The officials said that five persons were killed and two others injured on Thursday when a private company's helicopter on its way to Gangotri shrine crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district, reported news agency PTI. The helicopter carrying a total of seven people, including the pilot, crashed on the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway at around 8:45 am, reported PTI. According to information received from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), on the Uttarkashi helicopter crash, the helicopter belonging to AeroTrans Services Private Limited crashed and fell into a gorge about 200-250 metres deep. The SDRF said the helicopter had left from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun for Kharsali helipad in Yamunotri. Capt Robin Singh was flying the helicopter, the SDRF said. While four on board were from Mumbai, two others hailed from Andhra Pradesh, reported PTI. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that SDRF and district administration teams have reached the spot for relief and rescue work. "I have instructed the administration to provide all possible help to the injured and investigate the accident," he said. Dhami expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Uttarkashi helicopter crash. The administration has been instructed to provide all possible help to the injured and investigate the Uttarkashi helicopter crash, he said, adding that he is constantly in touch with officials and monitoring the situation. US: Six dead after passenger helicopter crashes into Hudson River Earlier in April, six people were killed, including three children, after a helicopter crashed in New York's Hudson River, as reported by CNN, citing New York City Mayor. The deceased included a pilot and a family visiting from Spain. According to CNN, the crash, which occurred at Pier 40 in the late afternoon, involved a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter which took off from lower Manhattan, circled the Statue of Liberty, and flew north along the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge. It then turned back south before crashing into the river near New Jersey. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident and said it is working with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is leading the investigation. (With inputs from PTI)
08 May,2025 05:18 PM IST | Dehradun | mid-day online correspondentIn a recent study published in Biological Conservation, researchers from Prof. Uma Ramakrishnan’s group at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, have shown that trace DNA left by large carnivores at livestock kill sites can be used to reliably identify individual predators. The interesting part is that this approach offers a powerful tool to effectively manage human-wildlife conflict and understand predator behaviour and ecology. “In communities that live in proximity to large carnivores, livestock depredation might cause conservation challenges. A systematic understanding of individuals involved in conflict is a critical first step towards a solution,” said Ramakrishnan, senior author of the study. Around the world, managing human-wildlife conflict often involves relocating or removing the suspected predator. Typically, forest departments rely on field signs like pugmarks, scat, or claw marks to identify the animal involved. However, these signs can be ambiguous, and removing the non-target individual may disturb carnivore populations and sometimes further intensify conflict situations. More reliable and robust genetic identification of predators could be an effective strategy for conflict resolution. Researchers at NCBS, in collaboration with Panthera and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, investigated 198 kill sites across two of Central India's key tiger habitats: Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves. At each site, researchers collected non-invasive genetic samples—saliva, scat, and shed hair—as potential sources of predator DNA. Using genetic tools based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), they identified individual tigers present at these kill sites. Shed hair samples were the most effective for individual identification, followed closely by saliva and scat. Overall, tigers were successfully identified at 85% of the kill sites, with species-level identification exceeding 95% across all sample types. To assess each tiger’s likely involvement in a kill, the team developed a classification framework based on the type and location of genetic evidence. Each case was categorised as a "true predator" (high confidence), "circumstantial predator" (medium confidence), or "predator uncertain" (low confidence). Out of the 198 cases studied, 72 were classified with high confidence, 34 with medium confidence, and 49 with low confidence. “Genetic samples are often the only true evidence of a predation event and are therefore vital. While identification is possible, there remains some possibility of misidentification, especially when multiple individuals are present at the kill site. That’s why it’s important to assign confidence levels in identification. We hope that such a classification scheme will help better represent the level of confidence provided by the genetic tools and support evidence-based conflict management,” said Himanshu Chhattani, lead author of the study. For wildlife managers and conservationists, this method adds a reliable, evidence-based tool to help address predator-livestock conflict while contributing to long-term predator monitoring, benefiting both local communities and wildlife conservation efforts. “As we celebrate the success of tiger recovery, the growing challenge of human-tiger conflict demands urgent attention. To address this effectively, interventions must be grounded in scientific evidence and rigorous methodologies. The genetic approaches outlined in this paper offer a reliable means of identifying individuals involved in conflicts, paving the way for more informed and strategic resolutions,” said Sanjay Shukla, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Madhya Pradesh.
08 May,2025 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentIn the wake of 'Operation Sindoor', Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with secretaries of various ministries on Thursday and called for continued alertness and clear communication, while reaffirming the government's commitment to national security and operational preparedness, reported news agency PTI. The issues discussed during the meeting included strengthening of civil defence mechanisms, efforts to counter misinformation and fake news, and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. Ministries were also advised to maintain close coordination with state authorities and ground-level institutions, it said. The high-level meeting, which included secretaries of various Ministries and departments of the government of India, reviewed national preparedness and inter-ministerial coordination in light of recent developments concerning national security. PM Modi stressed the need for seamless coordination among ministries and agencies to uphold operational continuity and institutional resilience, the statement said. "The prime minister called for continued alertness, institutional synergy, and clear communication as the nation navigates a sensitive period. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to national security, operational preparedness, and citizen safety," it said, reported PTI. The meeting came a day after Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke. The military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor' two weeks after the massacre of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. During the meeting, PM Modi reviewed the planning and preparation by ministries to deal with the current situation. Secretaries have been directed to undertake a comprehensive review of their respective ministry's operations and to ensure fool-proof functioning of essential systems, with special focus on readiness, emergency response, and internal communication protocols, the statement said, reported PTI. Secretaries detailed their planning with a 'whole of government' approach in the current situation, it said. All ministries have identified their actionables in relation to the conflict and are strengthening processes, reported PTI. Ministries are ready to deal with all kinds of emerging situations, the statement said. The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office, and Secretaries from key ministries including Defence, Home Affairs, External Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Power, Health, and Telecommunications. (With inputs from PTI)
08 May,2025 04:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Defence Ministry confirmed on Thursday that the Indian Armed Forces have destroyed Pakistani Air Defence system in Lahore in response to a wave of attacks on Indian military locations. The action by Indian Armed Forces came early Thursday after Pakistan launched a wave of drone and missile attacks on Indian military locations during the night of May 7-8, an official statement said. Pakistani forces tried to target several Indian military bases in Northern and Western India, including areas such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. However, all incoming threats were successfully stopped by India's Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial system (UAS) Grid and Air Defence systems, the statement said. Operation SindoorPakistan's Bid to Escalate Negated- Proportionate Response by India.https://t.co/E6e65goX9R#OperationSindoor@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_India pic.twitter.com/mURL8hplRA — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 8, 2025 During a press briefing on Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, India called its response as focused, measured and non-escalatory. It specifically mentioned that Pakistani military establishments had not been targeted. It was also reiterated that any attack on military targets in India will invite a suitable response. "On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks," an official statement said. It said, "Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised." The statement further said, "Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using Mortars and heavy calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir" It said, "Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to Pakistani firing. Here too, India was compelled to respond to bring Mortar and Artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt." Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military, the statement said.
08 May,2025 03:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThree explosions were heard in quick succession in Walton Road of Pakistan's Lahore on Thursday, prompting residents to rush out of their homes in fear, local news media reported, citing police. The blasts happened in the vicinity of Gulberg, which is one of Lahore's most upscale and sensitive districts.Lahore Police said that the explosions occurred within moments of each other. The blasts were so loud that people who were several kilometres away heard its sound and rushed to streets in confusion and fear.Emergency response teams, including Rescue and Firefighting units, have reached the site of the incident. Furthermore, the police have cordoned off the area, ARY News reported.According to officials, investigations were being made to determine the nature and source of the explosions. The authorities have sealed the area and unrelated people have been restricted from entering the area as bomb disposal and intelligence teams start their preliminary assessment, the news media reported.Meanwhile, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has temporarily suspended flight operations at airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot, local media outlet Aaj News reported.According to PAA, the airports in Lahore and Sialkot will remain unavailable for all flights until 12 pm on Thursday (local time). The flight schedules of both domestic and international flights have been impacted due to the suspension, Aaj News reported.Passengers have been asked to contact their respective airlines to get updates regarding their flight timings and possible delays. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 May,2025 03:35 PM IST | Lahore | ANIPakistan's ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have claimed lives of 13 civilians in the Poonch sector, and injured a total of 59 people, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, reported news agency PTI. Out of the total injured, 44 were from Poonch, the external publicity division of the MEA said. The Pakistan Army has been resorting to heavy shelling in several sectors along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir that was effectively responded to by the Indian Army, military officials said, reported PTI. The intensity of Pakistani shelling has increased following India's military strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early Wednesday. "During the intervening night of May 7 and 8, Pakistan Army posts resorted to unprovoked fire using small arms and artillery guns across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir," a military official said, reported PTI. "The Indian Army responded proportionately," the official added. In view of the escalating tension, the authorities have ordered that all educational institutions in five border districts of the Jammu region will remain closed for the second day on Thursday. The intense shelling by the Pakistani army along the LoC came in retaliation for the May 7 'Operation Sindoor' in which India's armed forces targeted a total of nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan has been resorting to unprovoked small-arms ceasefire since the night of April 25-26. After Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan Army continued its series of ceasefire violations by targeting civilian areas in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Officials said the shelling caused panic among villagers and damaged several houses. Shelling by Pakistan damaged civilian infrastructure, shattered window panes and cracked walls. Meanwhile, the Indian Army has proportionately responded to the unprovoked small-arms and artillery guns firing by the Pakistani Army across the Line of Control (LoC) during the night of May 7 and May 8, as the Pakistan Army resorted to firing in areas opposite in Kupwara and Baramulla districts and Uri and Akhnoor sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army is closely monitoring ceasefire violations by Pakistan after the Indian forces conducted the precise strikes on nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor on Wednesday. The strikes were aimed at avenging the Pahalgam attack victims and eliminating key Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leaders and camps involved in planning attacks on Indian soil. (With inputs from PTI)
08 May,2025 03:32 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAbout a fortnight after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people – mostly tourists – in Jammu and Kashmir, India carried out military strikes across nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). In a press briefing on Wednesday morning, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi gave detailed information about India’s ‘Operation Sindoor,’ in which terror camps were hit by the Indian forces. Wing Commander Singh said, "Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and successfully destroyed... The locations were so selected to avoid damage to civilian infrastructures and loss of any civilian lives." Striking terror, one site at a time Target 1 Abbas Terrorist Camp at Kotli (POJK) Where: 13 km away from Line of Control (LoC) The Abbas Terrorist Camp at Kotli was a ‘nerve centre’ for training suicide bombers of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and a key training infrastructure for over 50 terrorists. OPERATION SINDOOR#JusticeServedTarget 1 – Abbas Terrorist Camp at Kotli.Distance – 13 Km from Line of Control (POJK).Nerve Centre for training suicide bombers of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).Key training infrastructure for over 50 terrorists.DESTROYED AT 1.04 AM on 07 May 2025.… pic.twitter.com/OBF4gTNA8q — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 7, 2025 Target 2 Shawai Nallah Camp at Muzaffarabad (POJK) Where: 30 km away from LoC Colonel Qureshi said that the Shawai Nallah Camp in Muzaffarabad houses terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba. “Terrorists responsible for attacks in Sonamarg on October 20, 2024, Gulmarg on October 24, 2024, and Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, were trained here," she said. Target 3 Syedna Bilal Camp in Muzaffarabad (POJK) This camp served as a "weapon, explosive, and jungle training centre" for Jaish-e-Mohammed. Target 4 Gulpur Camp in Kotli (POJK) Where: 30 km away from LoC This LeT facility is linked to the April 20, 2023, Poonch attack and the June 9, 2024, pilgrimage bus attack. OPERATION SINDOOR#JusticeServedTarget 2 – Gulpur Terrorist Camp at Kotli.Distance – 30 Km from Line of Control (POJK).Control Center and Base of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Used for revival of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.DESTROYED AT 1.08 AM on 07 May 2025.… pic.twitter.com/JyYlZEAKgU — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 7, 2025 Target 5: Barnala Camp in Bhimber (POJK) Where: 9 km from LoC The camp was a centre for weapons, IEDs, and jungle survival training. Target 6 Sarjal Camp in Sialkot Where: 6 km away from the international border The Sarjal Camp in Pakistan’s Sialkot trained the terrorists who were involved in the attack on the Jammu-Kashmir Police in March. Four police personnel were killed in the attack. Target 7 Mehmoona Joya Camp, Sialkot Where: 8-12 km from international border The camp was a major training centre for Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, who would carry out frequent attacks in Jammu. The 2015 Pathakot attack was also planned from this camp. OPERATION SINDOOR#JusticeServedTarget 3 – Mehmoona Joya Terrorist Camp at Sialkot.Distance – 12 Km from International boundary.Key training centre of Hizbul Mujahideen.Used as control centre for revival of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.DESTROYED AT 1.11 AM on 07 May… pic.twitter.com/HO0MN3ggZY — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 7, 2025 Target 8 Markaz Taiba, Muridke (Pakistan Punjab) Where: 25 km from international border The terrorists of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, including Ajmal Kasab and David Headley, were trained here. Target 9 Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur (Pakistan Punjab) Where: 100 km from international border The Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters acted as a recruitment, training and indoctrination centre for terrorists. Top terrorists from the outfit would visit the camp. (With ANI and PTI inputs)
08 May,2025 02:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUttrakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep grief over the recent helicopter crash near Gangani in Uttarkashi. The CM taking to his social media page extended his condolences to the victims and gave his support to the victims family. He in his tweet stated that “Very sad news has been received about some casualties in a helicopter crash near Gangani in Uttarkashi. SDRF and district administration teams have immediately reached the spot for relief and rescue work. May God grant peace to the souls of those who died in the accident and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow. I have instructed the administration to provide all possible help to the injured and investigate the accident. I am constantly in touch with the officials in this regard and every situation is being monitored,” posting on X. The helicopter carrying pilgrims crashed near Gangani in Uttarkashi, claiming five lives. According to reports from PTI, the helicopter was en route as part of the Char Dham Yatra when it crashed in the border district of Uttarkashi, near Ganganani. According to reports onboard were six passengers and the pilot. Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated that rescue teams were immediately mobilised following the news of the helicopter crash. Relief operations were initiated swiftly to assist the injured and provide medical attention to the affected individuals. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. According to the Initial reports, that indicates five people lost their lives and several others were injured in the crash, which occurred on Thursday morning. The reports even claim that among the deceased was the pilot, Captain Robin Singh. Visuals from the crash site revealed the mangled remains of the helicopter’s interior, according to ANI. CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami , monitoring the situation closely asked the investigation teams to investigate the accident and assured to provide all possible help in the investigation. According to ANI, the Char Dham Yatra began in Uttarakhand on April 31. The portals of the Kedarnath Dham opened on May 2, followed by the Badrinath temple on May 4. (With inputs from PTI)
08 May,2025 02:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentOn Wednesday, the Odisha government, in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved several key schemes, including a major initiative to build 500 km of disaster-resilient roads with a total outlay of Rs 1,000 crore, officials said. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that the new scheme aims to develop robust road infrastructure that ensures minimal disruption in connectivity during and after natural disasters. These roads will help maintain access to emergency services in disaster-affected areas across the state. He added that the roads will be constructed to withstand damage from natural calamities and will require minimal maintenance. Described as lifelines for disaster-prone areas, the roads will be built over a five-year period, from the financial year 2025-26 to 2029-30, with an annual allocation of Rs 200 crore. In addition to this, the cabinet approved eight other proposals. Another new scheme titled ‘Constituency-wise Allocation’ (CWA) was launched by the cabinet, aimed at constructing and upgrading rural development (RD) roads across all 142 Assembly constituencies in Odisha. According to Ahuja, this scheme will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2026-27 with a total estimated budget of Rs 426 crore. The cabinet also approved the continuation of the ‘Nirmal: Strengthening Ancillary Services at Public Health Facilities’ scheme for another five years. This initiative, with an approved budget of Rs 5,174.79 crore, seeks to improve the healthcare environment and provide better facilities at public health centres statewide. Another significant health initiative, the ‘NIDAAN’ scheme, was also extended. This scheme offers free diagnostic and dialysis services at government health facilities. Ahuja said the government has allocated Rs 2,459.51 crore for the scheme's continuation over the next five years. In another decision aimed at improving healthcare services, the cabinet approved Rs 2,021.87 crore from the state budget for managing bio-medical waste generated at public healthcare facilities. In the veterinary sector, the government has created 113 new posts under the Odisha Veterinary Technical Service cadre, raising its total strength to 4,158. Additionally, the cabinet gave the green light to the ‘Mukhyamantri Bus Seva’ (MBS) scheme, aimed at enhancing public transport connectivity across Odisha. This initiative seeks to provide safe, reliable, and affordable bus services to key destinations both within and outside the state. Under this scheme, women, transgender persons, students, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and senior citizens will receive a 50 per cent concession on ticket fares for both AC and non-AC buses. The total estimated budget for this initiative is Rs 3,278 crore over a span of three years. The bus routes will link major business centres, educational and medical hubs, and other key public destinations. (With inputs from PTI)
08 May,2025 12:40 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSoon after the focused strikes on terrorists and terrorist infrastructure at nine sites in Pakistan and PoJK as part of Operation Sindoor, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval spoke with his counterparts from the United States, Japan and several other countries and briefed them about India's "measured, non-escalatory" action, sources said. India carried out precise strikes against terrorist infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Ajit Doval spoke with US NSA & Secretary of State Marco Rubio, UK NSA Jonathan Powell, Saudi NSA Musaid Al Aiban, UAE NSA Sheikh Tahnoon, Secretary General of NSC of UAE Ali Al Shamsi and NSA of Japan Masataka Okano. The sources said contact was also established with Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Diplomatic Adviser to French President Emmanuel Bonne. NSA briefed his counterparts on actions taken and method of execution, which was measured, non-escalatory and restrained. He emphasised that India had no intent to escalate but was well prepared to retaliate resolutely should Pakistan decide to escalate. NSA will be in touch with his counterparts in the days ahead, sources said. Marco Rubio had spoken to National Security Advisors from India and Pakistan on Tuesday (local time) and urged them to keep lines of communication open and avoid escalation. "Earlier this afternoon, @SecRubio spoke to the national security advisors from India and Pakistan. He urged both to keep lines of communication open and avoid escalation," US Department of State said on X. At a joint briefing on Operation Sindoor in which nine terrorist camps were targeted with precision strikes, Foreign Secretay Vikram Misri said the terror attack in Pahalgam was marked with extreme barbarity, with the victims mostly killed with head shots at close range and in front of their family. "The family members were deliberately traumatised through the manner of killing, accompanied by the exhortation that they should take back the message. The attack was clearly driven by the objective of undermining normalcy returning to Kashmir," he said. Misri said that Indian intelligence agencies had been monitoring terrorist activities and raised concerns regarding more terrorist attacks in India. "Our intelligence indicated that further attacks against India are impending. Thus, compulsion, both to deter and prevent and hence earlier this morning, India exercised its right to respond to deter such more cross-border terrorism... Our actions were measured and non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. They focused on dismantling terrorists' infrastructure," he said. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh informed that a total of nine terror sites were targeted and successfully destroyed. She asserted that the locations were selected so that there was no damage to civilians and their infrastructures. "Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and successfully destroyed... The locations were so selected to avoid damage to civilian infrastructures and loss of any civilian lives, she said. Col Sofiya Qureshi showed some videos of the strikes destroying terror camps. The Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor' early Wednesday. Twenty-six people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. The government had said that the perpetrators will face severe punishment. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 May,2025 12:28 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIIn response to Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes by Indian forces on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the border states of Punjab and Rajasthan have been placed on heightened alert, with stringent security measures, as per PTI. The strikes, carried out early Wednesday, were a direct retaliation for the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, many of them tourists. The Indian military targeted nine terror camps, sparking security concerns across border regions. Given Punjab’s 532-kilometre-long border with Pakistan and Rajasthan’s 1,070-kilometre stretch, the proximity to potential retaliation zones has prompted urgent state-level responses. Authorities in both states have taken decisive steps to minimise risk and ensure readiness for any escalation. The Punjab Police has cancelled all leaves for its personnel effective from May 7. An official directive from the Director General of Police (DGP)’s office clarified that leave would now only be sanctioned under special circumstances and must be approved by a competent authority. Further, in light of the prevailing tension, all schools both government and private have been ordered shut in six border districts: Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran. All public events have also been cancelled until further notice. Quoting Punjab Minister Aman Arora, PTI reports that the government has taken proactive steps, noting, “Punjab shares a 532-km border with Pakistan. The government’s role becomes especially crucial during such military escalations. Our districts have been placed on high alert and the police, serving as the second line of defence, will stand ready alongside the Army.” In neighbouring Rajasthan, a similar pattern of preparedness has emerged. Schools have been closed in the border districts of Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer as a precautionary measure. Government directives have also led to the cancellation of leaves for all administrative officers and police personnel deployed in border zones. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, responding to the sensitive situation post-Operation Sindoor, has instructed officials to remain at their posts and to ensure comprehensive emergency preparedness. A high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant and DGP U R Sahoo brought together divisional commissioners, district collectors, inspectors general, and superintendents of police. (With inputs from PTI)
08 May,2025 11:55 AM IST | New DelhiADVERTISEMENT
