Sachin Pilot questions US role in Indo-Pak understanding, seeks clarity from govt

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Jaipur, May 14 (IANS) Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot has raised concerns over the reported understanding between India and Pakistan that led to a pause in Operation Sindoor, questioning the role of the United States in facilitating it.He demanded a clear explanation from the highest levels of the Indian government on the involvement of a third party in what he termed an internal matter.“Is the ceasefire a consequence of growing trade relations with the US, which President Donald Trump has publicly advocated? Or has India silently accepted third-party mediation in Kashmir?” Pilot asked, adding, “The government must clarify its position.”Reiterating India’s long-standing claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pilot called for a special session of Parliament to reaffirm the 1974 resolution that declared PoK an integral part of India and reserved seats for it in the legislature.“In light of recent developments, it is imperative to send a united message to the world. Reaffirming the 1974 resolution through Parliament would show that all Indians stand together on Kashmir,” he said.Pilot also criticised the central government for remaining silent on public assertions by the United States about its role in the ceasefire.“This is the first time a third-party nation like the US has claimed such direct involvement in the Kashmir issue, and yet our top leadership has not issued any official response. This silence is deeply troubling,” he said.Speaking to the media, Pilot noted, “President Trump has taken credit for brokering the ceasefire. What’s alarming is the lack of any denial or clarification from our senior leadership. Even more worrying is that US statements have avoided any mention of terrorism — our core concern with Pakistan — instead focusing on Kashmir.”He expressed concern that Kashmir was once again being internationalised, playing into Pakistan’s long-standing narrative.Referring to earlier instances where Trump brought up Kashmir during talks on terrorism, Pilot said, “This is a time for political unity. We must reaffirm our commitment to India’s territorial integrity and show that all 140 crore Indians are united in the fight against terrorism.”Pilot questioned the credibility of the ceasefire, pointing out that Pakistan violated it on the very day it was announced.“How can we trust a country that has consistently harboured terrorists, including Osama bin Laden? Pakistan’s record speaks for itself. It must be exposed globally as a sponsor of terror,” he said, urging the government to present evidence internationally.He also raised concerns about international financial aid to Pakistan. “Has India received any assurances that IMF funds won’t be misused to shelter or fund terrorists? Before agreeing to any ceasefire, such guarantees are essential,” he said.Expressing support for the armed forces, Pilot said Operation Sindoor must continue, but the government must explain why a ceasefire — facilitated by an external power — was agreed to in such an opaque manner.“Just a few years ago, India was being compared to China in terms of economic and military strength. Now, we are again being bracketed with Pakistan. This is unacceptable,” he said.–IANSarc/skp

SMS Stadium in Jaipur gets bomb threat yet again; security enhanced

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Jaipur, May 14 (IANS) Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium has received a bomb threat for the fourth time in just seven days, after which security was stepped up. The latest threat email, sent to the official ID of the Rajasthan Sports Council, carried the subject line ‘HMX Bomb Blast Sawai Mansingh Stadium Operation Prabhakar Divij’ and included a chilling message warning, “Don’t mess with Pakistan. We have sleeper cells in India. Your hospitals will also be blown up for Operation Sindoor.”Authorities have intensified investigations and are treating these recurring threats with utmost seriousness.The possibility of an organised attempt to create panic, referencing foreign sleeper cells and retaliation for counter-terror operations, is being probed. Security has also been increased at metro stations, hospitals, and other public infrastructure.With the IPL matches scheduled soon, ensuring public safety has become the top priority for Rajasthan’s law enforcement agencies, said officials.Confirming the incident, Sports Council president Neeraj K Pawan said the state government has adopted extra precautions this time in the wake of bomb threats.”We are enhancing four-step security measures. We will be deploying extra police and bouncers. We have increased the number of cameras and repaired the faulty ones,” he added.Meanwhile, Rajasthan Sports Council Secretary Rajendra Singh Sisodia stated that this is the fourth such threat targeting the stadium.He said the email not only threatened the stadium but also mentioned attacks on hospitals. The matter has been reported to the police, and cybercrime experts have joined the investigation to trace the sender. In the meantime, 24/7 security has been ramped up at the stadium with guards stationed at all key locations.This is not the first such incident in Jaipur recently.Earlier bomb threats to the stadium were reported on May 8, May 12, and May 13.On May 9, the Jaipur Metro also received a bomb threat through email, warning of explosions at both the metro station and on trains, again referencing ‘Operation Sindoor’.On February 20, a bomb threat was emailed to SMS Medical College, which was discovered on February 22.Similarly, on October 4, 2023, over 100 airports across India, including Jaipur International Airport, received bomb threat emails. The message sent to CISF officials said, “Let us compete alone with the most powerful countries of the world. There will be boom… boom… boom everywhere.”–IANSarc/svn

Apologise, remove Vijay Shah from Cabinet: Sachin Pilot over controversial remarks on Col Qureshi

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Jaipur, May 14 (IANS) Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Wednesday slammed Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and demanded that the state government sack him from the state Cabinet.

Pilot also asked the BJP leadership to tender an apology to the veteran officer whose generations have served the armed forces to safeguard the country’s borders.The row erupted after Minister Shah, addressing a government function in Manpur town near Mhow, reportedly said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to avenge the April 22 terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in which 26 lives were lost.”PM Modi is working for the upliftment of society. Those who widowed our daughters (in Pahalgam), we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,” Shah said.The BJP has distanced itself from Minister Shah’s remarks, saying that the party does not endorse such comments against individuals who have brought pride to the nation.Madhya Pradesh BJP chief V. D. Sharma said he had communicated with Shah soon after the matter came to light and conveyed clear instructions from the party. However, he did not disclose the nature of those instructions.”The BJP leadership is very sensitive to such matters. If something inappropriate happens, it is promptly addressed. Vijay Shah has been conveyed the party’s message. No one has the right to disrespect Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who has made the country proud with her service,” Sharma said.Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari urged PM Modi to classify such remarks as a crime, emphasising the need for legal measures to prevent similar incidents.Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also termed Shah’s statement “highly objectionable”.In a post on X, Kharge described the minister’s remarks as “deeply offensive” and “inappropriate”, criticising the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government for “allowing” such statements.–IANSarc/svn

Cong threatens to intensify protest against Vijay Shah, demands legal action

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Bhopal, May 14 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh Congress has threatened to stage a large-scale protest against the state’s Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah following his alleged derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a distinguished Indian Army officer.Congress remains firm in its call for immediate removal and legal action against the Minister, urging the Prime Minister to “bring treason” charges against him over his alleged derogatory and offensive remarks.On Wednesday, state Congress chief Jitu Patwari wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding Shah’s immediate removal from office. The party will also file a formal complaint against Shah at a local police station in Bhopal.Patwari also demanded that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav clarify his position on the matter. He insisted that the Minister publicly apologise to the army officer for his remarks.During an event in Raikunda village, Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow), Indore, on Monday, Vijay Shah made an incendiary comment, suggesting that Prime Minister Modi had appointed a “sister” of those responsible for widowing Indian women in the Pahalgam terror attack.His statement, which referenced Operation Sindoor, was met with applause from the audience. However, the remark quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism.Patwari, in his comprehensive appeal, urged the Prime Minister to classify such remarks as a crime, emphasising the need for legal measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.The controversy has sparked state-wide protests by Congress workers. In Indore, a local corporator announced a reward of Rs 51,000 for anyone who blackens the minister’s face, referencing Shah’s history of contentious remarks.A few Congress workers defaced the minister’s nameplate at his official residence with black ink. In response, the minister filed a police complaint against Congress leaders.The BJP leadership took note of the incident, with the party’s Madhya Pradesh Organisational General Secretary, Hitanand Sharma, reportedly chiding Shah. The issue gained national traction on Tuesday when Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned Shah’s statement as “highly objectionable.”Addressing the matter on his X account, Kharge described the minister’s remarks as “deeply offensive” and “inappropriate,” criticizing the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government for allowing such statements.Kharge highlighted Colonel Qureshi’s service to the nation and referenced ‘Operation Sindoor,’ an Indian military operation that responded to terrorist threats in Pahalgam.He accused the BJP-RSS leadership of consistently showing disregard for women, citing recent incidents of online harassment against the family members of military officers.Other senior Congress leaders demanded that Shah be held accountable and called for his resignation. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, commissioned into the Army Signal Corps in 1994, has played a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast India.–IANSsktr/skp

BJP holds Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth hails Indian Army’s valour

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Ranchi, May 14 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday held a Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi under the leadership of Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, to celebrate the Indian Army’s success in ‘Operation Sindoor’ and to reaffirm support for the fight against terrorism.The Yatra began at Shaheed Chowk and culminated at the Samadhi Sthal of freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda in Kokar.Throughout the march, participants raised patriotic slogans such as ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and voiced strong opposition to terrorism.A large number of BJP leaders, workers, and citizens took part in the march, including BJP state President Babulal Marandi, acting state president Ravindra Ray, and Ranchi MLA and former Minister C.P. Singh.Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Seth said the yatra was not a political event but a spontaneous outpouring of patriotic sentiment.“Today, from villages to panchayats across the country, citizens are saluting the Indian Army by taking out Tiranga Yatras,” he said.Praising the Army’s bravery in ‘Operation Sindoor’, Seth claimed that Indian forces not only neutralised key terrorist bases but also destroyed 11 Pakistani airbases that, according to him, were aiding terrorism.“The entire country — 140 crore Indians — are proud of the Indian military for striking deep into Pakistan and delivering a decisive blow to terror,” he added.Seth also thanked the international community for its support, especially citing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.Ranchi MLA C.P. Singh said the yatra reflected the people’s deep appreciation for the Army’s courage and sacrifice.“Citizens are coming out in large numbers to express gratitude to our soldiers,” he said.Tiranga Yatras will also be held across Jharkhand in the coming days under the banner of Citizens for National Security — in all divisional headquarters on May 15, in district headquarters on May 16, and across subdivisions on May 19 and 20.–IANSsnc/skp/rad

Four days after ceasefire understanding, Pakistan repatriates BSF jawan to India (Ld)

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Chandigarh, May 14 (IANS) Four days after the ceasefire understanding, Pakistan on Wednesday released Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who was captured and held captive on April 23. He was handed over to India at 10.30 a.m. through the Joint Check Post Attari in Punjab.Shaw is attached to the BSF’s 182 Battalion, deployed along the international border in Punjab.”Today at 1030 hrs, Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by BSF at Attari-Wagha border,” the BSF said.”Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan territory, while on operational duty in area of Ferozepur sector on 23rd April 2025 around 1150 hrs and detained by Pak Rangers,” the paramilitary force said.Inspector General (IG), Punjab Frontier, BSF, Atul Fulzele, told the media that the jawan, Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was repatriated to India.”The handover was conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols,” he added.Shaw was captured a day after the Pahalgam terror attack, as he had inadvertently crossed the international border along with his service weapon. He was immediately detained by Pakistani forces and remained in their custody amid heightened tensions between the two countries.Shaw is a resident of Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district. The jawan’s wife had travelled to Punjab to pursue the case with BSF officers.After the jawan’s return to India, the Trinamool Congress wrote on X, “Home at last. After days of anxiety and uncertainty, BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw has finally been repatriated. “Mamata Banerjee personally reached out to his wife multiple times, offering reassurance and support during the ordeal. We wish Purnam a full recovery from the trauma he endured and hope he finds peace in the embrace of his loved ones.”–IANSvg/svn