LIVE | India, Pak understanding on cessation of hostilities extended
India has made it clear to world that “we can go to any extent against terrorism”, Defence Minister tells troops in Kashmir in his first visit since Op Sindoor
Following the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan on cessation of hostilities, Indian officials said on Thursday (May 15) that they decided to continue the confidence-building measures to reduce the alertness level.
The clarification came after Pakistan military said the understanding on ending the hostilities has been extended until May 18.
"Further to the understanding between the two DGMOs (Directors General of Military Operations) on May 10, it has been decided to continue the confidence building measures so as to reduce the alertness level," an Indian Army official said.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday kick-started a crucial visit to Jammu and Kashmir to take stock of the overall security situation, especially along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border.
“India has never been a votary of war, but when our sovereignty is attacked, we will respond,” Singh told troops in Srinagar during the visit. He added that India has made it clear to world that “we can go to any extent against terrorism”. “Operation Sindoor is the biggest action taken by India against terrorism,” he asserted.
It is his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir since Operation Sindoor, top military officials will brief the defence minister on various aspects of the prevailing security situation. The defence minister will review the overall situation as well as combat readiness of the frontline troops at the Indian Army’s XV Corps in Srinagar.
Watch | Capital Beat: India-Pakistan ceasefire: Trump takes credit, yet again
On Thursday morning, three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Nadir village of Tral in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, said an India Today report. The three terrorists were reportedly identified as Asif Ahmed Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani and Yawar Ahmad Bhat, all residents of Pulwama.
The encounter — the second in as many days — broke out between security forces and terrorists in Awantipora, said the state police on X. Under Operation Keller on Tuesday (May 13), three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian. The encounter initially began in Kulgam and then shifted to a forest area in Shopian.
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- 15 May 2025 7:31 PM IST
We need a sustained ceasefire at the borders: Mehbooba Mufti
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday met the family members of people killed in Pakistani shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Mendhar and called for a lasting cessation of hostilities and a return to normalcy at the border.
Condoling the deaths in shelling Mendhar from across the frontier between May 7 and 10, she demanded higher compensation and a government job for a member of each bereaved family.
"The current Rs 10 lakh compensation is inadequate. It must be increased significantly," Mehbooba said, adding those whose houses were damaged in Pakistani shelling should get Rs 50 lakh relief.
About the India-Pakistan tension, she said, "This kind of atmosphere must end, and there should never be a war in the future. What we need now is a lasting ceasefire. Normalcy and peace must be restored." Stressing the need for bunkers for the local populace, the PDP chief added, "In these areas, the existing security provisions are of little use and people cannot be left with nowhere to go during shelling. We need proper bunkers for them." Urging the government to speed up rehabilitation, she said, "The bunkers in these areas are meant for security personnel. Authorities should work swiftly to build civilian bunkers, repair all damaged houses. Alongside that, grant full, enhanced compensation. In every household that has suffered a martyrdom, one job should be offered." Replying to a question on celebrations marking Operation Sindoor, Mehbooba remarked, "What can I say about that? First and foremost, there should never have been a war. So many of our people have become martyrs. So many homes have been destroyed, property has been lost, and blood has been shed. What do those sitting in studios know of what is happening here?" "We need a sustained ceasefire at the borders, and families affected by the fighting must be properly compensated," she added.
- 15 May 2025 5:21 PM IST
Govt may curb destination weddings, film shoots in Turkiye, Azerbaijan
Visits of Indian tourists, hosting of destination weddings and shooting of Indian films are likely to significantly drop in Turkiye and Azerbaijan in the coming days as the government may discourage people from going to the two countries which had actively supported Pakistan in the recent conflict, official sources said.
Turkiye and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned India's recent strikes on terror camps in that country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor. Pakistan also used Turkish drones on a large scale in the conflict.
Besides the visit of a large number of tourists, rich Indians and non-resident Indians (NRIs) hosting weddings in exotic locations is the latest trend. Indians visit the two countries for their scenic beauties, charming cafes and luxurious restaurants among others.Besides the visit of a large number of tourists, rich Indians and non-resident Indians (NRIs) hosting weddings in exotic locations is the latest trend. Indians visit the two countries for their scenic beauties, charming cafes and luxurious restaurants among others.
While India's trade ties with the two countries have already come under scrutiny, multiple educational institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), have either suspended their collaboration with universities in Turkiye or are considering it.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) on Wednesday appealed to Indian artists and producers to boycott Turkiye as a shooting destination for its pro-Pakistan stance.
- 15 May 2025 5:02 PM IST
Sanjay Raut insulted entire Shah community: BJP
The BJP on Thursday accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut of insulting the entire Shah community after he said "none of the Shahs is a patriot" while slamming Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for his remarks about Col Sofiya Qureshi.
Reacting sharply, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari termed Raut's comments as "vile and casteist" and accused him of insulting the entire Shah community.
Posting a video clip of the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader's remarks, he said, "This is not political criticism, this is hatred against a specific surname and community."
- 15 May 2025 5:00 PM IST
PoK should merge with India, says Union minister Ramdas Athawale
Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Thursday said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) should be merged with India, and warned that if it fails to happen, the country will have to fight more wars.
Hailing India's 'Operation Sindoor', he said the Army has taught Pakistan a lesson. Athawale also urged the opposition parties not play politics over the issue by demanding the proof of action against Pakistan.
- 15 May 2025 4:57 PM IST
We were never really close friends: Neeraj Chopra on Arshad Nadeem
Seeking to set the record straight, star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Thursday clarified that he and Arshad Nadeem were never really close friends and said "things won't be the same" after the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
In the aftermath of last month's Pahalgam terror attack, Neeraj and his family were bombarded with abuse on social media for inviting Pakistan's Nadeem to the now-postponed NC Classic in Bengaluru.
Chopra also clarified that invites for NC Classic were sent out a day before the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists with links to Pakistan.
