani terrorists have been killed in various encounters with security forces.There will be increased attempts to neutralise Pakistani terrorists, Kumar added. Asked about the Tuesday's attack in Soura area of the city in which a cop was killed, while his daughter injured, the IGP said two local terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba behind the attack have been identified. “Adil from Ganderbal, a local commander of TRF/LeT, and another newly-recruited terrorist, are behind the killing. We will neutralise them soon,” he said. He said the slain cop's daughter was undergoing treatment at a hospital, but her condition is stable. Appealing to the society to condemn such attacks, Kumar said the time has come even for the families of terrorists to come out on the roads and raise their voice against terrorism.—PTI

Three Pakistani terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit were on Wednesday killed in a "chance" encounter with security forces in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Three Pakistani Jem Terrorists Killed In Baramulla Encounter

Srinagar:&nbsp;Security forces on Thursday foiled an infiltration bid in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir and killed three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, police said."Based on a specific input developed by police regarding an infiltration attempt by terrorists in Jumagund village in Kupwara, the ultras were intercepted by the Army and police," a police spokesperson said. He said an encounter broke out between the ultras and security forces in which three terrorists were neutralised. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said the slain terrorists were affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit LeT. "Identification (of the terrorists) is being ascertained. Incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, have been recovered from the encounter site," Kumar said.—PTI

Security forces on Thursday foiled an infiltration bid in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir and killed three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, police said.

3 LeT terrorists killed in J&K's Kupwara

United Nations: Robert Mardini, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has highlighted three areas of particular concern with regard to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. In a briefing to a UN Security Council open debate on the subject, Mardini said the first issue of concern is the appalling human cost of wars in cities, reports Xinhua news agency.“I hardly need to remind you of the massive harm urban warfare causes, primarily to civilians, all the more so when explosive weapons with wide-area effects are used,” he said.This clearly raises serious questions about how parties to such conflicts interpret and apply relevant rules of international humanitarian law. In fact, the concept of “military necessity” is abused more often than not, used as an excuse for the use of force rather than as a reason to limit it. The risks often increase when weapons are supplied to belligerents by allies or partners without proper oversight, he said. The second issue of particular concern is the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech during armed conflict, said Mardini.“We are seeing first-hand in our operations how this phenomenon reduces the ability of affected people to make well-informed decisions that impact their safety and dignity. It dangerously distorts information vital to human needs, such as access to safety, shelter and health care. We are also seeing the surge in misinformation, online and offline, which is jeopardizing humanitarian efforts to earn the trust and acceptance of affected people. False narratives around the role of humanitarian organisations not only hamper our work but can create dangers for the people we are trying to protect and assist and for our staff,” he said.The third concern relates to the increasing pressure on front-line humanitarian organisations to help states obtain information for eventual criminal proceedings in armed conflict, he said.Better respect for international humanitarian law requires accountability, which, in turn, helps prevent violations of international humanitarian law. But there is a need to separate the work of humanitarian organisations from that of investigative bodies. This is critical to preserve neutrality and impartiality and to access populations in need, he said. The ICRC urges states to take decisive action in the three particular areas of concern: to make the protection of civilians a strategic priority in the planning and conduct of all military and security operations in populated areas; to avoid and prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation in armed conflicts and mitigate its impact on affected people; and to ensure accountability for victims without compromising the neutral and humanitarian space within which humanitarian organisations need to operate, he said. “Action in these three areas would go a long way toward ensuring better protection of civilians in armed conflicts everywhere.”—IANS

 Robert Mardini, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has highlighted three areas of particular concern with regard to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. 

Red Cross Highlights 3 Concerns Over Civilian Protection In Armed Conflict

Srinagar: A total of 26 foreign terrorists have been killed in different gunfights with the security forces in Kashmir this year so far, including three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists from Pakistan, who were killed in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Thursday. “From the incriminating materials recovered, the three killed terrorists have been identified as Pakistani, affiliated with terror outfit LeT. So far, 26 foreign terrorists (14 JeM &amp; 12 LeT) have been neutralised this year,” Jammu and Kashmir Police quoting Inspector General Police Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar tweeted.Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with the security forces at Jumagund village in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Thursday.Police said they had a specific input which was later developed by the Kupwara Police regarding an infiltration attempt of terrorists in village Jumagund. Based on this input an encounter started when the infiltrating terrorists were intercepted by Army and the police. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where the terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.—IANS

A total of 26 foreign terrorists have been killed in different gunfights with the security forces in Kashmir this year so far, including three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists from Pakistan, who were killed in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Thursday.

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