Latest news with #IndianSikhs
Mint
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘Spy' Jyoti Malhotra admits to have been in contact with Pakistani embassy official, say cops
YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict, has admitted during interrogation that she had been in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani national and official at the High Commission, from November 2023 to March 2025, a Hisar Police spokesperson said on Tuesday. According to a Hindustan Times report, authorities believe that Danish was actively working to develop Malhotra as an intelligence asset. "She confessed to her direct communication with Danish during this period," Hisar Police spokesperson Vikas Kumar stated. 'She was also in contact with several other YouTube influencers. Her three mobile phones and laptop, along with two phones belonging to Harkirat Singh, the IT in-charge of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), have been sent for forensic examination,' the HT report quoted Kumar as saying. Citing sources, the report said that Jyoti was questioned extensively by officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) regarding her suspected links to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). A senior Hisar police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told HT, 'She has multiple bank accounts, and there have been numerous transactions. Analysing the financial data will take time.' Jyoti also shared details regarding blackouts imposed by the Centre during the India-Pakistan conflict, a News18 report said, citing sources. Jyoti, a resident of Hisar, Haryana, was first introduced to Pakistani embassy official Danish by Harkirat Singh, a CNN-News18 report said. Singh allegedly helped her twice to get a visa and sent her along with a group of Sikhs to Pakistan. Indian Sikhs regularly travel as part of a jatha to gurdwaras like Nankana Sahib for pilgrimage purposes. Officials said his digital devices, like mobile phones, have been seized and sent for forensic testing. The report said that while she was in touch with several Pakistani nationals since 2023, when she first visited Pakistan, Danish appeared to be her primary contact. Jyoti also told cops that she had saved the number of a Pakistani agent, Shakir, as Jat Randhawa to avoid detection. Other Pakistani contacts like Ali Ahwan helped her with security cover while she was in Pakistan. She was also introduced to several intelligence officials during her visits to Pakistan, the report said. Jyoti was among 12 people who were arrested from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the past two weeks on charges of espionage, with investigators pointing at an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in north India. An operation was underway to find if more people were involved in espionage against India and several YouTube channels were under scrutiny, a top Haryana official said on Tuesday. According to news agency PTI, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Sumita Misra said several YouTube channels were being scrutinised and pointed out that several channels keep popping up on the online video-sharing platform under new names. A watch is being kept on anyone spreading misinformation or propaganda through social media, she said. "Strict action will be taken against any objectional link," the officer said, adding that "it is an unfolding situation and many things may emerge (as investigations progress)".
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Global Sikh community thanked for solidarity
Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora has expressed deep gratitude to the global Sikh community for their strong show of solidarity with Pakistan and its armed forces amidst recent regional developments. In a statement issued on Monday, Arora lauded the unity and ideological clarity demonstrated by Sikhs across the world, saying, "The Sikh nation has once again proven that it does not compromise on the principles of peace, brotherhood and truth." He noted that Sikhs living in countries such as India, the United States, Canada, various European nations and Switzerland had shown unwavering support for Pakistan's stance. "This is a historic message that truth knows no borders," he added. The minister said that attempts by certain hostile elements to create discord within the Sikh community had failed. He highlighted the community's collective resilience and cohesion. A song released by young Indian Sikhs was described by Arora as a courageous and conscience-stirring message that resonated globally. He also praised the constructive and peaceful role of international Sikh bodies, including the World Sikh Parliament, noting that the teachings of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji continue to guide humanity towards peace, tolerance and equality. "The Sikh community in Pakistan stands firmly with the Constitution, the armed forces and national institutions," he affirmed. "We are not a minority; we are loyal citizens of Pakistan and stand shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces and our nation in every time of trial," he added. Minister Arora thanking the global Sikh community and expressed pride in its dignity, vision and peaceful mission.
Business Upturn
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Upturn
MEA Briefing 9th May: Key statements from Vikram Misri, Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held its third official press briefing since the launch of Operation Sindoor, where top defence and diplomatic officials briefed the media on ongoing military and strategic developments amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. Here are the key highlights from the May 9 briefing: Advertisement 1. Pakistan's Use of Turkish Drones and Airspace Violations Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army confirmed that: Pakistan launched over 300–400 drones on the night of May 7-8 , targeting 36 Indian locations including military installations, ammunition dumps, and civilian areas . on the night of , targeting 36 Indian locations including . The drones, some of which were Turkish-origin Asisguard Songar models , were shot down using kinetic and non-kinetic methods. , were shot down using methods. Forensic investigations of the drone wreckage are underway to confirm origin and intent. Initial assessments suggest the drones were deployed to test India's air defence readiness and intelligence response. 2. Misuse of Civilian Airspace by Pakistan Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force strongly criticized Pakistan for: Not closing its civil airspace during its drone and missile offensive on May 7 at 8:30 PM. during its drone and missile offensive on May 7 at 8:30 PM. Continuing to operate commercial airliners over active military conflict zones , especially between Karachi and Lahore , even as India had cleared its own skies for safety. , especially , even as India had cleared its own skies for safety. Singh stated that Pakistan was using civilian aircraft as ' shields ', while presenting FlightRadar24 data that showed zero civil activity in Indian airspace but full air traffic across Pakistan during the escalation. ', while presenting that showed but full air traffic across Pakistan during the escalation. 'Despite provocation, the Indian Air Force exercised considerable restraint to avoid any harm to international civil carriers,' she said. 3. Kartarpur Corridor Services Suspended Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri officially announced that: Services through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor have been suspended until further notice due to the prevailing security scenario . until further notice due to the prevailing . This sacred pilgrimage route, inaugurated in 2019 , allowed visa-free access for Indian Sikhs to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. , allowed for Indian Sikhs to visit in Pakistan. Misri reaffirmed that the suspension was a precautionary measure and does not reflect a change in India's long-term commitment to cultural and religious exchanges. 4. Pakistan Targeted Schools, Religious Sites In a sharp condemnation, Vikram Misri revealed: A shell fired from Pakistan landed behind Christ School in Poonch , killing two students and injuring their parents. landed behind , killing and injuring their parents. Staff and locals took refuge in underground shelters during the assault. He added that Pakistan deliberately shelled places of worship including gurdwaras, churches, and temples, calling it a 'new low' in its aggressive posturing. 5. India's Response and Global Outreach India launched precise retaliatory strikes on Pakistani air defence infrastructure , including a confirmed strike on a facility near Lahore . on , including a confirmed . Misri confirmed that India has presented its position at the IMF meeting taking place the same day and continues to engage with global partners. taking place the same day and continues to engage with global partners. He emphasized that India seeks de-escalation, but remains fully prepared to respond to any further provocation. The briefing showcased India's measured yet firm stance in response to Pakistan's escalatory tactics, emphasizing restraint, preparedness, and global transparency. The use of foreign drones, endangerment of civil aviation, and targeting of schools underline the severity of the crisis. India, meanwhile, continues to engage the global community while keeping national security paramount.
The Print
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Kartarpur Corridor shut by India ‘until further notice' post Operation Sindoor
While the Attari-Wagah border was shut in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Kartarpur Corridor had remained operational until now. The Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs has closed the corridor 'until further notice'. On Wednesday, 150 pilgrims who had assembled at the integrated check-post were instructed to return home after being kept waiting for 90 minutes, The Tribune reported. New Delhi: India has unilaterally closed the Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free passage for Sikh pilgrims from India to Pakistan's Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, following Operation Sindoor. There has been no official statement from the Indian government regarding the reasons for closure of the Kartarpur Corridor or any plans to reopen it. Pakistani officials have termed the Kartarpur Corridor's closure as a provocative breach of religious freedoms, according to the Pakistani website Minute Mirror. It quoted an official as describing India's decision as 'not just a political act, (but) an attack on the religious rights of Indian Sikhs'. Post the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan continued operations on its side of the Kartarpur Corridor, with the Evacuee Trust Property Board and the Project Management Unit overseeing the site's management. Pakistan has imposed no restrictions on Sikh pilgrims so far. Inaugurated in 2019, the corridor has been a symbol of cooperation, allowing Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit one of their holiest sites in Pakistan. It connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan—final resting place of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak—with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. Spanning 4.7 km, this visa-free route links the Indian border directly with the gurdwara in Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, the Indian government downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan. As a result, trade through the Attari-Wagah checkpost in Amritsar was halted. But the Kartarpur Corridor had remained open. The day after the 22 April Pahalgam attack, 408 pilgrims crossed the corridor, close to the daily average of 425. However, pilgrim numbers began to decline from 24 April onwards. While 493 were granted permission, only 333 actually made the journey, according to media reports. The corridor, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on 9 November, 2019—marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak—was a long-standing demand of the Sikh community. According to the bilateral agreement, Indian pilgrims enjoy visa-free, same-day access to the shrine. The corridor has also served as a symbolic bridge between the people of India and Pakistan in the Punjab region, separated since the Partition of 1947. Initially, the corridor was operational for just four months before being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was later reopened on 17 November, 2021. Last year, the agreement was renewed for another five years. (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: Pahalgam victims' kin say Op Sindoor 'correct response'. Kill them like insects, says Narwal's father
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra Sikh Association condemns outrageous statement of separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
MUMBAI: The Sikh community strongly condemned the recent statements by separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun . In a recent interview with a Pakistani YouTuber, Pannun made an outrageous claim that two crore Sikhs, including those serving in the Indian armed forces , would side with Pakistan in the event of a war between India and Pakistan. "These statements, made at the behest of Pakistan's ISI, are not only misleading but entirely rejected by the Sikh community. His so-called movement failed globally, lacking both credibility and support. He does not represent Sikh ideology, which is firmly grounded in nationalism and respect for India's democratic fabric," said Bal Malkit Singh , Executive Chairman of the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy and Convenor of the Maharashtra Sikh Association . You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai He added that Sikhs in India stand irrevocably with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who "always respected and supported the community." Any malicious agenda promoted by Pakistani agents or their proxies will fail to break the unity of Indian Sikhs and will only further expose the illegitimacy of such nefarious designs. "The Sikh panth is built on the foundation of sacrifice, loyalty, and service to humanity. We reject every attempt by external forces to misrepresent our community. The Sikh spirit is inseparable from Indian nationalism . No propaganda, however well-funded, can ever divide us. We remain united with our nation and our leadership," added Bal Malkit Singh.
