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Pulwama retribution: India uses IAF for first time after 1971 to strike JeM terror camp

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7 years ago

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Pulwama retribution: India uses IAF for first time after 1971 to strike JeM terror camp

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]India carried out a “non-military, preemptive action” against a major terror camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Balakot, Ministry of External Affairs secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Tuesday.

At a packed press briefing in New Delhi, Gokhale said intelligence reports confirmed that the JeM was preparing to follow up the Pulwama terror attack with a wave of suicide attacks in various parts of the country. “Credible intelligence was received that JeM was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country, and the fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose. In the face of imminent danger, a preemptive strike became absolutely necessary,” he said.

In an intelligence-led operation that began in the early hours today, Gokhale said, a large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated. The camp was run by Maulana Yousuf Azhar, the brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar.

“The Government of India is firmly and resolutely committed to taking all necessary measures to fight the menace of terrorism. Hence this non-military pre-emptive action was specifically targeted at the JeM camp. The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties,” Gokhale added.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor claimed Indian aircraft “intruded from Muzaffarabad sector” and “dropped a payload” near Balakot “facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force”.

Also Read: Pulwama retribution: Indian Air Force pulverises Jaish camp in pre-dawn strike

ANI reports, quoting sources in the Indian Air Force, said at 0330 hours on February 26, a squadron of Mirage 2000 Indian Fighter jets struck a major terrorist camp across the LoC and completely destroyed it. The IAF source further told ANI that 1000-kg bombs were dropped. ANI said 12 Mirage 2000 jets took part in the operation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1551177615431{border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #e0e0e0 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]The pre-dawn air strikes by the Indian Air Force (IAF) Mirage fighter jets was on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp located in Balakot inside Pakistan and not the one in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), reported The Hindu quoting a senior IAF source.

“The terror launch pads along the LoC were moved deep inside after the Pulwama attack. The training camp in Balakot was deep inside. It’s in proper Pakistan itself, close to Abbottabad infamous because of Osama bin Laden,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

Balakot, about 40-50 kms from LoC, is situated in Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, about two hours’ drive from Abbottabad.

Another source said the initial Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) is that the hit was 100% and all aircraft returned safely. Further details from the assessment are awaited.

IAF’s Central Air Command led the air strikes. The indigenous Netra early warning aircraft was in the air monitoring the operation and IAF mid-air refueller was also dispatched and ready.

Ahead of the strikes, the Army was put on high alert along the LoC. A senior officer posted along the LoC said they were on high alert in anticipation of retaliatory firing by Pakistan army. “We were told to hold fire as there was movement of jets overhead and they were our own,” he said on the air strike as IAF jets crossed the LoC.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The strike comes just days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus carrying paramilitary forces in Jammu Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM, led by Masood Azhar, had claimed responsibility for the attack.

This was the first time Indian Air Force has been used in Pakistan-controlled air space after the 1971 war. During the 1999 Kargil conflict, the Vajpayee government had decided to restrict the use of IAF to India’s own side of Line of Control (LoC). IAF had used Mirage 2000 to fire laser-guided bombs, fixed hastily when the Kargil conflict was on, to target Pakistani posts on the mountains of Kargil.

The capability to fix and hit the target, both during day and night and even in cloudy weather, was demonstrated by the IAF in Exercise Vayu Shakti earlier this month in Jaisalmer, said a report in The India Express (IE). The firepower demonstration had showcased capabilities which were way beyond those used during the Kargil War.

The JeM is proscribed by the UN and has been responsible of a series of terrorist attacks including on the Indian Parliament in December 2001 and the Pathankot airbase in January 2016.

Information regarding the location of training camps in Pakistan and PoJK has been provided to Pakistan from time to time. Pakistan, however, denies their existence. The existence of such massive training facilities capable of training hundreds of jihadis could not have functioned without the knowledge of Pakistan authorities.

Also Read: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Rajouri district, Indian forces retaliate

India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against the JeM to prevent jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan. Pakistan has taken no concrete actions to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil.

Gokhale said: “The Government of Pakistan had made a solemn commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India. We expect that Pakistan lives up to its public commitment and takes follow up actions to dismantle all JeM and other camps and hold the terrorists accountable for the actions.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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PM Modi pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, says leadership is defined by conduct

PM Modi paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, saying true leadership is defined by conduct and values, not by position.

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17 hours ago

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December 25, 2025

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PM Modi pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, says leadership is defined by conduct

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of his 101st birth anniversary. Remembering Vajpayee’s legacy, the Prime Minister said that true leadership is not established by position, but by conduct.

Several dignitaries were present at the memorial to pay homage to the former Prime Minister, who remains one of the most respected figures in Indian politics.

PM Modi remembers Vajpayee’s conduct and values

In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi described Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman whose behaviour, dignity and unwavering commitment to national interest set a benchmark for Indian politics. He said Vajpayee’s life continues to inspire the nation and highlights that leadership is determined by character rather than authority.

The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit verse, noting that the actions of great leaders guide society, and said this principle was clearly reflected throughout Vajpayee’s public life.

‘Nation always came first for Atal ji’

Prime Minister Modi further said that Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is an opportunity for everyone to draw inspiration from his life. He highlighted Vajpayee’s conduct, grace, ideological firmness and resolve to place the nation’s interest above all else as an ideal standard for public life.

Through his life and work, Vajpayee demonstrated that excellence and greatness are shaped by values and conduct, not merely by holding office, the Prime Minister said. The remarks were shared with inputs from media.

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Cried over Gaza, not a word on Bangladesh: Yogi Adityanath attacks opposition in UP Assembly

Yogi Adityanath criticised the opposition in the UP Assembly, accusing them of selective outrage over Gaza while remaining silent on violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

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17 hours ago

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December 25, 2025

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Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition during proceedings in the State Assembly, accusing rival parties of indulging in selective outrage and appeasement politics while remaining silent on incidents involving Hindus in neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh.

Referring to recent incidents across the border, the Chief Minister said the Opposition raises its voice on international issues selectively but avoids speaking out when minorities, especially Hindus, are targeted in nearby nations.

“You shed tears over developments in Gaza, but not a single word comes out when a Dalit youth is killed in Bangladesh,” Adityanath said in the Assembly, alleging that such silence exposes the Opposition’s political priorities.

The Chief Minister further claimed that incidents of violence against Hindus would not have occurred had Pakistan and Bangladesh not been created, reiterating that issues are often viewed through the prism of vote bank politics. He said candle marches are organised for global events, but killings of Hindus in Pakistan or Bangladesh do not evoke similar responses.

Adityanath also called for a condemnation resolution in the Assembly, stating that it should ideally come from the Leader of the Opposition. He said such a resolution should clearly condemn the killing and convey a warning to the Bangladesh government.

Allegations over illegal immigration

Targeting the Opposition on the issue of illegal immigration, the Chief Minister alleged that they support Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas. He claimed that when authorities take action to expel illegal immigrants, Opposition leaders come out in their defence, alleging that many of them have been facilitated with voter registrations and Aadhaar cards.

Meanwhile, tensions between India and Bangladesh have been visible following recent developments. India summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner for the second time in a week amid concerns arising from incidents in the neighbouring country.

The summons came in the backdrop of protests in Bangladesh following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in separate incidents. Dipu Das, a 27-year-old youth from Mymensingh district, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy on December 18, and his body was later set on fire, triggering widespread outrage.

The Interim Government of Bangladesh condemned the incident. Education Adviser C R Abrar visited the bereaved family on behalf of the government, expressed condolences, and assured them of financial and welfare assistance. The Office of the Chief Adviser also reiterated its resolve to protect all citizens and ensure justice in the case.

The killing has once again raised concerns at the international level over the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, with minority groups demanding strict action against those responsible.

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Christmas 2025 wishes for WhatsApp and Instagram status to share joy and warmth

From faith and kindness to love and joy, here are simple Christmas 2025 wishes you can use as WhatsApp and Instagram status messages.

Published

18 hours ago

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December 25, 2025

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Merry christmas

As Christmas 2025 is being celebrated across the world, people are marking the occasion by sharing warm messages with family, friends and loved ones. The festival commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed as a time of faith, kindness and togetherness. Along with prayers, gifts and festive meals, social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram have become popular spaces for expressing Christmas greetings.

Christmas is traditionally associated with reflecting God’s love through generosity and compassion, while also strengthening bonds with close ones. Many people choose short, meaningful lines as their social media status to capture the spirit of the day and convey goodwill.

Here is a curated list of loving Christmas 2025 wishes that can be used as WhatsApp or Instagram status messages on the joyful occasion:

  1. Merry Christmas! May your day be filled with love, laughter and your favourite moments.
  2. Wishing you a Christmas as bright and cheerful as your smile.
  3. May your heart be full of joy and your home be filled with love this Christmas.
  4. Sending warm Christmas wishes with a touch of festive magic.
  5. Merry Christmas! May peace and happiness surround you today.
  6. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
  7. May the spirit of Christmas bring love to your heart and warmth to your home.
  8. Wishing you a Christmas that is merry, bright and full of cheer.
  9. May your Christmas be rich with laughter, love and cherished traditions.
  10. Sending love, joy and the warmest Christmas wishes your way.
  11. Merry Christmas! Celebrate the day with family, friends and good food.
  12. Wishing you a Christmas filled with magic, wonder and joy.
  13. May the joy of Christmas stay with you throughout the year.
  14. Wishing you a Christmas as special as you are.
  15. Merry Christmas! Wishing happiness and good fortune always.

These short messages reflect the essence of Christmas 2025 and can be easily shared as status updates to spread positivity and festive warmth.

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