Latest news with #ParaSpecialForces
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Operation Akhal Enters Day 4, Becomes Longest Counter-Terror Mission Of 2025
Operation Akhal, the most significant anti-terror operations in Operation Akhal was noted as one of the longest and most intense anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir in 2025, continuing with relentless gunfire and intermittent explosions. The sustained engagement over four days, security forces on Monday, involved advanced military assets like Rudra attack helicopters, drones, thermal imaging, and elite Para Special Forces, making the operation more intense. On Day 4 saw continued use of high-tech surveillance and combat tools, which were critical in navigating the dense Akhal forest and bombing the forest through a hexacopter. The deployment of thermal imaging and drones was to track terrorists' movement in challenging terrain. It's said that three terrorists have been killed till now, but only one is identified and confirmed by officials. The identified terrorist is Haris Nazir Dar, a Category-C militant from Rajpura, Pulwama, affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), active since 2023. His body was also retrieved. The other two terrorists' identities remain unconfirmed, and their bodies have also not been found; hence, officials have not confirmed their deaths yet. Reports suggest they may be linked to the LeT terror outfit responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Four soldiers have been injured during the intense firefights, with no fatalities reported among the forces. The injured soldiers who are said to be in stable condition are admitted to the army hospital. The operation remains active, with intermittent and intense gunfire continuing through the night. Security forces have tightened the cordon to prevent any terrorists from escaping. The dense forest terrain and natural caves have made body retrieval and locating active terrorists challenging. Security forces believe 2-3 terrorists are hiding in the forest area. The operation began on August 1, 2025, following specific intelligence about the terrorist presence in the dense Akhal forest. It involves a joint team of the Indian Army elite force PARA Commandos Jammu and Kashmir Police, and SOG Commandos, the Army's RR, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Operation Akhal follows other major operations like Operation Mahadev, where three LeT terrorists linked to the Pahalgam attack were killed, and Operation Shiv Shakti, where two infiltrators were killed. The Akhal operation is part of a broader intensification of counter-terror efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, with around 20 high-profile terrorists eliminated since the Pahalgam attack. Operation Akhal is described as potentially the largest anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir this year due to its scale, duration, and the use of advanced military resources. It reflects the security forces' aggressive stance against terrorism. The operation is continuing and for the night will be halted and will resume with the first light of the day.
India.com
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This man is the real inspiration behind Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar, not NSA Ajit Doval, A. S. Dulat, Kulbhushan Jadhav, he was...
The first look of Ranveer Singh's highly anticipated film Dhurandhar is finally released. The makers of the movie dropped a few-minute video clip that shows the characters who have been roped in for the film. Ranveer Singh's massy performance in the first look has already wooed the audience. With the first look going viral, fans are speculating that the film is inspired by the life of India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, renowned for his covert operations and strategic planning behind the 2016 surgical strikes. However, the makers have stayed silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying these speculations. Who Is Dhurandhar Really Based On? Although the makers have remained tight-lipped about the man behind the film, internet theories and several reports indicate that the movie might be based on a heroic figure — Major Mohit Sharma. Who Was Major Mohit Sharma? Major Mohit Sharma was a Para Special Forces officer who is among the most celebrated personalities when it comes to heroic figures. Mohit Sharma undertook covert operations deep inside enemy territory. Posing as a local, he infiltrated terror networks in Pakistan under the alias 'Iqbal,' earning the trust of militants — an achievement that few Indian operatives have ever matched. About Dhurandhar Dhurandhar's first look features R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Sanjay Dutt in key roles. The movie is directed by Aditya Dhar and is set for a global theatrical release on December 5, 2025.
India.com
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet The Man Ranveer Singh's ‘Dhurandhar' Might Be Based On — No, It's Not NSA Ajit Doval
photoDetails english 2928028 Ever since the first look of Dhurandhar dropped, speculation has been swirling about the inspiration behind Ranveer Singh's explosive new role. Updated:Jul 07, 2025, 05:42 PM IST Internet Conspiracy Theories Suggest a Different Hero Behind the Film 1 / 8 Ever since the first look of Dhurandhar dropped, speculation has been swirling about the inspiration behind Ranveer Singh's explosive new role. Many fans believe the film is based on the life of India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, known for his covert operations and the planning behind the 2016 surgical strikes. However, the makers have remained tight-lipped, offering no confirmation either way. Dhurandhar's Explosive Look Fuels Fan Frenzy 2 / 8 Ranveer's intense transformation and commanding screen presence in the teaser have set the internet abuzz. While some believe the film is directly based on NSA Doval, others suggest it draws inspiration from a group of unnamed Indian intelligence officers who worked closely with Doval during early cross-border missions. So, Who Is Dhurandhar Really Based On? 3 / 8 Although the filmmakers have confirmed that Dhurandhar is based on true events, they've not revealed the identity of the real-life inspiration behind the story. However, internet theories and several reports now point toward a lesser-known but equally heroic figure: Major Mohit Sharma. Who Was Major Mohit Sharma? 4 / 8 Major Mohit Sharma was a Para Special Forces officer who undertook covert operations deep inside enemy territory. Disguised as a local, he infiltrated terror networks in Pakistan under the alias 'Iqbal' and gained the trust of militants — a feat few Indian operatives have accomplished. Ashok Chakra Honor 5 / 8 He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award after he passed away in 2009 in Kashmir. If the speculation is accurate, Dhurandhar may be telling the story of one of India's most daring military legends. Who's Playing Ajit Doval? 6 / 8 From the trailer and early glimpses, it appears that R Madhavan is portraying Ajit Doval. Some fans believe Ranveer Singh could be playing a younger version of Doval, though this is yet to be confirmed. Netizens' Take 7 / 8 Netizens say the film reportedly spans several decades, from the 1970s and 1980s up to the present, potentially covering the early days of Indian espionage missions in Pakistan carried out by Doval and his team of elite operatives. Final Word: All Speculation- For Now 8 / 8 It's important to note that none of these reports are officially confirmed. The identities of the characters and their real-life counterparts remain part of the film's tightly guarded mystery. For now, Dhurandhar continues to fuel curiosity, conspiracy theories.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Lt Gen. (retd.) D.S. Hooda on the Pahalgam Attack: Strategic Failures, Pakistan's Role, and India's Response Options
Published : May 03, 2025 17:48 IST - 8 MINS READ In September 2016, the Indian Army carried out a surgical strike across the Line of Control (LoC) targeting terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in response to the deadly Uri attack. This high-risk counterterrorism operation, executed by the elite Para Special Forces, was overseen by Lt Gen. (retd.) D.S. Hooda, then General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command. Over a distinguished four-decade-long career in the Indian Army, Lt. Gen. Hooda has tackled critical security challenges along India's borders with both Pakistan and China. In an interview with Frontline,Lt Gen. Hooda, currently Senior Fellow at the Delhi Policy Group and co-founder of the Council for Strategic and Defense Research, spoke about the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. Excerpts: The Pahalgam attack has been attributed to a significant intelligence failure. What specific measures could have been taken to prevent such a security lapse? After every high-profile attack, there is talk of intelligence failure and security lapses. I don't think there is any lack of effort on the part of the security forces. The terrorists are also always probing for some vulnerabilities and weak spots. In this case, a more aggressive area domination of tourist spots could perhaps have prevented this attack. But then hindsight makes every flaw obvious. Also Read | Dark tunnel, elusive light: India-Pakistan diplomacy locked in a strategic stasis In the past, you have stated that both ground operations and aerial strikes remain viable options for retaliation. Given India's enhanced capabilities since the 2016 surgical strikes you led, what form do you think a military response to the Pahalgam attack might take? The form will be decided by the political leadership in consultation with the military. I would only state that the use of military force is not off the table. In this, both ground and air forces could be employed in a manner that fulfills the objectives that have been planned to be achieved. The Pahalgam attack has intensified calls to revisit India's counterterrorism policy in Jammu and Kashmir. What key changes or innovations in policy and tactics could strengthen India's ability to pre-empt and respond to such attacks? India's counterterrorism strategy has stood the test of time. We have seen a steady decline in violence in Jammu and Kashmir in the last few years. However, refinements must constantly be made. One urgent need is to have a much more technology-enabled border fence that could help cut down infiltration from Pakistan. I also think there is a need for greater outreach towards the local population, whose support is needed if terrorism is to be eradicated. The government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and taken diplomatic measures post the Pahalgam attack. How effective are these non-military actions in addressing Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism? Deterring Pakistan from using terrorism as an instrument of state policy requires a comprehensive approach that includes both military and non-military actions. Holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance is a powerful message that has far-reaching consequences for Pakistan's water security. That is why you have seen panicky reactions from Pakistani leaders. 'An urgent need is to have a much more technology-enabled border fence that could help cut down infiltration from Pakistan.' Given Pakistan's recent suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement in response to India's actions, what are the potential consequences for India-Pakistan relations, particularly regarding the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir? This is a typical knee-jerk reaction with little thought to the consequences. The LoC was created and mutually drawn on maps after the 1971 war. The Simla Agreement states that neither side shall seek to alter the LoC unilaterally. If the agreement is void, there would be no respect for the LoC, and tensions would vastly increase as both sides are free to secure territory across the LoC. Do you see any link between the Pahalgam attack and Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir's public speech about the 'two-nation theory', where he stated that Muslims and Hindus are two different nations and Kashmir is Pakistan's 'jugular vein'? The Pahalgam attack targeted civilians, particularly Hindu tourists, seemingly to inflame communal tensions within India. There is a definite link between the Pahalgam attack and General Munir's rant. The terrorists have used the playbook described by General Munir in which he sought to distinguish the identity of the two countries on the basis of religion. The terrorists also specifically singled out Hindu tourists before brutally killing them. Despite Pakistani denials that they have no role in the Pahalgam attack, it is evident that this is a deliberate provocation engineered by Pakistan's military leadership. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned of a potential 'all-out war' following the attack while also admitting, in a recent interview with Sky News, to past support for terrorism. Asif has admitted Pakistan's history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organisations as 'dirty work' for the West, a mistake for which he said Pakistan had suffered. The use of terror groups has been the main element of their strategy in contesting stronger neighbours. Despite suffering enormously from the 'snakes in their backyard', as Hillary Clinton famously said, Pakistan has not abandoned its support to terrorist organisations. The military, having nurtured these groups, is also not in a position to abandon them, as it would face a radical backlash as witnessed after the Lal Masjid siege of 2007. Maybe the 'dirty work' was done for the West, but Pakistan was a very willing partner and also did its own dirty work. Given Pakistan Minister Hanif Abbasi's nuclear threat post Pahalgam, how should India strategically respond to ensure deterrence, manage escalation risks, and maintain regional stability? Pakistan regularly flashes the nuclear card to throw up the spectre of a nuclear holocaust in South Asia if India uses military force against it. This narrative is now sounding like a broken record and has run its course. I do not think it will deter India from employing the military option, just as it did in 2016 and 2019. 'The open protests by the people in Kashmir rejecting terrorism is a very good sign. The government should use this opportunity to find ways to reinforce this sentiment.' The attack has reignited debates about the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A) and its impact on Kashmir's security. Do you believe the changed political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has influenced the nature or frequency of such attacks? We should be careful about linking the larger issue of Article 370 with this attack. It is, in fact, the improving security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir in the last few years that has prompted this massacre. The terrorists and their handlers in Pakistan wish to instil fear and create a perception of insecurity in the general public. That is their sole aim, and it has little to do with the political landscape. This is possibly the first time that people in Kashmir have openly protested against a terrorist attack. But the attack has also raised concerns about the radicalisation of local youth and their potential involvement in such operations. From your perspective, what long-term strategies should be adopted to counter radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir? The open protests by the people in Kashmir rejecting terrorism is a very good sign. The government should use this opportunity to find ways to reinforce this sentiment and diminish local support for terrorists. On the issue of radicalisation, we need a comprehensive approach focussing on madrasa education, community involvement, the assistance of Muslim clerics, identification of potential threats, and enhancing resilience against radicalisation through a compelling counter-narrative. The government has responded swiftly. The Indus Waters Treaty has been held in abeyance 'until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism'. This has already created panic in Pakistan. Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi's speech in Bihar is a clear indication that India will take strong steps against Pakistan, and we could see further action in the coming days. Also Read | Pahalgam massacre and the mirage of control How can India leverage international support to pressure Pakistan to address cross-border terrorism more effectively? Among other steps, India will definitely attempt to put international pressure on Pakistan. We can use institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Action Task Force to pressure Pakistan. With a fragile economy, Pakistan is vulnerable to actions by these institutions. However, we should not expect that international pressure alone will be sufficient for Pakistan Army generals to have a change of heart. What long-term strategy should India adopt to establish what experts call a 'ruthless and fearsome deterrence' against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism while avoiding a full-scale war? We need a comprehensive, long-term strategy for deterring Pakistan from using terrorism against India. Some argue that the Pakistan Army has such deep-rooted hostility against India that deterrence is not possible. However, India today has immense comprehensive national power as compared to Pakistan. A consistent approach applying all instruments—military, diplomatic, and economic—can yield results if applied as a part of a well-thought-out strategy.
