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Why Narendra Modi govt cancelled diplomatic talks with Pakistan: Explained

Bangalore, Aug 19: Sending a serious warning to the neighbouring country, Narendra Modi government on Monday, Aug 19 announced that India would not continue bilateral talks with Pakistan. Here's why Indian government took this decision.

Pakistan ignored India's previous warnings:

Foreign Secretaries of both India and Pakistan were scheduled to meet on August 25 in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Abdul Basit, Pakistani High Commissioner, invited Kashmiri separatists to meet with him in Delhi.

Pakistan's invitation to the separatists leaders irked Indian high commission. India warned the neighbouring country of not meeting separatist leaders in India.

The separatists Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Shah are known for their anti-India rhetoric.

The government sources informed that Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh had spoken to the Pakistani High Commissioner over phone and warned, "Either talk to separatists or talk to us."

Snubbing all warnings from India, Pakistani High Commissioner in Delhi met Shabit Shah on Monday.

Violation of ceasefire at India-Pakistan border: Already angered and aggrieved by repeated ceasefire violations at border, India took this bonhomie as interference in internal matter and cancelled the upcoming talk

Around 50 border violation has been done by Pakistani troops in this year and that has been increased since new Government took the power. However, Pakistan denied all allegations and retaliated by saying India should not practice "a blame game."

India took its tough stand:

Spokesperson of Foreign Ministry of India -- Syed Akbaruddin finally announced, "It was underlined that the Pakistani High Commissioner's meetings with these so-called leaders of the Hurriyat undermine the constructive diplomatic engagement initiated by Prime Minister Modi in May on his very first day in office".

He also said, "Under present circumstances, it seems no useful purpose will be served by the Foreign Secretary visiting Islamabad, therefore the visit stands cancelled."

How did Pakistan react to India's decision? Foreign Office of Pakistan termed India's decision as a setback to efforts by prime ministers to promote good neighbourly relations. In an official statement, Pakistan said, "It is a long-standing practice that prior to Pakistan- India talks, meetings with Kashmiri leaders are held to facilitate meaningful discussions on the issue of Kashmir."

Asia Cup 2014: Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq slams fifty to revive Pakistan chase

Chasing a 297-run target, Pakistan got off to a bad start as they lost their top order cheaply against Sri Lanka in the first match of the Asia Cup in Fatullah.

Scorecard | Match in Pics

Pakistan tried to get its run chase back on track courtesy a steady stand between Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez.

The Shehzad-Hafeez duo stitched a crucial 49-run partnership for the second wicket soon after losing opener Sharjeel Khan early.

However, Chaturanga De Silva and skipper Angelo Mathews struck in consecutive overs to send Shehzad (28) and Hafeez (18) back to the pavilion.

Spinner Sachithra Senanayake then joined the wicket taking party when he scalped Sohaib Maqsood (17) by getting him caught at deep mid-wicket.

Pakistan lost their first wicket when Suranga Lakmal had Sharjeel (26) caught comfortably at mid-on by Mathews after the Pakistan opener mis-timed a short of length delivery.

Earlier, opener Lahiru Thirimanne notched up his second ODI hundred to power Sri Lanka to a challenging 296 for six against Pakistan.

Thirimanne hit 11 fours and a six in his 110-ball 102-run innings and starred in a 161-run stand with Kumar Sangakkara (67) for the second wicket to lay the foundation for a huge score at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium.

Pakistan tried to make a comeback in the middle overs as they picked up a few wickets, before skipper Angelo Matthews provided the late charge, cracking a 50-ball 55, to take Sri Lanka close to the 300-mark.

For Pakistan, Umar Gul (38) and Shahid Afridi (56) picked up two wickets each, while Saeed Ajmal (1/50) took one.

Electing to bat, Sri Lanka made a watchful start before opener Kusal Perera (14) edged an Umar Gul delivery straight to Umar Akmal behind the stumps in the eighth over to slip to 28 for one.

However, Thirimanne continued his good run and notched up his fifty off 56 balls in the 20th over, his first half-century since last July.

He and first-down batsman Sangakkara ensured Sri Lanka suffer no more damage as the two left-handed batsmen amassed runs at good pace and took Sri Lanka to the 100-mark in the 20th over.

The duo then changed gears, piling up 68 runs in the next 10 overs. Sangakkara, who has been in red-hot form, brought up his 84th fifty in as many balls in the 27th over when he blasted Mohammad Hafeez for a boundary through the midwicket area.

In the 31st over, Thirimanne picked up Hafeez for special treatment as he sent him over deep midwicket to bring up the first six of the match and move into the 90s.

Tehran Demands Pakistan Hand Over Suspects

Tehran has demanded that Pakistan arrest and hand over individuals responsible for planning or carrying out an attack on October 25 in Sistan-Baluchistan Province.

Iran's Press TV quotes Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham as saying Tehran expects Pakistan to abide by the terms of a bilateral security agreement and extradite those who behind the incident, in which 14 Iranian border guards were killed.

Iran said the individuals responsible for the attack crossed over from Pakistan and then returned with four captive Iranian police officers. The four are still missing.

The request comes as another Iranian news agency, MEHR, reported on November 5 that Iranian border guards had shot dead four suspected terrorists and wounded three others who were trying to cross into Iran from Pakistan.

Pakistan accuses US of nixing Taliban talks

The Pakistani interior minister on Saturday accused the US of "scuttling" efforts towards peace talks with the Taliban by killing the militants' leader in a drone strike. Chaudhry Nisar said "every aspect" of Pakistan's cooperation with Washington would be reviewed following Friday's drone attack that killed Hakimullah Mehsud in the country's tribal northwest. Pakistan also summoned the US ambassador on Saturday to protest over two recent drone attacks, the foreign ministry said.

Conflicting reports emerged on Saturday over the selection of Hakimullah Mehsud's successor. Local media reported that Khan Said Sajna , a battle-hardened terrorist with years of fighting experience in Afghanistan, was named chief after a Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan meeting. However, a late-night PTI report said the outfit had put on hold a decision to make Sajna its new chief as several commanders opposed the move.

Instead, Shehryar Mehsud has been named caretaker chief and its Shura or council will meet again in the next few days to decide on a new leader, Taliban sources said.

Sajna comes from South Waziristan and belongs to Shabikhel sub-tribe of Mehsud clan. He was Mehsud's key aide and is said to have been behind many deadly attacks across Pakistan, including a jailbreak and an attack on the Karachi naval base.

The other contender for the top job in the group was Mullah Fazlullah, the chief of Taliban in Swat, whose fighters shot Malala Yousafzai. Meanwhile, Taliban fighters secretly buried Mehsud, who was in his mid-30 s and carried a $5 million bounty on his head, under cover of darkness amid fears that his funeral might be attacked. Mehsud's vehicle was hit while he was returning from a meeting of Taliban leaders. A Taliban leader said his body was "damaged but recognizable".

The slain Taliban chief's deputy was killed in a drone attack in May while his top aide was captured in Afghanistan last month. Mehsud's two predecessors were killed in similar attacks.

Fears of Taliban backlash has mounted in Pakistan after Mehsud's aide vowed to avenge his killing. "Our revenge will be more deadly and unprecedented," said Taliban commander Abu Omar. He blamed the Pakistan government for endorsing the drone strikes and added they know their "enemy very well".

The government sounded highest alert across Pakistan , fearing attacks as uncertainty prevailed over its move to engage with the Taliban, who have often fiercely retaliated to the killings of their leaders and targeted public places, military installations. Peshawar, which has taken the brunt of the Taliban attacks , wore a deserted look on Saturday as security forces had put up blockades across the city to prevent possible strikes.

Pakistan slams Salman Khurshid's remarks on Kashmir full Statement

Pakistan has reacted strongly to Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid's statement on Kashmir, asking New Delhi to avoid negative propaganda. In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Mr Khurshid had on Sunday reiterated India's stand of Kashmir being its integral part. He said that no external intervention will be tolerated on the issue, and it is a "waste of time on the part of anybody to try to question it."

Following is the full statement issued by Pakistan's foreign office:

Expressing disappointment at the comments by the Indian External Affairs Minister on the status of Jammu & Kashmir, appearing in a section of the Indian media, the Spokesperson stated that the Kashmir dispute is the core issue that remains unresolved between the two countries.

It is unfortunate that Indian leadership continues to refer to the state of Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India, when the reality is clearly otherwise.

As a member of the United Nations, India should not overlook or undermine the numerous UN Security Council resolutions on this issue. While bilateral agreements may exist, the sanctity of the UN resolutions cannot be understated.

The Kashmir dispute remains a fundamental component of the bilateral dialogue process and resolution of this dispute is vital for maintaining peace and security in the region. India's continued intransigence over this issue is counterproductive and is unhelpful in the efforts to resolve this dispute.

Pakistan remains committed to a purposeful, constructive and result-oriented dialogue with India and believes that serious efforts need to be made in maintaining a positive atmosphere and avoid negative propaganda.
For NDTV Updates,

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy wins first ever Oscar award for Pakistan

In what appeared to be a positive and courageous omen for all Pakistanis, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has won the first ever Oscar award for Pakistan for her documentary ‘Saving Face’ at the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday.

While receiving the world’s prestigious ward, she observed, “I want to dedicate this award to all the heroes working on the ground in Pakistan and to all the women in the country who are working for a change. Do not give up as this is your dream”.

‘Saving Face’ is a 52-minute documentary which talks about the plight of women subjected to acid attacks, and a doctor who comes to Pakistan to treat them and give them hope.

Due largely to its heart-wrenching subject as well as the facts that its producer is not from a country known for making many quality films, ‘Saving Face’ has been one of the more talked about nominations at the event.

The Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy documentary follows British plastic surgeon Dr. Mohammad Jawad, who returns to Pakistan to help victims of acid burns. The documentary follows one woman as she fights to see that the perpetrators of the crime are imprisoned for life.READ MORE

28 dead as 'enormous outbreak' of tornadoes tears through U.S.

A devastating storm system moved across the United States on Friday, spawning a slew of tornadoes that contributed to at least 28 fatalities in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

National Weather Service meteorologist John Gordon reported Friday afternoon the agency had about "half a dozen reports of tornadoes on the ground," as well as reports of "significant damage" -- making his comments before some of the worst twisters were reported.

"This is an enormous outbreak that's going on right now across Kentucky and the South," Gordon said. "It's crazy. It's just nuts right here."

Southern Indiana was particularly hard hit, with Indiana Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson saying three had died in Jefferson County as a result. Sgt. Rod Russell with the Indiana State Police said later that three people also were killed in Scott County.

In addition, Emergency Management Director Leslie Cavanaugh of Clark County -- which has about 110,000 people -- reported one death. Sheriff's Department Maj. Chuck Adams added that a man was found dead in his car several miles outside Henryville.

"We've got total devastation in the north-ceindntral part of the county (and) widespread damage from the west to the east," added Adams. "We are inundated with calls."

At least 15 people were killed across Indiana, authorities said.

Aerial footage from CNN affiliate WLKY showed structures torn to shreds and large swaths of trees knocked down in Henryville, about 20 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky.

Other aerial images showed similar devastation in St. Paul, Indiana. Several officials -- including Jeffersonville, Indiana, Mayor Mike Moore, U.S. Sen. Dan Coats and Adams -- indicated that the town of Marysville suffered especially significant damage.

Cavanaugh also said that the local high school, Henryville Junior-Senior High School, had been "demolished."

According to Sara Reschar, an administrative assistant for the West Clark Community Schools, "students were already out of the school when the storm hit" -- having been dismissed about 15 minutes earlier. Adams said there were some "scrapes and scratches," but no serious injuries as a result.

Authorities used thermal imaging equipment, search dogs and other means Friday night to look for a 9-year-old boy in Henryville whose whereabouts was unknown after the tornadoes came through, Adams said.

Osama Bin Laden Courier's Cellphone Provides New Leads To Pakistani Links

A cellphone of Osama bin Laden's trusted courier recovered in the U.S. raid last month that killed both men in Pakistan contained contacts to a militant group that is a longtime asset of Pakistan's intelligence agency, The New York Times reported late Thursday.

In a story posted on the Times website, senior American officials and others briefed on the findings said the discovery indicates bin Laden used the group, Harakat-ul-Mujahedeen, as part of his support network inside Pakistan.

It raises questions about whether the group and others helped shelter and support the al-Qaida leader on behalf of Pakistan's spy agency.

The officials and analysts told the Times that Pakistan's intelligence agency had mentored Harakat and allowed it to operate in Pakistan for at least 20 years.

In tracing the calls on the cellphone, U.S. analysts have determined that Harakat commanders had called Pakistani intelligence officials, the senior American officials said. One said they had met. The officials added that the contacts were not necessarily about bin Laden and that there was no "smoking gun" showing that Pakistan's spy agency had protected bin Laden.

Beyond providing leads about why bin Laden was able to live comfortably for years in Abbottabad, a town dominated by the Pakistani military just 35 miles from the capital city of Islamabad, the discovery also may help shed light on bin Laden's secret odyssey after he slipped away from U.S. forces in the Tora Bora region of Afghanistan nearly 10 years ago.

Pakistan Army Officer's Suspected Militant Links Raise Fresh Fears

The revelation that a senior Pakistani army officer was detained on suspicion of ties to a radical Islamist group has raised fresh concerns about the reach and influence of an organization that has long vexed analysts and politicians.
Hizb-ut-Tahrir says it rejects violence but uses venomous rhetoric and pushes for military coups. It seeks the overthrow of Pakistan's elected government and wants to unite the Muslim world under one government following strict Islamic law.
Pakistan's army confirmed on Tuesday that Brig. Ali Khan, whose rank equals that of a one-star general, is being investigated on alleged ties to Hizb-ut-Tahrir. Khan's wife has called the allegations "rubbish."
Khan's lawyer, Col. Inam Rahim, claimed Wednesday that his client was arrested for demanding that someone within the military be held accountable for the U.S. commando raid that killed Osama bin Laden last month not far from Pakistan's equivalent of West Point.
The May 2 operation humiliated the Pakistani military, which didn't know about it beforehand, and raised questions about whether extremist sympathizers helped bin Laden hide in the army town of Abbottabad for years before he was killed – although there's no evidence yet of a military role in concealing the al-Qaida chief.
Critics of Hizb-ut-Tahrir say it's not too far off from overtly militant Islamist groups, and that its anti-West preaching paves the way for a radical mindset that eventually leads some members to pick up weapons or tolerate those who do.
"Hizb-ut-Tahrir has been an inspiration for jihadism," said Maajid Nawaz, a former member who now leads a think tank aimed at countering extremism.
The group was founded in the early 1950s in Jerusalem by Taqiuddin an-Nabhani, who the group's various websites describe as a judge, scholar and politician. In the decades since, the group spread quickly throughout Muslim nations, as well as Western countries such as Britain and the U.S., and boasts hundreds of thousands of members worldwide.
It says it wants to change Muslims' attitudes in order to lay the groundwork for restoring the Islamic caliphate, the structure that once governed much of the Muslim world. It also says it opposes democracy because the concept clashes with Islamic law, which is divine as opposed to man-made READ MARE

Pakistan Army Officer Detained For Militant Links

Pakistan's army spokesman says a senior officer serving at army headquarters has been detained for suspected links with a banned militant group.
Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said Tuesday that Brig. Ali Khan is being questioned by army authorities over the links. He said Khan was detained recently but did not provide an exact date or specify the banned militant group involved.
The detention follows reports by U.S. officials that Pakistan detained five Pakistanis, including an army major, for helping the CIA carry out the American commando raid that killed Osama bin Laden last month. The Pakistani army denied an army major was arrested.

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