Surgical Strikes: Pakistan Summons Indian Envoy, Captures Soldier
Indian armed forces foiled multiple infiltration bids after Uri attacks, DGMO Ranbir Singh declared.
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- DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh announced the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC last night.
- Pakistan claims to have captured an Indian soldier and killed several others after the announcement.
- Singh also declared over 20 foiled infiltration bids in Kashmir.
- Two Pakistani soldiers and 38 terrorists were reportedly killed, although no Indian casualties were reported.
- Pakistan denied surgical strikes, but reported ceasefire violations by India between 2:30 am and 8 am.
- “Our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness,” says Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
- Sensex dipped over 500 points after the Army announcement.
Pakistan Captures Indian Soldier Along LoC
Pakistan captured an Indian soldier on its side of the disputed Kashmir border, military officials in the two countries said on Thursday.
He said such incidents of people including civilians crossing the frontier by mistake have happened in the past from both sides and those who strayed are returned.
Two officials based in Pakistan's Chhamb's sector said the Indian soldier with weapons was captured on Thursday.
Army’s Nothern Command however have clarified that the Indian Army suffered no casualties in Thursday’s operation across the border, thus debunking all claims of this soldier being part of the Indian contingent which carried out the surgical strikes.
The army in a statement has also debunked news of Indian Army suffering losses in last night’s attack.
Baloch Leaders Say Indian Surgical Strikes Gives Them 'Hope'
Baloch nationalist leaders and activists across the world on Thursday welcomed the cross-border surgical strikes by India across the LoC and urged continuation of such operations.
Baloch nationalists, who are holding demonstrations outside the Chinese embassy in London against the human rights situation and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), called the strike "a right move".
Surgical Strikes Were Sanctioned on Wednesday
- The military strike across the Line of Control to destroy terrorist camps located in PoK was sanctioned around noon on Wednesday by PM Narendra Modi, reports The Tribune.
- Troops from the 4 and 9 para special forces were part of the operations.
- The political establishment was informed of the operation’s success at 4:30 am.
- The operation was carried out in two parts that would be spread across an arc of 250 km. The first was to fire artillery guns across the LoC. The second was to use the confusion caused by the artillery fire to sneak in troops from pre-decided spots.
- The targets were seven terrorist launch pads at five locations across the LoC that included the Lepa valley, Tatta Pani and Bimber.
- The operation went on for four hours. It commenced around 12:30 am on Thursday and ended at 4:30 am on Thursday. Around 2 pm on Wednesday, the special teams had been asked to move forward. Helicopters dropped teams at advanced pre-decided locations.
Indian High Commissioner Summoned by Pakistan
The Pakistan Foreign Office on Thursday summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale over the "unprovoked" cross-border firing by Indian Army in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed.
According to Foreign Office sources, Pakistan "strongly" condemned the firing across the Line of Control, Geo TV reported.
Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry handed over the protest note to Bambawale, sources said.
Nawaz Sharif Calls For Cabinet Meet as NSA briefs Him Over India’s Surgical Strikes
Pakistan's National Security Advisor Nasir Janjua briefed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over the situation at the LoC on Thursday.
Janjua presented Sharif a detailed report over the border clashes between India and Pakistan along the LoC and arrangements to foil "any enemy attack", an official statement said.
Earlier, Sharif called for a federal cabinet meeting on Friday to discuss the growing tensions between India and Pakistan. He has also convened a joint session of Parliament on 5 October.
Pakistan has dismissed Indian claims of carrying out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistani Kashmir.
MEA Briefs Envoys of 25 Nations on Thursday’s Surgical Strikes
India on Thursday briefed top envoys of 25 countries including the US, China, Russia, the UK and France after the Indian Army said it has carried out "surgical strikes" on seven terror launch pads across the LoC.
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar briefed the envoys in the South Block to convey the "context" of carrying out the strikes, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup confirmed.
The Foreign Secretary told them that it was "a classic counter-terrorism operation more than a military one" and that it was to neutralise terrorists who were trained to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and other major Indian cities.
They were also told that India has no plans for any further operation as of now but added the armed forces will not allow terrorists to carry out any attacks.
Significantly, earlier in the day American National Security Advisor Susan Rice had spoken to Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and said the US wants Pakistan to "combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorist entities, including LeT and JeM.
Pakistan, India Should Resolve Issues Through Dialogue: China
Following India's "surgical strikes" on the terrorist launch pads in Pakistani Kashmir on Thursday, China has said that Beijing was in touch with both New Delhi and Islamabad through "various channels".
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that China hopes that India and Pakistan can properly resolve relevant disputes through dialogue and consultation.
He also revealed that during the China-India Counter-Terrorism Security Dialogue held on 27 September, the two sides exchanged views on how to enhance counter-terrorism security cooperation.
India-Pakistan Conflict Can Cause Disaster: Mehbooba
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti speaking to the media expressed grave concern over the rapid escalation of situation along the LoC with Pakistan.
She also warned that any military confrontation between India and Pakistan could lead to a disaster of epic proportions.
On Wednesday, Mehbooba urged calm, adding that war is never an option to resolve issues. The Jammu and Kashmir CM pitched for amicable relations between India and Pakistan to fight the poverty and economic deprivation plaguing the region while underlining the need of a bilateral dialogue to resolve the issues.
All-Party Meet at the Ministry of Home Affairs Ends
An all-party meet was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss the developments after the surgical strikes overnight which neutralised 38 terrorists.
The meet chaired by Rajnath Singh was aimed at ensuring there is consensus moving forward.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and NSA Ajit Doval were present at the meet attended by BJP chief Amit Shah, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, Union Minister and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan and NCP leader Sharad Pawar among others.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu, BSP's Satish Mishra and RJD's Prem Chand Gupta also attended the meet. Principal Secretary to PM Nripendra Singh was also present.
Earlier, the Home Minister had informed Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab, Bihar and other states about the strikes.
Politicos React: Real Message Has Been Sent To Pakistan, Says Shashi Tharoor
Congress leader, Shashi Tharoor speaking to the media on Thursday said that he is “very proud” of the Indian Army’s action against Pakistan, while also terming the surgical strikes as “very sensible, measured and proportionate form of retaliation.”
He also rubbished Pakistan’s claims of unprovoked firing by India.
Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Indian National Congress after the all party meet added “Any step taken by the government and the forces against terrorism will be supported by us.”
He also added that the “entire opposition stands by the government” on the issue of surgical strikes.
Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis expressed pride at the way surgical strikes were conducted by the Army.
BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad speaking to CNN News18 said that Thursday’s surgical strikes should be warmly celebrated by the nation, while also adding that these strikes were in response to the mood of the nation after the Uri attacks.
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh said: “We hope that Pakistan will learn something from these surgical strikes, hope they will stop their nonsense.”
Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to congratulate the Army on the successful attack.
Surgical Strikes on Terrorists in PoK Pre-Emptive Action: Jaitley
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today termed Indian army's "surgical strikes" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as pre-emptive action.
Fishermen on Gujarat Maritime Border Put on Alert
Fishermen along the international maritime border in Kutch district of Gujarat have been advised not to venture into the deep sea following Thursday's surgical strikes by Indian forces across the LoC.
The fishermen have also been asked to remain within the state regions.
Officials said they have been asked to be on alert and be in constant touch with the security agencies as well as share information about any suspicious movement.
Similarly, people in the land borders in north Gujarat's Banaskantha region have been told to keep a vigil for any movement.
Sources, however, said unlike Punjab, there are no plans for evacuation of people in the border areas.
Pak High Commissioner Abdul Basit Receives Threats
Pakistan High Commission has said that its High Commisioner to India, Abdul Basit has recieved threats over phone calls after the development from last night. It further revealed that the details of the calls has been shared with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
It further asked the Indian government to take responsibility of security of Pakistan High Commission members and families under the Vienna convention.
Meanwhile, Pakistan National Security adviser Nasir Janjua also submitted a report on LoC situation to PM Nawaz Sharif.
All Schools Within 10 km of Border in Punjab Closed, Villagers Evacuated
All schools within 10 kms of India-Pak border have been ordered to close down till further notice, revealed the District Education Officer of Ferozepur, Punjab.
Further orders have been sent to villages in the state of Punjab which share or are within 10 km of the border with Pakistan to be evacuated.
Additional Border Security Forces (BSF) troops have been deployed in the region after the DGMO’s announcement.
Ready to Combat External Aggression: Pak Air Force
Amid the intense diplomatic stand-off between New Delhi and Islamabad and cross-border firing, the Pakistan Air Force said on Thursday it is vigilant at all times and ready to combat any external aggression.
The statement from the Pakistan Air Force says that the PAF will protect Pakistan's air limits at any cost.
Market Plunges as Indo-Pak Tensions Rise: Good Time to Buy Stocks?
Indian equities plunged while the bond and rupee extended losses, after the Indian government said that it has conducted surgical strikes on Wednesday night on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan.
The S&P BSE Sensex dropped as much as 2 percent to 28,719, while the NSE Nifty fell as much as 2.1 percent to 8,558 by 12.47pm on Thursday. This was the benchmarks’ biggest single-day fall since the 24 June Brexit vote.
The Indian rupee fell 0.7 percent, the most since June, to 66.91 per dollar. The yield on sovereign notes due September 2026 surged 8 basis points to 6.86 percent and are set for the biggest jump for a benchmark 10-year security since August 2015.
'China in Touch With India, Pak to Calm Tensions'
China on Thursday said it is in touch with India and Pakistan through different channels to bring down tensions, asking them to properly deal with their differences and work jointly to maintain peace and security in the region.
"We hope that Indian and Pakistan can enhance communication and properly deal with difference and work jointly to maintain peace and security of the region," he said, replying to questions whether the current tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad in the aftermath of Uri attack figured in the first anti-terrorism dialogue held between China and India here earlier this week.
Congress President, Sonia Gandhi Says Party Stands by the Govt: Statement
Trade Across the LoC Resumes
Trade across the LoC has resumed with 26 buses from India and 16 from Pakistan stranded across both sides finally being allowed to cross over.
Surgical Strikes Signal the Rise of a New India: Amit Shah
BJP President Amit Shah took to Twitter to speak on the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army. Shah congratulated the army for giving a befitting reply to Pakistan for the Uri attacks.
Watch The Quint’s discussion about the developments:
Watch Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh declare surgical strikes by India across LoC.
Beating Retreat Ceremony Cancelled
The Beating Retreat ceremony conducted along the Wagah border was cancelled on Thursday after the Indian Army declared surgical strikes.
Villages in Punjab Evacuated
Villages in the state of Punjab which share or are within 10 km of the border with Pakistan are being evacuated, reports ANI.
Additional Border Security Forces (BSF) troops have been deployed in the region after the DGMO’s announcement.
Government Calls for All-Party Meet
As Pakistan Inter-services denies surgical strikes, calling is cross-bordering firing, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has called for an all party meet at 4 pm on Thursday.
Pakistan Denies Surgical Strikes
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) denied surgical strikes by India while Khawaja Asif, Pakistan Defence Minister stated that two Pakistani soldiers were killed and 9 were injured in what is termed by Pakistan as cross-border firing initiated and conducted by India.
Pakistani daily Dawn reports that the fire from India started at 2:30 and went o till 8 am. Pakistani media also reports that the Pakistan Air Force has claimed that this (by Indian Army) was not a surgical strike and that they are alert for any such eventuality.
Indian Army sources tell ANI, that the Special Forces operation on terror launch pads lasted from 12:30 am to 4:30 am and the location was 500 meters - 2 Km beyond the Line of Control (LoC).
Indian special forces were para-dropped and seven terror launchpads were destroyed. Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) claimed that Indian offensive was carried out in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel and Lipa sectors, on Pakistan’s side of LoC.
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Sensex Dips Over 500 Points After Army Announcement
Sensex crashed 555 points and Nifty slid about 170 points in noon trade after DGMO reported surgical strikes against Pakistan.
The barometer 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which was ruling strong in the morning after the unexpected production cuts agreed to by oil producing countries, took a fall of more than 500 points after the relevant briefing by the Indian Army.
All the 19 sub-indices of the BSE were trading in the red. Heavy selling pressure was witnessed in realty, power, industrials and healthcare sectors.
The key index recovered marginally a little later and was quoting at 27,845 points (at 12.55 pm) – down 447.71 points or 1.58 percent from the previous close at 28,292.81 points.
The wider 51– scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) edged down 127.95 points, or 1.46 percent, to 8,617.20 points.
The Sensex has so far touched a high of 28,475.57 points and a low of 27,719.92 points during the intra-day trade.
The BSE market breadth fell prey to the bears – with 2,148 declines and 155 advances.
All Stakeholders Discuss Surgical Strikes
Soon after the DGMO’s press statement, President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Narinder Nath Vohra and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti were briefed on the surgical strikes by the Indian Army.
Nawaz Sharif Condemns Attack, Calls For Peace
According to the Pakistani media, Nawaz Sharif has condemned the attack, and emphasised on the country’s desire for peace.
“We are ready for the safety and defence of our country,” he added.
DGMO Ranbir Singh Confirms Surgical Strikes Along LoC
The Ministry of External Affairs and the Defence Ministry on Thursday issued a joint statement in the wake of infiltration bids by terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC).
Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt General Ranbir Singh announced that Indian Army had carried out multiple surgical operations in various locations on Wednesday night.
The Quint had reported about one such surgical operation on the intervening night of 20 September and 21 September.
He added that the Indian forces have foiled over 20 infiltration bids in the past year.
India has informed Pakistan about the captured infiltrators, and has granted consular access to them.
(With agency inputs)
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