Modi, Shah Chair High-Level Meets, Rahul Gandhi To Attend All-Party Meeting On Operation Sindoor
Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ against terrorism, the Centre has called an all-party meeting on May 8 to discuss national security. Key government figures including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Kiren Rijiju will attend, alongside opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Home Minister Amit Shah also chaired a meeting with chief ministers and officials of states bordering Pakistan and Nepal. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
‘We are crying with happiness’: Pahalgam attack victims’ kin hail Operation Sindoor
‘We are crying with happiness’: Pahalgam attack victims’ kin hail Operation Sindoor’We are crying with happiness’: Pahalgam attack victims’ kin hail Operation Sindoor NEW DELHI: The Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor in the early hours of Wednesday has brought a sense of justice and emotional relief to the families of those killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, including several tourists from Maharashtra. — ANI (@ANI) The strike, aimed at dismantling Pakistan-based terror infrastructure, has been welcomed by the victims’ relatives. Asvari Jagdale, daughter of victim Santosh Jagdale, described her emotions after hearing about the military action. Speaking to ANI, Jagdale said, “We were crying with happiness. Modi has taken revenge, and the way the operation was named, our tears wouldn’t stop. Those sisters whose sindoor (symbol of marital status) was erased by these terrorists–India has struck them at nine locations. It feels truly different, and our tears of joy just won’t stop.” — ANI (@ANI) Sanjay Dwivedi, father of another victim Shubham Dwivedi, said the strike has restored his family’s faith in the government. “I am continuously watching the news. I salute the Indian army and thank PM Modi, who listened to the pain of the country’s people. The way the Indian military has destroyed the terrorism that is flourishing in Pakistan, I thank our military for that. My entire family has been feeling light since we heard this news” he said. Manoj Dwivedi, a relative of Shubham Dwivedi, echoed the sentiment, calling the operation a form of justice. “On 22nd April, when our child lost his life, we said that a revolution is going to come in our country, and we were sure that PM Modi will take the strictest step to finish terrorism. I want to thank PM Modi for the real tribute that the Army has given today to our son.” he told ANI. Meanwhile, locals in Jammu raised patriotic slogans such as ‘Indian Army Zindabad’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, expressing their appreciation for the armed forces. “It was very important for the government to give a response to the attack made by Pakistan… we are really thankful to the government and the Indian Army,” a local said. The strike marked India’s deepest incursion into Pakistan’s undisputed territory since the 1971 war, according to sources. The operation, which reportedly struck nine targets, was monitored overnight by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian forces reportedly aimed at key infrastructure used by terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), particularly those involved in planning and executing attacks on Indian soil. In an official statement, the Ministry of Defence said: “In the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.” “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” the statement added. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
‘Proud of Indian Armed Forces’: Congress hails success of ‘Operation Sindoor’
‘Proud of Indian Armed Forces’: Congress hails success of ‘Operation Sindoor”Proud of Indian Armed Forces’: Congress hails success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday heaped praise on the armed forces for their bold and decisive step against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK under ‘Operation Sindoor’ and backed government action taken in the interest of national security. “We had called a meeting of the Working Committee to discuss the incident and the government’s action. We are proud of the Indian Armed Forces, who have given a befitting reply by taking bold and decisive action against the terror camps of Pakistan and PoK under ‘Operation Sindoor’. We salute the courage, determination and patriotism of our brave soldiers,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said after the meeting. Rahul Gandhi, who was also present at the meeting, said the Congress party extends all its support to the armed forces. “We held a discussion in the working committee. Our full support to our forces, best wishes to them, much love to them. Complete support from the Congress party and the Congress Working Committee,” he said. Kharge said from the day of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian National Congress has clearly stood in solidarity with the armed forces and the government and supported every decisive action against cross-border terrorism. He said India’s national policy against all forms of terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is very clear and firm. “Unity at all levels is needed the most to protect the national unity and integrity of the great country of India. The Indian National Congress stands shoulder to shoulder with the brave soldiers of the country. History is witness that our heroes have always given their martyrdom for the unity and integrity of the country, keeping national interest paramount. The entire world knows this,” the Congress chief said. “We will put all our strength behind our soldiers for protecting the country, maintain unity and our freedom. We extend all our support to them. There is no difference on this issue and everyone is united. INDIA alliance partners are also trying to remain united for the unity of the country. This was decided that we reiterate our support to the armed forces on this issue,” Kharge said. Meanwhile, the Congress hoped that Prime Minister Modi would attend the all-party meeting called by the government after today’s strikes. “We expect PM Modi to attend at least tomorrow’s all-party,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh told said. “We had requested for the PM’s presence on April 24th but he did not attend. He should at least attend tomorrow,” Ramesh said adding that Kharge and Gandhi will attend the meeting. (With inputs from agencies) Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Congress hails strikes against Pakistan, reiterates support to Centre
Congress hails strikes against Pakistan, reiterates support to CentreCongress hails strikes against Pakistan, reiterates support to Centre NEW DELHI: Congress on Wednesday hailed the Indian armed forces for their decisive response to the terror emanating from Pakistan, and reiterated its support to the government in the decisions it takes to avenge the Pahalgam killings. In the wake of India’s retaliatory attacks, Congress convened the meeting of its apex body – Congress Working Committee (CWC) – to send out a message of political unity and also suspended all its political programmes for the coming days. The meeting was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Meira Kumar, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal, Sachin Pilot, Rajiv Shukla, Anand Sharma, Randeep Surjewala, Gaurav Gogoi and Ghulam Ahmad Mir. Kharge said, “We are proud of the Indian armed forces which have given a befitting reply by taking bold and decisive action against the terror camps of Pakistan and PoK under ‘Operation Sindoor’. We salute the courage, determination and patriotism of our brave soldiers.” “Full support to our forces, best wishes to them, much love to them, complete support from Congress and the CWC,” Rahul said. Kharge said post-Pahalgam, Congress firmly stood by the government in deciding the response against Pakistan. “India’s national policy against all forms of terrorism originating from Pakistan and PoK is very clear and consistent. Unity at all levels is most needed to protect the national integrity of our great country, India. Congress stands shoulder to shoulder with the brave soldiers of the country,” he added. Many members suggested that the party should put on hold its political programmes, including the Samvidhan Bachao Rallies. It was said the pause should be without any timeline because of the uncertainty ahead. With the government having called an all-party meeting on Thursday, many members lamented that the prime minister does not attend the discussions as happened on April 24 after the Pahalgam attacks, while other parties also send their second-rung leaders. It was then decided that the top Congress duo of Kharge and Rahul will take part in the meeting. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
‘He will be at peace today’: Pahalgam terror victim Shubham Dwivedi’s wife thanks PM Narendra Modi for Operation Sindoor in Pakistan, PoK
NEW DELHI: Hours after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor, the wife of Shubham Dwivedi, the 31-year-old businessman killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack , thanked PM Narendra Modi for the action, saying her husband would now be at peace. “I want to thank PM Modi for taking revenge for my husband’s death,” Aishanya Dwivedi told reporters on Wednesday. “My entire family had trust in him, and the way he replied (to Pakistan), he has kept our trust alive. This is the real tribute to my husband. Wherever he is, he will be at peace today.” Earlier, recalling the trauma of the attack, Aishanya said, “The terrorists asked Shubham if he was Hindu or Muslim. When he couldn’t recite the Kalma, they shot him. That moment gave others a chance to run, but Shubham didn’t survive.” She added that the greatest sorrow was not being able to see his face one last time, as it was disfigured in the attack. Shubham’s uncle said the family would continue pressing for recognition. “We want future generations to remember his sacrifice,” he said. “If the Prime Minister or chief minister meets us, we will place this demand before them.” Days after attack, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the family and promised to raise the matter in Parliament. “He assured us he would write to the PM,” Aishanya said. The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, triggered widespread anger across the country. In the early hours of Wednesday, India launched precision strikes on nine terror camps inside Pakistan and PoK, including JeM’s Bahawalpur base and LeT’s Muridke facility. The defence ministry described the strikes as “measured and non-escalatory”. Following the operation, NSA Ajit Doval also briefed his US counterpart Marco Rubio about the action taken. Aishanya earlier said families of terror victims often get forgotten. “People moved on from Pulwama, and the same is happening with Pahalgam. But we don’t want Shubham to be forgotten. Please help us take this message to the government,” she said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul Gandhi meets kin of slain Navy officer Vinay Narwal in Karnal
Karnal: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi visited the family of Pahalgam terror attack victim Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal at their house in Karnal’s Sector 7 on Tuesday. Accompanied by Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan and Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, Rahul extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Rae Bareli MP spent around two hours with the family Deepender said that Rahul paid his respects by laying a floral tribute at the late lieutenant’s photograph before engaging in a private conversation with the grieving family for over an hour. Hooda described Rahul’s visit as a personal gesture of solidarity. Trollers ‘real nation traitors’ Colonel Rohit Chaudhary (retd), head, Congress’s ex-servicemen also met with the family to offer encouragement. He slammed the online harassment targeting Narwal’s wife, Himanshi. He asserted the unwavering support of the Indian Army for the family and labeled those who denigrate the widow of a fallen officer as “real nation traitors” Chaudhary issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the removal of offensive social media posts, warning of a potential FIR if the demand is not met. MSID:: 120931706 413 | Karnal: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi visited the family of Pahalgam terror attack victim Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal at their house in Karnal’s Sector 7 on Tuesday. Accompanied by Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan and Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, Rahul extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Rae Bareli MP spent around two hours with the family Deepender said that Rahul paid his respects by laying a floral tribute at the late lieutenant’s photograph before engaging in a private conversation with the grieving family for over an hour. Hooda described Rahul’s visit as a personal gesture of solidarity. Trollers ‘real nation traitors’ Colonel Rohit Chaudhary (retd), head, Congress’s ex-servicemen also met with the family to offer encouragement. He slammed the online harassment targeting Narwal’s wife, Himanshi. He asserted the unwavering support of the Indian Army for the family and labeled those who denigrate the widow of a fallen officer as “real nation traitors” Chaudhary issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the removal of offensive social media posts, warning of a potential FIR if the demand is not met. MSID:: 120931706 413 | Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul, Lalu… Everyone poured nationalism from their heart on Operation Sindoor, in 2019 they were defeated in front of PM Modi by questioning him
Operation Sindoor: Operation Sindoor, carried out by the Indian Army by entering Pakistan against the terrorists, has united the ruling party and the opposition. Along with the ruling party, all the opposition leaders are raising slogans of success of the Indian Army in one voice. Patna: After Operation Sindoor, a wave of nationalism ran among all the leaders of Bihar. In showing nationalism, whether the ruling party or the opposition, everyone is expressing gratitude to the Indian Army in one voice and praising the government wholeheartedly. It is worth noting that this also includes those leaders who were criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the delay in the attack and were pleading for his 56-inch chest. Anyway, Operation Sindoor has tied the voice of the ruling party and the opposition in the tune of patriotism. Let’s know who said what and when? Proud of the army: Rahul Gandhi Congress’s Yuvraj Rahul Gandhi did not delay in reacting to the military attack this time. Reacting to Operation Sindoor, he wrote, ‘I am proud of my Indian Army.’ RJD supremo’s patriotism awakened As soon as Operation Sindoor was successful, RJD supremo Lalu Yadav reacted and wrote on X handle ‘Jai Hind! Jai Hind ki Sena!’ Yuvraj Tejashwi Yadav was also not going to miss it. He also wrote – Jai Hind! Jai Bharat! Neither there should be terror, nor there should be separatism! We are proud of our brave soldiers and Indian Army.’ Attack welcomed: Owaisi AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi wrote on social media platform X, ‘I welcome the targeted attacks carried out by our defense forces on terrorist bases in Pakistan. Pakistani deep state should be taught such a strict lesson that there is never another Pahalgam again. Pakistan’s terror infrastructure should be completely destroyed. Jai Hind!’ Answer of 56 inch chest: Vijay Sinha Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha welcomed Operation Sindoor and said that when the Pahalgam attack took place, it was decided on the same day that now the terrorists of Pakistan will not be spared. Today, under Operation Sindoor, India has given a strong blow to the hideouts of 9 terrorists hiding in Pakistan and PoK. This is the answer of 56 inch chest! Jai Bharat! Jai Hind! Satyamev Jayate: Chirag Paswan Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) National President Chirag Paswan also expressed his feelings on Operation Sindoor in this way. Union Minister Chirag Paswan wrote in his social media post, Satyamev Jayate! Jai Hind ki Sena. Opposition did not make any mistake This time the opposition did not give any statement in haste on the military attack so that the wrong message does not go among the people of the country. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the opposition leaders had shown their negative role on the air strike and demanded proof of the air strike from the military force. Then Rahul Gandhi had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of taking credit for the Balakot air strike and said that Modi should just pick up a rifle for five minutes or travel alone in a bus in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2019, RJD supremo Lalu Yadav took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in which he had said that during the Balakot air strike, he told the Air Force experts how we can avoid Pakistani radar due to clouds. Lalu Prasad Yadav tweeted in his familiar style, ‘Hey, you fool, where is your attention, the radar is here.’ But this time Lalu Yadav was very cautious. That is why the opposition also did not make any mistake regarding the army’s attack so that the ruling NDA does not get the benefit of their mistake in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Edited by Abhishek Kumar | Reported by Ramakant Chandan About the author Abhishek Kumar I work at NavbharatTimes.com. My hobby and profession are both journalism. I have had the good fortune of working in prestigious organisations like DLA, Aaj Samaj, Dainik Bhaskar, Amar Ujala, Hindustan, Network18, NDTV, ZEE Media. Writing fearlessly on contemporary events and learning new techniques is my nature. Courtesy : NBT, Hindi News Note: This news is originally published on https://navbharattimeshindinews.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
‘How can you be a Hindu if you criticise Manusmriti?’: Jyotirmath Shankaracharya justifies Rahul Gandhi’s expulsion from Hinduism
NEW DELHI: Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati on Tuesday reiterated his decision to “excommunicate” Congress MP Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism, citing the leader’s critical remarks on Manusmriti as an insult to Sanatan Dharma. Justifying his move, the Shankaracharya questioned, “How can Rahul Gandhi be considered a Hindu if he criticises Manusmriti? Any true follower of Sanatan Dharma would object to this.” — ANI (@ANI) He further drew parallels with other religions, saying, “If someone claims to be a Muslim but criticises the Quran, would they be called a Muslim? If people say they are Christian but criticise the Bible, would they still be considered one? Similarly, if someone criticises Manusmriti, he cannot call himself a Hindu.” The seer first announced Rahul Gandhi’s ‘ouster’ from Hinduism last week at the Shankaracharya Ashram in Badrinath, stating that Gandhi’s remarks made in Parliament—where he said Manusmriti “protects rapists”—were deeply offensive to the faith. Swami Avimukteshwarananda said a letter seeking clarification was sent to Gandhi three months ago, followed by a reminder, but no response was received. “We waited patiently. But with no explanation forthcoming, we were left with no option,” he added. The remarks have sparked fresh controversy, with opinions divided across political and religious lines. “During his speech, he first targeted ruling party members and then made the comment against Manusmriti. It is our dharm-grantha (religious text). Pointing a finger at the ruling party’s benches, Gandhi had said it is written in ‘your book’, which means he does not regard himself as a Hindu. A person who does not regard Manusmriti as his text cannot be a Hindu.” The Shankaracharya said Gandhi was acting against Hinduism. “We took a decision that he should be banned from temples and priests should not perform pooja for him,” he said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Why did Rahul Gandhi suddenly reach PMO? Met Prime Minister Modi
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reached to discuss the appointment of CBI Director with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The appointment of CBI Director is done by a high-level committee, which includes the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and Chief Justice. New Delhi: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has reached PMO. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi reached to meet PM regarding the appointment of the next CBI Director. Apart from Rahul Gandhi, CJI Sanjeev Khanna has also reached to meet PM. Who appoints the CBI Director? The selection process and possible candidates for the post of CBI Director are to be discussed. The opinion of the Leader of Opposition is considered important in the appointment of CBI Director, as this selection is done by a high-level committee, which includes the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and Chief Justice of India. This committee is chaired by the Prime Minister. How is the CBI Director appointed? The appointment of CBI Director is done under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. The candidate for this post is selected by a committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairman), the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by him. The tenure of the Director is two years, which can be extended subject to conditions prescribed by the Central Government. Candidates are usually senior officers of the Indian Police Service (IPS), who are selected on the basis of their experience, impartiality and administrative ability. Opposition has raised questions on CBI in the last few years In the last few years, the opposition has constantly raised questions about the impartiality and autonomy of the CBI. Other opposition parties including the Congress have been alleging that the CBI is being used by the central government to target political opponents. The controversy deepened after the removal of the then CBI Director Alok Verma in 2018, when the opposition called it an attack on the independence of the investigating agency. Apart from this, the opposition has also questioned the pace and direction of the CBI’s investigation in many high-profile cases, with some cases being allegedly run at the behest of the government. About the author Anubhav Shakya After studying journalism from IIMC in 2021, he entered journalism with Zee News. Born in Etah, UP but studied in Aligarh. After writing national and international news there for about one and a half years, he is now working in the news team at Navbharat Times. Courtesy: Anubhav Shakya, NBT, Hindi News
Caste enumeration announced with an eye on Bihar elections: Surjewala
Patna: Expressing doubts over the NDA govt’s recent announcement of caste enumeration in the upcoming census, All-India Congress Committee general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Monday said the announcement by the Narendra Modi govt is an election stunt of the BJP as neither the date of its commencement was announced nor the deadline to complete it. Surjewala, while talking to reporters in Patna, cited the govt’s official statements in Parliament and shared some affidavits it submitted in the Supreme Court in the past to prove his point. He even said the govt buckled under Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s pressure on this issue. “Congress wants caste census for bringing social changes in society while the BJP-led govt announced it with an eye on Bihar elections scheduled in Oct-Nov. Share in power as per one’s population is not a mere rhetoric for the Congress but the crux of its ideological fight for over a decade,” he said, adding the determination of the party and its leader Rahul Gandhi “shook the foundation of the Modi govt, which announced the caste enumeration along the census.” Surjewala accused the BJP of conspiring against the backward communities in the country. “The UPA govt conducted a caste census in 2011. Its report was presented in July 2015, but the Modi govt did not release it. Since then, the Congress has been struggling determinedly for conducting the caste census,” he said in Patna. Surjewala added the BJP and RSS had publicly denied the idea of the caste census. “While RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi clearly opposed it in 2010, the NDA govt constituted an expert group under Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya to study the 2011 census report and submit a caste-wise analysis. But, despite the cabinet decision on July 16, 2015, PM Modi and his govt didn’t appoint any member in the ‘expert group’,” Surjewala said, accusing them of throwing the 2011 census report in dustbin and cited an affidavit submitted on Sept 21, 2021, in the apex court to prove his point. The case pertains to the then Maharashtra govt’s petition in the Supreme Court in 2021 against the Centre regarding OBC reservation in panchayats. “The Modi govt strongly opposed it and asserted that it was not appropriate to conduct caste census along with the census. By doing this, all the data of the census itself will get distorted. It is also administratively impossible to collect caste data of backward classes in the census and even if done so, it will neither be complete nor accurate,” Surjewala said, quoting the govt. He added when Bihar decided to conduct caste survey, the Modi govt, in an affidavit in a case on August 28, 2023, rejected the right of the state govt to conduct the caste census. “As an uproar started, the Modi govt filed a new affidavit and removed paragraph 5 from it,” he alleged. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.