Pahalgam attackers still at large, forces on high alert ahead of Amarnath Yatra
NEW DELHI: With the Pahalgam terror suspects still absconding, intelligence agencies have issued a fresh alert warning of a possible attack during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. According to sources, actionable inputs have been shared with ground troops and local police units to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the annual pilgrimage.
In their report to the government, intelligence agencies have named The Resistance Front (TRF) a proxy outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as the group responsible for the recent Pahalgam attack and indicated that it may be planning another strike during the Yatra.
Senior officials in charge of the Amarnath Yatra security grid confirmed that forces have been 'strategically deployed along the route to ensure rapid response capabilities across all key points.'
However, concern remains high as the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack are still at large. Security officials suspect the militants could be hiding in the Pir Panjal jungle region and may be planning further attacks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
U.S. travel advisory warns citizens of crime, rape, terrorism in India, urges ‘increased caution'
The U.S. has issued an advisory for its citizens travelling to India, urging 'increased caution' due to crime and rape, and advising them not to travel to certain parts of central and eastern parts of the country due to terrorism. The travel advisory issued last week states that 'rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India' and violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations. It added that terrorists, who target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls and government facilities, may attack with little or no warning. The advisory issued on June 16 further adds that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas, which stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. The advisory also tells U.S. citizens not to travel to parts of Central and East India 'due to terrorism.' 'Maoist extremist groups, or 'Naxalites,' are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal,' the advisory said. Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected, it added. U.S. government employees working in India are required to obtain permission prior to travel to most areas in the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Odisha. It said permission is not required for the capital of these States. 'U.S. government employees working in India also need approval to travel to the eastern region of Maharashtra and the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh,' it said. Also read: U.S. issues 'Do Not Travel' advisory for J&K after Pahalgam terror attack The U.S. citizens have also been advised against travelling to Manipur. 'Ongoing ethnic-based conflict has resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement,' it said, adding that the U.S. government employees working in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur. It also advised its citizens not to travel to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and Leh, due to terrorism and civil unrest.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Lessons from Operation Sindoor's global outreach
The aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and India's resolute response through 'Operation Sindoor', presented a critical juncture for our nation's foreign policy. While the immediate military action was decisive, the subsequent diplomatic outreach was equally, if not more, vital in shaping global perceptions and consolidating international support. Leading one of the seven all-party parliamentary delegations to five countries in the Western Hemisphere — Guyana, Panama, Colombia, Brazil and the United States — offered me a unique vantage point to reflect on the lessons learned from this intensive period of public diplomacy. Unity behind a strong voice One of the most striking takeaways is the power of national unity in projecting a strong foreign policy voice. The very composition of our delegations, featuring Members of Parliament (MPs) from diverse political parties, different States and varied faiths, was a potent message in itself. It underscored that when it comes to national security and confronting terrorism, India speaks with one voice. This transcended domestic political differences, imbuing our message with greater credibility and gravitas in the eyes of our international interlocutors. Whether engaging with the President of Guyana or the U.S. Vice-President, the collective resolve of India, represented by its varied political spectrum, resonated deeply. Our primary objective was to provide clarity on 'Operation Sindoor' — its rationale, the targeted nature of India's initial strikes against terrorist infrastructure, its calibrated and measured nature, and its avoidance of any harm to civilians and even to Pakistani military facilities. We meticulously explained that India's actions were a legitimate exercise of self-defence, a necessary response to persistent cross-border terrorism. The success of this narrative was evident in the shift witnessed in several capitals. For instance, Colombia's retraction of its initial statement expressing condolences for supposed civilian casualties in Pakistan and its subsequent reaffirmation of support for India's sovereign right to self-defence was a significant diplomatic victory, directly attributable to our detailed and persuasive engagements. This demonstrated that facts, patiently and persistently presented, can overcome initial misunderstandings or even deliberate misinformation. A parallel, and equally crucial, aspect of our outreach was to underscore Pakistan's continued links to terrorism. We consistently highlighted the severity of the threat emanating from across our borders, aiming to build global consensus on holding perpetrators accountable. The engagements in Washington DC were particularly illuminating in this regard. Even as a Pakistani delegation was simultaneously present, we found U.S. representatives, including those who met the Pakistani officials, echoing our concerns and urging decisive action against terror groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. This confirmed that our arguments, grounded in verifiable facts and consistent advocacy, were cutting through the noise and reinforcing the legitimacy of India's position. Beyond the immediate crisis management, the tour served as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of soft power diplomacy. The very name 'Operation Sindoor' proved evocative, its cultural resonance helping to explain the depth of the outrage and the resolve it represented. From the widespread embrace of yoga to the global appeal of Bollywood, India's traditions offer a unique pathway to connecting with diverse audiences. It is a compelling reminder that our cultural heritage is not merely for domestic consumption; it is a powerful tool in our diplomatic toolkit, capable of evoking interest and fostering understanding far beyond geopolitical considerations. The 'T's' and Indian strategy Tradition is one of the three 'T's' that I believe should drive India's future global strategy: tech, trade, and tradition all go together in promoting the new India to the world. While India's prowess in IT services is well-established, the next frontier lies in technological products and innovation in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Our diplomatic efforts must actively promote Indian technological breakthroughs and foster collaborative innovation with international partners. This is not just about economic growth; it is about showcasing India as a source of solutions and ingenuity, a nation that contributes meaningfully to global progress. Similarly, trade remains vital to our economic development and global standing. In an increasingly competitive world, particularly in comparison to China, India must proactively expand its trade volumes and diversify its trade basket. Diplomatic outreach must therefore seamlessly blend security concerns with economic opportunities, creating mutually beneficial partnerships. One of my key messages was that India is focused on its growth and development and considers terrorism and war an avoidable distraction; all we want from Pakistan is to be left alone to serve our people. But if they hit us, we will hit back: we are determined to make them pay a price for each assault. Equally, if they desist, we have no desire for conflict. Peace is what allows us to prosper. The tour also brought to the fore the importance of proactive and consistent public diplomacy. Every country we went to welcomed our visit and urged India to send its MPs more often. In addition to public representatives, lawmakers and government leaders, we spoke extensively with think-tankers, influential policy-shapers and national media. The media coverage we garnered, and the quality of the dialogue with foreign policy experts, demonstrated the appetite for India's perspective. This underscores the critical need for intensive engagement with western and mainstream media. A narrative vacuum is easily filled by misinformation, and our consistent presence in global media landscapes is essential to counter false narratives and ensure our story is told accurately and persuasively. This is something we could do better. Furthermore, the visits to countries such as Panama and Guyana, both current non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC), alongside Colombia, which anticipates a UNSC tenure in 2026, highlighted the strategic imperative of nurturing relationships with a broad spectrum of nations. Panama's explicit support for India's candidature for a permanent seat on the UNSC, articulated by Foreign Minister Javier Martínez Acha, is a testament to the value of direct engagement and the cultivation of long-term diplomatic ties. These are the partners who can amplify India's voice on crucial global platforms. Guiding principles Looking ahead, several actionable recommendations emerge from this experience. We must continue to elevate diplomatic outreach in South and Central America, including reciprocal VVIP visits and augmenting the diplomatic strength of our Missions with greater language proficiency. At the multilateral level, the External Affairs Minister should consider engaging with the UN Secretary-General and UN General Assembly President to specifically address the terrorism issue, ensuring comprehensive briefings to UN representatives and engaging directly even with the sceptics among the UN press corps. Strengthening ties with Brazil, particularly through the Prime Minister's participation in the upcoming BRICS summit and a state visit, remains a high priority given President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's emphasis on the importance he attaches to his relationship with India. And, crucially, India must ramp up its engagements in Guyana to safeguard India's strategic interests in its newly discovered oil resources and burgeoning infrastructure sector Prime Minister Narendra Modi's energy, dynamism and willingness to engage remains a prime asset for India on the global stage, but deserves greater backing. The diplomatic outreach following 'Operation Sindoor' was a moment of national resolve and effective communication. It affirmed that India, when united, can project its voice with clarity and conviction on international platforms. The lessons learned — the power of unity, the efficacy of clear communication, the strategic value of soft power, and the imperative of sustained public diplomacy — will undoubtedly serve as guiding principles as India navigates an increasingly complex international landscape, leveraging its three Ts and always striving for a more just, secure, and prosperous world. Shashi Tharoor is the fourth-term Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (Congress) for Thiruvananthapuram, a former Minister of State for External Affairs and the award-winning author of 27 books, including 'Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century' and most recently, 'Our Living Constitution'
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- The Hindu
Several senior leaders of Imran Khan's party get relief from Pak courts
Several senior leaders of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party have been granted relief by courts in protest-related cases, a media report said on Sunday (June 22, 2025). Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including its chairman Gohar Ali Khan and Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub, were on Saturday acquitted by a court in Islamabad in two protest-related cases from last year, the Dawn newspaper reported. Islamabad Judicial Magistrate Shahzad Ahmed announced the verdict in the cases related to a protest on April 26 last year. The protest moved from the office of PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen towards the Karachi Company, reportedly in violation of Section 144 and other legal provisions. After hearing all arguments, the court acquitted Barrister Gohar, Omar Ayub, Ali Bukhari, Shoaib Shaheen, Malik Rafique, Amir Dogar, Amir Mughal and others. Meanwhile, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore granted bail to former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a May 9, 2023, riots case. ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill announced the verdict in the case related to the Shadman Police Station attack case during the May 9 riots that erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Khan. The judge deferred till June 26 a decision on another bail petition of the PTI leader in a case relating to the burning of police vehicles near Lahore Corps. Mr. Qureshi's counsel had argued that the PTI leader was not even present in Lahore on May 9 — the day of the alleged attack — and was in Karachi with his wife for her medical treatment. The counsel stated that the allegation of conspiracy against Mr. Qureshi regarding the May 9 attacks was not proven and the petitioner should be granted bail, as many co-suspects in the same case had already been allowed bail. Earlier, former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema also filed a bail petition in the same Shadman Police Station attack case. Mr. Khan is booked in several cases in Lahore in connection with the May 9, 2023, violence, including for allegedly inciting his supporters to attack government and military buildings, which erupted after his arrest by paramilitary Rangers from the Islamabad High Court premises. The 72-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been behind bars since August 2023 after he was booked in multiple cases.
