Days ahead of Pahalgam attack, Lashkar commander called for bloodshed in J&K
The timing of the call to violence is significant, coming just days ahead of the Pahalgam massacre - one of the deadliest terrorist attacks on tourists in Kashmir in recent years.advertisementThe April 18 event was held as a "tribute conference" for two militants - Akif Haleem and Abdul Wahab - who were eliminated by Indian forces under the long-running Operation All-Out.Haleem was killed in Kupwara on March 17 by the 21st battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles. Wahab, affiliated with LeT and its shadow outfit PAFF (People's Anti-Fascist Front), was neutralised in an encounter in Sopore on April 24, 2024. Both belonged to the same family in PoK.Despite public assurances by the Awami Action Committee that no terror outfits would be involved, the gathering turned into a show of strength for LeT sympathisers. According to intelligence sources, multiple active LeT operatives were present on stage, openly celebrating the deaths of their "martyrs" and warning of more attacks to come.The rally in Khai Gala appeared to have logistical and on-ground security backing from Pakistani authorities. Abu Musa's rhetoric, along with the overt glorification of anti-India violence, has prompted concerns over renewed infiltration efforts ahead of summer when traditional infiltration routes through Kupwara, Poonch, and Rajouri are more navigable.Tune InMust Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
a few seconds ago
- Indian Express
‘Going to see a lot more': Trump signals ‘secondary sanctions' after hitting India with 50% tariffs over Russian oil import
President Donald Trump Wednesday escalated trade tensions with India, imposing an 'additional 25 per cent ad valorem duty' above the 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs announced on August 1 and signalling that even higher levies could be on the horizon. 'It has only been eight hours, so let us see what happens over the next…. You are going to see a lot more. You are going to see so much secondary sanctions,' Trump said during a White House event when asked that Indian officials have stated that there are other countries like China that are buying Russian oil, too. Flanked by Apple CEO Tim Cook and top administration officials, Trump signed an executive order that adds an additional 25 per cent tariff on India, building on a similar measure announced just last week. The new order, set to take effect on August 27, brings India's total tariff burden to 50 per cent — the highest among US trading partners now penalised for dealing with Russia. The move drew swift condemnation from New Delhi. In a sharply worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, 'It is extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest.' The MEA also described the tariffs as 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,' and warned it would take 'all actions necessary to protect its national interests.' Trump, however, dismissed claims of selective enforcement when asked why countries such as China and Turkey, which also import large quantities of Russian oil, had not faced equivalent penalties. 'It may happen, I do not know, I cannot tell you yet,' he said. 'We did it with India. We are doing it probably with a couple of others. One of them could be China.' Currently, China faces a 30 per cent tariff and Turkey 15 per cent. India's new 50 per cent rate matches only Brazil, with competitors like Myanmar (40 per cent), Bangladesh (35 per cent), and Vietnam (20 per cent) facing significantly lower tariffs. When asked on whether the new sanctions might be reversed in the event of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said, 'We will determine that later, but right now, they are paying a 50 per cent tariff.' In the executive order, Trump justified the move by stating that the Indian government 'is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil,' and that this action necessitated the imposition of an additional ad valorem duty. India, meanwhile, has emphasized that its oil imports are 'based on market factors' and geared toward 'ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people.' (With inputs from PTI, Reuters)
NDTV
a few seconds ago
- NDTV
"Once In A Generation Opportunity": Amitabh Kant On 50% US Tariff On India
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump doubled down on India with a 50 per cent tariff, an increase from the 25 per cent tariff announced last month, as a penalty for what he called New Delhi's continued buying of Russian oil. Amid concerns over how it could impact trade and domestic businesses, India's former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant is looking at the hefty tariffs as "once in a generation opportunity". Mr Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, a think tank, believes Mr Trump has given India an opportunity to "take the next big leap" on reforms. He has urged to utilise the crisis fully. "Trump has provided us a once in a generation opportunity to take the next big leap on reforms. Crisis must be fully utilised," Mr Kant wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Trump has provided us a once in a generation opportunity to take the next big leap on reforms. Crisis must be fully utilised. — Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) August 6, 2025 Trump Tariffs On India On July 30, Mr Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on goods exported from India to the United States. Calling India a "friend" of the United States, Mr Trump also warned of a " penalty" for buying military equipment, and energy from Russia. In a post on Truth Social, his social media platform, Mr Trump wrote, "Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE - ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!" The penalty came in the form of an additional 25 per cent tariff announced by Mr Trump on Wednesday evening. While the initial duty comes into effect from today, August 7, 9:30 am IST, the additional levy will become effective after 21 days. How 50% Tariff Will Impact India Higher tariffs mean an increased cost of exports, which will make Indian goods costly in the US market. Barring a few, most of the Indian products exported to the US will carry 50 per cent or more tariffs. Shrimps, organic chemicals, carpets, apparel (both knitted and woven), textiles, gems and jewellery, steel, aluminium, copper, machinery and mechanical appliances and furniture and bedding will fetch at least 50 per cent tariffs. Vehicles will be subject to a 26 per cent tariff, and petroleum products will carry a 6.9 per cent tariff.
Hindustan Times
a few seconds ago
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: British high commission launches Punjabi WhatsApp chatbot to prevent visa fraud
The British high commission on Wednesday unveiled a new QR code for its WhatsApp chatbot, making it easier for users to access official advice in a more accessible format, including in Punjabi. The chatbot offers UK government guidance on recognising common visa scam tactics and information on legal routes to travel to the UK. Daniel Sherry, political counsellor, British high commission, and (right) Amandeep Grewal, deputy head of mission, Chandigarh. (HT) The initiative—'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign—was launched in February this year to help prevent Indian citizens from falling victim to visa fraud and irregular migration. The British high commission will be working closely with Indian authorities and local stakeholders in the coming months to expand the campaign's reach across Punjab and Haryana. The WhatsApp chatbot is available in English and Punjabi language on +91 70652 51380. Information resources will be created and shared with local authorities and other trusted stakeholders working with the British high commission on tackling visa fraud. Daniel Sherry, political counsellor, British high commission, Amandeep Grewal, deputy head of mission, Chandigarh, were present on the occasion. 'We are pleased to be continuing our 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign in Punjab, making it more accessible with the launch of our WhatsApp chatbot QR code,' Daniel Sherry said. The British High Commission organised a photo exhibition at Elante Mall on Wednesday and will hold another at the Sector 17 underpass on Thursday at 4.30 pm to providing guidance on avoiding visa fraud.
