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News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Pakistan Seeks US', Global Support To Resolve Kashmir Issue: ‘Welcome Any Help'
Last Updated: Pakistan seeks US help for Kashmir dispute resolution, welcomes global assistance. India rejects third-party mediation, insists on dialogue about PoK and terrorism only. Pakistan on Friday again invoked the Kashmir dispute and said that it would welcome any help from the US or any other country towards the resolution of the decades-long issue. Responding to a question about the US' interest in the Kashmir issue during his weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that Islamabad will welcome the help from any country that can help stabilise the situation, news agency PTI reported. 'About the US' interest in settlement of the Kashmir issue, we welcome help not only from the US but any country which can help stabilise the situation and move towards resolution of the Kashmir dispute, which is at the heart of issues of peace and security in South Asia. We will welcome that," Khan said as quoted by the news agency. Meanwhile, India maintains that it does not want any third-party involvement in its discussions with Pakistan. The Simla Agreement signed between the two countries in 1972 rejects any third-party mediation on the Kashmir dispute. Further responding to a question about any contact between Islamabad and New Delhi to resolve issues after the four-day conflict in May during operation Sindoor, Khan said there was no such contact. 'Our overall diplomatic position is well known. We want to take the route of diplomacy, but it is the Indian side which has to make up its mind. And so far, there are no contacts between our two sides, except for the routine diplomatic contact," he said. India has made it clear that it will only have a dialogue with Pakistan on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the issue of terrorism. In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack. India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, bombing nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in pre-dawn strikes that killed at least 100 militants. The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery. (With inputs from PTI) 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.
News18
04-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
‘Ek Chutki Sindoor Ki Kimat…': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's ‘Bollywood' Dig At Jaya Bachchan
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta criticised Jaya Bachchan for questioning Operation Sindoor's name, India's response to the Pahalgam attack. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday took a sarcastic jibe at Bollywood actress and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan for questioning the naming of Operation Sindoor– India's retaliatory strikes on Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. While speaking during a debate in the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, CM Gupta responded to Bachchan, saying, 'She asked why the operation was named Sindoor. I will answer her with a filmy dialogue – '' Ek chutki Sindoor ki kimat aap kya jano Jaya Madam? Aap toh filmon ki dunya jaanti hai, desh ki sachchai nahi ' (You don't know the value of a pinch of vermilion Jaya madam. You know about films, not the reality of the country.)" जिन्होंने 'ऑपरेशन सिंदूर' पर बहुत सारे प्रश्न उठाए, उनके लिए काका हाथरसी ने एक कविता लिखी है —नाम और रूप का भेद। #OperationSindoor — Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) August 4, 2025 She further launched a scathing attack on the opposition parties, alleging that they support anti-national elements and do not love the country. 'These people do not love Bharat but love anti-national forces because they see their own reflection in them. They have named themselves 'INDIA', but when they speak, it feels like they are spokespersons for Pakistan." She further alleged that members of the Opposition had questioned the credibility of Operation Sindoor even in the Lok Sabha. 'They do not trust their own Army, their own Prime Minister, but they trust foreign countries," she charged. Gupta also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the success of the military response following the Pahalgam terror attack. 'Operation Sindoor was a befitting reply to Pakistan after the attack in Pahalgam, where many women lost their loved ones," Gupta said. 'Prime Minister Modi played a huge role in protecting the dignity of our sisters," she added. She paid tribute to the courage and commitment of the armed forces and said that under PM Modi's leadership, India has found a protector who acts like a 'courageous father, a compassionate brother, and a resolute national leader". What Jaya Bachchan Said? The Samajwadi Party MP had triggered a row after questioning the naming of Operation Sindoor. She argued that the operation's name was insensitive, as the attack 'destroyed the sindoor" of many women who lost their husbands in the April 22 attack. 'I would congratulate you on the writers you have hired. You give grand names. Why did you name it 'Sindoor'? Sindoor toh ujad gaya (sindoor was destroyed), the wives of those who were killed," she had said. Her comments were met with interruptions from members of the ruling party. Pahalgam Terror Attack In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack. India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, bombing nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in pre-dawn strikes that killed at least 100 militants. The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 04, 2025, 23:40 IST News politics 'Ek Chutki Sindoor Ki Kimat…': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta's 'Bollywood' Dig At Jaya Bachchan 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.
News18
04-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
Farooq Abdullah Claims 'Militancy' Won't End In J&K Until India, Pakistan Mend Ties; BJP Reacts
Last Updated: Farooq Abdullah says militancy in J&K won't end until India-Pakistan relations improve. He questions the Centre's claims of peace. BJP blames Pakistan for terrorism. National Conference Leader Farooq Abdullah on Monday claimed that militancy in Jammu and Kashmir would not end until the relations between India and Pakistan improve. While speaking to reporters, the NC veteran openly challenged those who believe that militancy and terrorism have ended in the valley. 'Militancy will not end. Those who believe that militancy will end, I challenge them at this moment. Militancy will not end until our relations with our neighbours improve," he said as quoted by news agency IANS. Shopian, J&K: National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah says, 'Militancy will not end. Those who believe that militancy will end, I challenge them at this moment. Militancy will not end until our relations with our neighbours improve" — IANS (@ians_india) August 4, 2025 He further spoke about the Centre's efforts to ensure peace in the valley, saying that there is a need to find a way out of the conflict. 'I don't see the peace coming. I think we are living in a fool's paradise to think that peace will come overnight. We have a strong neighbour, whether it is China or Pakistan. Somehow, we have to find a way out. War is not a way out. Finally, you have to use a pen and discuss things. How does it hurt us?" he said as quoted by news agency ANI. He also questioned the central government over its claims that terrorist camps have been uprooted in the region, asking how the Kulgam encounter was happening if that was the case. 'I have never said that militancy is over. Those people who were saying that Article 370 is responsible for militancy, they were in-charge here for so many years. Before the Pahalgam terror attack occurred, the central government had announced that it had uprooted terrorist camps. Even in the present war they had with the neighbour, they said that they had knocked the terrorists out, so how is Kulgam encounter happening?" Abdullah added. He further lambasted the Centre, asking about the timeline to reinstate the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. BJP Reacts The BJP reacted to the former Chief Minister's remarks, saying that this is the same person who once claimed that Article 370 can never be removed and it would be reimposed with the help of China. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took a dig at Abdullah, saying why do the leaders of the INDIA bloc become apologists for terrorists. He said that the cause of terrorism is Pakistan. " The cause of terrorism is Pakistan and the ideology on which it is based. Islamabad considers everyone in the world, and especially India, as its enemy. This thought is the root of terrorism," he added. India-Pakistan Ties The diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan were downgraded after Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack. India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, bombing nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in pre-dawn strikes that killed at least 100 militants. The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More 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.
News18
06-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Ashish Shelar Compares MNS' Assault Over Marathi With Pahalgam Attack: ‘What's The Difference?'
Ashish Shelar said while terrorists had targeted tourists in Pahalgam based on their religion, people were being attacked in the state on linguistic lines, which was disappointing. Amid the ongoing language row in Maharashtra, state minister and BJP leader Ashish Shelar on Sunday triggered a row after he drew parallels between the recent attacks on non-Marathi speaking people in Mumbai and the April 22's Pahalgam terror attack, saying that the victims in both cases were 'Hindus". 'In Pahalgam, people were killed because of their religion. Here in Maharashtra, Hindus are being assaulted only because of the language they speak. What's the difference?" Shelar said while addressing a press conference in Mumbai as quoted by news agency PTI. He further said while terrorists had targeted tourists in Pahalgam based on their religion, people were being attacked in the state on linguistic lines, which was disappointing. 'All these incidents cause pain, suffering, and mental distress. In Pahalgam, they shot them after asking about their religion. And here they beat up the innocent Hindus just because of the language they speak. Such cases create disturbance…" he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Mumbai: On Marathi language row, Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar says, 'All these incidents cause pain, suffering, and mental distress. In Pahalgam, they shot them after asking about their religion. And here they beat up the innocent Hindus just because of the… — ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025 In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. The minister further took a veiled attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who reunited on Saturday at a joint rally for the cause of Marathi people, saying that the state is watching how some leaders are "enjoying other Hindus being beaten up". Shelar later asserted that the BJP would defend the dignity of Marathi people, and would stand by non-Marathi residents and ensure their protection. 'Marathi is not a political issue for us," he said. Referring to speeches made at the joint rally of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, he said, 'As far as yesterday's program is concerned, one brother's speech is incomplete, and the other's is irrelevant. What Raj Thackeray said was not complete. He discussed Marathi, but did not elaborate on the entire topic." The Slapgate Row Shelar's remarks came amid heightened tensions following multiple incidents in Mumbai where workers of Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) attacked shopkeepers and migrant workers allegedly for speaking Hindi instead of Marathi. Recently, a viral video showed a shopkeeper in the Mira-Bhayandar area being thrashed by individuals reportedly affiliated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for allegedly refusing to speak in Marathi. In another incident, five MNS workers were arrested for vandalising the office of Mumbai-based share market investor Sushil Kedia's office in Worli after he declared he would not speak Marathi and dared the party chief Raj Thackeray. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier warned of strict legal action against those engaging in violence in the name of language. The row over speaking Marathi is escalating into a major political flashpoint ahead of the civic polls. Union Minister Backs Shelar Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale supported Shelar's statement, saying, 'Just as terrorists targeted tourists in Pahalgam based on religion, Raj Thackeray's party workers are attacking people asking them to speak Marathi." He also posed a question to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray that 'if people from Hindu community are being attacked, would you sit quietly, do you not follow Balasaheb's line of thinking?" What's The Three-Language Row? The Hindi language row erupted after the BJP-led Maharashtra government issued a Government Resolution (GR) making the learning of the language compulsory in primary schools. Amid the growing backlash from MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), the government amended the GR to make Hindi the "generally" third language before finally withdrawing both orders on June 29. The issue of Marathi identity and the "imposition" of Hindi is believed to be a catalyst for reuniting Uddhav and Raj Thackeray after almost 20 years on Saturday at a joint "victory" rally to celebrate the government's decision to scrap the GRs under the three-language policy. With elections to the high-profile Mumbai civic body and other municipal corporations approaching, the BJP waded into the language row, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserting that those resorting to violence over the Hindi language will face legal action. Addressing the joint rally, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray defended the Marathi pride, saying, We are goons if we have to do hooliganism for justice. On his part, Raj Thackeray asked the MNS cadres not to attack anyone over the language without provocation. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : ashish shelar BJP maharashtra marathi mns pahalgam terror attack Raj Thackeray Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 19:05 IST News politics Ashish Shelar Compares MNS' Assault Over Marathi With Pahalgam Attack: 'What's The Difference?'
News18
05-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Bilawal Bhutto Says Pakistan Has No Objection To Extraditing 'Individuals Of Concern' To India
Last Updated: Bilawal Bhutto said Pakistan would be willing to arrest any "individual of concern" if India is willing to participate in the process and present evidence of the same. Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said his country had no objection to extraditing 'individuals of concern" to India as a confidence-building measure, as long as India shows willingness to cooperate with its neighbour. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Friday, Bilawal responded to a question about extraditing Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as possible concessions and good-faith gestures to India. 'As part of a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan, where terrorism is one of the issues that we discuss, I am sure Pakistan would not be opposed to any of these things," he said, while accusing India of not complying with Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism. 'If India Cooperates…' 'India is refusing to comply with certain basic elements that require that conviction to take place. It's important … to present evidence within these courts, for people to come over from India to testify, to put up with whatever the counter-accusations will be," said Bilawal. 'If India is willing to be cooperative in that process, I am sure there will be no hurdle in extraditing any individual of concern." Masood Azhar, who has been linked to a string of terror attacks in India- including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot airbase assault and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing- was designated a UN global terrorist in 2019. Meanwhile, Saeed – the mastermind of the 26/11 attack – is currently serving a 33-year sentence for terror financing. Bilawal also stressed that Pakistan had no knowledge of the location of Azhar and said he would be arrested if New Delhi provides credible evidence that he is on Pakistani soil. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman also suggested that Azhar may be in Afghanistan. 'New Abnormal' Furthermore, Bilawal expressed concern about India's renewed policy to pursue terrorists, saying it does not serve the interests of either country and termed it a 'new abnormal". India said any further discussions with Pakistan would only be on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), after ties deteriorated sharply following a terror attack by Lashkar-linked terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. India and Pakistan exchanged four days of hostilities after New Delhi launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in the neighbouring country. The two countries reached an 'understanding" on May 10. (with agency inputs) First Published: July 05, 2025, 16:42 IST
