Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the nation on Monday said that terrorist sites like Bhawalpur and Muridke were the universities of global terrorism which were attacked by the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor. "When Indian missiles and drones attacked those sites in Pakistan, it was not just the buildings of the terrorist organisations but their courage also shook. Terrorist sites like Bhawalpur and Muridke were the universities of global terrorism. All big terrorist attacks in the world, including 9/11 or big terrorist attacks in India, are somehow or the other connected to these terrorist sites," PM Modi said in his address. PM Modi's address comes two days after India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect. The understanding was reached after four days of cross-border strikes that triggered fears of a wider conflict. India's Operation Sindoor was launched on the intervening night of May 6 and 7 to avenge the killings of 26 people in the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian Armed Forces targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the officials had earlier said. Pakistan then attempted to attack several Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. "I dedicate this bravery of armed forces to mothers, sisters and daughters of this country," PM Modi said in his address. He said that Pahalgam attack was the most barbaric face of terrorism; it was a personal pain for me. Terrorist attack on India will have to face a befitting reply, and the response will be on our terms, PM Modi said. The prime minister said on Monday that for India to uphold peace, it must be strong, and when necessary, that strength must be exercised. "This is not an era of war, but it is not an era of terrorism either. Unity is India's greatest strength in the fight against all forms of terrorism. Zero Tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee of a better and safer world," he said. PM Modi asserted that Pakistan's military and government have continuously nurtured terrorism, warning that such actions will eventually lead to Pakistan's own downfall. He declared that if Pakistan seeks survival, it must dismantle its terror infrastructure, there is no other path to peace. (with PTI inputs)
12 May,2025 11:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSecurity forces are engaging suspected drones observed along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu region on Monday, the Indian Army said., reported the PTI. The fresh incident of drone activity along the borderline comes barely hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first address to the nation following Operation Sindoor and the meeting of the DGMOs of India and Pakistan. The Army, however, said there is no need to be alarmed. "A small number of suspected drones have been observed near Samba in J&K. They are being engaged," it said, according to the PTI. In the backdrop of the situation, several areas witnessed blackouts in Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Jammu. According to the PTI, on Monday, talks between the DGMOs were held during which issues related to the continuing commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive or inimical action against each other were discussed, the Indian Army said. It was also agreed that both sides would consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction along the borders and in forward areas, it added. The situation remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir, with no incidents of ceasefire violation reported along the Indo-Pak border Sunday overnight ¿ marking the first calm night after 18 days of hostilities following the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people-- mostly tourists dead. India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to cease all firing and military actions on land, air, and sea with immediate effect, following four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that brought the two countries to the brink of full-scale war. Eighteen days of intense hostilities following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, which brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war, ended with a ceasefire that restored calm along the Line of Control, the International Border, and the hinterland in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army thwarted Pakistan's drone attacks during the escalation. The India-Pakistan border stretches over 3,300 kilometers, divided into three segments: the International Border (IB), spanning about 2,400 km from Gujarat to Akhnoor in Jammu; the 740-km-long Line of Control (LoC) that divides Jammu and Kashmir; and the 110-km-long Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL), which separates the Siachen Glacier region, the PTI reported. (with PTI inputs)
12 May,2025 11:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that India will not make any distinction between terrorists and a government harbouring them. PM Modi addressed the nation on Monday, a first after India launched Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan. Operation Sindoor was launched on the intervening night of May 6 and 7 to avenge the killings of 26 people in the Pahalgam terror attack. CM Fadnavis said that PM Modi has sent a strong message to Pakistan that it can no longer evade responsibility for terror attacks. Fadnavis welcomed PM Modi’s firm message on terrorism, saying that India has now officially adopted a stance that was demanded as far back as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks – that terrorists and the governments that support them must not be viewed separately, an official statement said. "When the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack happened, the Indian government had urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable. But our demand was not accepted, and Pakistan was treated separately. Today, our prime minister has ended that ambiguity," CM Fadnavis said. Speaking to the media in Nagpur after PM Modi's national address, CM Fadnavis said that the Prime Minister had laid out three new national security principles, or what he called the "new normal": Any terrorist attack will be considered an attack on India and responded to firmly, India will not tolerate any form of nuclear blackmail and There will be no distinction between terrorists and the governments that support them, with direct reference to Pakistan. “These three points are very significant,” CM Fadnavis said. He added, “Until now, every time there was a terrorist attack, Pakistan used to claim it had nothing to do with terrorism. That excuse will no longer work. India has clearly stated its position before the world.” The way India entered Pakistani territory, targeted its military installations and carried out Operation Sindoor shows our strength, Fadnavis said, claiming that Pakistan got scared and contacted India to request a ceasefire. Pakistan had requested a ceasefire after feeling the pressure of India’s military response, further underlining the effectiveness of India’s actions, Fadnavis stated highlighting the Prime Minister’s speech. “Now, the only issue left for discussion is Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK),” the Maharashtra Chief Minister said.
12 May,2025 10:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnseasonal rains on Monday lashed parts of Nashik district in Maharashtra, continuing the trend of intermittent spells over the last few days, reported the PTI. A day earlier, downpours accompanied by strong winds led to the uprooting of trees in Cidco, Satpur, and other suburbs. Several areas in Old Nashik were inundated. Heavy rain hit the city around 2.15 pm on Monday, causing water accumulation in Main Road, Shalimar, CBS and other areas. Officials said Nashik recorded 5.6 mm rainfall from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm on Monday. Due to unseasonal rain, onions, mangoes, and vegetables suffered heavy damage. State agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate inspected the loss in Sinnar taluka on Sunday afternoon and interacted with farmers. He directed officials to assess the damage and submit a report for further action. IMD forecasts heatwave in south Bengal, heavy rain in north The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday forecast heatwave conditions in several districts in the southern part of West Bengal, while heavy rain is likely in the sub-Himalayan region of the state for the next few days, according to the PTI. There will not be any major change in day temperature over the districts of West Bengal during the next four to five days, and thereafter it will gradually fall by two to three degrees during the subsequent two to three days, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Heatwave conditions are likely in one or two places in Paschim Bardhaman, Bankura, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur and Birbhum districts in south Bengal till May 15, as per the PTI. Owing to moisture availability and trough from central Bihar to south Jharkhand, heavy rain is likely in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar in the northern part of West Bengal till May 15, the IMD said, the news agency reported. The north Bengal district of Malda, however, is likely to experience heatwave conditions at one or two places during the period, it said. Meanwhile, some parts of Rajasthan will experience severe heat starting Tuesday, according to the Met department. Western Rajasthan may see a decrease in thunderstorm and rain activities, and temperatures are predicted to soar by 2-3 degrees Celsius. The weather office said the maximum temperature will likely be recorded at 44-45 degrees in border areas of Jodhpur and Bikaner from May 14. According to the weather office in Jaipur, in the last 24 hours, Bikaner's peak temperature was recorded at 42.3 degrees. (with PTI inputs)
12 May,2025 10:28 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentIn a press briefing on Monday, Air Marshal AK Bharti stated that the purpose of Operation Sindoor was to target terrorists, and not to engage with the Pakistan Military or Pakistani civilians, news agency ANI reported. "Our fight is with the terrorists, our fight is not with the Pakistan Military or Pakistan civilians, so that is very clear. We are very clear in our targeting," he said. Clearing the air on whether India had struck Kirana Hills, which reportedly houses a nuclear facility, the Air Marshal said, “Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installation, we did not know about it. We have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there." Rumours were making rounds on social media that India had hit Kirana Hills during its counter-offensive. He also emphasised that the Indian Armed Forces showcased their effectiveness through precise strikes during Operation Sindoor. "Our counter systems and trained air defence operators are fully capable, and our nation's indigenous capability has proven its effectiveness. It has been demonstrated that no matter what kind of technology emerges, we are prepared to counter it. There is no need for excessive words, you have seen with your own eyes the consequences we have delivered," stated Air Marshal Bharti. Highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare, he said that future conflicts would differ drastically from previous engagements and stressed the importance of staying ahead of adversaries in an ever-changing battlefield. "This was a different kind of warfare and is bound to happen. God forbid, but if we fight another war, that would be completely different from this one. It is a cat-and-mouse game, and we need to be ahead of the curve to beat the adversary," he said. In the early hours of May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor on nine terror strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) in a retaliatory response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people – including one Nepali national – were killed. Following India’s strikes – which killed over 100 terrorists – Pakistan resorted to shelling and drone attack in India, leading to civilian casualties. India also responded to the attack, destroying several of Pakistan’s airbases and inflicting severe damage to its military installations. On May 10, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart, following which the two sides agreed to halt all military actions, on land, at sea, and in the air from 5 pm. However, hours after both countries agreed to stop all firing and military action, Pakistan violated the cessation of hostilities, with India's air defence intercepting Pakistani drones amid a blackout in Srinagar. Red streaks were seen and explosions heard as India's air defence intercepted Pakistani drones amid a blackout in Udhampur. A blackout was also enforced in Pathankot and Ferozepur in Punjab and Jaisalmer and Barmer in Rajasthan. In a special briefing that night, Misri said India takes "very serious note of these violations". India called upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility. (With ANI and PTI inputs)
12 May,2025 10:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the nation on India's Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and said that India will not tolerate any "nuclear blackmail". Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that operations against Pakistan have only been kept in abeyance and the future will depend on their behaviour. This was PM Modi's first address to the nation after Operation Sindoor. Here are 10 key takeaways from PM's address. - PM Modi dedicated the bravery and courage of the Indian Armed Forces to women. "I dedicate this bravery of armed forces to mothers, sisters and daughters of this country," PM Modi said in his address. - He said while Pakistan pleaded with India to stop the military offensive, New Delhi considered it only after they promised to stop their misadventure. - PM Modi termed the Pahalgam attack as the most "barbaric face of terrorism" saying it was personal pain for him but the enemy has now realised the consequences of removing "sindoor" from the forehead of our women. - PM Modi said that Operation Sindoor was not just a name but through it the whole world saw India's resolve turn into action and more than 100 dreaded terrorists were slaughtered in the Indian attack. - Operation Sindoor is now India's new policy against terrorism, a new line has been drawn, PM Modi said - Talks with Pakistan can only happen on terror and return of PoK, nothing else, PM Modi said. - He said that Pakistan has to dismantle its terror infrastructure, there is no other way to peace. - Terror and talks cannot go together; water and blood cannot flow together, he said. - Terrorists being fed by Pakistan will destroy Pakistan itself one day, the Prime Minister said in his address. - We have proved our supremacy in new age warfare, PM Modi said. India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. PM Modi's address came in two days after India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect. The understanding was reached after four days of cross-border strikes that triggered fears of a wider conflict. India's Operation Sindoor was launched by India on the intervening night of May 6 and 7 to avenge the killings of 26 people in the Pahalgam terror attack.
12 May,2025 09:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise a nationwide 'Tiranga Yatra' from May 13 to 23 to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor, sources said on Monday. According to ANI, senior party leaders, including Lok Sabha lawmaker Sambit Patra, General Secretary Vinod Tawde, and Tarun Chugh, will coordinate the yatra. Prominent Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of the BJP-ruled states, and senior party leaders will lead the processions in different parts of the country, according to sources. Ex-servicemen, social workers, and prominent social figures will lead the yatra at several places. During the campaign, the party will reach out to citizens across the nation to raise awareness about Operation Sindoor and its significance for India's security and sovereignty, reported ANI. As part of this campaign, the BJP will organise press conferences throughout the country to highlight the success of India’s military strikes on Pakistan’s terror infrastructure under the operation. The party will also leverage social media influencers to amplify the message and reach a wider audience, source told ANI. Meanwhile, on Monday, Patra, who the party’s national spokesperson, said that Operation Sindoor is a clear demonstration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to eliminate terrorists in their safe havens. "The Prime Minister had resolved that India would eliminate terrorists in their safe havens. Operation Sindoor is a clear demonstration of that commitment," Patra said during a press conference on Monday. Launched in the early hours of May 7, Operation Sindoor was India’s retaliatory response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to eliminating over 100 terrorists, the strikes under Operation Sindoor, the armed also struck Pakistan’s air bases and inflicted significant damage on their military capabilities after Islamabad launched a drone attack and shelling on India. The air, land and sea operations were carried out with calibrated restraint, with an emphasis on minimising civilian casualties. On May 10, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart, following which the two sides agreed to halt all military actions, on land, at sea, and in the air, effective from 5 pm. Misri noted that instructions have been issued to enforce the ceasefire. However, hours later, Pakistan violated the cessation of hostilities with India's air defence intercepting Pakistani drones amid a blackout in Srinagar and several other bordering districts. Later that night, in a special briefing, Misri said India takes "very serious note of these violations". India called upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility. (With ANI inputs)
12 May,2025 08:58 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFormer Indian Army chief General Manoj Naravane has criticised people raising questions about the suspension of hostilities between India and Pakistan, saying war is not romantic, nor is it a Bollywood movie. Speaking at an event in Pune on Sunday, Gen Naravane said he would go to war if ordered, but diplomacy would be his first choice. The former Army chief pointed out it has been a tumultuous week, starting with Operation Sindoor, the strikes by the Indian Armed Forces on terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and POK, followed by four days of intense aerial and some land battles. "It finally culminated in an announcement regarding the cessation of military action. I would like to repeat that it is only a cessation of military operations, not a ceasefire as such. Watch how things unfold in the days and weeks to come," he said. He noted that several people have raised questions about the suspension of military hostilities and whether it was a good thing. "If you consider the facts and figures, particularly the cost of war, you'll realise that a wise person makes that call before the losses become too large or insurmountable," he said. "I believe we proved to Pakistan through the strikes we carried out not only on terrorist infrastructure but also on their airfields deep within their territory that the cost of continuing on their path would be too high. That compelled them and ultimately led their DGMO to call ours to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire," he said. He added that there is a third aspect, the social component. "I mentioned strength and destruction, but this social part includes the lives that are lost: children who lose their parents or who themselves get killed in the shelling in border areas. Nobody accounts for that kind of destruction," he said. He noted that for those who have lost their loved ones, the trauma gets carried through generations. "There's also something called PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). People who have seen gruesome scenes wake up in cold sweat even after 20 years and need psychiatric care," he said. Gen Naravane was speaking at a programme organised by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. "War is not romantic. It is not your Bollywood movie. It is very serious business. War or violence should be the last thing we should resort to, which is why our Prime Minister said this is not an era of war. Although war will be forced upon us by unwise people, we should not cheer for it," he said. "Still, people are asking why we have not gone for a full-out war. As a military man, if ordered, I will go to war, but that will not be my first choice," the former Indian Army Chief said. Gen Naravane said he would choose diplomacy, settling differences through dialogue and not reaching the stage of armed conflict. "We are all equal stakeholders in national security. We should try to resolve differences not only between countries, but amongst ourselves, whether in families or between states, regions and communities. Violence is not the answer," he said. Highlighting the importance of a strong defence budget, Gen Naravane said the debate about "guns versus butter" is as old as time. "How much should a country spend on defence when there are so many other conflicting priorities? Should you spend on all those things you've seen on the TV screen, or should you spend on education, healthcare, hygiene, sanitation, and so many other equally pressing demands, especially for a developing country like ours?" he said. He pointed out that the defence ministry takes up about 15 per cent of the national budget, and that's the kind of investment which has to be made. "Now you will ask, is it a worthwhile investment, or is it money down the drain that has to be pumped back up? So, let me put it in two or three different ways. Firstly, I would like to say: look at it as an insurance premium." The country needs a backup plan for emergencies, and this was starkly evident last week, he said. "If your armed forces are well-prepared and well-equipped, they are capable of dealing with any such emergency that may be thrust upon the country without warning just like accidents happen without warning," he said. He added that the key difference was that in the case of insurance, the benefit comes after the accident, while a well-prepared military helps prevent the accident from happening in the first place. "If you are well prepared, others will think twice before attacking you," Gen Naravane said. 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
12 May,2025 07:44 PM IST | Pune | PTIGold witnessed a sharp decline in prices on Monday, as traders shifted from safe-haven buying after the United States (US) announced a 90-day pause on tariffs against Chinese imports, PTI reported. According to the All India Sarafa Association, gold of 99.5 per cent purity dropped by Rs 3,400 to Rs 96,100 per 10 grams on Monday. This marks the steepest decline in 10 months, with the last major fall being Rs 3,350 on July 23, 2024. Gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity had previously settled at Rs 99,950 and Rs 99,500 per 10 grams, respectively, on Saturday, reported PTI. "Gold prices fell sharply amid signs of progress in trade talks between the US and China, along with some relief in geopolitical tensions, including India-Pakistan," said Rahul Kalantri, Vice President – Commodities at Mehta Equities Ltd. Silver prices also declined, falling Rs 200 to settle at Rs 99,700 per kilogramme against Rs 99,900 recorded on Saturday. The US, following trade talks held in Geneva over the weekend, agreed to reduce its 145 per cent tariff rate on Chinese goods to 30 per cent. In response, China consented to lower its tariffs on US goods to 10 per cent for a 90-day period. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, is trading higher by 1.42 per cent at 101.76, PTI reported. In futures trading, the most active gold contract on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) dropped by Rs 3,932 or 4.07 per cent to Rs 92,586 per 10 grams. According to Jateen Trivedi, Vice President-Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency) at LKP Securities, easing geopolitical tensions have also contributed to the sell-off in gold. He noted: “Geopolitical tensions cooled with signs of a potential truce between Russia and Ukraine, and an understanding between India and Pakistan on military actions.” These developments prompted heavy profit-booking in gold, which had earlier rallied amid global uncertainty, Trivedi added. A robust rally in equity markets further dented gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. Meanwhile, silver contracts for July delivery on the MCX dropped by Rs 2,295 or 2.37 per cent to Rs 94,434 per kilogramme. In the international market, spot gold tumbled over 3 per cent to USD 3,218.70 per ounce, while spot silver fell by 1.19 per cent to USD 32.33 per ounce. “Gold dips more than 2 per cent on long-liquidation/profit-booking amid easing geopolitical tensions and recovery in the greenback against major currencies,” said Pranav Mer, Vice President, EBG-Commodity & Currency Research at JM Financial Services Ltd. Later this week, investor attention will turn to key US macroeconomic data, including inflation, retail sales, and consumer sentiment. Markets will also be keeping an eye on the US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech for further guidance on the interest rate trajectory, Mer added. (With PTI inputs)
12 May,2025 07:22 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP claimed on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled his commitment of inflicting punishment beyond their imagination on the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam terror strike and razing their safe havens. While addressing a press conference on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra provided details about the strikes on the terror infrastructure and the attack on the Pakistani air bases. He added that Pakistan lost "nine terror sites, 11 air bases, over 100 terrorists, 50 soldiers and its prestige". As per PTI, the BJP MP also stated that PM Modi had vowed that India would take out terrorists in their homes and tear down the terror sites."Our armed forces' indomitable courage and PM Modi's decision have completely destroyed the terror sites." It was a promise by Modi," he said, adding that Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7, has achieved 100 per cent of its targets. The Lok Sabha lawmaker further stated said that the prime minister had, during his public gathering in Bihar, assured citizens of fulfilling their desire to combat terrorism and had pledged to avenge the killing of 26 civilians, primarily tourists, in Pahalgam on April 22. Modi had pledged to exact retribution that would surpass the terrorists' wildest dreams, and has fulfilled his promise, added Patra. The kind of military and non-military action India has taken under the operation is unprecedented and has sent a decisive message in its war against terrorism, the BJP MP stated. Even Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have backed out, and Pakistan stands isolated globally, Patra claimed. Moreover, he said that India has shown that no part of Pakistan is beyond New Delhi’s reach. India-Pakistan tensions: Operation Sindoor met 100 per cent target Patra also went on to say that India can say with pride that Operation Sindoor met its target 100 per cent and lauded the national unity behind the armed forces' action. Not only did India kill over 100 terrorists across nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, but its subsequent action in retaliation against Islamabad’s response destroyed 11 air bases in the country, he said. Stating that 50 Pakistani soldiers were killed in one of these airbase attacks, Patra claimed that it was the first time that a nation has destroyed a nuclear-powered nation's airbases. No other country would have carried out such precision attacks aimed at terrorists and their sites within a span of 23 minutes, he further emphasised. He stated that for the first time, India carried out strikes in Pakistan's Punjab province, considered the heart of the country, effectively eliminating terrorists and their camps. The BJP leader also warned that though the two nuclear neighbours have arrived at an understanding to stop military actions, India will break the agreement in case of future terror attacks. He said that under PM Modi, the Indian government took unprecedented punitive actions, including the decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Pakistan depends so critically on the waters flowing from India that the neighbouring country's GDP and agriculture will plunge, and it will become even more fragile, he remarked. "Operation Sindoor successfully dismantled terror hubs affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen," said Patra.India, he added, had earlier tried to pressure Pakistan into taking action by giving it dossiers on evidence of terrorist activities emanating from its soil, as was the case after the Mumbai terror attack in 2008, but the neighbouring country paid little heed. Meanwhile, the media also asked the MP about the trolling by right-wing activists against Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on social media platforms after the India and Pakistan ceasefire agreement was announced. To this, Patra said that his party respects everyone, be they armed forces or bureaucrats, associated with the operation. He also added that social media is a tool, but it cannot be a basis for the country to decide its course of action.Misri was forced to make his account on X private, restricting access to only confirmed followers, after he and his family members were targeted by trolls.(With inputs from PTI)
12 May,2025 05:48 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a major success for ongoing anti-Naxal operations in state, the Gadchiroli Police busted a Maoist camp near the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border on Monday morning, police said. According to the police, the operation was carried out based on specific intelligence received on Sunday afternoon, which indicated that the Bhamragad Dalam, an armed Maoist unit, had set up a hideout near the newly opened Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kawande. Acting on the information, a team of around 200 C60 commandos, led by Additional SP Admin M Ramesh, was mobilised by evening. During the early morning search operation on May 12, Maoist cadres opened fire on the security forces. The commandos retaliated strongly, and an exchange of gunfire took place at three different locations over a span of two hours, police said. After the encounter, a detailed search of the area led to the recovery of several weapons and items, including one INSAS rifle, one single-shot rifle, a magazine with live rounds, detonators, a radio set, wireless charger, three backpacks, and a large cache of Maoist literature and personal belongings, police officials said. The entire camp was destroyed during the operation, they said. "In the operation the camp was destroyed completely by the C60 commandos. There area high chances of Maoists getting injured or killed, it is suspected that they were dragged away by other Maoists. Further operations in area is continuing. Gadchiroli Police nab man involved in series of thefts, recover stolen items worth Rs 2.51 lakh Meanwhile, the Gadchiroli Police on Sunday said that it has arrested a man who was allegedly involved in a series of thefts in the district which took place recently and has recovered stolen items worth Rs 2.51 lakh. According to the police, the accused has been identified as 20-year-old Akash Nagaya Kottapelli, a resident of Kottapelli, Sironcha Taluka, had been involved in series of theft cases reported in the Sironcha area in Gadchiroli. The police said that he has confessed to committing 11 thefts in and around the Sironcha Police Station limits and Asaralli area. Acting on the instructions of Superintendent of Police Neelotpal and In-Charge SP Yatish Deshmukh, a team from the Sironcha Police Station began investigating recent thefts in the area. On the night of May 9, 2025, based on confidential information received during a night patrol, Sub-Inspector Prajwali Kulkarni and the team detained a suspicious person matching the description of the wanted accused. When questioned, the suspect gave vague and misleading answers. "He was taken to the police station for further interrogation. During questioning, he admitted to being involved in multiple thefts in the Sironcha area," the police officials said. The cops then searched the locations mentioned by the accused and recovered stolen items including electronic gadgets, construction tools, household goods, clothing, and mobile phones, all worth a total of Rs 2,51,700.
12 May,2025 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
