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India Gazette
09-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Singapore express
Singapore, May 9 (ANI): Singapore on Friday expressed great concern over the ongoing military confrontation between India and Pakistan following the April 22 'heinous' terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. 'Singapore is gravely concerned about the ongoing military confrontation between India and Pakistan following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025,' according to the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 'We call on both parties to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic means and ensure the safety of all civilians,' it added. On Thursday night, Pakistan launched a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks along India's western border, targeting regions in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan. According to Indian defence officials, the attacks were intercepted mainly by India's air defence systems, including the S-400 missile defence system, preventing significant damage. In Poonch, a local house was damaged by Pakistan's shelling. The resident thanked the Indian Armed Forces for their efforts to safeguard every citizen amid the escalating tensions 'I can't understand what Pakistan thinks and does. This is not humanity. If Pakistan won't understand now, then what will it? If it weren't for our Armed Forces, we wouldn't have been able to sleep peacefully at night,' he said. Additionally, a Hanuman Temple in Poonch was also damaged in the shelling last night. A local criticisied Paksitan for targeting religious places, 'Pakistan army is targeting religious places in poonch, gurudwara, masajid, temples , this is very bad he said we are stand with Indian army and government of india,' he said. Pakistan strikes were reportedly in retaliation to India's Operation Sindoor conducted earlier this week, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists on April 22. The situation remains volatile, with international calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. (ANI)
Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Singapore leaders send condolence letters to the Holy See after Pope Francis' death
Pope Francis with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the pontiff's state address at NUS University Cultural Centre in September 2024. PHOTO: ST FILE Singapore leaders send condolence letters to the Holy See after Pope Francis' death SINGAPORE - President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong sent condolence letters to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, on April 22 following the death of Pope Francis. Francis, leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, died in Rome on April 21. He was 88. President Tharman said the pontiff was an advocate for peace and interfaith acceptance while supporting responsible efforts to combat climate change, and how it harms the most vulnerable communities. 'Pope Francis was a leader for a troubled world,' wrote President Tharman in the letter released by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 22. 'He will be remembered too for his humility, his walking alongside the poor, and his respect for the dignity of every individual.' PM Wong said relations between Singapore and the Holy See, the authority governing the Vatican City and the Catholic Church, were significantly strengthened during Francis' papacy, which began in 2013. He wrote that the pope left a lasting impression on many Singaporeans during his three-day visit in September 2024, when the Argentine met both President Tharman and PM Wong. Francis consistently called for unity and the building of bridges across diverse communities, wrote PM Wong, adding that these messages resonate deeply in Singapore's multi-racial and multi-religious society. The pope's efforts to promote peace and fraternity will continue to inspire people globally, added PM Wong. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
