'J&K returning to normalcy': BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana urges tourists to visit Valley
Talking to IANS, Khatana said: "J&K has become normal. The hospitality of the people here is known worldwide."
Referring to the recent attack in Pahalgam as a "horrific scene", he emphasised that such incidents should not recur.
'Hopefully, our security will ensure full protection so tourists can enjoy the beauty and warmth of Kashmir,' he added.
Khatana, a member of the all-party delegations sent to various nations to highlight India's efforts against terrorism, underscored the significance of India's Operation Sindoor in dismantling terror infrastructure and exposing Pakistan's role in fostering cross-border terrorism.
"We are presenting India's case globally and revealing how Pakistan has been contracting terrorism — be it in Punjab earlier, Kashmir for the past 25–30 years, or even in Afghanistan. It's a hostile state where democracy is strangled, and whose nuclear assets are unsafe. We urge international agencies, including the atomic watchdog agency, to take note," he told IANS.
Khatana backed the Centre's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, stating that India stands united in the fight and Operation Sindoor is a strong testament to that resolve.
On Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre, claiming that the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack are roaming freely in J&K and were involved in three other attacks in the last 18 months, he said: "These are matters for the Home and Defence Ministries - not the opposition's concern."
On the other hand, Khatana welcomed former Union Minister Anand Sharma's support for Operation Sindoor and the government's diplomatic outreach. The Congress leader had lauded the move to send an all-party delegation abroad to present India's stance on terrorism. However, as a few leaders are criticising the government on Operation Sindoor, the MP said: "When people are rejected politically, frustration levels naturally rise."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
26 minutes ago
- Economic Times
India will respond with full force whenever terrorism threatens its citizens: Govt
ANI Telangana, Jul 13 (ANI): General Officer Commanding of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, Lieutenant General Prit Pal Singh, interacts with Kerala Startup Mission during his visit to Amphibious Brigade of the Bison Division, on Sunday. (@IaSouthern X/ANI Photo) Anticipating future warfare scenarios through "predictive technologies" and creating precise, targeted systems for counter-action are among the three-fold goals when it comes to India's futuristic defence programme, Sudarshan Chakra Mission, the government said on Wednesday. In a broad synopsis of the country's security scenario, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday shared some data and a summary of various defence-related developments in the past 11 years, titled 'Transformation of India's Defence and Internal Security Posture'. "Unlike in the past, India under the present government has become a global force to reckon with, a nation that speaks on issues from a position of strength," it says. The government said India has adopted a "firm and clear approach towards cross-border terrorism", adding that the pattern of action over the last decade reflects this policy. The most recent and defining operation came in May 2025 with Operation Sindoor. In response to the killing of civilians in Pahalgam, "India gave its armed forces full freedom of action", the synopsis says. Using drones and precision munitions, they struck nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. More than 100 terrorists were eliminated, including individuals linked to the IC814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack. Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes through drones and missiles, but Indian counter-drone systems neutralised them, it adds. In his 79th Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Operation Sindoor as "a new normal", making it clear that "India will respond with full force whenever terrorism threatens its citizens," the synopsis says. Beyond immediate responses, the Modi government is preparing for "long-term threats," the government said. In his Independence Day speech, Modi had announced the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, a futuristic defence programme. "Its goals are threefold -- to ensure the entire system is researched, developed, and manufactured in India; to anticipate future warfare scenarios through predictive technologies; and to create precise, targeted systems for counter-action. By 2035, the aim is to provide a comprehensive national security shield for both strategic and civilian assets," it says. In the last eleven years, India's defence and internal security posture under the government of PM Modi has undergone a "profound transformation", it says. The shift has been marked by "greater clarity of purpose, stronger deterrence, and a sustained drive for self-reliance," the synopsis says. This government has consistently underlined that "national security is non-negotiable", and to ensure this security, India will build its own capacity and preparedness. This has resulted in a "more confident, modern, and proactive approach to challenges, both external and internal". it adds. Firm responses to terrorism, the clear articulation of new normal with Pakistan and futuristic initiatives like the Sudarshan Chakra Mission underscore a "forward-looking security doctrine," the government asserted. India's defence and internal security posture under the Modi government reflects a "decisive shift towards strength, clarity, and self-reliance". With record investments in defence, rapid growth in indigenous production, bold reforms, and the adoption of emerging technologies, India has transitioned from being a major importer to a rising global exporter of defence equipment, it added. "India's defence expenditure has steadily increased under the present government, rising from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26," the PIB synopsis says. "The focus is no longer only on acquiring weapons but also on building domestic capacity. In 2024-25, defence production touched a record Rs 1.50 lakh crore, more than triple the 2014-15 level," it adds. Fighter jets, missile systems, artillery systems, warships, naval vessels, aircraft carriers and a lot more are now being made in India, underlining how strongly "self-reliance and deterrence have become the cornerstone of national security," the government said. Defence exports grew thirty-four times over the last decade, reaching Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25. Indian equipment is now exported to over 100 nations, including the United States, France, and Armenia, it said. The synopsis also shared data related to indigenisation efforts. The SRIJAN Portal (2020) enables the industry to locally develop items earlier imported. "To date, over 46,798 items have been listed". And, Positive Indigenisation Lists by DPSUs have identified 5,012 items (across five tranches), "signalling a phased ban on imports", it says. At the same time, progress in internal stability, food and energy security, financial inclusion, and technology innovation demonstrates that Atmanirbharta is "not confined to defence alone" but forms the foundation of a "resilient and confident India prepared to meet both traditional and non-traditional challenges on its path to becoming a global leader", the government asserted. "This tectonic shift reflects the deep resolve of the government to see the country as Viksit Bharat in every sense in the years to come. It also reaffirms that this government does not merely believe in rhetoric, but has actually done, and is continuing to do, what it takes to make India 'Viksit'," it said.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
26 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Real-money gaming dealt a losing hand as crackdown follows ₹20,000 cr blow
Mounting social concerns and an estimated ₹20,000 crore loss by nearly 450 million people due to frauds in real-money gaming (RMG) have pushed the Centre to impose a blanket ban on the sector. The decision comes amid alarm over opaque algorithms, user addiction, and widespread financial distress linked to games such as rummy, poker, and fantasy sports. The ban not only ends the long-standing debate over whether skill-based or chance-based games can operate in India but also overrides the patchwork of state-level rules on regulating or prohibiting the sector. Experts and industry players warn that the move could backfire by driving users towards unregulated offshore betting platforms. 'Government needs to reconsider and take a more calibrated stance, as prohibition has never worked. This Bill will bring back the satta market with a vengeance. Blanket bans drive users to unregulated platforms rather than protecting them. Instead of reducing harm, prohibitions create black markets that are harder to regulate and far riskier for users,' said Abhay Raj Mishra, president and national convenor of Public Response Against Helplessness & Action for Addressal (PRAHAR). PRAHAR's July 2024 survey of 2,500 gamers in Telangana, where RMG has been banned for eight years, found more than 94 per cent of players still accessing offshore or illicit apps through virtual private networks, Telegram groups, or sideloaded platforms. Industry executives also flagged the dominance of offshore operators, who already control nearly 80 per cent of the RMG market and run operations from tax havens such as Malta, Curaçao, and the British Virgin Islands. 'We continued to absorb high tax costs to keep users engaged. But if costs are passed on, users will simply migrate to untaxed offshore platforms,' said one senior executive. The ban comes even as the sector was reeling under a 28 per cent goods and services tax (GST) imposed in October 2023. More than 400 companies employ 200,000 people in the sector, estimates show. Major players include Dream11, Games24x7, Junglee Games, MPL, Zupee, Gameskraft, Head Digital Works, and Nazara Technologies. The decision has jolted the industry, which until recently was preparing for the impact of a steeper tax rate on margins. 'What has surprised the industry is that the Bill has been tabled without any consultation. We were not aware of this Bill until Tuesday,' said another senior executive. Founders and executives told Business Standard they were questioning the Centre's intent behind a blanket prohibition, especially after years of contributing through taxes, compliances, and outreach. They pointed out that the move came just days after rumours of a higher 40 per cent goods and services tax (GST) slab, categorising gaming as a 'sin' commodity — something they had already deemed unsustainable. 'Why was there revised GST chatter when the sector was supposed to be killed?' asked the founder of an RMG company. A joint report by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, the Interactive Entertainment & Innovation Council, and WinZO said the Indian exchequer loses $2.5 billion annually in tax revenues due to user migration to offshore companies. 'From an economic perspective, the prohibition is likely to hurt an industry that contributes heavily to GST collections and employment, while simultaneously driving users to offshore, unregulated platforms,' said Navod Prasannan, partner, King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates & Attorneys. Between 2022 and 2024, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued blocking directions to 692 gambling and betting websites and apps. 'We acknowledge the government's decision to ban RMG and respect that this step has been taken after careful consideration of the social and regulatory concerns associated with the sector. As responsible stakeholders, we recognise the government's priority to safeguard consumer interests, prevent harm, and ensure that innovation aligns with national well-being,' said Shweta Rajpal Kohli, president and chief executive officer (CEO), Startup Policy Forum. Casual games level up? The Bill proposes recognition for e-sports where games do not involve wagering and rely on factors such as mental agility or strategic thinking. Currently, categories such as casual, midcore, or AAA-rated games depend on advertising or in-app purchases for revenue. A void in the RMG space may steer users towards e-sports, with the sector welcoming the Centre's decision. 'I welcome the Centre's decision to prohibit RMG and establish a strong regulatory framework. Too many young lives were being lost to addiction and debt. This decisive step safeguards our youth while unlocking the future of Indian gaming, driven by original intellectual property (IP), creativity, and Make in India games,' said Vishal Gondal, cofounder of nCore Games. Ecosystem participants added that the move is expected to drive stronger IP development in the country. 'We applaud this decision, as it allows us to focus on the real concerns as a business — monetisation, retention, and most importantly, building great IP for India and the world, rather than having to explain to our audiences what we are to begin with,' said Sumit Batheja, CEO and cofounder of Ginger Games.
Hindustan Times
26 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
BJD asks Centre to issue 'stop-work' order on Polavaram project till tribal concerns are addressed
Bhubaneswar, Claiming that the Polavaram project in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh "poses an existential threat" to tribals in Odisha's Malkangiri district, opposition BJD on Wednesday asked the Centre to immediately issue a "stop-work" order on construction of the project till basic issues are resolved. BJD asks Centre to issue 'stop-work' order on Polavaram project till tribal concerns are addressed A delegation of the regional party, which has been strongly opposing the "unilateral" design change of the Polavaram project by the government, had a detailed discussion with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil and also met the Chairman of the Central Water Commission at New Delhi. During both meetings, the delegation vehemently raised the serious and unresolved concerns of Odisha, especially relating to the severe submergence impact of the Polavaram project on Malkangiri district, which threatens the lives, lands, and livelihoods of thousands of tribal people, including Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups , BJD senior vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra told PTI over phone. Mishra said the delegation reminded the Jal Shakti Ministry that they had a previous meeting on the matter in December last year with the CWC, which had resulted in assurances of concrete action to address Odisha's apprehensions. However, despite repeated reminders, no substantial step has been taken to safeguard the interests of Odisha, and the minutes from the meeting held on August 28, 2024 have been the only official communication received so far, he said. Expressing deep disappointment, the delegation maintained that the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the CWC have "failed" to act in line with the directives of the Supreme Court which had categorically stated that the Ministry and CWC must play a pioneering role in engaging all stakeholders and reviewing technical, environmental, and displacement concerns arising from the Polavaram Project. Mishra said the recent sanction of ₹17,936 crore by the Centre for the project's completion has further escalated fears of displacement and ecological damage without Odisha's consent or due consultation. Earlier, on February 28, 2025, the Polavaram Action Committee, comprising the affected tribal communities from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, had also unanimously opposed the continued unilateral execution of the project, expressing deep anguish over the lack of empathy and responsiveness from the concerned authorities. Among the major demands, the BJD delegation sought immediate clarification on the unilateral revision of design flood discharge from 36 lakh to 50 lakh cusecs without stakeholder consultation, fresh studies on backwater impact, especially in light of IIT Roorkee's findings, and a technical review of the proposed embankments at Motu. The BJD also demanded involvement of neutral and independent agencies to assess backwater impacts, stakeholder consultation including affected tribal communities, as mandated by the Supreme Court, high-level meeting of all stakeholder chief ministers to build consensus and cooperation, stop-work order on the Polavaram Project until Odisha's concerns are addressed, halt to any alterations to the original project design, including the unauthorized Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project and others. "The BJD leadership strongly urges the Union Government and the Central Water Commission to act in the spirit of cooperative federalism, uphold constitutional obligations, and ensure justice for the tribal communities of Odisha, who are facing existential threats due to the arbitrary expansion and unregulated implementation of the Polavaram Project," Mishra said. The BJD leader said that it is not just a regional concern, but a matter of human rights, environmental justice, and federal integrity. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
