If India Attacks, We’ll Retaliate: Pak PM Imran Khan Post Pulwama

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the media amid rising tensions with India post the Pulwama attack on Tuesday, 19 February.

He said that Pakistan did not have anything to gain from the Pulwama attack and that his government was ready to take action provided India can muster up the evidence.

Khan also said: “If you (Indian govt) thinks you will attack us and we will not think of retaliating… we will retaliate”.

The Indian Army, CRPF and J&K Police addressed a joint press conference on the Pulwama attack on Tuesday, 19 February.

Lt Gen KJS Dhillon of the Indian Army, while addressing the press conference, said that within 100 hours of the 14 February Pulwama attack, security forces had eliminated the top JeM leadership, that had planned and executed the deadly carnage.

Three Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group linked to the 14 February attack, and an Army major were among nine people killed in a 16-hour encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday, 18 February.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has asked its high commissioner to India to return to Islamabad for consultations, a Pakistan government spokesperson said.

On Thursday, 14 February, 40 jawans were killed in a deadly attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama’s Awantipora area.

• On 18 Feb, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists including the suspected mastermind of the Pulwama attack were gunned down in an encounter
• Four Army men, including a Major, and one civilian were also killed
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised questions on the timing of the Pulwama attack
• 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a car carrying about 350 kg of explosives hit a CRPF convoy of 78 vehicles on 14 February
• 45 security personnel have been killed in the state in the last five days

If India Considers Attack, We’ll Retaliate: Imran Khan

While addressing the media on Pulwama, Pakistan PM Imran Khan said that if New Delhi considers an attack, Islamabad will retaliate.

“If you (Indian govt) thinks you will attack us and we will not think of retaliating, we will retaliate. We all know starting a war is in the hands of humans, where it will lead us only God knows. This issue should be solved through dialogue,” he said, as per ANI.

Pak Doesn’t Have Anything to Gain From Pulwama Attack: Imran Khan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the media on the Pulwama attack on Tuesday, 19 February, saying “Pakistan doesn’t have anything to gain from Pulwama attack”.

“It is in our interest that nobody from our soil spreads violence. I want to tell Indian govt that we will take action if evidence is found against anyone from Pakistan,” he said.

Pak PM to Address Media on Pulwama Attack

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to address the media on the Pulwama terror attack shortly amid rising tensions with India.

Pak Seeks Urgent UN Intervention to ‘Defuse Tensions’ With India Post Pulwama

Pakistan has sought the UN’s urgent intervention to “defuse tensions” with India following the Pulwama terror attack, the country’s Foreign Office said on Tuesday, 19 February.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, saying: “It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India.”

He also said in the letter that attributing the attack to Pakistan even before investigations was absurd, as per PTI.

Probe to Determine Type of Explosives Used in Pulwama Underway: KJS Dhillon

“We have leads on the type of explosives used (in the Pulwama terror attack) but I can’t share the details as an investigation is underway,” KJS Dhillon, Corps Commander of Chinar Corps, Indian Army, said, during a joint press conference addressed by the Indian Army, CRPF and J&K Police.

He also said that this type of car bomb attack was seen after a long time in Kashmir. “We will keep all options open to deal with these kinds of attacks,” he said.

SOP on Civilian Cars to be Changed Post Pulwama: CRPF

Zulfiquar Hasan, IG (operations) of the CRPF, while speaking at a joint press conference addressed by the Indian Army, CRPF and J&K Police, said that the standard operating procedure (SOP) on civilian cars will change in the Valley post the Pulwama attack.

“The incident happened because of an improvised explosive device (IED) laden civilian car. The Road Opening Party (ROP) had secured the highway. Now, SOP on civilian cars will be changed,” Hasan said.

“Restrictions have been put on the movement of civilian traffic when a convoy is moving. We are working out modalities as to how best it can be streamlined so that minimum delay is caused to civilian traffic,” Lt Gen KJS Dhillon said.

CRPF Helpline Aiding Kashmirs Across India: CRPF IG

Zulfiquar Hasan, IG (operations) of the CRPF, said that a helpline (14411) set up by the force has been helping Kashmiris across the country in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Speaking at a joint press conference addressed by the Indian Army, CRPF and J&K Police, Hasan said: “A lot of Kashmiri students have approached this helpline for help all over the country. All Kashmiri children studying outside have been taken care of by security forces.”

Pulwama Attack Masterminded by JeM, ISI: Lt Gen KJS Dhillon

Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Corps Commander of Chinar Corps, Indian Army, said on Tuesday, 19 February, that the Pulwama suicide bombing was masterminded by Jaish-e-Mohammed and Pakistan’s ISI.

Dhillon said this while addressing a joint press conference with IG Kashmir SP Pani and IG CRPF Zulfiquar Hasan.

“There is no doubt about their involvement,” he said.He also said that “anyone who enters Kashmir Valley will not go back alive.”

Significant Dip in Recruitment in Valley: IGP Kashmir

IGP Kashmir SP Pani, while addressing the media, said that there is a significant dip in recruitment in militancy in the Valley.

“We have not see any recruitment in the last three months. The families are playing a huge role in this. We would like to urge the families and the community in curtailing recruitment,”Pani said.

Anyone Who Takes Up Arms in Kashmir Will be Eliminated: KJS Dhillon

Lt Gen KJS Dhillon gave a stern warning to sympathisers of the terror movement in the Valley during a press conference held on Tuesday, saying: “Anyone who picks up a gun in Kashmir will be eliminated, unless the person surrenders.”

“In a Kashmiri society, the mother has a great role to play. Through you, I would request the mothers of Kashmir to please request their sons, who’ve joined terrorism, to surrender and get back to the mainstream. Anyone who has picked up a gun will be killed and eliminated, unless he surrenders,” Dhillon said, as per ANI.

‘Have Eliminated Top JeM Leadership in Less Than 100 Hours’

The Indian Army on Tuesday, 19 February, said that within 100 hours of the 14 February Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy, that left 40 troopers dead, it has eliminated the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) leadership that planned and executed the deadly carnage.

This was stated by Lt Gen K.S. Dhillon of the 15 Corps Commander, at a joint press briefing here in Jammu and Kashmir.

He was addressing a joint press conference with SP Pani, IGP Kashmir, and Zulfiquar Hasan, IGP, CRPF.

Reacting to the news, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, as per CNN-News18: “This is a big achievement for the security forces that they have eliminated two masterminds of the Pulwama encounter.”

Pakistan Has Killed So Many Sons: Sepoy Ajay Kumar’s Mother

Mother of Sepoy Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in the encounter with terrorists in Pulwama on Monday said that she was proud of her son for his sacrifice.

“Pakistan has killed so many sons. Pakistan isn’t that big that India can’t destroy it… India can destroy it in one day. I’m proud of my son, he sacrificed his life for the country,” she said.

(Source: ANI)

Visuals From Sepoy Hari Singh’s Residence in Rewari

Wreath Laying Ceremony Held for Major VS Dhoundiyal in Dehradun

People paid their last respects to Major VS Dhoundiyal in Dehradun on Tuesday, 19 February. He was one of the four army personnel who had lost their lives in an encounter in Pulwama on Monday.

Need Bulletproof Jackets More Than Bullet Train: Akhilesh

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav continued his onslaught against the Narendra Modi government over the Pulwama encounter, raising questions over the intelligence failure in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Why is Intelligence failing? You can’t compensate for loss of lives. The nation is with security forces and jawans. If all political parties have put their political events on hold, ruling party should do the same and form a long-term strategy to secure borders,” Yadav said.

“Today, the country does not need the bullet train… it is more important to ensure soldiers have bulletproof jackets,” he added, as per ANI.

Don’t Judge Policy Based on One Incident: Gen VK Singh

Minister of State for External Affairs General (retd) VK Singh said on Tuesday, 19 February, that the Kashmir issue was not simple and one of proxy war.

“It’s an issue for which things should’ve been done earlier. Don’t judge the success or failure of a policy, based on one incident. There was encounter, where an officer and three jawans died… (this) doesn’t mean the situation is bad,” he said.

India Wants Pulwama Revenge Now: Amarinder Singh

Demanding an “eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday wanted coercive action against Pakistan, now in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, saying India should get two of them for every soldier killed in the carnage.

Asserting that the entire country was “fed up” with the senseless killings of Indian soldiers in Kashmir, Singh said the coercive action could be military, diplomatic or economic, or a combination of all the three.

Singh also said that it’s clear that the Pakistan Army was calling the shots, with Prime Minister Imran Khan also a “plant” of the military.

Bikaner DM Asks Pak Citizens to Leave District Within 48 Hrs

The District Magistrate in Rajasthan’s Bikaner has issued a list of orders, effective immediately, under section 144 CrPc in light of Pulwama terror attack.

The order asks Pakistani citizens to leave the district within 48 hrs, and prohibits hotels in Bikaner border area from allowing citizens from the neighbouring country. The order applicable for two months, reported ANI.

Mortal Remains of Havaldar Sheo Ram Arrives in Jabalpur

Mortal remains of Havaldar Sheo Ram were brought to Jaipur airport earlier tonight, reported ANI. He lost his life in an encounter in J&K’s Pulwama on 18 February.

Wreath Laying of Head Constable Abdul Rashid Kalas

Operation Concluded in Jammu and Kashmir, 3 Terrorists Killed

Operation conclude at Pinglana in Pulwama. According to reports, three terrorists have been killed.

“One more terrorist has been killed in the encounter with security forces. One more security personnel has also lost his life. All three killed terrorists belonged to the Jaish-e-Mohammad. Arms & ammunition recovered from the site of encounter,” Jammu and Kashmir police said.

Kashmiris Deserve Our love and Compassion: Mehbooba Mufti

In a joint appeal, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti urged the central government to ensure the safety of Kashmiris.

DIG South Kashmir, Brigadier Among 4 Injured in Pulwama Encounter

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of South Kashmir Amit Kumar was injured in an encounter between terrorists and security forces on Monday, 18 February, in Pulwama district, ANI reported.

I Have Doubts Why Pulwama Attack Happened Before Elections: Mamata

“I have doubts why the Pulwama attacks happened right before the elections,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised questions on the Pulwama attack while addressing a press conference in Kolkata on Monday, 18 February.

Cricketer Mohd Shami Donates Money to Wives of CRPF Jawans

Cricketer Mohd Shami has donated money to the wives of the CRPF Jawans who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack.

“When we play for our country they stand at the borders protecting it. We stand with the families of our Jawans, we will always be there for them,” Shami said.

Cross-Loc Bus Service Suspended in J&K’s Poonch

The weekly Poonch-Rawalakot cross-LoC bus service was suspended in view of the prevailing law and order situation in Jammu, following the recent terror attack on a CRPF convoy in south Kashmir, a senior officer said.

“The cross-LoC (Line of Control) bus service was suspended in view of the prevailing law and order situation,” Poonch District Development Commissioner Rahul Yadav told PTI.

The passengers were accordingly informed well in time about the suspension of the service, he said.

Curfew Relaxed for Few Hours on Monday

The authorities relaxed curfew for three hours in parts of the city where it was imposed on Friday following massive anti-Pakistan protests and sporadic incidents of violence over the terror attack in Pulwama district which left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

The authorities urged the people to maintain peace and tranquility and do not allow the miscreants to create any trouble in their respective areas.

District Magistrate, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar while announcing relaxation in curfew in areas falling under five police stations of the city said prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC will remain in force in these areas as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, he added.

‘Pulwama Terrorist Attack Proves That Times for Talks Have Passed’: PM Modi

While issuing a joint statement with Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about the Pulwama attack, saying:

PM Modi, as quoted by ANI”President Mauricio Macri and I agree that terrorism is a huge threat for global peace and stability. Brutal terrorist attack in Pulwama proves that time for talks have passed. Now, the entire world needs to unite against terrorism and its supporters and take strong actions.”Hesitating from taking action against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism, Modi said, as he urged the G20 countries to implement the 11-point agenda of Hamburg Leaders’ Statement.

“India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today,” he announced.

Army Constantly Briefing Defence Minister on Developments in Kashmir: Sources

The Army is constantly briefing Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other senior government functionaries on the developments in Kashmir, Army sources told ANI.

The Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists have moved from their hideouts to locations near populated areas, fearing retaliation from security forces, sources further said.

Army sources to ANI”Pakistan Army positions across the border on the LoC are seeing heightened activities as they are on high operational alert.”Chapter on Pulwama Martyrs May Be Part of Rajasthan School Books

Akhilesh Attacks Modi Govt Over Soldiers’ Deaths

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sought to corner the Narendra Modi-led government on Monday, 18 February, over the deaths of soldiers and asked, “Why is the govt waiting and watching?”

‘Morale of Security Forces is High’: Rajnath Singh

Speaking on the ongoing encounter in Pulwama, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, “The morale of the security forces is high. They are being successful in neutralising the terrorists.”

Pak Recalls Envoy For Consultations

Days after an attack by Pakistan-sponsored JeM resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama, Pakistan has recalled its envoy to India “for consultations”. India had also recalled its high commissioner to Pakistan last week for consultations with the Ministry of External Affairs.

AK-47, Pistol Recovered; Police Urge Locals to Leave the Encounter Site

An AK-47 gun and a pistol have been recovered from the encounter site in Pulwama. As the search operation continues, the police have appealed to the locals to leave the spot.

Two JeM Terrorists Killed in Pulwama Encounter

Two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including one believed to be the mastermind behind the Pulwama attack, have been killed in an encounter.

The terrorists have been identified as Kamran, said to be a Pakistan-based terrorist and a close aide of JeM chief Masood Azhar, and Hilal, a local.

Colonel Rajesh Kalia, Defence Ministry Spokesperson, as quoted by IANS”One of the two slain JeM terrorists was a top commander and belonged to Pakistan.”JeM Mastermind of Pulwama Attack Killed: Report

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist identified as Kamran, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the Pulwama attack, has been killed, reported CNN-News18, citing sources. Another JeM terrorist has also been killed in the encounter, while one more is believed to be still trapped.

Top JeM Commander Believed to Be Trapped

A top Jaish-e-Mohammed commander linked to the Pulwama attack is believed to be trapped in the ongoing encounter with security forces, ANI reported, citing sources.

Four Armymen Killed in Encounter Identified

The four army men who were killed in the encounter have been identified as Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh.

Two Terrorists Believed to Be Trapped at Pulwama Encounter Site

A Pakistan-based terrorist Kamran and a local named Hilal are believed to be trapped at the encounter site in Pulwama, reported CNN-News18.

Firing Resumes at Encounter Site: Report

According to reports, firing has resumed at the encounter site in Pulwama as the area is under cordon. The operation is still on.

Civilian Also Killed in Pulwama Encounter: Reports

According to reports, a civilian has also been killed in the Pulwama encounter.

Four Army Men Killed in Encounter in J&K’s Pulwama

Four Army men, including a Major, were killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces in Pinglan area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama on Monday, 18 February.

The terrorists are suspected to belong to Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammmed, which claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb attack on a CRPF convoy last week. (Daily Hunt)