The tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, J&K on Tuesday claimed the lives of 26 people and injured many more, leading to outcry and a call for action from General VP Malik (Retd), Former Indian Army Chief. In an interview with CNN-News18, he stressed the need for India to send a "loud and stern message to Pakistan" after identifying the terrorists responsible and their links to Lashkar-e-Taiba. He believes a single operation will not be enough to deter future attacks and calls for sustained efforts to combat terror.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of at least 25 tourists and a Valley resident, has sparked tensions between India and Pakistan once again. While Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has denied any involvement in the attack, citing their rejection of terrorism, Indian officials are sceptical due to the presence of foreign militants in the group responsible for the shooting. The attack comes just days after Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir's statement about Kashmir being their "jugular vein", which was met with a sharp response from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
In a surprising admission, Pakistan's Army Chief has finally acknowledged that Pakistani soldiers were killed during the Kargil conflict, years after former Army Chief Musharraf confessed to the reality of the conflict. Amidst controversy surrounding Pakistan's observance of September 6 as Defense Day, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has also claimed Junagadh as part of Pakistan, comparing it to the Kashmir issue. Additionally, a major update in Pakistan's political scene: prominent Baloch leader Maherang Baloch is receiving support from Imran Khan's party, a significant endorsement for the Baloch movement.
The ruling coalition in Pakistan praises the arrest of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed in connection with a housing scheme scandal, while opposition parties, including former premier Imran Khan's PTI party, stay neutral. Hameed, who served as the director general of ISI during Khan's prime ministerial term, was accused of interfering in political matters. The Army has arrested him and initiated court martial proceedings for alleged misuse of authority. While the PTI party chairman calls it an "internal matter" for the disciplined institution of the Pakistani military, others, including members of the ruling PML-N and PPP, openly support the decision.
In a recent interview, actress Karisma Kapoor praised the unique qualities of the three leading Khans of Bollywood - Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Salman. She shared how each of them has their distinct personality and work style, adding that she feels fortunate to have collaborated with each of them multiple times. She also highlighted their dynamic on-screen presence, acknowledging their contributions to the entertainment industry.
The intense planning and tactical execution of Operation Meghdoot, launched on April 13, 1984, was a turning point in India's control over the treacherous Siachen Glacier. Led by then Army Chief Gen AS Vaidya and a team of strategists including the forgotten hero, Lieutenant General CN Somanna, the Indian Army took over key heights, including Indira Col, in an unprecedented move that caught Pakistan off guard. Amit K Paul's upcoming book Meghdoot: The Beginning of the Coldest War reveals the intricate details of the top brass's war game, codenamed "Walnut Cracker," that paved the way for India's triumph.