Enough is enough, India can't suffer till eternity, Modi warns terrorists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday issued a stern warning to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever.
"Enough is enough," he said while referring to the terror attacks in Pulwama and Uri. "We cannot keep suffering till eternity."
Addressing the 50th raising day of the Central Industrial Security Force as the Chief Guest in Ghaziabad, Modi said the role of security forces like the CISF becomes very significant when the country faces a hostile neighbour that gets encouragement from some elements within the country in hatching conspiracy.

ALSO READ: PM Modi lays foundation stones for various projects worth Rs 55,000 crore
"When the neighbour is very hostile but does not have the capability to fight a war and various conspiracies hatched within the country is getting encouragement from across the border and when the ghastly pictures of terror come to light, under such difficult situations, (ensuring) security of the country and its institutions becomes very challenging," the PM said.
Modi also said VIP culture in the country sometimes creates hurdle in the security systems of the country.
ALSO READ: Those who fail to create history make attempts to distort it: PM Modi
Modi said sometimes the government has to take certain decisions and hence it took some strong steps.
Congratulating the CISF, the Prime Minister also said it is easier to protect an individual but very difficult to protect any institution where there is a daily footfall of 3 million.

FPIs sell debt securities worth Rs 1,900 cr in Feb amid India-Pak tensions

Foreign portfolio investors sold debt securities worth over Rs 1,900 crore in February amid escalation of cross-border tensions in the wake of Pulwama terror attack.
Latest data from the depositories showed that overseas players pumped in Rs 2,039 crore into equities even as they dumped debt during February till 22.

In January, the net FPI outflow -- from both equity and debt -- stood at Rs 5,360 crore.
A total of Rs 1,949 crore was withdrawn during the February 1-22 period. However, there was higher infusion in equities, there is a net inflow of little over Rs 98 crore for the period under review, according to the data.
Himanshu Srivastava, senior analyst manager research at Morningstar Investment Adviser India, said the recent selling by FPIs "could be attributed to the increase in cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.
Tensions have escalated following the terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir that killed 40 CRPF jawans earlier this month.
"For a long time, FPIs have been adopting a cautious stance towards India, and the recent developments would have further dampened the sentiments," Srivastava said.
In 2019, foreign investments have shown mixed trends. Last month, FPIs were net sellers and so far in February, they are net buyers.
According to Srivastava, it is too early to predict the flow of investments as they are guided by short-term trends and become event specific.
Besides cross-border tensions, another major focus area for the FPIs would be the outcome of the general elections and they have been adopting a wait-and-watch stance in anticipation of a concrete sign of economic growth, he added.
Elections are expected in April and May.

Pulwama terror attack: Govt, Opposition stand united as anger mounts

Political parties came together on Saturday to express their solidarity with security forces in defending India’s unity and integrity as public anger against the Pulwama terror attack continued to mount.
People in many towns and cities across the country took out protest marches against Thursday’s attack, which left at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) dead. After reports of attacks on Kashmiris in some cities, the Union home ministry advised state governments to take steps to ensure their safety.
The government hiked the customs duty to 200 per cent on all goods imported from Pakistan, following the revocation of most-favoured nation (MFN) status. “India has withdrawn MFN status to Pakistan after the Pulwama incident. Upon withdrawal, the basic customs duty on all goods exported from Pakistan to India has been raised to 200 per cent with immediate effect,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in a tweet.
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India has withdrawn MFN status to Pakistan after the Pulwama incident. Upon withdrawal, basic customs duty on all goods exported from Pakistan to India has been raised to 200% with immediate effect. #Pulwama
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With Prime Minister Narendra Modi away in Maharashtra to inaugurate development projects and address a public rally, Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an all-party meeting in New Delhi, which passed a resolution strongly condemning the terror attack. It said political parties stood with the families of the deceased personnel in their hour of grief. The resolution did not mention Pakistan by name, but stated it condemned “terrorism in all forms and the support being given to it from across the border”.

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“India has during the past three decades faced the menace of cross-border terrorism. Of late, terrorism in India is being actively encouraged by the forces across the border. India has displayed both firmness and resilience in dealing with these challenges,” the resolution said. “The entire nation speaks in one voice to express its determination to fight these challenges. Today, we stand united in solidarity with our security forces in fighting terrorism and in defending the unity and integrity of India.”
CRPF jawan funeral A large number of people attend the funeral procession of CRPF jawan Ramesh Yadav, who lost his life in Thursday's Pulwama terror attack, at Masaurhi, in Varanasi | Photo: PTI
Later, Trinamool Congress and some others in the Opposition said they had the government amend the draft resolution that had instead stated, “Today, we all resolve to stand with our security forces and efforts of the central and state government to ensure that these challenges are suitably and firmly responded to.”
The meeting started with a briefing for the leaders on the Pulwama terror attack and the steps taken by the government. The home minister spoke strongly against the violence that broke out in Jammu after the attack. He said no communal incidents would be tolerated.
ALSO READ: 'New India' won't spare those who target its soldiers with guns, bombs: PM
The meeting was attended by Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia; Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O' Brien of the Trinamool Congress; Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena; D Raja of the CPI; Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference; and Ram Vilas Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party, among others.
While addressing a public meeting in Yavatmal in Maharashtra, the PM said the Pulwama attack would be avenged. He said this was ‘new India’ and the culprits would not be spared. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was in Chhattisgarh, where he observed two minutes of silence in the memory of the slain troops.
ALSO READ: Customs duty on imports from Pakistan hiked to 200% after Pulwama attack
There were reports from Patna saying that traders from Kashmir were attacked. In Mumbai, rail traffic between Virar, Vasai and Nalasopara was affected as commuters staged rail roko to protest Pulwama.
In Jammu and Kashmir, an Army major was killed while defusing a bomb in Rajouri’s Nowshera sector.

We stand united with our security forces: All party resolution on Pulwama

Political parties Saturday put up a united face and expressed India's determination to fight terrorism following the Pulwama terror attack, underlining their solidarity with security forces for defending the country's unity and integrity.
A meeting of all political parties, including the BJP and the Congress, passed a resolution condemning the terror attack and support being given to it from across the border.

The resolution did not name Pakistan but asserted that India has been facing the menace of the cross-border terrorism which of late, it added, is being actively encouraged by forces from the neighbouring country.
"India has displayed both firmness and resilience in dealing with these challenges. The entire nation speaks in one voice to express its determination to fight these challenges. Today, we stand united in solidarity with our security forces in fighting terrorism and in defending the unity and integrity of India," it said.
The meeting convened by Home Minister Rajnath Singh was attended by Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia of the Congress, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O'Brien of the TMC, Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena, Jithendra Reddy of the TRS, D Raja of the CPI, Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference, Ram Vilas Paswan of the LJP among others.
The parties were briefed about the attack in Pulwama in South Kashmir and the steps being taken by the government so far, a Home Ministry official said.
Naresh Gujral of the Akali Dal, Upendra Kushwaha of the RLSP and Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav are among others who are attending the meeting.

Seven people detained by J&K police in connection with Pulwama attack

Jammu and Kashmir Police has detained seven persons from Pulwama district of South Kashmir in connection with the deadly terror attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead near Awantipora, officials said Friday.
The youths were detained from Pulwama and Awantipora during the night on suspicion of links with the planning of the suicide attack, the first of its kind in which a terrorist of Jaish-e-Mohammed detonated an explosive-laden vehicle near a CRPF bus.

The overall planning is believed to be done by a Pakistani national, Kamran of JeM, who has been operating and moving in areas -- Pulwama, Awantipora and Tral area of South Kashmir.
The 'fidayeen' (suicide attacker) was identified as Adil Ahmad from Kakapora in Pulwama. He had joined the JeM in 2018.
According to initial investigations, the planning for the terror strike was done at Midoora area of Tral in South Kashmir.
Police are also looking for another local JeM overground worker who was instrumental in arranging the explosive material.

Pulwama attack LIVE updates: All party meeting begins at Parliament

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh along with J & K Governor Satya Pal Malik pays tribute to the CRPF personnel, who lost their lives in Thursday's Pulwama terror attack, at the CRPF camp in Budgam | Photo: PTI
Two days after forty CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government called for an all-party meeting today. Most Opposition parties, including the Congress said they would support the government in all actions in the wake of the terror attack in Pulwama.
The Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said his party would not enter any conversation and would stand with the family of the 40 slain soldiers.
Former PM Manmohan Singh said, “We shall never compromise with terrorist forces… we will work together as one united nation to deal with this menace.”
ALSO READ: Opposition supports govt after Pulwama attack; all-party meeting today
The bodies of 40 soldiers of the CRPF were brought to Delhi on Friday. Condemning the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said those behind the terrorist attack in Pulwama will have to pay a "heavy price". "The terrorists...they have made a big mistake. You will have to pay a very heavy price...I assure everyone that the forces behind the attack...we will bring them to justice," PM Modi said in an address in Delhi after chairing a top-level security meeting with senior ministers.
The international community strongly condemned the terror attack by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), with US President Donald Trump asking Pakistan to "end immediately" the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil.
ALSO READ: Shekhar Gupta: Pakistan has pulled the trigger on itself
Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack.
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Delhi: All party meeting called by central govt. underway at the Parliament. #PulwamaAttack
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Ramesh Kumar, DC Jammu: Curfew was imposed yesterday, no casualties were reported. The situation is under control but as a precautionary measure, we have continued with the curfew. We will decide whether to continue it or not by evening, after assessing the situation.
11:28 AM
US for India's bid to name Masood Azhar as global terrorist
US National Security Advisor Ambassador John Bolton, in a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, has extended support for India's bid to designate Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, an MEA statement said.
11:15 AM
Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala cancels his visit to Lahore, Pakistan in the light of Pulwama Attack. Delhi's Patiala House Court had yesterday allowed him to travel to Lahore for a personal visit. He is an accused in a disproportionate assets case.
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Delhi: Leaders arrive at the Parliament, for the all party meeting called by central govt. #PulwamaAttack
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All party meeting begins at Parliament
10:38 AM
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba arrives at the residence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba arrives at the residence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
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Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav pay tribute to Constable Ratan Kumar Thakur and Head Constable Sanjay Kumar Sinha of CRPF who lost their lives in #PulwamaAttack.
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Virat Kohli postpones Indian Sports Honours
Star cricketer Virat Kohli has postponed the RP-SG Indian Sports Honours, which was to take place on Saturday, as a "mark of respect" to the CRPF personnel martyred in the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Indian Sports Honours is an initiative of Virat Kohli Foundation and RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group.
10:18 AM
Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria arrives in Delhi for consultations with senior officials over Pulwama attack
The Indian envoy has been called for consultations at a time when the government is looking at options for giving a befitting reply to Pakistan over the dastardly terror attack in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.
10:14 AM
Top US lawmakers rally behind India
So far, more than 70 American lawmakers including 15 Senators have condemned the attack. The "terrorist attack against Indian paramilitary police is a despicable act of violence, however, I know it will not weaken the resolve of the Indian people," said Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate India Caucus.

"The American people and the American government stand fully behind our ally India and their fight to defend their democracy and end the threat of violent extremism," he said.
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Chandauli: Villagers & family of CRPF personnel Awadhesh Kumar Yadav who lost his life in #PulwamaTerrorAttack on Thursday, mourn his death. #UttarPradesh (15/2/19)
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Mortal remains of CRPF jawan Ramesh Yadav have been brought to his native village Tofapur in Varanasi.
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Varanasi: Mortal remains of CRPF jawan Ramesh Yadav have been brought to his native village Tofapur in Varanasi. #PulwamaAttack
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09:09 AM
India slams Pakistan for claiming it had no role in Pulwama terror attack
Pakistan on Friday summoned the Indian deputy high commissioner in Islamabad and lodged a protest against India's allegation of its role in the Pulwama terror attack.

Hitting back at Pakistan, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack. The organisation and its leadership are located in Pakistan."

Pulwama attack: Withdrawing MFN status to Pak won't hurt Islamabad too much

In the wake of the Pulwama suicide bombing in the Kashmir valley that has killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, India decided to withdraw Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan. India had granted MFN status to Pakistan in 1996, a year after the formation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). According to Article 1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs & Trade (GAAT), which was the predecessor of the WTO, no nation would discriminate against any other with respect to trade. This meant that any favour, immunity or privilege extended by one country to another would be extended to all other members of the WTO.
India’s move to withdraw MFN status would have little impact if New Delhi’s intention was to hurt Pakistan’s economy for providing safe havens to terror outfits like the Jaish E Mohammad (JeM), who claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack.

India’s bilateral trade with Pakistan stands at about $2.4 billion – constituting just 0.3 per cent of its global trade of $769 billion. India’s trade with Pakistan as a component of its overall trade has hovered at these levels for years now. While India has an unfavourable trade balance with the rest of the world, it maintained a surplus of almost $1.4 billion with Pakistan on exports of $1.9 billion in 2017-18.
Ever since India granted the MFN status to Pakistan in 1996, there has been a negligible rise in Pakistan’s exports to India. In 1996-97, Pakistan’s exports to India were just $36 million. By 2017-18, its exports to India stood at $489 million. This was just 1.5 per cent of Pakistan’s exports during the year. Almost half of all Pakistani exports to India comprised fruits, nuts, salt and cement.
Meanwhile, compared to its exports to India, Pakistan sold Afghanistan three times more goods (in value) and China five times more.
India’s exports have traditionally been greater than its imports from its western neighbour. In 1996-97, India exported about $157 million of goods to Pakistan, primarily sugar. By 2017-18, India’s exports to Pakistan had touched $1.9 billion -- half of it consisting of cotton, organic chemicals and plastics.
Indian exporters earned five times more from trade than Pakistani traders did. Pakistan’s exports to India have barely crossed the half-a-billion-dollar mark since being granted the MFN status by India. While there has been a surge in trade between the two nations since 2006, the benefits of trade have more often accrued to India than to Pakistan.
According to a 2012 USAID (United States Agency for International Development) report that analysed the surge in trade, “Since 2006, the volume of formal bilateral trade has grown considerably. India's exports to Pakistan have shown significant growth. Pakistan’s exports to India, however, have remained stagnant since then. The share of exports to Pakistan in India's export pie is below one per cent. This is, of course, due to the large size of the Indian economy and of trade restrictions in the form of a positive list maintained by Pakistan."
While it may not amount to much in terms of trade, the withdrawal of MFN status is meant to send a strong diplomatic message to Islamabad in the wake of the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir in the recent past.