Latest news with #Pakistan-OccupiedKashmir
News18
21 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
PM Modi Likely To Inaugurate Kashmir Rail Link In June, Flag Off Vande Bharat From Katra
Last Updated: The Prime Minister will flag off the Vande Bharat train services from Katra town in the Jammu division to Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley in the coming days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the first-ever rail link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country by the end of the first week of June. The railway authorities are making the final preparations for this significant event. The Prime Minister will flag off the Vande Bharat train services from Katra town in the Jammu division to Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley in the coming days. Initially scheduled for April 19, the inauguration was postponed due to unfavourable weather conditions. The event was further delayed following a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 people. In response, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 6 and 7, targeting terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan attempting drone attacks in India, which were successfully thwarted by Indian forces. On May 10, Indian forces carried out strikes on 11 airbases in Pakistan, causing significant damage. Following these events, the Pakistan Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to his Indian counterpart, leading to a ceasefire agreement between the two countries. Katra-Srinagar Rail Link A Railways ministry official had told News18 in April that the journey between Katra and Srinagar takes about six to seven hours by road, while a flight takes less than one hour. 'Katra is well connected with almost all parts of the country. There are direct trains from various cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kanyakumari. The new Vande Bharat between Katra and Srinagar will offer more comfortable journeys. Those planning to go to Kashmir can first reach Katra and then take the new Vande Bharat for the journey ahead," the official said. The completion of the Udhampur Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL) has enabled train movement between Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, trains operate between Srinagar and Sangaldan railway stations. With the completion of the section between Sangaldan and Katra, trains will now operate between these areas as well. The Prime Minister will inaugurate this section on Saturday. Trials have been conducted on this section for the past several weeks. The USBRL project was planned and announced in 1994-95. While the part in the Kashmir Valley—Qazigund to Baramulla—became operational by 2009, connectivity to the railway network beyond the Valley remained unfulfilled. With the completion of the Anji Khand Bridge and the Chenab Bridge, the Valley is now connected to the rest of the country by rail. Additional security measures are being planned at the Katra station compared to other stations. Talks are ongoing for proper security checks and thorough frisking of passengers for trains going to Kashmir, considering the area's sensitivity. Features Of The Specially Designed Vande Bharat In January, News18 had reported on the unique features of the train, which include heating elements in windshields, silicon heating pads in water and bio-toilet tanks, heated plumbing pipelines, and heaters in Indian toilets. These upgrades will allow the chair car trains to operate throughout the year, even in the harsh Kashmir winters. The eight-coach train has two classes—one Executive Class coach and seven AC Chair Car coaches. The special modifications to the Vande Bharat train were made due to the region's special weather conditions, where temperatures can drop below zero. 'Changes have been made in the Vande Bharat train as Srinagar and other parts of the Valley witness temperatures in the minus. This special train will allow train connectivity to the region even in the harshest weather," the official said. In summary, the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train service between Katra and the Kashmir Valley marks a significant milestone, providing a vital rail link and enhanced connectivity for the region.
Mint
2 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Prashant Kishor slams Modi govt's ‘ceasefire' with Pakistan: 'Can't achieve anything by distributing sindoor boxes'
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government's decision to agree to a cessation of hostilities with Pakistan after four days of military action post Operation Sindoor last month. The political consultant-turned-politician suggested by halting action India may have been a missed opportunity for the Indian Army to push its advantage further. Kishor said, going by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's statement, Pakistan wanted the the cessation, indicating that neighboring country was under pressure and fearful of defeat. "I'm thinking, if Pakistan wanted a ceasefire, as our Foreign Minister is saying, that means our army was doing a good job, we were defeating Pakistan. It must have been out of fear that Pakistan wanted a ceasefire. So if Pakistan wanted a ceasefire, why did we agree to it? The Army should have let it go on for two more days," Kishor said during a press conference in East Champaran on Saturday. Kishor priased Jaishankar calling him 'very educated and sensible.' "Regarding the issue of the ceasefire, our country's EAM Jaishankar is a very educated and sensible person. I have great respect for him. I read his statement where he said the ceasefire was done at Pakistan's initiative," he added. India carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, on 7 May in response to the22 April Pahalgam terror attackthat killed 26 people, mostly tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attackIndian military baseson 8, 9 and 10 May. The Pakistani attempts were strongly responded to by the Indian side by inflicting heavy damages to a number of key Pakistani military installations including air bases, air defence systems, command and control centres and radar sites. The two nations, however, agreed on an understanding to halt military action on 10 May. Kishor said the situation on the ground suggested that India's military was in control. "That's exactly what our army personnel are saying, what the citizens of this country are saying, that during the fight, we had them on the back foot, sirens were going off, people were hiding, Pakistan was on the defensive, begging for a ceasefire." Kishor was referring to External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar's comments in which he had said that it was the militaries of the two nations that negotiated directly and resolved the conflict through agreement and understanding for a cessation of fire and military action. 'Then why did you halt the action? It should have continued for a few more days. And if you did go for a ceasefire, why mislead the public? It's clear that what he's saying is wrong… You can't achieve anything by simply distributing boxes of sindoor (vermillion),' he said Kishor also challenged claims made by foreign leaders about who led peace efforts. "Although, Trump said something else, that he did it and that he deserve da Nobel Peace Prize, from brekenring peace. But why should we believe what Trump said? We will believe our own Foreign Minister," Kishor said On May 23, days after United States President Donald trump claimed that he played a role in settling the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated that it was the militaries of the two nations that negotiated directly. You can't achieve anything by simply distributing boxes of sindoor. Kishor's statement comes ahead of the Bihar Assembly election to be held in October-November this year wherein the NDA, which consists of the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, will be once again looking forward to returning to power. In contrast, the INDIA Bloc will be giving competition to the incumbent Nitish Kumar government. Kishor's party Jan Suraaj is contesting first Bihar assembly election this year.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Operation Shield: From J&K to Gujarat, air raid to drone attack simulations, mock rescue ops held weeks after India-Pak ‘ceasefire'
More than two weeks after New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to cessation of hostilities, four Indian states and two Union Territories neighbouring Pakistan held simulation exercises to prepare for air raids, drone attacks and other wartime scenarios on Saturday. Emergency response teams practised rescue operations as part of civil defence mock drills under Operation Shield in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Chandigarh. During the days following Operation Sindoor, under which India attacked 11 terror sites inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, heavy cross-border shelling and drone attacks were observed in border states. The emergency preparedness drill, initially scheduled for May 29, was postponed due to administrative reasons. A government press release reiterated the importance of the exercise, especially to close critical gaps identified during the previous nationwide drill conducted on May 7. A range of hostile situations were simulated on Saturday to evaluate the preparedness of civil and emergency response systems. These included air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and coordinated emergency response actions. The drills aimed to replicate real-life scenarios that could result from potential external threats, especially in areas located near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh: A large number of civil defence volunteers participated in mock drills held in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Blackout rehearsals were carried out with electricity supply shut off in many places. Volunteers also acted out scenarios where injured people would be required to be transported via stretchers to ambulances. The mock drills, which included exercises to extinguish fires, saw coordinated participation from multiple agencies, including the fire and emergency services, police, health department and disaster management authorities. Trained volunteers from the Civil Defence, National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) also participated in the exercise. A key highlight of Operation Shield was the massive participation of around 10,000 Civil Defence volunteers, who worked in close coordination with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Home Guards and National Service Scheme (NSS). Jammu & Kashmir: As part of the mock drill conducted across Kashmir valley, a blackout was observed from 8 pm to 8:15 pm as lights of government buildings, houses and business establishments were turned off. In Srinagar, lights were turned off in the Lal Chowk City centre, including the historic Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), officials said. Business activities, vehicular movement and routine operations were paused for the 15-minute duration, they added. Experts and personnel from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Health Department, Fire and Emergency Services, along with a large number of students and locals participated in the exercises. Gujarat: Mock drills were held and blackouts were enforced in 18 districts of Gujarat, including Rajkot, Kutch, Patan, Morbi, Banaskantha, Chhota Udaipur and Nadiad. 'In Ahmedabad, a civil defence mock drill was organised at Sadar Bazar Cantonment in Shahibaug. Under these drills, programmes like volunteer mobilisation, air raid simulations, communication system activation, blackout protocol, blood donation camp and evacuation procedures were held,' an official release said. Rajasthan: A mock drill, simulating an air attack from hostile actors, took place in a school in Khatipura near Jaipur, where emergency response teams practised rescue operations. Civil Defence and SDRFs activated emergency response protocols, shifting volunteers enacting as injured to nearby hospitals. During the drill in Jaipur, people were simulated as being trapped on rooftops following the airstrike. Rescue teams used cranes to evacuate them safely.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
India will never give in to nuclear blackmail, says EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday asserted that India will never give in to nuclear blackmail, and those who "sponsor, nurture and utilize" terrorism should be made to pay a heavy price. Speaking at a convocation ceremony of foreign students of Parul University, a private varsity here, he also commented that it has become a "fashion in some quarters to openly become transactional" in international relations. "In Pahalgam (terror attack) what we saw was an attempt to devastate the tourism economy of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as well as an evil design to bring (about) religious discord," the minister said. "The barbarity of the killings required an exemplary response which was delivered by destroying terrorist command centers, especially in Bahawalpur and Muridke. It is imperative that those who sponsor, nurture and utilize terrorism for their ends are made to pay a high cost," he added. Times have changed, and epicentres of terrorism are no longer "immune" (to retaliation), Jaishankar said, adding that India's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism was manifest through its actions. "We will never give in to nuclear blackmail and whatever decisions are to be taken in India's national interest are taken and will continue to be taken," the external affairs minister asserted. As India responded to the Pahalgam terror attack, it was "heartening to witness the understanding from other nations of our right to defend ourselves against terrorism," he said. Jaishankar's comments came in the wake of Operation Sindoor conducted by Indian armed forces against terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 tourists were killed. Commenting on the difference between the diplomacy practised by India and that by some other countries, Jaishankar referred to "transactional" policies of some nations. "In the international community of almost 200 nations, we do have national interest and naturally seek to advance them, but this is ought to be done with mutual understanding and mutual benefit as guiding principles. It has become a fashion in some quarters to be openly transactional when it comes to dealing with other nations. Bear in mind that some are actually practicing it in reality while preaching the opposite," he said. In some societies, sentiments and values count a lot and "India belongs to that category," the minister said. "We have kept in mind our larger obligation to the world and international community. Our resources may be limited but India has a large heart," he added. There should be mutual respect for culture, tradition and heritage among partners, Jaishankar said. "While the colonial era may be behind us, new forms of domination have emerged, misusing the opening provided by globalization, they profess to judge us all and pronounce on our credentials. One example is ill-conceived interference in the politics of nations of the global south," he said. India is a "rare civilisational state" which is today reclaiming its rightful place in the comity of nations, Jaishankar said.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Fashion For Some To...": S Jaishankar On 'Transactional' Policies Of Nations
Vadodara: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday asserted that India will never give in to nuclear blackmail, and those who "sponsor, nurture and utilize" terrorism should be made to pay a heavy price. Speaking at a convocation ceremony of foreign students of Parul University, a private varsity here, he also commented that it has become a "fashion in some quarters to openly become transactional" in international relations. "In Pahalgam (terror attack) what we saw was an attempt to devastate the tourism economy of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as well as an evil design to bring (about) religious discord," the minister said. "The barbarity of the killings required an exemplary response which was delivered by destroying terrorist command centers, especially in Bahawalpur and Muridke. It is imperative that those who sponsor, nurture and utilize terrorism for their ends are made to pay a high cost," he added. Times have changed, and epicentres of terrorism are no longer "immune" (to retaliation), Jaishankar said, adding that India's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism was manifest through its actions. "We will never give in to nuclear blackmail and whatever decisions are to be taken in India's national interest are taken and will continue to be taken," the external affairs minister asserted. As India responded to the Pahalgam terror attack, it was "heartening to witness the understanding from other nations of our right to defend ourselves against terrorism," he said. Jaishankar's comments came in the wake of Operation Sindoor conducted by Indian armed forces against terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 tourists were killed. Commenting on the difference between the diplomacy practised by India and that by some other countries, Jaishankar referred to "transactional" policies of some nations. "In the international community of almost 200 nations, we do have national interest and naturally seek to advance them, but this is ought to be done with mutual understanding and mutual benefit as guiding principles. It has become a fashion in some quarters to be openly transactional when it comes to dealing with other nations. Bear in mind that some are actually practicing it in reality while preaching the opposite," he said. In some societies, sentiments and values count a lot and "India belongs to that category," the minister said. "We have kept in mind our larger obligation to the world and international community. Our resources may be limited but India has a large heart," he added. There should be mutual respect for culture, tradition and heritage among partners, Jaishankar said. "While the colonial era may be behind us, new forms of domination have emerged, misusing the opening provided by globalization, they profess to judge us all and pronounce on our credentials. One example is ill-conceived interference in the politics of nations of the global south," he said. India is a "rare civilisational state" which is today reclaiming its rightful place in the comity of nations, Jaishankar said.
