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The Sun
01-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Over 10,000 join LTAT night run in Putrajaya
PUTRAJAYA: Over 10,000 participants gathered at Dataran Wawasan here last night for the Larian Wira LTAT 2025 - Night Run, organised by the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) to honour the service and sacrifices of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel. Held for the first time at night, the event featured three race categories, namely 5km (Fun Run), 10km, and 21.1km (Half Marathon) - under the theme 'Demi Wira Kami'. This year's edition also drew attention with the participation of 22 children with special needs from the Incredible Warrior Club in the 5km Fun Run segment. The run was also held in support of the Tabung Pahlawan Campaign, organised by the Veteran Affairs Department, to raise funds for veterans in need, including those who are ailing, disabled, and elderly individuals living alone. LTAT chief executive officer Mohammad Ashraf Md Radzi said the event not only aimed to recognise the contributions of MAF personnel, but also served as a platform to bring them closer to the public. 'One of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between the military and the public is through events like this. It creates space for interaction and fosters greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by our armed forces,' he told reporters at the event. Mohammad Ashraf said while more than 10,000 participants registered officially, many others joined as walk-ins or ran unregistered alongside family members, bringing the estimated total turnout to between 11,000 and 12,000 people. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Army Lt Gen Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim, who is also an LTAT board member, said the event is part of ongoing efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians. 'On behalf of the MAF, I wish to thank LTAT for organising this event. Furthermore, 1,000 complimentary slots were provided to MAF personnel - a gesture of meaningful support,' he said. He added that various branches of the MAF also enlivened the event through exhibitions and outreach efforts, particularly to raise awareness among youths on career opportunities in the regular and reserve forces. 'The MAF is not only the nation's bastion of defence, but society also plays a vital role. That is why we emphasise the concept of comprehensive defence, which involves all layers of the community,' he said.
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Over 10,000 join LTAT night run
PUTRAJAYA: Over 10,000 participants gathered at Dataran Wawasan here last night for the Larian Wira LTAT 2025 - Night Run, organised by the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) to honour the service and sacrifices of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel. Held for the first time at night, the event featured three race categories, namely, 5km (Fun Run), 10km, and 21.1km (Half Marathon) - under the theme "Demi Wira Kami". This year's edition also drew attention with the participation of 22 children with special needs from the Incredible Warrior Club in the 5km Fun Run segment. The run was also held in support of the Tabung Pahlawan Campaign, organised by the Veteran Affairs Department, to raise funds for veterans in need, including those who are ailing, disabled, and elderly individuals living alone. LTAT chief executive officer Mohammad Ashraf Md Radzi said the event not only aimed to recognise the contributions of MAF personnel, but also served as a platform to bring them closer to the public. "One of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between the military and the public is through events like this. "It creates space for interaction and fosters greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by our armed forces," he told reporters at the event. Mohammad Ashraf said while more than 10,000 participants registered officially, many others joined as walk-ins or ran unregistered alongside family members, bringing the estimated total turnout to between 11,000 and 12,000 people. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Army Lt Gen Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim, who is also an LTAT board member, said the event is part of ongoing efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians. "On behalf of the MAF, I wish to thank LTAT for organising this event. "Furthermore, 1,000 complimentary slots were provided to MAF personnel - a gesture of meaningful support," he said. He said various branches of the MAF also enlivened the event through exhibitions and outreach efforts, particularly to raise awareness among youths on career opportunities in the regular and reserve forces. "The MAF is not only the nation's bastion of defence, but society also plays a vital role. "That is why we emphasise the concept of comprehensive defence, which involves all layers of the community," he said. – Bernama
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Man who shouted ‘Pakistan zindabad' was 'mentally ill'
Image used is for representational purposes only BENGALURU/MANGALURU: Mohammad Ashraf , the man lynched in Mangaluru for allegedly shouting pro-Pakistan slogans during a cricket match, had a history of mental illness , according to his family. His brother, Abdul Jabbar, said Ashraf had been under treatment for mental health issues, often wandered from place to place, and did odd jobs to survive. The 40-year-old victim, originally from Pulpalli village in Sultan Bathery taluk of Wayanad district, Kerala, was attacked by a mob near Bhatra Kallurti temple in Kudupu on April 27. The assault left him with severe internal injuries, leading to his death. A postmortem confirmed the cause of death as shock and injuries from the beating. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah , referencing the incident, said that raising slogans in support of Pakistan amounts to 'betrayal of the nation and constitutes treason.' He added that an investigation is ongoing and action would be taken against the guilty. However, home minister G Parameshwara clarified that the claim that Ashraf shouted 'Pakistan Zindabad' was made by those involved in the lynching. He said nearly 20 people have been arrested, and more are likely to be held, as over 30 were reportedly part of the mob. The main accused has been identified as Sachin, an autorickshaw driver, while others include Devadas, Saideep, and Manjunath. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No dark spots, 10 years younger! Just take this from Guardian URUHIME MOMOKO Learn More Undo The case marks the first application of Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in Karnataka, which prescribes death or life imprisonment for mob lynching. The lynching has triggered condemnation from various Muslim organisations, who have demanded suo motu action against those who allegedly gave provocative speeches. They also expressed concern over the growing trend of moral policing. Ashraf's body was sent back to his hometown in Kerala after his identity was confirmed by family members who reached Mangaluru on Tuesday night. City police commissioner Anupam Agrawal confirmed the victim's identity and said investigations are continuing.
Saudi Gazette
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
27 hostages killed after hijacked Pakistan train rescue ends in bloodbath
QUETTA — Nearly 350 hostages have been rescued at the end of a deadly standoff between Pakistan's military and armed militants who hijacked a train in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan, a security source told CNN Wednesday. The incident, which began Tuesday left dozens dead. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group active in the restive and mineral-rich Balochistan province, claimed responsibility for the attack. A total of 27 hostages were killed by the BLA, the security source said, as well as one soldier. At least 35 militants were killed in the rescue operation, the security source added. Around 450 passengers were on the Jaffer Express enroute from Balochistan's capital Quetta to Peshawar in the north, when militants opened 'intense gunfire' as the train traveled through a tunnel early in its journey, according to officials. Pakistan's military then launched an operation to confront the attackers who used 'women and children as shields,' according to security sources not authorized to speak to CNN. One rescued woman described scenes of chaos following the attack, likening it to the 'Day of Judgement.' She told CNN she fled gunfire and walked for two hours to reach safety. Passenger Mohammad Ashraf told CNN he saw more than 100 armed individuals on the train and that no harm was inflicted on women and children. The security sources accused the militants of being in contact with handlers in Afghanistan. Pakistan's military and government have long accused Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to militant groups, something its Taliban leaders have denied. Tuesday's kidnapping is an audacious moment for a separatist insurgency that seeks greater political autonomy and economic development in the strategically important and mineral-rich mountainous region. But it also highlights the ever-deteriorating security situation there – one that Pakistan's government has been grappling with for decades. Balochistan's population – made up mostly of the ethnic Baloch group – is deeply disenfranchised, impoverished, and has been growing increasingly alienated from the federal government by decades of policies widely seen as discriminatory. An insurgency there has been ongoing for decades but has gained traction in recent years since the province's deep-water Gwadar port was leased to China, the jewel in the crown of Beijing's 'Belt and Road' infrastructure push in Pakistan. The port, often touted as 'the next Dubai,' has become a security nightmare with persistent bombings of vehicles carrying Chinese workers, resulting in many deaths. Some analysts said Tuesday's attack marked an escalation in the sophistication of attacks by the insurgents. The 'larger point that the Pakistani state is not grasping ... is that it's not business as usual anymore,' said Abdul Basit, a Senior Associate Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. 'The insurgency has evolved both in its strategy and scale,' he added, saying Pakistan's approach to tackle the Baloch militants' 'seem to have run its course.' 'Instead of revising its counterproductive policies, it is persisting with them, resulting in recurrent security and intelligence failures,' Basit said. The BLA has been responsible for the deadliest attacks in Pakistan in the past year. A suicide bombing by the BLA at a train station in Quetta killed more than two dozen people last November. The previous month, it claimed responsibility for an attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers, resulting in two deaths. In the wake of Tuesday's attack, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to 'continue to fight against the monster of terrorism until it is completely eradicated from the country.' In a statement, he said the 'terrorists' targeting of innocent passengers during the peaceful and blessed month of Ramadan is a clear reflection that these terrorists have no connection with the religion of Islam, Pakistan and Balochistan.' Analysts say such attacks need urgent attention from the federal government. '(Tuesday's attack) has gained global attention and it will worry China, which has its investments in the province – more than any other state,' said Basit. 'A major reset of existing security paradigm is required in Balochistan.' — CNN
Roya News
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
Hostage crisis ends in violence as 27 killed in Pakistan train hijacking
Pakistan's military successfully rescued nearly 350 hostages held by militants who had hijacked the Jaffer Express train in Balochistan. The standoff, which unfolded over two days, resulted in the tragic deaths of 27 hostages and one soldier, while the military claimed to have eliminated at least 35 militants involved in the incident. The attack, carried out by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group seeking greater autonomy for Balochistan, began on Tuesday when militants opened fire on the train, which was transporting around 450 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar. The assault occurred as the train passed through a tunnel, catching passengers off guard. A rescued woman described the chaotic scene as akin to a "Day of Judgement." She recounted fleeing the gunfire and walking for two hours to safety. Another passenger, Mohammad Ashraf, reported witnessing over 100 armed individuals on the train, although he noted that no harm came to women and children. Security sources indicated that the militants had been communicating with handlers based in Afghanistan, an assertion that aligns with longstanding accusations by Pakistan's military and government regarding Afghanistan's role in providing refuge to militant groups. Afghan Taliban leaders have consistently denied these allegations. This incident underscores the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, a region rich in minerals and of strategic importance to Pakistan. The local population, primarily composed of the ethnic Baloch group, has faced disenfranchisement and economic hardship, leading to increasing alienation from the central government. The insurgency, which has persisted for decades, has gained momentum in recent years, particularly following the leasing of the Gwadar port to China—a key project in China's Belt and Road Initiative. The BLA has been linked to some of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan, including a suicide bombing at a Quetta train station that killed more than two dozen people last November and an attack on Chinese engineers that resulted in two fatalities the previous month. In response to the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's commitment to combat terrorism, stating that the targeting of innocent civilians during Ramadan reflects the terrorists' disconnect from Islam and the values of Pakistan and Balochistan. Analysts have warned that such attacks necessitate urgent attention from the federal government. Abdul Basit, a Senior Associate Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, highlighted the evolving nature of the insurgency and the need for a reassessment of security strategies in Balochistan. He emphasized that the ongoing policies appear to have reached their limits, leading to repeated security failures.
