Latest news with #Abhinandan
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Negative approach': PM Modi slams Congress' 'questions' on Op Sindoor, Balakot, Abhinandan; 'old habit of doubting armed forces'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday criticised the Congress party for questioning army operations, saying it has long been the party's "old habit" to take a negative approach toward the armed forces. Narrating his government's cross-border operations against Pakistan, PM Modi said the Congress party sought proof of the 2017 surgical strikes carried out at terrorist bases in PoJK after the Uri terror attack. During the Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor, PM Modi further said: "But when they read the public mood, Congress changed tune to claim that their governments too had carried out surgical strikes." "Opposing the army and showing negativity towards it -- this has been Congress's old attitude. The country just observed Kargil Vijay Diwas , but the nation knows that during its tenure, and even today, Congress has neither accepted the victory of Kargil, nor celebrated Kargil Vijay Diwas, nor honoured Kargil's glory," the PM said. PM Modi also lashed out at the Congress for demanding the photographic evidence after the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, which were carried out after a terrorist attack on an army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The Prime Minister claimed that when Pakistan captured IAF pilot Abhinandan, some in India were "whispering quietly that now Modi is trapped". "When pilot Abhinandan was captured, it was natural for there to be celebration in Pakistan -- after all, they had caught a pilot from the Indian Air Force. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World But even here, there were some people whispering quietly... 'Now Modi is trapped, let's see what Modi does now'. Abhinandan returned -- openly, proudly, and with full honour," PM Modi said. "After the Pahalgam attack, when one of our BSF jawans was taken captive by Pakistan, they [Congress ] thought -- Now Modi will be trapped. Now Modi will surely be disgraced. And their ecosystem spread all kinds of narratives on social media. What will happen to the BSF jawan? What will happen to his family? That BSF jawan too returned with honour, pride, and dignity," PM Modi said. Praising India's air defence system for neutralising Pakistani drones and missiles "like straws," PM Modi took a jibe at the opposition and said: "Not just me but the entire country is laughing at you." "Terrorists are crying, their masterminds are crying and seeing them cry, some people are crying here too. They tried to play a game during surgical strike, it didn't work. During airstrike, they tried playing another game. That didn't work either. When Operation Sindoor took place, they adopted a new tactic - "Why did you stop?"... Waah re bayan bahaduron! You need one or the other excuse to oppose. So, not just me but the entire country is laughing at you.
News18
29-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
'After Abhinandan, BSF Jawan Were Captured, Congress Thought I Would Be Trapped': PM Modi
Last Updated: PM Modi slammed Congress in Lok Sabha, citing captures of Wing Commander Abhinandan and a BSF jawan by Pakistan Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, while taking a dig at the Congress party during his address in the Lok Sabha, referred to two high-profile incidents: the capture of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019 and the recent capture of a BSF jawan by Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi made these remarks while replying to the two-day debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor in the Lower House. 'When pilot Abhinandan was captured, it was natural for there to be an atmosphere of celebration in Pakistan, after all, they had a pilot from the Indian Air Force in their custody," PM said. Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, 'When pilot Abhinandan was captured, it was natural for there to be an atmosphere of celebration in Pakistan, after all, they had a pilot from the Indian Air Force in their custody. But even here, there were some people whispering, 'Now… — IANS (@ians_india) July 29, 2025 'But even here, there were some people whispering, 'Now Modi is trapped. Let's see if Modi can bring Abhinandan back. Let's see what Modi does now'. But let me say it loud and clear, Abhinandan returned with pride and dignity," he added. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman became a national hero after he shot down a Pakistani F-16 during an aerial clash in February 2019. His aircraft was also hit, and he was captured after landing in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. He was later released and returned to India safely. For his bravery, he was awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry award. Additionally, he also referred to the recent capture of a BSF jawan by Pakistan during the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Modi said, 'They thought they (Congress) had found a big issue — that now Modi would be trapped… But that BSF jawan also returned with pride and honour." PM Modi also recalled the time when Indian soldiers showed valour during the Doklam standoff. 'Congress leaders were secretly giving briefings to whom? The whole world knows that. Just compare all the statements from Pakistan with the statements made by those here who oppose us, they match from full stop to comma," he added. He accused Congress of not fully honouring the sacrifices made during the Kargil conflict. 'The entire nation knows very well that during Kargil and even till today, Congress has never truly embraced Kargil Vijay Diwas," he said. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Indian Express
Pakistan Army officer, who captured IAF pilot Abhinandan in 2019, killed
An officer of the Pakistan Army's Special Services Group, who had claimed to have captured Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman after his jet was shot down in a dogfight in 2019, was killed in a clash with the Taliban militants, according to the army. Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, 37, was killed on Tuesday in a clash with the Taliban militants in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan near the Afghan border, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army. Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, 27, was also killed in the same battle, it said. The army troops killed 11 terrorists belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and wounded seven others in the same operation, the statement said. Moiz's funeral prayer was offered at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi, and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir attended it. 'Major Syed Moiz Abbas fought bravely in the face of resistance and ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism,' the ISPR statement quoted Munir as saying. His body was flown to his native home town of Chakwal in Punjab where he was laid to rest with full military honours. He was commissioned into the Pakistani Army in 2011. However, he later became part of the Special Services Group (SSG) and was currently serving in the volatile Waziristan region. After his death, it turned out that he was the same officer who had captured Abhinandan and saved him from mob violence, local media reported. An old clip of his interview with Geo TV on social media shows Moiz, who was captain then, giving details of capturing Abhinandan. The TTP, also known as the Pakistan Taliban, was set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007. Its main aim is to impose its strict brand of Islam across Pakistan. The group, believed to be close to al-Qaeda, has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. Pakistan describes TTP as 'Fitna al-Khawarij', a reference to a group in earlier Islamic history which was involved in violence.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Time of India
Pakistan Army officer, who captured IAF pilot Abhinandan in 2019, killed
An officer of the Pakistan Army 's Special Services Group , who had claimed to have captured Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman after his jet was shot down in a dogfight in 2019, was killed in a clash with the Taliban militants, according to the army. Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah , 37, was killed on Tuesday in a clash with the Taliban militants in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan near the Afghan border, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army. Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, 27, was also killed in the same battle, it said. The army troops killed 11 terrorists belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and wounded seven others in the same operation, the statement said. Moiz's funeral prayer was offered at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi, and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir attended it. Live Events "Major Syed Moiz Abbas fought bravely in the face of resistance and ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism," the ISPR statement quoted Munir as saying. His body was flown to his native home town of Chakwal in Punjab where he was laid to rest with full military honours. He was commissioned into the Pakistani Army in 2011. However, he later became part of the Special Services Group (SSG) and was currently serving in the volatile Waziristan region. After his death, it turned out that he was the same officer who had captured Abhinandan and saved him from mob violence, local media reported. An old clip of his interview with Geo TV on social media shows Moiz, who was captain then, giving details of capturing Abhinandan. The TTP, also known as the Pakistan Taliban, was set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007. Its main aim is to impose its strict brand of Islam across Pakistan. The group, believed to be close to al-Qaeda, has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. Pakistan describes TTP as "Fitna al-Khawarij", a reference to a group in earlier Islamic history which was involved in violence.
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Business Standard
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Pak Major who captured IAF pilot Abhinandan in 2019 killed in Waziristan
Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, a Pakistani Army officer known for his role in the 2019 capture of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, was among two soldiers killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in South Waziristan on Tuesday. The operation targeted members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the Pakistani military as 'Fitna al Khwarij', Dawn reported. According to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 11 terrorists were killed and seven others injured in the clash. The encounter took place in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan district, following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the region. Major Shah, 37, a native of Chakwal, led the operation and 'paid the ultimate sacrifice while leading his troops from the front', ISPR said. Alongside him, 27-year-old Lance Naik Jibranullah of Bannu also lost his life in the exchange of fire. Maj Shah was part of the team involved in capturing then-Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019. The 2019 aerial dogfight and Abhinandan's capture Following the February 14, 2019, Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, India carried out an airstrike on a terrorist training camp in Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistani fighter jets attempted to target Indian military installations, prompting an aerial dogfight. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, flying a MiG-21 Bison as part of India's counter-response from the 51 Squadron based in Srinagar, was shot down and captured after ejecting across the Line of Control (LoC). His capture drew national attention in both countries. Back-channel diplomacy ensued amid escalating tensions. While Pakistan reportedly tried to leverage Abhinandan's capture, India issued a stern warning, resulting in a swift resolution. On February 28, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced his release as a 'gesture of peace'. Abhinandan returned home 58 hours after his capture, crossing the Attari-Wagah border to a hero's welcome. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later said he had made India proud. Civilians caught in crossfire during Waziristan operation The Sararogha operation also resulted in civilian casualties. Two women travelling in a pickup from Khamrang to Wana were killed when their vehicle got caught in the crossfire. Five others, including two women, were injured. Deputy Commissioner of Lower South Waziristan Nisar Khan confirmed the incident and said a police investigation has been launched, Dawn reported.
