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India Gazette
7 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Country comes first, party later: Supriya Sule presents unified Indian stance from all-party delegation in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa [Ethiopia], June 1 (ANI): All-party delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule on Sunday presented a cohesive message to the international community, showcasing India's collective commitment to addressing terrorism and security concerns. By involving members from different parties, the delegation highlighted national consensus on key issues, strengthening India's position globally. Underlining the delegation's united front, Supriya Sule said, 'For us, the country comes first, state second, party third and then our family. We come here as a team of all parties. For me, ours is a heavyweight delegation, as most have served as ministers in important departments...' BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticised Pakistan for allegedly glorifying terrorists. He said, '... Pakistan Army officials, Police personnel and leaders attended the funerals of slain terrorists and the bodies of those terrorists were wrapped in the Pakistani flag; no country does so but Pakistan did... Their minister accepted on camera that Pakistan has been doing this dirty work for decades...' Notably, Hafiz Abdul Rauf, a US-designated global terrorist and high-level Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, led funeral prayers for those who died in the Indian missile strikes. Rauf has been implicated in facilitating LeT's operations, which include high-profile attacks such as the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that killed 166 people. The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Rauf as a global terrorist in 2010 under Executive Order 13224 for his role in LeT's financial and logistical networks. AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sawhney echoed the call for peace and condemned the attempt to link terrorism with religion. '...We have come to give a message of peace... Terrorism has no religion, but the neighbouring country (Pakistan) is trying to give it a mask of religion. We will never let them succeed...' Congress MP Anand Sharma also addressed the Indian community in Addis Ababa and spoke about India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He said the country gave a 'befitting reply' under Operation Sindoor and emphasised India's long-standing belief in non-violence. 'It is an ancient culture of centuries that we do not attack any country, but we gave the attackers a befitting reply. Our army fought back strongly this time too; they targeted only the terrorist organisations,' Sharma said. Congress MP Manish Tiwari warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues supporting terrorism. 'If they do not stop promoting terrorism, then India's response will be very aggressive,' he said. Earlier, the delegation met Tagesse Chaffo, Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives of Ethiopia, and members of the House. They also delivered remarks on Operation Sindoor and India's united stance against terrorism. The Supriya Sule-led delegation includes Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP), Vikramjit Singh Sahney (AAP), Manish Tewari (Congress), Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), Anand Sharma (Congress), V Muraleedharan (BJP), and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin. Seven such all-party delegations are currently participating in outreach programmes in different countries. The delegations aim to brief international partners on India's strong response to the April 22 terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Country comes first, party later: Supriya Sule presents unified Indian stance from all-party delegation in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa [Ethiopia], June 1 (ANI): All-party delegation led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule on Sunday presented a cohesive message to the international community, showcasing India's collective commitment to addressing terrorism and security concerns. By involving members from different parties, the delegation highlighted national consensus on key issues, strengthening India's position globally. Underlining the delegation's united front, Supriya Sule said, "For us, the country comes first, state second, party third and then our family. We come here as a team of all parties. For me, ours is a heavyweight delegation, as most have served as ministers in important departments..." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Photos Captured the Exact Wrong Moment Read More Undo BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticised Pakistan for allegedly glorifying terrorists. He said, "... Pakistan Army officials, Police personnel and leaders attended the funerals of slain terrorists and the bodies of those terrorists were wrapped in the Pakistflag; no country does so but Pakistan did... Their minister accepted on camera that Pakistan has been doing this dirty work for decades..." Notably, Hafiz Abdul Rauf, a US-designated global terrorist and high-level Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, led funeral prayers for those who died in the Indian missile strikes. Rauf has been implicated in facilitating LeT's operations, which include high-profile attacks such as the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that killed 166 people. The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Rauf as a global terrorist in 2010 under Executive Order 13224 for his role in LeT's financial and logistical networks. Live Events AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sawhney echoed the call for peace and condemned the attempt to link terrorism with religion. "...We have come to give a message of peace... Terrorism has no religion, but the neighbouring country (Pakistan) is trying to give it a mask of religion. We will never let them succeed..." Congress MP Anand Sharma also addressed the Indian community in Addis Ababa and spoke about India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He said the country gave a "befitting reply" under Operation Sindoor and emphasised India's long-standing belief in non-violence. "It is an ancient culture of centuries that we do not attack any country, but we gave the attackers a befitting reply. Our army fought back strongly this time too; they targeted only the terrorist organisations," Sharma said. Congress MP Manish Tiwari warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues supporting terrorism. "If they do not stop promoting terrorism, then India's response will be very aggressive," he said. Earlier, the delegation met Tagesse Chaffo, Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives of Ethiopia, and members of the House. They also delivered remarks on Operation Sindoor and India's united stance against terrorism. The Supriya Sule-led delegation includes Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP), Vikramjit Singh Sahney (AAP), Manish Tewari (Congress), Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), Anand Sharma (Congress), V Muraleedharan (BJP), and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin. Seven such all-party delegations are currently participating in outreach programmes in different countries. The delegations aim to brief international partners on India's strong response to the April 22 terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism .
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Indian officials discover 'visual evidence' of a terrorist network in Pakistan
India is reportedly preparing to submit new evidence to the United Nations Security Council and the Financial Action Task Force, showing terrorist activities Pakistan in terror attacks. A recent Indian military operation in Pakistan has uncovered what Indian officials call undeniable evidence of a terrorist network operating openly in the town of Muridke, Punjab province. The strike, which targeted suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) facilities, is now making global headlines after new footage and eyewitness reports surfaced, revealing the extent of Pakistan's alleged ties to terror groups. The Indian government says its operation was a preemptive counter-terror strike, aimed at neutralising an LeT hub. This contradicts Pakistan's official claim that the site was a civilian area. One of the most telling moments came shortly after the strikes, when video footage from a funeral for a slain LeT operative showed Hafiz Abdul Rauf, a senior LeT figure and brother-in-law of the internationally sanctioned Hafiz Saeed, attending the event. In the video, Rauf stands beside the operative's grieving father, who gave an impassioned speech, followed by chants of 'Al Jihad, Al Jihad' from the crowd. The footage, now widely shared among intelligence circles, has become a major source of embarrassment for Pakistan. Just days earlier, its military spokesperson dismissed Rauf as nothing more than a 'local cleric.'Indian officials say this proves beyond doubt that the compound hit by their forces was not civilian but rather a key operational base for LeT, an organisation banned by the United Nations and linked to numerous terrorist attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Muridke has long been flagged by global intelligence agencies as a hotspot for jihadist activity. While Pakistan has consistently denied any links to such groups, claiming they have been shut down, the recent events suggest otherwise. 'This is not just speculation,' said an Indian defence official. 'We have real-time, visual evidence of known terrorists operating with impunity. This shows Pakistan is not just ignoring terrorism — it's enabling it.' Several security analysts agree, saying that the footage from Muridke shows just how embedded terror networks remain in Pakistan. 'The funeral looked more like a public rally celebrating a martyr than mourning a civilian death,' noted one analyst. Following these revelations, India is reportedly preparing to submit new evidence to the United Nations Security Council and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Both organisations have previously warned Pakistan about its failure to take meaningful action against terror groups within its borders. While India's foreign ministry has not yet made a formal announcement, insiders say a detailed briefing for strategic allies is in the works. Meanwhile, security along India's borders has been ramped up amid concerns of retaliation by Pakistan-based groups. This news comes at a difficult time for Pakistan, which is already under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to implement financial reforms. The country is also dealing with internal unrest and has recently faced criticism over its handling of drone attacks and domestic security lapses. If international scrutiny intensifies, Islamabad could face renewed diplomatic isolation and economic consequences, especially if it's found to be in violation of anti-terrorism commitments made to global institutions. As of 19 May 2025, tensions in the region remain high. Indian officials say they have 'concrete proof' that LeT continues to operate from Pakistani soil with the support of local leadership — claims that, if verified globally, could have major consequences.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Hafiz Abdur Rauf? Man leading funeral of terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor
Hafiz Abdur Rauf NEW DELHI: Hafiz Abdur Rauf , who led the funeral of terrorists killed in the May 7 " Operation Sindoor ," has been called out as a "common man." As soon as the pictures of him being present at the funerals went out, the Pakistani army called him a "common man." Pakistan's top official, DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, during a press conference, shared Rauf's details, including his national ID number, birth date, and family information. "This man is Hafiz Abdur Rauf, who is actually leading the prayers. He has three daughters, son and he was born in March 1973. You can see his family details and everything," Chaudhry had said in a presentation during a press conference on Sunday in which he had shown Rauf's details. Chaudhary also claimed that Abdul Rauf was a preacher and a member of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) party. Press Information Bureau's fact-check unit exposed Pakistan's another lie and said that the identity details shared by DG ISPR completely overlap with the details of Hafiz Abdur Rauf, a member of LeT's senior leadership since at least 1999 and part of the US sanctions list . Who is Hafiz Abdur Rauf? Hafiz Abdul Rauf is a 'specially designated global terrorist ' (SDGT) by the US department of treasury and is also on the SDN (Specially Designated Nationals) list of the US government. According to the US treasury department, Hafiz Abdul Rauf, a member of LeT's senior leadership since 1999, is the chief of Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation , operating LeT's relief activities in disguise. Earlier, India had pointed out Pakistan's connection to terrorism, citing a viral image of Rauf leading funeral prayers for LeT militants killed during Operation Sindoor, attended by senior Pakistani officials, with a wreath from Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan's Punjab's chief minister and prime minister Shehbaz Sharif's niece.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan calls US-designated terrorist Hafiz Abdur Rauf, who led funeral of terrorists killed by India, 'a common family man'
Pakistan's military has denied claims that Hafiz Abdur Rauf , a US-designated terrorist, led the funeral of militants killed in recent Indian airstrikes as a terrorist. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), said Rauf is a religious figure and 'a common family man.' #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare The statement came after images from the funeral in Muridke, near Lahore, showed Rauf surrounded by high-ranking Pakistan Army officers. This led to questions about the involvement of a globally sanctioned individual in a formal ceremony conducted with military protocol. Pak military shares identity card details To support its claim, the Pakistani military showed what it said was Rauf's National Identity Card, which listed him as an official of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) and the head of its welfare wing. However, the details released — including his CNIC number (35202-5400413-9) and date of birth (March 25, 1973) — match the records on the US Treasury Department's sanctions list. Who is Hafiz Abdur Rauf? Rauf is a known senior member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a group responsible for multiple terror attacks , and headed Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), LeT's charity front now banned. Both LeT and FIF are designated as terrorist organisations by the US and the United Nations. Over the years, Rauf has held several positions in LeT. The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said he worked as Director of Public Service in 2003 and as Director of Humanitarian Relief in 2008. He was also in charge of LeT's charitable wings, Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq (IKK) and later FIF. Live Events Indian strikes hit terror facilities across PoK and Pakistan Operation Sindoor targeted multiple sites across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan. Locations hit in PoK included Sawal Nala, Syedna Bilal, Gulpur, Barnala, and Abbas. In Pakistan, the strikes were carried out in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sarjal, and Mehmoona Joya. 21 terror installations identified According to the Ministry of Defence, Indian forces had identified 21 active terror installations before the operation. These included facilities in Sawal Nala, Syedna Bilal, Maskar-e-Aqsa, Chelabandi, Abdullah bin Masood, Dulai, Garhi Habibullah, Batrasi, Balakot, Oghi, Boi, Sensa, Gulpur, Kotli, Barali, Dungi, Barnala, Mehmoona Joya, Sarjal, Muridke, and Bahawalpur. Key militants killed in India's precision strikes in Pakistan The operation led to the elimination of several high-profile militants. Khalid Abu Akasha, a trained Lashkar-e-Taiba operative, was among them. He was known for moving weapons from Afghanistan to Pakistan and had been working at LeT's central unit in Muridke. He had links with senior LeT members including Yahya Mujahid, Qari Yakub Sheikh, and Abdul Rehman. Another figure killed was Mudassir Khadian Khas, who managed the Muridke camp. He worked closely with Hafiz Abdur Rauf and served as his security head. He also had links to PMML's General Secretary, Hafiz Khalid Waleed, and was related to LeT founder Hafiz Saeed. In Syedna Bilal camp, Indian forces eliminated Mohammad Hassan Khan, son of JeM commander Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri. Khan had been part of the 2019 Pulwama attack and took part in key meetings in Islamabad. In Bahawalpur, Hafiz Muhammed Jameel was killed. He was JeM founder Masood Azhar's brother-in-law and held a senior leadership role. As per the defence ministry, he supervised operations, recruited youth from PoK, and helped collect funds for the group. Pakistan Gave State Funeral for Terrorist The funeral, held on May 8, was not a low-profile event. Images showed coffins wrapped in the national flag, military officers standing behind Rauf, and state security at the site. According to news agency IANS, officers present included Lt Gen Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Maj Gen Rao Imran Sartaj, Brig Mohammad Furqan Shabbir, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar, and provincial MLA Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth. 'They claim that only civilians were killed in the strikes on the 7th of May. We have made the point very clearly that all attacks on the morning of 7th May were against carefully selected terrorist infrastructure, terrorist targets,' Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said at a press briefing in New Delhi. Abdul Rauf Azhar: History of terror links Though Pakistani officials tried to shift focus by comparing Rauf to Abdul Rauf Azhar — the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar — their records differ. Abdur Rauf has been active in LeT's propaganda and financial arms since the early 2000s. He publicly supported LeT-affiliated organisations even after Pakistan banned them. In 2009, he led FIF's fundraising visit to Bajaur, where LeT operated both relief and recruitment efforts. The United States sanctioned him and FIF in 2010 following information from Indian intelligence after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The UN Sanctions Committee also lists both FIF and LeT, along with LeT founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, as terror-linked entities. Despite these international sanctions, Rauf continues to operate publicly in Pakistan.
