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Mon, 27 July 2015
Pranab condoles Kalam: You will always be People's President
Timeline Refresh
23:33
And Shiv Aroor tweets his colleague Saurabh Singh's stunning tribute to the former president.
23:23
And this beautiful tribute to the former president by the Press Trust India:
23:16 Pranab condoles Kalam: You will always be People's President
President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing of former president Adbul Kalam.
"Dr Kalam was a people's president during his life time and will remain so even after death," Mukherjee said.
23:01
Here is President Pranab's full statement on former president Abdul Kalam's passing:
The passing away of former President of India, Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is a deep personal loss for me. I will always cherish my long association with him. As President of India, Dr. Kalam was immensely popular and greatly admired. His warmth, humility and simple ways endeared him to one and all.
He had a special love for children and sought to constantly inspire the youth of our country through motivational speeches and personal interaction.
Dr Kalam will be long remembered for his passion for science and innovation and his contributions as an eminent scientist, administrator, educationist and writer.
Dr Kalam's achievements as leader of India's defence research establishment vastly enhanced the safety and security of our nation. For his tireless services to the nation, he was honored with numerous prestigious awards.
In his passing away, we have lost a great son of India who dedicated his entire life for the welfare of the motherland and its people.
Dr Kalam was a people's President during his lifetime and will remain so even after his death.'
22:46
Columnist Girish Nikam pays tribute to his beloved Kalam Saab:
Its bizarre, just four days back I got a call, asking "it seems Kalam has passed away, is it?" I was driving to Parliament, and immediately called the Rajya Sabha office to check. The clerk there was taken aback.
I immediately realised it was a rumour, which was confirmed after I reached Parliament! And this happens now. Kalam really gave this country something to cheer about with his unusual style, substance and mannerisms.
I remember when he was chosen to be the candidate for President, Pramod Mahajan went to his flat in Asiad Village in Delhi to officially inform him. And one of the first things was to ask him to get his measurements done for his bandhgala and the other formal suits he would have to wear.
Kalam who was always seen in his blue full sleeve shirt and pants was very reluctant. "This is fine with me, I dont wear suits and bandhgalas" was his refrain.
Mahajan had a tough time convincing him. However Pramod was not successful in convincing him to have his hair cut to "decent size". The Man would not compromise on his hairstyle!!
The man true to his indefatigable energy died in harness. Something he must have wished for himself. RIP Kalam Saab!
22:32
Mohan Guruswamy recalls an anecdote with the former president:
In mid 2003, I wrote a paper "The Economic Strangulation of Bihar" which was first published in EPW and then expanded into a booklet. I sent a copy to former PM, Chandrashekhar, who was the one who introduced me to Bihar and with whom I travelled extensively in that state.
Chandrashekharji sent it to President APJ Abdul Kalam. Within a few days I received a call from Rashtrapati Bhavan saying the President wants to meet me. I was a few minutes late, but the President was waiting in the company of Chandrashekharji.
The President wanted me to elaborate on what I had written. I told him that I had a PowerPoint presentation and would like to run the slides past him before a discussion. I get very eloquent and emotional when I speak about Bihar.I think the PPT was adequate and the points made with telling effect.
There was a brief moment of silence.
Then President Kalam asked me softly as to "how can India can go forward leaving Bihar behind?"
He kept repeating this phrase for many months from various public fora.But the politicians were not interested and little has been done since then.
22:18 PM Modi, senior politicians condole passing of former president Kalam
"Deeply saddened at sudden demise of former president of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. He was an inspiration to an entire generation," tweeted Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
"Dr Kalam was a man of impeccable character, indomitable spirit, profound knowledge and firm conviction," his tweet added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in other senior leaders in condoling the passing of former president A P J Abdul Kalam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoles former President A P J Abdul Kalam's death, describes him as "marg darshak" (guide).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoles former President A P J Abdul Kalam's death, describes him as "marg darshak" (guide).
"Dr Kalam was a man of impeccable character, indomitable spirit, profound knowledge and firm conviction," his tweet added.
"The death of Dr Kalam is an irreparable loss to this nation. He has left a big void hard to fill. I deeply mourn his death. RIP Kalam Sahab," Singh said.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, "Kalamji ws not merely the President but a role model and an ideal citizen to every Indian: Arun Jaitley on Abdul Kalam."
"I pray to God that his soul rests in peace. He was always worried about the nation's future. He is an inspiration for all of us," said senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari.
"I pray to God that his soul rests in peace. He was always worried about the nation's future. He is an inspiration for all of us," said senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari.
Former president A P J Abdul Kalam, a popular head of state between 2002 and 2007, died on Monday after he collapsed during a lecture in Shillong.
21:49 Gurdaspur attack: Punjab roadways bus driver to be honored
The driver of Punjab Roadways bus, which was targeted by the terrorists in a pre-dawn attack in Dinanagar town in this district, showed tremendous presence of mind and helped save lives.
Nanak Chand remained calm and composed as the terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons fired at the moving vehicle.
The driver did not panic and drove away the heavy vehicle to the civil hospital as few passengers had sustained bullet injuries.
He later rang up the police to inform about the incident. There were nearly 65 passengers in the bus, the driver later told reporters. He said that he did what he could do best under the given circumstances.
Recalling he incident, Chand said, "A man wearing Army uniform and had his face covered with a cloth tried to stop the vehicle. The person seemed suspicious to me. Soon, he opened fire at the bus".
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is on an official visit to Poland, in a statement issued at Chandigarh said that the bus driver will be honored for saving the lives of passengers from the terror attack. In a major terror attack, three fidayeen, believed to have come from Pakistan, today attacked passengers in a moving bus and stormed a police station, killing seven persons, including an SP, while all the terrorists were gunned down after a day-long operation.
21:39 7 day mourning to condole passing of former president A P J Abdul Kalam
Government to declare national mourning for seven days to condole the passing of former president A P J Abdul Kalam, says Union Home Secretary L C Goyal.
The 84-year-old A P J Abdul Kalam, a popular head of state between 2002 and 2007, died on Monday after he collapsed during a lecture in Shillong.
21:32 No tags on terrorists' clothes, GPS devices may give clues
The three suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba militants involved in the Gurdaspur terror attacks made every attempt to hide their identity and had even removed tags on their clothes including underwears.
There were no markings on the combat uniforms and even innerwears worn by them, official sources said.
The terrorists were not carrying any food items except for some loose dryfruits.
However, the two GPS devices recovered from the slain terrorists could give an idea of where they had started their journey from before reaching Gurdaspur, the sources said.
The terrorists were carrying three AK 47 rifles, several Chinese-made grenades, besides 10 magazines with more than 200 rounds of ammuntion.
Absence of bullet-proof vehicles with Gurdaspur police delayed the final onslaught against the terrorists which became possible only after help arrived from neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The militants are believed to have crossed over into India from Hira Chak in Jammu, the sources said and ruled out the possibility of their being Sikhs.
21:15 38-hour bandh called in Manipur
A 38-hour bandh beginning from 5 am tomorrow has been called in Manipur protesting against the state government's failure to punish those behind the killing of a student during the July 8 agitation for implementation of the Inner Line Permit Systerm in the state.
The bandh would coincide with the 15-hour relaxation of the indefinite curfew that was clamped in Greater Imphal area after the death of the student on July 8.
Officials said restrictions under section 144 CrPC, would, however, be in force and would not allow assembly of five or more persons or carrying of sticks, stone and objects which could be use as weapons.
Joint Action Committee (JAC), which called the bandh said it would continue till 7 pm of July 29 and urged people to stage protest marches and sit-ins.
A release by JAC said the government instead of punishing police personnel responsible for Sapam Robinhood's killing was protecting them.
21:01 Former president Abdul Kalam no more
Former president A P J Abdul Kalam has passed away.
The former president had been admitted to a hospital in Shillong following a sudden illness on Monday.
Kalam passed away at 6.40 pm.
The former president had been admitted to a hospital in Shillong following a sudden illness on Monday.
Kalam passed away at 6.40 pm.
Kalam, 84, collapsed at a function in IIM and was rushed to Bethany Hospital, M Kharkrang, SP Khasi Hills, said.
Reports indicate that the former president was interacting with students at the IIM when he suddenly collapsed at which point he was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Kalam served as the 11th President on India from 2002 to 2007.
Medical teams from the Indian Army have also reached Shillong in order to aid in Kalam's treatment. Additionally, a support system of doctors from the Easter Command of the Indian Air Force have also been dispatched to aid in the former president's treatment.
"The former president was brought almost dead to our hospital," John Sailo Ryntathiang, director of Bethany Hospital, told reporters.
Meghalaya Governor V Shanmughanathan and Chief Secretary PBO. Warjri visited the Bethany hospital where Kalam had been admitted.
'Going to Shillong.. to take course on Livable Planet earth at iim.
With @srijanpalsingh and Sharma,' Kalam had tweeted earlier in the day.
20:15 High alert sounded across country after terror attack
A high alert has been sounded across the country including Delhi, Haryana and Uttarakhand in the wake of fidayeen attack on a moving bus and a police station in Gurdaspur district of Punjab today in which seven persons, including an SP, were killed.
In the national capital, Delhi police beefed up security at busy public places and markets in the wake of the terror strike.
"We have briefed our officers and men to be vigilant and watchful in the wake of Punjab incident and an alert is being maintained," PRO of Delhi Police Rajan Bhagat said.
Security was especially stepped up at railway stations in the national capital and deployment of policemen has been strengthened further. The number of policemen has also been increased at busy public places including markets and shopping malls.
19:57 LeT terrorists behind Gurdaspur attacks, say MHA sources
The ministry of home affairs has stated that the three terrorists who opened fire in Gurdaspur on a moving bus before taking over a police station in Dina Nagar town belong to the Pakistan-based Laskhar-e-Tayiba.
Earlier, some speculated that the terrorists behind the attacks could have belonged to the separatist movement of Khalistan. On Monday morning, the three LeT terrorists sprayed bullets on locals, killing 3 civilians and 4 policemen, including a superintendent of police.
19:48 Gurdaspur: Brave Punjab bus driver saved many lives
The alertness and bravery of a bus driver saved several lives as terrorists launched an attack in Dina nagar in Punjab on Monday.
Punjab Roadways driver Nanak Chand did not panic even when the terrorists fired at the bus and instead scared the terrorists by driving towards them.
As the terrorists moved back, the driver swerved the bus and drove it away. Since shots were fired at the bus, Nanak Chand drove it straight to a government hospital to get the injured passengers treated.
He also called up the police to inform about the incident. "There were 75 passengers in the bus. I thought that it was important to save their lives. I did not stop the bus," Nanak Chand said.
19:25
JUST IN: "It is a very serious terror attack", says NSA Ajit Doval at the North Block before his meeting with top officials
19:12 Pak extends 'heartfelt sympathies' as India counts its dead in Gurdaspur
The Pakistani government has condemned the deadly attack today that left five cops and three civilians dead at Gurdaspur in Punjab. The foreign office said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the government and people of
India and wish the wounded a speedy and full recovery.
India has said that the perpetrators of today's terror strike are suspected to have sneaked into India from Pakistan through the unfenced border between Jammu and Pathankot or Chak Hira in Jammu district.
Union home ministry sources said the terrorists, the name of whose outfit was still unclear, may have entered the Indian territory around last midnight and hit the highway using Paharpur road, nearly 15km from the international border.
India has said that the perpetrators of today's terror strike are suspected to have sneaked into India from Pakistan through the unfenced border between Jammu and Pathankot or Chak Hira in Jammu district.
Union home ministry sources said the terrorists, the name of whose outfit was still unclear, may have entered the Indian territory around last midnight and hit the highway using Paharpur road, nearly 15km from the international border.
18:59 Parliament Committee against hike in canteen rates
Unfazed by the row over subsidised foods in Parliament canteens, a parliamentary committee today decided against raising the rates, saying it would mostly affect Parliament employees.
The committee headed by TRS leader A P Jithender Reddy unanimously decided to recommend continuation of the subsidy and against any upward revision in the rates of the food items. Any hike in the rate would mostly affect the Parliament employees who make up for a majority of those having their food in the canteens, he said.
He said the committee has found that those availing the canteen facility the most are class four employees of Parliament as also representatives of the media who cover the proceedings.
He also said that if Parliament employees and media representatives are asked to bring food from home, it would create another security problem due to thousands of lunch boxes. The MPs, he said, have to eat in the canteen many times because they cannot go home as their presence is necessary in Parliament.
The committee headed by TRS leader A P Jithender Reddy unanimously decided to recommend continuation of the subsidy and against any upward revision in the rates of the food items. Any hike in the rate would mostly affect the Parliament employees who make up for a majority of those having their food in the canteens, he said.
He said the committee has found that those availing the canteen facility the most are class four employees of Parliament as also representatives of the media who cover the proceedings.
He also said that if Parliament employees and media representatives are asked to bring food from home, it would create another security problem due to thousands of lunch boxes. The MPs, he said, have to eat in the canteen many times because they cannot go home as their presence is necessary in Parliament.
18:39
DGP Punjab on the Gurdaspur terror attack: Terrorists had grenades with 'Made in China' marking, sophisticated weapons, military clothes, GPS units. Were well trained.
18:31 Truce? Lt Jung approves Kejriwal's choice for Delhi women's panel chief
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's choice for chief of the women's rights commission has been approved by Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung.
Jung, who had earlier rejected the appointment of Swati Maliwal as the chief of the Delhi Commission for Women, has believed to have accepted the appointment today.
On Friday, Jung had said he never tried to negate the authority of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and would clear the file on appointment of DCW chief Swati Maliwal once it is properly processed.
The Lt Governor, however, criticised Kejriwal for makinginappropriate references to the Prime Minister in a letter he sent to the LG. Kejriwal had accused Jung of acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the LG rejected Maliwals appointment saying his approval had not been taken.
Heeding to LGs demand, AAP government had sent the file to him for clearance. Jung in a letter to the Chief Minister today said he would have no hesitation in confirming Maliwals appointment based on his recommendation but said the file was not properly processed.
Jung, who had earlier rejected the appointment of Swati Maliwal as the chief of the Delhi Commission for Women, has believed to have accepted the appointment today.
On Friday, Jung had said he never tried to negate the authority of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and would clear the file on appointment of DCW chief Swati Maliwal once it is properly processed.
The Lt Governor, however, criticised Kejriwal for makinginappropriate references to the Prime Minister in a letter he sent to the LG. Kejriwal had accused Jung of acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the LG rejected Maliwals appointment saying his approval had not been taken.
Heeding to LGs demand, AAP government had sent the file to him for clearance. Jung in a letter to the Chief Minister today said he would have no hesitation in confirming Maliwals appointment based on his recommendation but said the file was not properly processed.
18:25 Cricket and terror cannot go together: BCCI
As India counts its dead in the wake of the Gurdaspur terror attacks today, Anurag Thakur, BCCI secretary has said that "Cricket and terror cannot go hand in hand."
Thakur, who is a BJP MP, was reacting to India's scheduled series against Pakistan in December this year.
"Internal security of the country can't be compromised", even though sport was a different issue.
On Monday morning, five policemen and three civilians were killed by terrorists in Gurdaspur in Punjab near the Pakistan border.
The terrorists, holed up in an empty police station, exchanged fire with security forces in a gunbattle that ended after 12 hours.
While Pakistan maintains that is not responsible for the terror attacks, India has warned Pakistan that it will not compromise on national honour. "We want peace with Pakistan, but not at the cost of national honour," home minister Rajnath Singh said.
Pakistan was supposed to host India in December 2015 as part of the six series match. India has cancelled bilateral cricket series in Pakistan in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror atttacks of 2008 which left 166 people dead.
Thakur, who is a BJP MP, was reacting to India's scheduled series against Pakistan in December this year.
"Internal security of the country can't be compromised", even though sport was a different issue.
On Monday morning, five policemen and three civilians were killed by terrorists in Gurdaspur in Punjab near the Pakistan border.
The terrorists, holed up in an empty police station, exchanged fire with security forces in a gunbattle that ended after 12 hours.
While Pakistan maintains that is not responsible for the terror attacks, India has warned Pakistan that it will not compromise on national honour. "We want peace with Pakistan, but not at the cost of national honour," home minister Rajnath Singh said.
Pakistan was supposed to host India in December 2015 as part of the six series match. India has cancelled bilateral cricket series in Pakistan in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror atttacks of 2008 which left 166 people dead.
18:13 Cricket can't happen with terror attacks: BCCI
Cricket series cannot happen along with terror attacks: Anurag Thakur, BCCI Secretary, when asked about possibility of Indo-Pak cricket matches.
17:59 Victory chants by Punjab swat team as Gurdaspur ops ends
MHA: Three civilians, five police personnel, and three militants killed in the Gurdaspur attack. The militants are suspected to be a part of LeT or Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Victory chants raised by Punjab SWAT team after Gurdaspur attack ended.
Victory chants raised by Punjab SWAT team after Gurdaspur attack ended.
17:57 'People are not asking for Yakub's acquittal, but commuting his death sentence'
"Leave B Raman aside, 50 eminent personalities have written about commuting his death sentence. Even a retired judge of the Supreme Court has written about it."
Shyam Keswani was the first lawyer to defend 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon, whose appeal for commuting his death sentence is scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 28.
Keswani, speaks about the case to Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com. Read
Shyam Keswani was the first lawyer to defend 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon, whose appeal for commuting his death sentence is scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 28.
Keswani, speaks about the case to Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com. Read
17:32 Pakistan denies involvement in Gurdaspur terror attack
Pakistan denies hand in Gurdaspur terror attack. Pakistan says it is not aware of reports that Gurdaspur militants were from Pakistan.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who had to cut short his trip to Madhya Pradesh where he was scheduled to attend the Raising Day ceremony of the CRPF, said any peace with Pakistan cannot compromise on national honour. "We want peace with Pakistan, but not at the cost of national honour," Rajnath said.
"I can't understand why time and again cross border terror incidents are taking place when we want good relations with our neighbour," Rajnath added. In a clear message to Pakistan, he then warned, "We will not be the first to strike, but if we are hit, we will give a befitting reply."
Union Home Ministry sources said the terrorists, the name of whose outfit was still unclear, may have entered Indian territory around midnight and hit the highway using Paharpur road.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who had to cut short his trip to Madhya Pradesh where he was scheduled to attend the Raising Day ceremony of the CRPF, said any peace with Pakistan cannot compromise on national honour. "We want peace with Pakistan, but not at the cost of national honour," Rajnath said.
"I can't understand why time and again cross border terror incidents are taking place when we want good relations with our neighbour," Rajnath added. In a clear message to Pakistan, he then warned, "We will not be the first to strike, but if we are hit, we will give a befitting reply."
Union Home Ministry sources said the terrorists, the name of whose outfit was still unclear, may have entered Indian territory around midnight and hit the highway using Paharpur road.
17:25
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval and senior Home Ministry officials to attend Home Minister Rajnath Singh's meeting.
17:12
TV reports say four terrorists have been killed in the gunbattle in Gurdaspur, Punjab.
17:09 Gurdaspur terrorists sneaked in from Pakistan to launch attack
The perpetrators of today's terror strike in Punjab are suspected to have sneaked into India from Pakistan through the unfenced border between Jammu and Pathankot or Chak Hira in Jammu district to launch the brazen assault about which central agencies had intelligence inputs.
Union Home Ministry sources said the terrorists, the name of whose outfit was still unclear, may have entered the Indian territory around last midnight and hit the highway using Paharpur road, nearly 15 km from the international border, to unleash mayhem that left six dead, including an SP rank officer of Punjab police.
Today's incident bore striking similarity with suicide attacks that have taken place in Kathua and Hira Nagar in Jammu region. The last attack in Jammu was carried out by terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed whose fidayeen combatants, clad in Army fatigues, stormed a police station in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua District on March 20 this year, killing six persons, including three security force personnel.
Both the militants had been killed in retaliatory action. The terrorists involved in today's attacks, also wearing Army uniforms, reached Parmanand village on Jammu and Kashmir's border with Punjab where they attempted to hijack a tempo at 5.30 am.
Union Home Ministry sources said the terrorists, the name of whose outfit was still unclear, may have entered the Indian territory around last midnight and hit the highway using Paharpur road, nearly 15 km from the international border, to unleash mayhem that left six dead, including an SP rank officer of Punjab police.
Today's incident bore striking similarity with suicide attacks that have taken place in Kathua and Hira Nagar in Jammu region. The last attack in Jammu was carried out by terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed whose fidayeen combatants, clad in Army fatigues, stormed a police station in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua District on March 20 this year, killing six persons, including three security force personnel.
Both the militants had been killed in retaliatory action. The terrorists involved in today's attacks, also wearing Army uniforms, reached Parmanand village on Jammu and Kashmir's border with Punjab where they attempted to hijack a tempo at 5.30 am.
17:02
Home minister Rajnath Singh will meet PM Modi at 7 pm on the Gurdaspur.
16:57 Gurdaspur gunbattle ends, J-K swat team inside police station
Just in: Operation to flush out terrorists at the Gurdaspur police station is over. A swat team from Jammu and Kashmir are now inside the police station for sanitising ops.
In the first major terror strike in Punjab in eight years, heavily-armed terrorists in army uniform on Monday sprayed bullets on a moving bus and stormed a police station, killing six persons, including an Superintendent of Police, and injuring eight others in Gurdaspur bordering Pakistan.
Two terrorists were killed in the gunbattle with security forces that stretched for over 12 hours as the terrorists, who went of a rampage at around 5am, were holed up in a vacant building adjacent to Dinanagar police station.
In the first major terror strike in Punjab in eight years, heavily-armed terrorists in army uniform on Monday sprayed bullets on a moving bus and stormed a police station, killing six persons, including an Superintendent of Police, and injuring eight others in Gurdaspur bordering Pakistan.
Two terrorists were killed in the gunbattle with security forces that stretched for over 12 hours as the terrorists, who went of a rampage at around 5am, were holed up in a vacant building adjacent to Dinanagar police station.
The terrorists have killed six persons -- three civilians and three
policemen including Superintendent of Police (Detective), Baljit Singh, a
Punjab provincial service officer, police said.
16:52 Govt signals retreat over plans to clip RBI wings
The government, under attack for a draft bill that reduces the central bank's independence to set interest rates, has signalled its willingness to retreat. Read more
16:50
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan names Congress member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for action for "insult" to Chair after he banged placard on her table in the Lok Sabha.
16:06
ED moves special PMLA court seeking issuance of non- bailable warrant against former IPL chief Lalit Modi in connection with a money laundering case.
16:00 Former Arunachal CM gets 4.5 yrs jail in corruption case
Former Union Minister P K Thungon was today awarded a four-and-a-half year jail term by a Delhi court in connection with a case lodged in 1998 pertaining to misappropriation of Rs 2 crore released by the Centre. Besides the prison term, Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Jain also imposed a total fine of Rs 10,000 on 68-year-old Thungon, a former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
15:59 Gurdaspur terror attack: Shiv Sena burns Pak flag
Several activists of the Shiv Sena today burnt the Pakistani flag in Phagwara, Punjab, to protest the "Pak-sponsored" terror attack at Dina Nagar area of Gurdaspur district. The protest, led by the party's state Vice President Inderjit Karwal, prompted authorities to divert the route of one of the buses plying between India and Pakistan under the banner of "Sada-e-Sarhad".
15:51 Explain Facebook post, Lok Sabha secretariat tells Robert Vadra
The Lok Sabha secretariat has asked Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra to explain his Facebook post on the Parliament disruptions.
This comes after a privilege notice was moved in Parliament against Vadra on Thursday.
Some ruling party members had raised a storm in the House over Vadra's Facebook post, in which he had allegedly made some castigating remarks against parliamentarians.
"Parliament begins and so do their petty diversionary political tactics...
"People of India are not fool. Regret to see India led by such so-called leaders !!," Vadra had said in a Facebook post.
Responding to comments on his post, Vadra had said "we need to win over this kind of dictatorship and intrusion in a democratic India. Have nothing to hide, so will fight this till they stop falsely accusing me !!".
BJP's Prahlad Joshi spoke on his privilege motion against Vadra.
This comes after a privilege notice was moved in Parliament against Vadra on Thursday.
Some ruling party members had raised a storm in the House over Vadra's Facebook post, in which he had allegedly made some castigating remarks against parliamentarians.
"Parliament begins and so do their petty diversionary political tactics...
"People of India are not fool. Regret to see India led by such so-called leaders !!," Vadra had said in a Facebook post.
Responding to comments on his post, Vadra had said "we need to win over this kind of dictatorship and intrusion in a democratic India. Have nothing to hide, so will fight this till they stop falsely accusing me !!".
BJP's Prahlad Joshi spoke on his privilege motion against Vadra.
15:39 Gurdaspur terror strike: What we know so far
If you've just joined us, this is the big story of the day.
In the first major terror strike in Punjab in eight years, heavily-armed militants in army uniform today sprayed bullets on a moving bus and stormed a police station, killing six persons, including an SP, and injuring eight others in Gurdaspur bordering Pakistan.
One militant was killed and another seriously injured in the gunbattle with security forces that stretched for over 10 hours as the terrorists, who went of a rampage at around 5 am, were holed up in a vacant building adjacent to Dinanagar police station.
The terrorists have killed six persons-- three civilians and three policemen including Superintendent of Police (Detective), Baljit Singh, a Punjab provincial service officer, police said. Official sources said it was too early to say which terrorist outfit had carried out the strike, but finger of suspicion is on Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba as the modus operandi of the militants was similar to the attacks in Jammu region in recent past. According to Punjab Police IG (Counter Intelligence) Gaurav Yadav, SP Baljit Singh succumbed to bullet injuries sustained in the gunbattle.
Police said out of the eight injured brought to civil hospital at Gurdaspur, seven seriously injured were referred to Amritsar. They all were aged between 15-54 years. One militant was killed and another seriously injured in the operation, Deputy Commissioner, Gurdaspur, Abhinav Trikha, said.
According to police, the attackers first targeted a roadside eatery and took off in a white Maruti 800 with Punjab registration number. They shot dead a roadside vendor near Dinanagar bypass. They opened fire on passengers of a moving Punjab roadways bus before targeting a community health centre adjacent to Dinanagar police station. The gunmen barged into the Dinanagar police station and opened indiscriminate fire. The militants also targeted another part of the complex where the families of police personnel reside and hurled grenades.
An alert has been sounded along the international border in Punjab and Jammu as the terrorists are suspected to have infiltrated from there, the sources said. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval about the situation. Singh said he will make a statement on the issue tomorrow in Parliament, where members today sought a detailed government response.
In the first major terror strike in Punjab in eight years, heavily-armed militants in army uniform today sprayed bullets on a moving bus and stormed a police station, killing six persons, including an SP, and injuring eight others in Gurdaspur bordering Pakistan.
One militant was killed and another seriously injured in the gunbattle with security forces that stretched for over 10 hours as the terrorists, who went of a rampage at around 5 am, were holed up in a vacant building adjacent to Dinanagar police station.
The terrorists have killed six persons-- three civilians and three policemen including Superintendent of Police (Detective), Baljit Singh, a Punjab provincial service officer, police said. Official sources said it was too early to say which terrorist outfit had carried out the strike, but finger of suspicion is on Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba as the modus operandi of the militants was similar to the attacks in Jammu region in recent past. According to Punjab Police IG (Counter Intelligence) Gaurav Yadav, SP Baljit Singh succumbed to bullet injuries sustained in the gunbattle.
Police said out of the eight injured brought to civil hospital at Gurdaspur, seven seriously injured were referred to Amritsar. They all were aged between 15-54 years. One militant was killed and another seriously injured in the operation, Deputy Commissioner, Gurdaspur, Abhinav Trikha, said.
According to police, the attackers first targeted a roadside eatery and took off in a white Maruti 800 with Punjab registration number. They shot dead a roadside vendor near Dinanagar bypass. They opened fire on passengers of a moving Punjab roadways bus before targeting a community health centre adjacent to Dinanagar police station. The gunmen barged into the Dinanagar police station and opened indiscriminate fire. The militants also targeted another part of the complex where the families of police personnel reside and hurled grenades.
An alert has been sounded along the international border in Punjab and Jammu as the terrorists are suspected to have infiltrated from there, the sources said. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval about the situation. Singh said he will make a statement on the issue tomorrow in Parliament, where members today sought a detailed government response.
15:29 Gurdaspur: Terrorists shot at wrestler before heading to police station
A 16-year-old wrestler was stopped by four terrorists in a Maruti car and was shot in his shoulder on Monday early morning. Read more
15:21 Markets see red as Sensex crashes 500 points; Nifty below 8,400
Terror in the markets as well.
Markets continued to trade sharply lower in late noon trades amid a sharp sell-off in Chinese shares even as the Finance Minister allayed fears about the Special Investigative Team's stringent norms on participatory notes (P-notes).
Further, muted earnings from large corporates, reforms uncertainty amid political logjam, expiry of July derivative contracts, the outcome of the US Fed meet on July 28-29 also weighed on investor sentiment.
At 2:45PM, the 30-share Sensex was down 505 points at 27,608 and the 50-share Nifty was down 147 points at 8,375.
The broader markets also witnessed profit taking with the BSE Mid-cap and Small-cap indices down nearly 1% each.
Market breadth was weak with 1,610 losers and 1,061 gainers on the BSE.
The Supreme Court-appointed special investigative team (SIT) had, last week, recommended stricter norms for participatory notes (P-notes) to check the flow of unaccounted money. The markets seem to have viewed this development in a negative light.
Meanwhile, the Indian rupee was trading lower at 64.12 against the US dollar compared to the previous close of 64.03 amid fears of capital outflows in the weak of weakness in domestic equities.
Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Tata Motors are the other major losers.
Markets continued to trade sharply lower in late noon trades amid a sharp sell-off in Chinese shares even as the Finance Minister allayed fears about the Special Investigative Team's stringent norms on participatory notes (P-notes).
Further, muted earnings from large corporates, reforms uncertainty amid political logjam, expiry of July derivative contracts, the outcome of the US Fed meet on July 28-29 also weighed on investor sentiment.
At 2:45PM, the 30-share Sensex was down 505 points at 27,608 and the 50-share Nifty was down 147 points at 8,375.
The broader markets also witnessed profit taking with the BSE Mid-cap and Small-cap indices down nearly 1% each.
Market breadth was weak with 1,610 losers and 1,061 gainers on the BSE.
The Supreme Court-appointed special investigative team (SIT) had, last week, recommended stricter norms for participatory notes (P-notes) to check the flow of unaccounted money. The markets seem to have viewed this development in a negative light.
Meanwhile, the Indian rupee was trading lower at 64.12 against the US dollar compared to the previous close of 64.03 amid fears of capital outflows in the weak of weakness in domestic equities.
Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Tata Motors are the other major losers.
15:12
ANI reports that a live bomb has been recovered from MG Road in Nashik, Maharashtra; Bomb disposal squad at the spot, more details awaited.
14:52 Rahul consults Tharoor in Parl just days after Sonia rebuke
Congress MP Shashi Tharor, who recently faced Sonia Gandhi's ire, was today seen in Lok Sabha engrossed in an animated discussion with Rahul Gandhi who was playing an active role in guiding his party's protesting members in the House which saw some business despite the din.
The Congress Vice President was seen gesturing to Tharoor and discussing something with him while several Congress members were in the Well shouting slogans and demanding ouster of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
All Congress members had black bands on right arm, apparently as a mark of protest against government's refusal to accept their demands.
Rahul, while standing in the aisle along with Tharoor, was seen giving directions to the party members as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the scheduled business and allowed members to speak on Gurdaspur terror attack despite the din.
Tharoor was also consulted on a note which his colleague Jyotiraditya Scindia wrote in consultation with party chief Sonia Gandhi after Leader of Congress Mallikarjun could not have a say when a number of members spoke on the Punjab attack. Tharoor, the member from Kerala, was seen adding something to that note.
Only last week, Tharoor had disapproved of disruptions in Parliament, for which he was snubbed by the Congress chief.
When a number of MPs spoke on Gurdaspur attack in the House today, Kharge wanted to join them even though his party colleagues were in the Well shouting slogans. Congress members were heard telling the Speaker that Kharge too wants to condemn the incident and be allowed.
A visibly annoyed Speaker rebuffed them, saying he should first ensure withdrawal of his party colleagues who were holding placards against rules and shouting slogans. "Both cannot go together," she said. At this, Kharge was heard telling the Speaker, "you gave chance to others and not me. I see partiality in this."
The Congress Vice President was seen gesturing to Tharoor and discussing something with him while several Congress members were in the Well shouting slogans and demanding ouster of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
All Congress members had black bands on right arm, apparently as a mark of protest against government's refusal to accept their demands.
Rahul, while standing in the aisle along with Tharoor, was seen giving directions to the party members as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the scheduled business and allowed members to speak on Gurdaspur terror attack despite the din.
Tharoor was also consulted on a note which his colleague Jyotiraditya Scindia wrote in consultation with party chief Sonia Gandhi after Leader of Congress Mallikarjun could not have a say when a number of members spoke on the Punjab attack. Tharoor, the member from Kerala, was seen adding something to that note.
Only last week, Tharoor had disapproved of disruptions in Parliament, for which he was snubbed by the Congress chief.
When a number of MPs spoke on Gurdaspur attack in the House today, Kharge wanted to join them even though his party colleagues were in the Well shouting slogans. Congress members were heard telling the Speaker that Kharge too wants to condemn the incident and be allowed.
A visibly annoyed Speaker rebuffed them, saying he should first ensure withdrawal of his party colleagues who were holding placards against rules and shouting slogans. "Both cannot go together," she said. At this, Kharge was heard telling the Speaker, "you gave chance to others and not me. I see partiality in this."
14:49 Gujarat HC adjourns final hearing on Zakia's appeal to Aug 4
The Gujarat High Court today adjourned to August 4 the final hearing of Zakia Jafri's appeal against a lower court order upholding the clean chit given by special investigation team to then Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others for their alleged roles in 2002 riots.
14:33 Salman Bhaijaan and BJP's mobocracy
Nationalism has been defined for us. It is what the BJP and Modi bhakts decide, not me, you or Salman Khan. If you don't agree with their views, you are a Pakistani agent and an anti-national. Period. No argument. The discussion ends there, says Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com.
Read
Read
14:31 Statement on Gurdaspur terror attack in Parliament tomorrow: Rajnath
PMO denies reports of PM Narendra Modi being disappointed with Rajnath Singh for going to MP while the Gurdaspur operation is underway.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh says he will make a statement in Parliament tomorrow on Gurdaspur terror incident.
The terrorists struck a moving bus at Dinanagar area at 5am, spraying bullets at passengers, injuring four. The assailants then targeted a health centre followed by a building where the families of police personnel reside and hurled grenades before entering the police station.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh says he will make a statement in Parliament tomorrow on Gurdaspur terror incident.
The terrorists struck a moving bus at Dinanagar area at 5am, spraying bullets at passengers, injuring four. The assailants then targeted a health centre followed by a building where the families of police personnel reside and hurled grenades before entering the police station.
Army columns were mobilised as the 'fidayeen' terrorists were holed up in Dinanagar police station complex.
14:27
J&K SWAT team reaches the Gurdaspur terror attack site.
14:24
Home Minister Rajnath Singh says he will make a statement in Parliament tomorrow on Gurdaspur terror incident:
Pic: Punjab SP Baljit Singh who was martyred in the Gurdaspur terror attack
Pic: Punjab SP Baljit Singh who was martyred in the Gurdaspur terror attack
14:20 Two of three terrorists killed in Gurdaspur attack
Two of three terrorists killed in the Gurdaspur gun battle. Intermittent firing still on. One more to go. The death toll so far is six -- three civilians, three policemen from the Punjab force.
The Congress was isolated in the Lok Sabha today with MPs from many parties demanding a statement from the government on the Punjab terror. The Congress MPs on the other hand were still in a time warp shouting slogans against PM Modi and EAM Sushma Swaraj.
In fact, a few senior union ministers told Congress MPs that the government wanted to make a statement on terror in Punjab, but the Congress leadership was confused about which way to go.
Advisors of Rahul Gandhi like Gaurav Gogoi and Sushmita Dev -- all first-timers in Parliament -- suggested that the government should not be allowed to make a statement, while Jyotiraditya Scindia and Mallikarjuna Kharge wanted the hear what the government had to say.
Net result: Confusion.
The Congress was isolated in the Lok Sabha today with MPs from many parties demanding a statement from the government on the Punjab terror. The Congress MPs on the other hand were still in a time warp shouting slogans against PM Modi and EAM Sushma Swaraj.
In fact, a few senior union ministers told Congress MPs that the government wanted to make a statement on terror in Punjab, but the Congress leadership was confused about which way to go.
Advisors of Rahul Gandhi like Gaurav Gogoi and Sushmita Dev -- all first-timers in Parliament -- suggested that the government should not be allowed to make a statement, while Jyotiraditya Scindia and Mallikarjuna Kharge wanted the hear what the government had to say.
Net result: Confusion.
13:59 India won't be 1st to strike, but will strike back if hit: Rajnath
Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the Gurdaspur terror attack: We want peace with Pakistan, but not at the cost of national honour. We will not be the first to strike, but if we are hit, we will give a befitting reply. I can't understand why time and again cross border terror incidents are taking place when we want good relations with our neighbour.
A massive operation in underway in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to flush out terrorists who went on a rampage attacking a bus and a police station complex, leaving six persons, including two police officials, dead and several injured.
Among those killed was Superintendent of Police (Detective) Baljit Singh, Inspector General Gaurav Yadav informed. An injured security personnel said that one of the terrorists involved in the attack was a woman.
The terrorists struck a moving bus at Dinanagar area at 5am, spraying bullets at passengers, injuring four. The assailants then targeted a health centre followed by a building where the families of police personnel reside and hurled grenades before entering the police station.
Army columns were mobilised as the 'fidayeen' terrorists were holed up in Dinanagar police station complex.
Pic: The car hijacked by the terrorists who attacked a bus and police station in Punjab's Gurdaspur district this morning. Photograph: ANI
A massive operation in underway in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to flush out terrorists who went on a rampage attacking a bus and a police station complex, leaving six persons, including two police officials, dead and several injured.
Among those killed was Superintendent of Police (Detective) Baljit Singh, Inspector General Gaurav Yadav informed. An injured security personnel said that one of the terrorists involved in the attack was a woman.
The terrorists struck a moving bus at Dinanagar area at 5am, spraying bullets at passengers, injuring four. The assailants then targeted a health centre followed by a building where the families of police personnel reside and hurled grenades before entering the police station.
Army columns were mobilised as the 'fidayeen' terrorists were holed up in Dinanagar police station complex.
Pic: The car hijacked by the terrorists who attacked a bus and police station in Punjab's Gurdaspur district this morning. Photograph: ANI
13:42 SC to hear Yakub Memon's final plea for life at 10:30 am tomorrow
The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on 1993 Mumbai serial blasts
convict Yakub Memon's final plea challenging the death warrant against
him to 10:30 am tomorrow.
Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, yesterday, held consultations with Home and Law Department officials over the petetion.
CM
Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government had sent its opinion to the
Governor late Friday evening on the plea submitted by Memon following
the Supreme Court's rejection of his curative petition which sought a
stay on execution of his death sentence slated for July 30.
The
government, however, had earlier indicated that it stood for sticking
to the schedule for hanging and abide by the Supreme Court's directions
on the matter.
Memon, in his petition, has said
that all legal remedies have not been exhausted and he has also
approached the Maharastra Governor with a plea for mercy.
He
had filed the mercy plea before the Governor immediately after his
curative petition was dismissed by the apex court last week.
A
three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice HL Dattu had on July 21
rejected Memon's plea saying that the grounds raised by him does not
fall within the principles laid down by the apex court in 2002 in
deciding the curative petition, the last judicial remedy available to an
aggrieved person.
13:40
Supreme Court to resume Yakub Memon's mercy plea tomorrow at 10:30 am. It couldn't be decided today.
13:35 Woman militant in Gurdaspur attack?
@ANI_news says injured security personnel say that there is a woman terrorist among the other attackers in the Gurdaspur terror attack.
13:34 Why Shatrughan Sinha and Shashi Tharoor are sailing in the same boat
So, what are the similarities between Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha? According to the MPs from both parties, both are a pain in the neck for their leadership.
Sinha, for instance, became an almost-open rebel by meeting with Nitish Kumar on the evening of the day prime minister Modi strongly attacked the Bihar chief minister. If Modi has attacked the chief ministers performance in Bihar, Shatrughan Sinha has praised it.
As for Shashi Tharoor, after the sharp reprimand by Congress president Sonia Gandhi over his remarks that Parliament should not be disrupted, party MPs in the House today steered clear of him.
Some MPs said that Tharoor and Sinha will lower the image of their parties and may even be expelled or at least will be forced to resign.
Samajwadi Party MPs in the Central Hall on seeing Shatruhan Sinha, who is otherwise known as Bihari Babu, quipped that he is the entrant to the JDU. But insiders says SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will oppose such an entry to the party as he feels that if JDUloses Bihar, 'outsiders' will abandon the party.
Incidentally, Rahul Gandhi is believed to be unhappy with Shashi Tharoor for his attendance at a workshop on Sustainable Development Goals at a Speaker's Research Initiative programme held in New Delhi. The PM praised Tharoor's speech at Oxford university London and said it had gone viral. Rahul conveyed his displeasure though a confidant.
Sinha, for instance, became an almost-open rebel by meeting with Nitish Kumar on the evening of the day prime minister Modi strongly attacked the Bihar chief minister. If Modi has attacked the chief ministers performance in Bihar, Shatrughan Sinha has praised it.
As for Shashi Tharoor, after the sharp reprimand by Congress president Sonia Gandhi over his remarks that Parliament should not be disrupted, party MPs in the House today steered clear of him.
Some MPs said that Tharoor and Sinha will lower the image of their parties and may even be expelled or at least will be forced to resign.
Samajwadi Party MPs in the Central Hall on seeing Shatruhan Sinha, who is otherwise known as Bihari Babu, quipped that he is the entrant to the JDU. But insiders says SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will oppose such an entry to the party as he feels that if JDUloses Bihar, 'outsiders' will abandon the party.
Incidentally, Rahul Gandhi is believed to be unhappy with Shashi Tharoor for his attendance at a workshop on Sustainable Development Goals at a Speaker's Research Initiative programme held in New Delhi. The PM praised Tharoor's speech at Oxford university London and said it had gone viral. Rahul conveyed his displeasure though a confidant.
13:04 Militancy is a national problem, not a state problem: Punjab CM
Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal on the Gurdaspur attack: This is very sad, but militancy is a national problem, not state problem.
On being asked if there was a security lapse and whether the government had missed out on intelligence inputs, Badal says, "What input? Terrorists didn't come from Punjab, they came from border. Their (MHA) job is to seal the border. A national policy is needed to tackle terrorism."
Punjab Police SP Baljeet Singh killed in the Gurdaspur terror attack.
On being asked if there was a security lapse and whether the government had missed out on intelligence inputs, Badal says, "What input? Terrorists didn't come from Punjab, they came from border. Their (MHA) job is to seal the border. A national policy is needed to tackle terrorism."
Punjab Police SP Baljeet Singh killed in the Gurdaspur terror attack.
12:43 HC to hear Salman's plea against his conviction on July 30
The Bombay High Court to start hearing Salman Khan's appeal against conviction in the hit-and-run case on July 30. Ironically, this is the date, that 1993 Mumbai blasts convict is to be hanged.
Salman, who was sentenced to five years in jail by the sessions court earlier this year in the hit-and-run case in which one person died, was later granted bail by the Bombay high Court.
Khan's tweets defending Yakub Memon, the death row convict of 1993 Mumbai blasts case, has drawn severe flak from different quarters, with the BJP demanding a cancellation of the actor's bail in the 2002 hit-and-run case.
The 49-year-old actor said that an "innocent" is being hung for the crimes of his brother and the prime suspect in the 1993 bombings - Tiger Memon.
Salman, who was sentenced to five years in jail by the sessions court earlier this year in the hit-and-run case in which one person died, was later granted bail by the Bombay high Court.
Khan's tweets defending Yakub Memon, the death row convict of 1993 Mumbai blasts case, has drawn severe flak from different quarters, with the BJP demanding a cancellation of the actor's bail in the 2002 hit-and-run case.
The 49-year-old actor said that an "innocent" is being hung for the crimes of his brother and the prime suspect in the 1993 bombings - Tiger Memon.
12:31 Gurdaspur attack dominates conversation in Lok Sabha
Conversation in the Central Hall of Parliament on Monday all about the terror attack in Gurdaspur with different concerns being voiced by different parties.
Congress MPs from Punjab were of the opinion that such attacks will have a negative impact for the Congress. But they were also worried about the return of terror to Punjab and the failure of the Modi government to rein in attacks.
Akali Dal MPs were concerned about law and order issues in the state.
BJP MPs looked worried about the security failure.
Congress MPs from Punjab were of the opinion that such attacks will have a negative impact for the Congress. But they were also worried about the return of terror to Punjab and the failure of the Modi government to rein in attacks.
Akali Dal MPs were concerned about law and order issues in the state.
BJP MPs looked worried about the security failure.
12:09
Just in: Alert sounded in Parliament premises, security forces at spot.
12:03
The Supreme Court issues a notice to Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa on Karnataka's appeal against her acquittal in an assets case.
11:50 Situation is under control, says Rajnath Singh
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today expressed confidence about the ongoing operation against the terrorists in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and said that the situation is under control. "I am confident about the operation which is underway and the situation is under control," the home minister told reporters at the airport here before heading for Neemuch to attend the CRPF Raising Day Function.
Singh said he had spoken to Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Director General of BSF and Union Home Secretary L C Goyal. The home minister, however, refused to give details of casualties.
"I have also instructed BSF to enhance vigil along the entire international border," he said, before leaving for Neemuch with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
When asked by a reporter whether the attack could be a reaction to the capital punishment awarded to Yakub Memon in 1993 Mumbai blasts case or it was a case of cross-border terrorism, Singh refused to comment. "The operation is going on and I won't say anything more than this at present," he said.
Four heavily armed terrorists wearing army uniform today went on a rampage in Gurdaspur district, attacking a bus, a health centre and a police station leaving five persons, including a policeman dead, and several injured.
Army has launched operation against the militants who are holed up in Dinanagar police station complex
Singh said he had spoken to Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Director General of BSF and Union Home Secretary L C Goyal. The home minister, however, refused to give details of casualties.
"I have also instructed BSF to enhance vigil along the entire international border," he said, before leaving for Neemuch with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
When asked by a reporter whether the attack could be a reaction to the capital punishment awarded to Yakub Memon in 1993 Mumbai blasts case or it was a case of cross-border terrorism, Singh refused to comment. "The operation is going on and I won't say anything more than this at present," he said.
Four heavily armed terrorists wearing army uniform today went on a rampage in Gurdaspur district, attacking a bus, a health centre and a police station leaving five persons, including a policeman dead, and several injured.
Army has launched operation against the militants who are holed up in Dinanagar police station complex
11:45 Panic spreads in Gurdaspur, residens stay indoors
Panic gripped Dina Nagar town here in Gurdaspur district following an attack on a bus and a police station complex by four heavily armed terrorists wearing army uniform here which left five persons, including a policeman, dead.
As the news of attack spread, people living near Dina Nagar police station were gripped by panic and largely remained indoors. Many switched on their TV sets to catch the latest updates on the situation.
"People are in a state of panic here after they came to know about the attack," said Jatinder Kumar, whose house is 500 metres away from the Dina Nagar police station.
Notably, Dina Nagar, about 25 km from Pathankot town, is the third largest town in Gurdaspur district.
"We can still listen to the sound of firing going on at police station between and security personnel and (suspected) militants," Jatinder told PTI over phone. Jatinder, who is an employee of Punjab Health Department, came to know about the incident at about 6:15 am through his friend who called him up and informed about the incident.
"Then I went upstairs of my house and heard sound of bullet firing," he said, adding, soon a heavy police force and then the Army arrived at the spot to take on the militants. Both Jatinder and his wife who works in Punjab's Internal Audit Department, have decided not to go to their offices in the wake of suspected terror attack.
"Our son who is a student of Class VIII has also not gone to school as district administration announced holiday in educational institutions," he said. Varinder Kumar Vikky, who is also resident of Dina Nagar said, "There is panic in the area as this is for the first time that this area witnessed such an attack."
As the news of attack spread, people living near Dina Nagar police station were gripped by panic and largely remained indoors. Many switched on their TV sets to catch the latest updates on the situation.
"People are in a state of panic here after they came to know about the attack," said Jatinder Kumar, whose house is 500 metres away from the Dina Nagar police station.
Notably, Dina Nagar, about 25 km from Pathankot town, is the third largest town in Gurdaspur district.
"We can still listen to the sound of firing going on at police station between and security personnel and (suspected) militants," Jatinder told PTI over phone. Jatinder, who is an employee of Punjab Health Department, came to know about the incident at about 6:15 am through his friend who called him up and informed about the incident.
"Then I went upstairs of my house and heard sound of bullet firing," he said, adding, soon a heavy police force and then the Army arrived at the spot to take on the militants. Both Jatinder and his wife who works in Punjab's Internal Audit Department, have decided not to go to their offices in the wake of suspected terror attack.
"Our son who is a student of Class VIII has also not gone to school as district administration announced holiday in educational institutions," he said. Varinder Kumar Vikky, who is also resident of Dina Nagar said, "There is panic in the area as this is for the first time that this area witnessed such an attack."
11:35 'There was a man who had no idea what intercourse was'
"Twenty years ago women were not keen on having intercourse until they were much older. Since women are now more open about the idea of having intercourse, boys are only too happy to take advantage." Arguably India's most famous sexologist, Dr Mahinder Watsa sheds light on how young (and old) Indians behave between the sheets. Read his interview to Abhishek Mande/Rediff.com.
11:29 'Blocking Parliament brings attention to a party that has poor speakers like Rahul'
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha is adjourned for the day and the Lok Sabha till noon.
Read Aakar Patel's column on the Parliament logjam: "Blocking Parliament brings attention to a party that has poor speakers like Rahul Gandhi. It is unlikely to shine in debates, assuming we were a nation that enjoyed listening to sparkling intellectual exchange, which we are not."
Read Aakar Patel's column on the Parliament logjam: "Blocking Parliament brings attention to a party that has poor speakers like Rahul Gandhi. It is unlikely to shine in debates, assuming we were a nation that enjoyed listening to sparkling intellectual exchange, which we are not."
11:19
Updates on the Gurdaspur attack.
-J&K on high alert.
-The national highway at Pathankot is closed.
-This appears to be a fidayeen attack.
-The terrorists are still holed up at the spot.
-Special forces have been called in.
-J&K on high alert.
-The national highway at Pathankot is closed.
-This appears to be a fidayeen attack.
-The terrorists are still holed up at the spot.
-Special forces have been called in.
11:12 Gurdaspur terror attack: PM to hold high-level meeting shortly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shortly set to meet top ministers and Union Home Secretary LC Goyal regarding the Gurdaspur terror attack. Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had earlier said that no hostage situation in the Gurdaspur attack has been reported so far. "The attack is serious. I can't give any details as the operation is still going on. No hostage situation has been reported so far," he said.
Meanwhile, army units have reached the spot. Heavy exchange of gunfire has resumed between security forces and terrorists. One militant has been killed while a Punjab Special Service Group (SSG) jawan has sustained injuries in the ongoing operations.
The death toll in the attack has risen to eight, including six civilians and two home guards. Four civilians have also sustained injuries. The gun battle between the security forces and alleged terrorists ensued after the latter opened fire on the police station and a bus.
The home minister has ordered the Border Security Force to immediately move forces to Gurdaspur to assist the police. He also instructed the BSF to enhance vigil along the entire international border with Pakistan.
The timing of the attack, methodology & location are all eerily similar to attacks in the border belt of Jammu, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted.
Meanwhile, five live bombs, believed to have been planted by the terrorists before they went on a shooting spree, have been recovered on a railway track between Dinanagar and Pathankot.
Pic: Army units at the spot
Meanwhile, army units have reached the spot. Heavy exchange of gunfire has resumed between security forces and terrorists. One militant has been killed while a Punjab Special Service Group (SSG) jawan has sustained injuries in the ongoing operations.
The death toll in the attack has risen to eight, including six civilians and two home guards. Four civilians have also sustained injuries. The gun battle between the security forces and alleged terrorists ensued after the latter opened fire on the police station and a bus.
The home minister has ordered the Border Security Force to immediately move forces to Gurdaspur to assist the police. He also instructed the BSF to enhance vigil along the entire international border with Pakistan.
The timing of the attack, methodology & location are all eerily similar to attacks in the border belt of Jammu, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted.
Meanwhile, five live bombs, believed to have been planted by the terrorists before they went on a shooting spree, have been recovered on a railway track between Dinanagar and Pathankot.
Pic: Army units at the spot
11:06 Kargil ghosts still stalk India's military
Sixteen years after the Kargil war, questions on army-air force coordination and and preparedness arise. Read
11:00 Hollywood stars pay tribute to Bobbi Kristina Brown
Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, filmmaker Ava DuVernay and Kylie Jenner among others paid tribute to Bobbi Kristina Brown, following her death at the age 22. Bobbi Kristina died on Sunday at Peachtree Christian Hospice in Atlanta, Georgia, nearly six months after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub of her home.
Winfrey, 61, who had interviewed Bobbi Kristina following her mother Whitney Houston's passing, wrote, "Peace at Last #BobbiKristina." DuVernay tweeted, "She seemed to be caught in the web of celebrity upon arrival. Twenty two years. A sad end. May the sister have peace now. #BobbiKristina."
Reality TV star Kylie paid tribute saying, "Rest in peace #BobbiKristina. Got a chance to hang out with you once and I'll never forget it or you! Ugh this is so sad."
Among other Hollywood A-listers, Missy Elliott, Janet Mock, and Taraji P Henson also shared their messages via social media offering heartfelt tributes.
The Houston family released an official statement regarding the passing of Bobbi Kristina on Sunday. "Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away July, 26 2015, surrounded by her family. She is finally at peace in the arms of God. We want to again thank everyone for their tremendous amount of love and support during these last few months," her family said in a statement.
The only child of Bobby Brown and Houston died six months after she was found unconscious in a bathtub. The aspiring singer was placed in a medically-induced coma on January 31 after she was discovered face-down in the water-filled tub at her townhouse in Roswell, Georgia. She was later transferred to Peachtree Christian Hospice, where her family and loved ones maintained a bedside vigil.
Winfrey, 61, who had interviewed Bobbi Kristina following her mother Whitney Houston's passing, wrote, "Peace at Last #BobbiKristina." DuVernay tweeted, "She seemed to be caught in the web of celebrity upon arrival. Twenty two years. A sad end. May the sister have peace now. #BobbiKristina."
Reality TV star Kylie paid tribute saying, "Rest in peace #BobbiKristina. Got a chance to hang out with you once and I'll never forget it or you! Ugh this is so sad."
Among other Hollywood A-listers, Missy Elliott, Janet Mock, and Taraji P Henson also shared their messages via social media offering heartfelt tributes.
The Houston family released an official statement regarding the passing of Bobbi Kristina on Sunday. "Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away July, 26 2015, surrounded by her family. She is finally at peace in the arms of God. We want to again thank everyone for their tremendous amount of love and support during these last few months," her family said in a statement.
The only child of Bobby Brown and Houston died six months after she was found unconscious in a bathtub. The aspiring singer was placed in a medically-induced coma on January 31 after she was discovered face-down in the water-filled tub at her townhouse in Roswell, Georgia. She was later transferred to Peachtree Christian Hospice, where her family and loved ones maintained a bedside vigil.
10:04 Mumbai: 4 killed, 5 hurt in tree collapse at Santacruz
Four persons were killed and five were injured in suburban Santacruz in a tree collapse incident early today.
The tree collapsed on a wall in Vakola area and the wall crashed on the shanties built next to it, crushing those inside, Fire Brigade said.
Four persons were killed and five were injured in the incident, it said.
The injured were admitted to nearby municipal hospitals.
The city has been receiving frequent showers over the last one week.
10:02 SC to hear Yakub Memon's plea challenging death sentence today
The Supreme Court will on Monday hear 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon's final plea challenging the death warrant against him at 11 am.
Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, yesterday, held consultations with Home and Law Department officials over the petetion.
CM Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government had sent its opinion to the Governor late Friday evening on the plea submitted by Memon following the Supreme Court's rejection of his curative petition which sought a stay on execution of his death sentence slated for July 30.
The government, however, had earlier indicated that it stood for sticking to the schedule for hanging and abide by the Supreme Court's directions on the matter.
Memon, in his petition, has said that all legal remedies have not been exhausted and he has also approached the Maharastra Governor with a plea for mercy.
He had filed the mercy plea before the Governor immediately after his curative petition was dismissed by the apex court last week.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice HL Dattu had on July 21 rejected Memon's plea saying that the grounds raised by him does not fall within the principles laid down by the apex court in 2002 in deciding the curative petition, the last judicial remedy available to an aggrieved person.
10:01 Gujarat HC to start final hearing in 2002 riots case from today
The Gujarat high vourt is expected to start the final hearing on Monday on a plea filed by 2002 riots victim Zakia Jafri against a lower court's clean chit to then Chief Minister Narendra Modi and 58 others in connection with a 2002 riots case.
Jafri's husband, former lawmaker Ehsan Jafri, had been among the 68 people who died during an attack on Ahmedabad's Gulbarg Society during the 2002 riots.
Jafri - who had alleged the complicity of Modi and others in the riots - had approached the High Court in March 2014 after a lower court had upheld the closure report filed by the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team.
The lower court had ruled that the state government undertook the necessary processes and made efforts to control law and order as the situation required.
The court had also agreed with the SIT that Modi made enough efforts in the short time after the Godhra carnage to see that law and order situation does not deteriorate further.
09:57 RJD shuts down Patna over caste-based census data
M I Khan reports from Patna: Reports of stopping of trains and road blocks are coming in from Patna following the bandh called by the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar against withholding of the caste-based census data by the central government.
Thousands of RJD workers and supporters took to streets, blocked highways, rail tracks and bridges. They stopped over a dozen
trains at Patna, Darbhanga, Hajipur, Jehanabad, Bhagalpur and Muzaffarpur railway stations.
"Road services were also hit. No long-route buses are plying. Highways are deserted as trucks have been halted at different places," a police officer said.
Schools in Patna are closed as well.
The state government has made elaborate security arrangements in view of the shutdown, a senior government official informed.
In Bihar, the shutdown is likely to be total as the state's ruling Janata Dal-United is backing RJD.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav had on Sunday observed a fast and threatened to call for an indefinite shutdown in the state if the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government failed to make public the caste-based census data.
09:04 Gurdaspur encounter: 5 live bombs recovered from railway track
Even as the encounter in Gurdaspur continues, five live bombs have been recovered from the Dinanagar-Pathankot railway track.
The bombs are believed to have been planted by the terrorists before they went on a shooting spree in Dinanagar town.
Visual courtesy: ANI
08:40 3 dead in terror strike in Punjab; encounter continues
Three persons have been killed and four injured in a gun battle, confirmed by the Home Ministry as a terror attack, in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.
The gunmen, who are believed to be in army uniform, targetted the Dinanagar police station.
According to reports, three or four attackers came in a white Maruti car and opened fire at the police station, killing a policeman on guard duty.
The gunmen are holed up inside the police station. The police have cordoned off the area.
Five live bombs have also been found on a railway track between Dinanagar and Pathankot.
More details are awaited.
08:14 Farmers' suicide: Janata Parivar to target Agriculture MoS today in Parliament
Scaling up the controversy over a reply on farmers' suicide by the Government, the constituents of erstwhile Janata Parivar will press for the resignation of Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and give a privilege notice against him in Parliament today.
While JD-U will give the privilege notice in Rajya Sabha alleging "deliberate misrepresentation of fact" by the Union minister, former Prime Minister and JD-S chief H D Devegowda will address a farmers gathering at Jantar Mantar in protest against the reply and subsequent remarks of senior BJP leaders including Finance Minister Arun Jaitely on the issue.
The constituents of Janata Pariwar are raking up the controversy at a time when JD(U) in alliance with Congress and RJD is locked in a tough electoral battle in the agrarian state Bihar, where assembly polls are due in next few months.
Singh's reply in Parliament having a reference to love affairs among others being a cause when asked about reasons for farmers' suicide had triggered a storm on Thursday with Opposition parties accusing Government of being insensitive.
JD(U) General Secretary K C Tyagi Tyagi said the reply by Singh in Rajya Sabha on the issue and subsequent remarks by senior BJP leaders and Union ministers including Jaitley show the "insensitiveness" of the NDA government towards the cause of farmers.
08:11 Govt should show leniency as Yakub had surrendered: wife
Rahin Memon, the wife of Yakub Memon, the only death-row convict in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, has appealed to the judiciary and the government to commute her husband's capital punishment to life term.
"I have full faith in the judiciary. I ask the Government of India for pardon for Yakub so that his death sentence can be commuted," she said.
Yakub Memon is scheduled to be hanged on July 30 at Nagpur Central Prison after his curative petition was dismissed by the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The apex court would hear today his plea for a stay on his execution.
Yakub has also submitted a fresh mercy petition to the Maharashtra governor.
Rahin said she believed that her husband was innocent and had willingly surrendered to the authorities. Rahin said she would be happy even if he was allowed to serve a life sentence.
"I personally believe that (only) someone who is innocent will surrender. But still, if they feel he is not innocent... they should consider that he has surrendered and show him some leniency," she said.
The Memon family, Rahin claimed, had not fled India after the blasts (contrary to CBI's case) but had left the country before the explosions rocked Bombay, as the city was then known, to celebrate Eid in Dubai. "We always went to Dubai for Eid," Rahin said.
08:09 CRPF celebrates its 76th foundation day today
Country's largest paramilitary force, the Central Reserve Police Force, will celebrate its 76th foundation day at its cradle in Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh today with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh taking salute from the marching contingents brought here from across the country.
Neemuch is a historic town in Madhya Pradesh which served as the nerve centre of the 1857 mutiny and the garrison found a place in history after the CRPF's first unit was raised here in 1939.
The CRPF is holding its foundation day celebrations at this military town after over two decades, putting an end to
hosting the celebrations in national capital Delhi.
"Home Minister Rajnath Singh will review the parade and award gallant men during the Raising Day celebrations here. He is arriving here on a special flight for the event," a senior force commander said.
Marching contingents from field formations of the force spread across the country have been brought here for the event and they will put up an impressive show of valour and advance capabilities during the gala celebration, he said.
The last time the anniversary day parade was held here was in 1993 when the then Union Minister of State for Home Rajesh Pilot officiated as the chief guest.
08:07 Amarnath Yatra expected to resume from Baltal route today
The Amarnath yatra, which had been suspended from the Baltal route following the cloudburst, is expected to resume from today.
"After the restoration of Srinagar-Baltal road, the yatra is expected to resume (with) vigour and momentum, from today onwards, if there were no unforeseen interruptions due to inclement weather," Governor N N Vohra was informed during a review meeting in Srinagar.
Vohra, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), reviewed the current status of the restoration works which were being carried out to clear the enormous debris which had flowed downhill near the Baltal base camp after heavy rains and cloudburst on Friday night.
Senior SASB officials had rushed to the base camp early Saturday morning to co-ordinate the rescue and rehabilitation works, an official spokesman said.
The CEO of the SASB P K Tripathi informed the Governor that by deploying the required manpower and machinery, the enormous accumulation of debris had since been largely cleared and the parking space near the base camp had been restored for use.
08:04
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