Month: April 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday attacked Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav by putting up posters for not visiting Kanpur native Shubham Dwivedi’s residence, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

The poster reads “Sharam karo Akhilesh Yadav ji. Khoonkhaar apradhi Mukhtar Ansari ki maut par dikha rahe samvedana. Terrorist attack main shikar hua Hindu Shubham Dwivedi ke ghar jaane main kyu khatam hogai bhavnai? Faraq hai saaf shayad, Terrorist se rishta hain khaas, Hinduo se itni nafrat kyun? Pouchta hai Hindu samaj?”

On April 24, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met the family of Shubham Dwivedi of Kanpur, who was one of the 26 innocent victims who lost their lives in the attack.

Expressing his condemnation, Adityanath termed the attack a cowardly act and emphasised that such incidents would not be tolerated in India.

“On April 22, a terrorist attack took place in J&K’s Pahalgam in which one person from Kanpur was killed. Shubham Dwivedi got married two months ago, and he was killed in the terror attack there. This is a very cowardly attack by the terrorists and shows that terrorism is on its last breath… This type of incident is not acceptable in a country like India… The actions of the central government will put the last nail in the coffin of terrorism,” he said, adding that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already inspected the areas affected by the attack, and further steps will be taken to address the issue of terrorism,” CM Yogi said.

On meeting with the grieving family of Shubham Dwivedi, Adityanath expressed his condolences and assured them that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators of the attack.

“I have met with the family of Shubham Dwivedi… The family is in grief. I pray the soul rests in peace. The country stands with them. I also assure you that the accused in this horrific incident will not be spared, and stringent action will be taken against them,” he stated.

Shubham Dwivedi, the only son of his parents, was among the 26 victims of the terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22. The attack, which left several others injured, has shaken the nation, with numerous leaders and organisations condemning the violence.

Earlier on April 22, terrorist attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured. (ANI)

In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and as part of intensified efforts to curb terrorism and its ecosystem, Anantnag Police, in close collaboration with the Army, CRPF and other security forces have launched extensive search and cordon operations across the district.

Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured.

As part of these operations, numerous raids were conducted at various locations throughout the district. Day and night search operations are underway with heightened vigilance. So far, around 175 suspects have been detained for questioning to dismantle the support networks aiding terrorist activities.

To further enhance security, additional Mobile Vehicle Check Points (MVCPs) have been established across the district to monitor suspicious movements and ensure public safety.

Moreover, Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs), ambushes, and intensified patrolling have been launched, particularly in high-density forest areas, to flush out any possible terrorist presence and secure the district.

The Anantnag Police said that, along with its partner security forces, it remains committed to maintaining peace and thwarting any attempts to disrupt normalcy in the district. The police have solicited public cooperation and advised citizens to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police establishment.

Also, the security forces have been placed on high alert in the Rajouri region in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The security forces are conducting thorough checks of vehicles on the highway, with a focus on suspicious activity along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway.

The forces are deployed in large numbers to prevent any untoward incidents

On Friday, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, for the first time following the Pahalgam terror attack, reached Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar and reviewed the security situation of the Union Territory.

The Indian Army Chief General was also briefed on the actions being taken by the formations against terrorists inside their own territory and the Pakistan Army’s attempts to violate the ceasefire along the LoC. (ANI)

After the closure of Pakistan airspace for Indian carriers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday issued a set of advisory guidelines to airlines to ensure effective passenger handling.

A copy of the guidelines accessed by ANI states, “Due to recent developments involving international airspace closures and overflight restrictions, airline operations have been impacted by the significant rerouting of international and regional flights.”

“Increased block times compared to scheduled durations. Possibility of technical halts enroute for operational or fuel requirements.”

“In light of the above, all airline operators are directed to implement the following passenger-handling measures to ensure transparency, compliance, and passenger welfare that include pre-flight passenger communication. Airlines shall ensure that all passengers are proactively informed about the change in routing due to airspace restrictions. Revised total expected travel time (departure to arrival). The possibility of a technical stop at an intermediate airport.”

“Clarify that the stop is operational in nature. Passengers will generally remain onboard during such stops. This information must be communicated at check-in, boarding gates, and, where feasible, through SMS/email alerts,” it reads.

Airlines must ensure that catering uplift is revised based on the actual expected block time, including technical halt. This includes adequate meals and beverages for the full duration. Additional hydration and dry snacks. Special meals as per manifest requests.

Operators shall ensure medical kits and first-aid resources onboard are sufficient for extended operations. Validate that alternate or technical halt airports have emergency medical support and ground ambulance availability, if required. Brief cabin crew on managing passenger fatigue, discomfort, or medical incidents.

The operators shall prepare customer service and support readiness, including briefing the call centre and reservations teams on likely delays and schedule disruptions. Establish processes for managing missed onward connections and delay-related assistance. Prepare for compensatory action in case of delays beyond thresholds.

For Intra-Departmental coordination, operators must ensure seamless coordination between the flight dispatch, Commercial, and Customer Support teams, as well as Ground handling and airport operations, Inflight service providers, and Medical vendors at designated alternates. (ANI)

In a massive statewide crackdown, over 550 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh were detained in Ahmedabad and Surat for residing in India with forged documents, Gujarat police said on Saturday.

Deportation proceedings will follow once verification and interrogation are complete, said the official.

The coordinated operations were led by multiple law enforcement units, including the Special Operations Group (SOG), Crime Branch, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB), and local police teams. Officials confirmed that all detained individuals were in India without valid documentation and had used fake papers to establish residence.

In Surat, an overnight combing operation carried out jointly by SOG, DCB, AHTU, PCB, and local police resulted in the detention of more than 100 Bangladeshi nationals. “They had entered India illegally and were living in Surat with forged documents. After the investigation, they will be deported to Bangladesh,” said Rajdeep Singh Nakum, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Operations Group.

A simultaneous operation was carried out in Ahmedabad around 3 am on Saturday. Teams from the Crime Branch, SOG, Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Zone 6, and Headquarters detained over 450 individuals suspected to be illegal immigrants. DCP Crime Branch Ajit Rajian confirmed that more than 400 people were taken into custody during the early morning sweep.

Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Ahmedabad, Sharad Singhal, stated that these actions were taken in compliance with orders from the Home Minister, the Commissioner of Police, and the Director General of Police.

“HM, CP and DGP had directed us that illegal immigrants must be held. The Crime Branch registered two FIRS from April 2024 till now. 127 illegal Bangladeshis were caught and 77 were deported,” he said.

Singhal noted that the latest raid in Ahmedabad was based on intelligence reports indicating a significant number of undocumented immigrants in the Chandola area.

“We had inputs that a huge number of Bangladeshis are residing in the Chandola area… Early this morning, the police carried out a combing operation. We have detained 457 people so far… Deportation will be processed after interrogation…,” he added. (ANI)

In a strong and fearless response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty urged the citizens to spend their next holidays in the state to promote tourism and show terrorists that they are not afraid of them.

While talking to the media at the sidelines of the Lata Deenanath Mageshkar Award 2025 ceremony, Suniel urged the Indian citizens to plan their next holiday in Kashmir and nowhere else.

“Hume nagrik ki taraf se ek hi karna hah, hume ye decide krna hah ki aaj se humaari agli chutti jo hogi, voh kashmir me hi hogi aur kahi nhi hogi. Unko ye dikhana hahi ki hume darr nhi hai, aur vakayi me darr nhi hai (As a citizen, we have to do one thing. We have to decide that our next holiday will be in Kashmir and nowhere else. We have to show them that we are not scared),” said Suniel Shetty.

The ‘Dhadkan’ actor further shared that he called the authorities and said that he is willing to visit Kashmir as a tourist or artist if required.

“Maine khud phone kr ke bola hai ki agar kal aapko lagta hai ki hume vhaa aana hah, tourist ke haisiyat se ya artist ki haisiyat se hume vha shooting krna hai ya ghoomne jaana hai, hum aayenge. (I myself called them and said that if you want us to come there as tourist or as an artist for shooting, we will come),” added Suniel Shetty.

The actor also called for unity among the citizens during the media interaction.

“Right now, we need to stay united. Those who are trying to spread fear and hatred, without falling for their manipulation, we must come together and show them that Kashmir was ours, is ours, and will always remain ours. That’s why the army, the leaders, everyone is involved in this effort,” said Suniel Shetty.

Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured.

On Thursday, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to deliberate on the security situation and formulate a collective response to the attack. (ANI)

Singer Shreya Ghoshal has cancelled her upcoming concert in Surat following the tragic terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

The concert was part of her All Hearts Tour and was scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium.

Shreya, on Friday, took to her Instagram Stories to share the news with her fans through an official note that read, “In light of the recent and tragic events, the organisers along with the artist have collectively made the decision to cancel the upcoming show scheduled to happen in Surat this Saturday, April 26th. All ticket holders will receive full refunds, and the amount will be automatically refunded back to your original mode of payment. For any queries, write to events@district.in. Thank you for your understanding.”

The decision comes after the terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, where 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen were killed. Several others were left injured.

Earlier, singer Arijit Singh had also cancelled his concert in Chennai, scheduled for April 27, out of respect for the victims and their families. Arijit reshared a similar note from event organisers on his Instagram, announcing the cancellation.

The note read, “IMPORTANT UPDATE. In light of the recent and tragic events, the organisers, along with the artist, have collectively made the decision to cancel the upcoming show scheduled to happen in Chennai this Sunday, April 27th.”

The note also assured ticket holders that they would receive full refunds, which would be automatically processed back to their original mode of payment. (ANI)

Former Indian captain and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly said that India should break all cricketing ties with Pakistan.

Ganguly spoke to ANI in Kolkata. Over the years, India and Pakistan have only met in ICC events, such as the T20 and 50 Over World Cups, the ICC Champions Trophy, and Asian Cricket Council (ACC)- organised Asia Cup events.

Speaking to ANI, Ganguly said, “100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated.”

Due to strained political relations between the two nations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, when they participated in the Asia Cup. The two arch-rivals last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, comprising white-ball matches.

During the recently organised ICC Champions Trophy, India did not travel to Pakistan; instead, they played all their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model.

Also, the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, Jay Shah, has decided on the hybrid model for all ICC events in the 2024-27 cycle, which will be held in India or Pakistan.

Following the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Central government announced several diplomatic measures, such as closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to return to their country, and reducing the number of officers in the High Commissions on both sides. (ANI)

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday assured a smooth Amarnath Yatra, which is set to commence on July 3 this year, despite the Pahalgam terror attack.

Despite the attack, Goyal expressed confidence that tourism in Kashmir will resume soon, emphasising that no one can derail Kashmir from its developmental path, highlighting the region’s progress and potential.

“People of India are capable and confident enough that soon tourism will resume there, Amarnath Yatra will be conducted successfully, and no one can derail Kashmir from the developmental path that it has taken,” said Goyal.

Registrations for this year’s Shri Amarnath Yatra began in Jammu and Kashmir on April 15. They took place at 533 branches of Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, J&K Bank, and Yes Bank across the country.

The Amarnath Yatra is set to commence on July 3 this year, simultaneously from both routes–the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district. It will culminate on August 9 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

Goyal reiterated that the government has already announced the cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals, and they must leave India.

“We have already announced it (visa cancellation for Pakistani nationals) and they all must go…,” he said.

Goyal strongly condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, emphasising that India will not tolerate terrorism. Goyal stated that India has no interest in having trade relations with Pakistan, labelling it a “terrorist nation.”

“India has no interest in having a trade relation with a terrorist nation like Pakistan… There will be no place in India where we will let terrorism rise…,” added the Union Minister.

Referring to Pakistan’s persistent challenge, Goyal made it clear that India has already taken steps to sever ties.

“The loss caused to Pakistan is of no interest to India. What is the use of trading with a terrorist country like Pakistan?” he said. He further assured that India’s decisions, particularly regarding the visa cancellations, would be communicated soon, underscoring that these steps are part of a broader strategy to tackle terrorism.

“As long as 140 crore Indians consider patriotism and nationalism their highest duty, such incidents will continue to trouble the nation,” he added.

Meanwhile on Friday, while extending condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said Central government will identify, trace and punish the terrorists along with their backers.

Recalling the remarks of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Goyal said, “I remember Atal Bihari Vajpayee said, cross-border and state-sponsored terrorism is a menace to civilised society. This is the moment when the entire country comes together and expresses the anger and collective commitment of the nation to give a fitting response to those responsible for this.”

Reminding people of the resolve taken by Prime Minister Narendra over the terror attacks, Goyal said, “We will identify, trace and punish the terrorists and their backers. This is the resolve of every Indian… We faced the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and came back stronger. We gave a befitting reply to Pulwama attacks.”

Union Minister also expressed condolences to all the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

“There is outrage across the country from Kargil to Kaniyakumari against the attack on India’s very fabric. We are all united in grief, pray for the departed and wish for quick recovery of those injured. We pray that strength is bestowed upon those families who are deeply impacted by this heinous and criminal act of terrorists,” Goyal said.

The attack in Pahalgam occurred on Tuesday at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and leaving several others injured. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans.

Following the attack, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reached Srinagar on Friday and assessed the situation in the valley.

On Thursday, the central government convened an all-party meeting to deliberate on the security situation and formulate a collective response to the attack. After attending the all-party meeting, Rahul Gandhi said, “Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The opposition has fully supported the government in taking any action.”

In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post.

India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. (ANI)

The house of a suspect in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured many, was demolished by security forces and Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) authorities, officials said on Saturday.

According to the officials, the house of a suspect, identified as Zakir Ahmad Ganie, at Mutalhama village in Kulgam district was demolished. Ganie is believed to have been involved in the Pahalgam terror attack, which has sent shock waves across the country.

The officials said that Gaine has been active since 2023.

Earlier on Friday, the house of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Adil Thokar, also known as Adil Guree, was demolished.

Adil Guree, a resident of Guree village in Bijbehara block of Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, is believed to have been involved in the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepalese national, mostly tourists. He has been declared the most wanted, and the Anantnag Police have offered a reward of Rs 20 lakh for any specific information leading to his arrest. Two Pakistani nationals were also declared most wanted in the case.

Adil had illegally travelled to Pakistan in 2018, where he reportedly received terror training before returning to Jammu and Kashmir last year.

Meanwhile, unprovoked small firing was carried out by multiple Pakistan Army posts all across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, on the night of April 25 and 26. Indian troops responded appropriately with small arms. No casualties have been reported.

The family of one of the terrorists allegedly involved in the Pahalgam attack, whose house was demolished on Friday morning, has called him a “Mujahideen”.

The houses of two Lashkar-e-Taliba terrorists believed to be involved in the Pahalgam terror attack were demolished earlier. One house of LeT terrorist in Tral, Pulwama and the other of a terrorist, Adil Guree, in Anantnag were demolished.

Speaking with ANI, the sister of the terrorist whose house was demolished in Tral, said, “My one brother is in jail, the other brother is a ‘Mujahideen’, and I also have two sisters. Yesterday, when I came here from my in-laws’ place, I did not find my parents and siblings at their home. Police had taken them all away.”

The sister said the family is innocent and doesn’t know anything about their brother’s involvement.

Moreover, two terrorist associates were arrested by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J-K) Kulgam district, the police sources said on Saturday. According to officials, the duo were arrested from Thokerpora in Qaimoh area of the district.

Further details are awaited.

On Friday, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, for the first time following the Pahalgam terror attack, reached Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar and reviewed the security situation of the Union Territory.

This comes amid uproar over terrorists attacking tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured.

The Indian Army is on a high alert, launching several search operations to neutralise the terrorists following the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 people were killed.

The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with widespread protests erupting across the country, demanding stricter action against Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack. (ANI)