The Indian Air Force successfully carried out a landmark landing and take-off exercise on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, UP, marking the first time an expressway in India has been used for both day and night fighter jet operations.

IAF conducts landing drills on Ganga Expressway in UP's Shahjahanpur

The Indian Air Force successfully carried out a landmark landing and take-off exercise on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, UP, marking the first time an expressway in India has been used for both day and night fighter jet operations.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday initiated its much-awaited "land and go" drill on a 3.5-km stretch of the under-construction Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
This drill marks a significant advancement in India&rsquo;s defence preparedness and introduces the first expressway airstrip in the country capable of supporting both day and night fighter jet landings.
Until now, the IAF had conducted similar emergency landing drills on the Lucknow-Agra and Purvanchal expressways. However, those operations were confined to daytime activity. The Shahjahanpur stretch of the Ganga Expressway is the first in the country specifically designed to enable round-the-clock operations.
A wide range of IAF aircraft are participating in the exercise, including Rafale, SU-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, C-130J Super Hercules, AN-32, and the MI-17 V5 helicopter. These aircraft will perform low fly-pasts, landings, and take-offs during both daylight and night hours to validate the operational capacity of the airstrip.
According to a statement released on Thursday, "This will be the first airstrip in the country designed to support day and night landings of fighter aircraft, making it a strategic asset for defence preparedness. It will also serve as the Air Force's training and rehearsal base."
To ensure seamless execution and maximum safety, over 250 CCTV cameras have been installed on both sides of the airstrip. Operational control of the site has been handed over to the IAF, with coordination efforts led by Air Force personnel and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA).
The district administration confirmed that the drill would be conducted in two phases&mdash;during the day and again at night&mdash;to evaluate the expressway's performance in low-light conditions. Fighter jets are expected to fly just one meter above ground level for fly-past demonstrations, followed by landing and take-off sequences. The night-time phase is scheduled between 7 PM and 10 PM.
&ldquo;This will be the first such airstrip in the country,&rdquo; highlighting the expressway&rsquo;s unparalleled design and its role in bolstering national defence infrastructure.
Top state and defence officials were present to monitor the operation, and the event drew spectators from nearby schools and villages who gathered to witness the aircraft maneuvers.
Once complete, the Ganga Expressway will be Uttar Pradesh&rsquo;s fourth expressway to host an emergency airstrip. However, it will be the first in the state and the country to offer full night landing capability&mdash;ushering in a new level of 24/7 preparedness.
Officials from the state government emphasized that the success of this trial would demonstrate the strategic value of the Ganga Expressway as an emergency alternative runway. It is also expected to boost the Indian Air Force&rsquo;s operational flexibility during wartime or national crises.
This exercise, according to defence experts, reflects a growing civil-military synergy and represents a new phase in using critical infrastructure like expressways to reinforce the country&rsquo;s military strategy.

Punjab CM opposes BBMB's plan to release extra water to Haryana amidst Punjab's water scarcity, emphasizing Haryana's overuse and planning strategic state responses.

Punjab CM Criticizes BBMB Water Release

Punjab Chief Minister opposes BBMB's water release decision amidst state water concerns, highlighting overuse by Haryana and planning strategic responses to protect Punjab's interests.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann opposes BBMB's water release to Haryana, citing Punjab's water scarcity and Haryana's overuse. Plans are in motion to address and strategize water rights protection for the state.

Reiterating that Punjab has no surplus water to share with anyone, the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Thursday unequivocally said that the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) cannot dictate terms to the state and release water to Haryana.&nbsp;
Interacting with the media persons here, the Chief Minister said that Haryana has already utilized 16000 cusec of additional water rather than its allotted share. However, he said that the Rajasthan and Haryana governments have joined hands to rob the waters of the state and BBMB has illegally decided to release 8500 cusec of water, which cannot be tolerated. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has a 60% share in BBMB, and this decision of the board is arbitrary, dictatorial, and undemocratic.
The Chief Minister said that BBMB has no right to release the water by ignoring Punjab and its interests, adding that this will not be allowed at any cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as a farmer protects his share of water every moment in the same manner, being a custodian of the state and its water, he is here to inspect the arrangements so that no one steals the waters of Punjab. He said that the state government will not allow anyone to rob the waters of the state, and elaborate arrangements have already been put in place in this regard.
The Chief Minister warned the Union government, the state governments of Haryana and Rajasthan, along with BBMB, that this policy of repression will not work in Punjab. He said that Punjab will vehemently oppose any such move that is aimed at snatching its water, as being an agrarian state, it is the lifeline of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that if the center does not stop hatching such conspiracies, then it should forget that Punjab will give paddy to the country for the Public Distribution System.
The Chief Minister unequivocally said that the states of Haryana and Rajasthan are allotted a share of water from the state from a cycle of May 21 to May 20 every year. However, he said that the state of Haryana has utilized all the water in its share in the month of March this year, due to which they are now trying to grab some more water by robbing Punjab of its water. Giving data, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hitherto Haryana has used 103% of its allocated water, and now the BJP is pressurizing Punjab to release more water to Haryana.
The Chief Minister said that there is no question of succumbing to the pressure on this issue, as it is concerned with the farmers of the state. He said that instead of playing these unlawful games, the Union government should divert the waters of Chenab, Jhelum, Ujh, and other rivers to the state after cancelling the much-hyped Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the surplus water saved from this treaty can be supplied to the entire northern region for catering to the needs ahead of the paddy season.
The Chief Minister said that as the Haryana government had urged Punjab, they don&rsquo;t even have water to cater to the drinking needs of people. He said that as a humanitarian gesture, the Punjab government generously allotted 4000 cusecs of water daily to Haryana from April 6, 2025. Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that Punjab is already grappling with a shortage of water for agricultural purposes as the groundwater is receding across the state.
The Chief Minister said that the level of water in the dam has been recorded at an all time low, and the water level at Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam is 32 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet low, respectively, as compared to last year. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every single drop of water is precious for the state, and there is no question of sharing the water with any other state. He categorically said that BJP, through its government in Haryana and the center, is trying to suppress the state, and it is unfortunate that BBMB is passing new resolutions every day to snatch a share of Punjab&rsquo;s water.
The Chief Minister said that his government is contemplating convening an all-party meeting over this issue so that the interests of the state can be safeguarded. Likewise, he said that Punjab is also mulling calling a special session of the state assembly to discuss the issue fully. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to protecting the waters of the state, as the state does not have even a single drop of spare water to share with any other state.
The Chief Minister said that it is surprising that top BJP leaders, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, state BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar, and Manpreet Singh Badal, are mum over the entire issue. He said that this is the time when these leaders must prove their loyalty towards the state by raising this issue of injustice at the center. He said that either these leaders must resign or they should join the state government for protecting the waters of the state, adding that it is shameful that these leaders are maintaining stoic silence over the issue.
The Chief Minister quipped that it is ironic that another BJP leader and self-proclaimed protector of waters, Captain Amarinder Singh, is tight-lipped over the issue. He said that Captain Amarinder Singh was the savior of water only in papers, whereas in reality these leaders never did anything tangible for Punjab and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders used to release up to 25% of excess water to Haryana and other states for their vested political and personal interests.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and others were also present.

Punjab is boosting cattle breeding using advanced biotech to improve livestock quality. This initiative benefits local farmers with state-of-art agri-tech, leading to a sustainable agricultural future.

Enhancing Cattle Breeding in Punjab

Punjab's Agriculture Department uses biotechnologies to advance cattle breeding, improving livestock quality and productivity for regional benefits.

Punjab enhances cattle breeding with advanced biotech, improving livestock quality and productivity and benefiting local farmers.

To bolster Punjab's cattle breeding with cutting-edge reproductive biotechnologies, Punjab Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian visited Kerala Livestock Development Board's (KLDB) pioneering Frozen Semen Technology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Centre at Mattuppetty in Idukki district of Kerala. The facility, established in 1965, stands as the birthplace of bovine frozen semen technology in India and remains a leading center for advanced reproductive biotechnologies.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry Mr. Rahul Bhandari and other officials, visited on the invitation of Kerala Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Smt. J. Chinchurani, aimed to explore opportunities for technical collaboration in comprehensive cattle breeding programs.
Following the visit, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said, &ldquo;The advanced genomic selection methods and assisted reproductive technologies at Mattuppetty offer immense potential for improving the genetic quality of our livestock in Punjab. The expertise in frozen semen production, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer programs could significantly boost the state government's cattle breeding initiatives.&rdquo;
S. Khudian also held discussions with his Kerala counterpart, Smt. J. Chinchurani, and Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Dr. K. Vasuki, IAS, via online mode. In-person discussions were also conducted with Dr. R. Rajeev, managing director of the KLD Board, at Mattuppetty.
The delegation was especially impressed by the KLDB's Centre of Excellence Laboratory for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Embryo Transfer (ET) programs, alongside the International Training Centre, which provides specialized training for veterinary professionals, para-veterinarians, and dairy farmers.
During the visit, several key areas for future collaboration were identified. The first area involves a germ-plasm exchange program. Punjab will support Kerala's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production by facilitating the procurement of high-quality Holstein Friesian (HF) calves, heifers, and cows from Punjab. These animals will be distributed to Kerala farmers and used as embryo/ovum donors for KLDB's IVF/ET programs, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated.
He also mentioned that the second area of collaboration focuses on the Elite Breeding Stock Exchange, exploring possibilities for exchanging quality bulls of different cattle and buffalo breeds, along with the renowned Beetal breed of goats from Punjab, with the KLD Board. The third area involves biotechnology knowledge transfer through collaboration on advanced biotechnology programs in animal breeding, including genomic technology, IVF and ET programs, and the production of high-quality frozen semen doses.
The fourth area centers on technical training exchange, with reciprocal training programs. Professionals from Punjab will attend specialized courses in IVF/ET, frozen semen technology, and bovine reproductive technologies at Mattuppetty, while Kerala will send trainees to Punjab to learn about advanced practices established in Punjab's Animal Husbandry Department.
The fifth area of collaboration focuses on specialized skill development, where Punjab officials will participate in KLDB's training programs on fodder production, fodder seed quality testing, genomic breeding value estimation, genetic disease screening, and karyotyping.
"This collaboration marks a significant step toward modernizing our livestock breeding programs through the integration of cutting-edge reproductive biotechnologies," added Animal Husbandry Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

PUNSUP's GM Ajit Pal Singh Saini arrested in a bribery sting operation by Punjab's VB, highlighting ongoing corruption and efforts for transparency.

PUNSUP GM Arrested in Bribery Sting in Punjab

General Manager of PUNSUP, Ajit Pal Singh Saini, arrested for a bribe, signaling Punjab's commitment to rooting out corruption in state agencies.

Punjab's VB arrests PUNSUP GM Ajit Pal Singh Saini for bribery, spotlighting corruption in state-run agencies amid anti-corruption initiatives.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau, during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, arrested General Manager PUNSUP, Ajit Pal Singh Saini, who also holds charges of procurement, storage, commercial, construction, and Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs one lakh.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of Ferozpur district.
He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the aforementioned General Manager of PUNSUP has been demanding a bribe of 10% of the total embezzled amount of about Rs 1.25 crore, the price of 14090 paddy bags allegedly shown under bogus purchase, and has demanded Rs 2 lakh as a first installment. However, the deal was settled for Rs one lakh after negotiations.
The complainant is a commission agent at Mandis in Shahzdi and Mana Singh Wala, in Ferozepur. During the purchase of paddy by PUNSUP in the year 2024, a total of about 34,250 paddy bags were found less during physical inspection of stocks in the concerned rice mills.
The commission agent (Ahartiya) firm of the complainant was alleged to have been involved in reporting a bogus purchase of a total of about 34,250 paddy bags. Subsequently, he was directed to deposit the deficient amount of Rs 2.97 crores; subsequently, the complainant has deposited Rs 2.50 crores with PUNSUP as recovery.
Eventually, the complainant filed a representation with Managing Director PUNSUP that gate passes of about 19,040 paddy bags were deleted later from the online portal by District Manager Ferozepur and Inspectors of PUNSUP Ferozepur; as such, he was wrongly fined for these bags. Thereafter, accused Ajit Pal Saini, GM, approached the complainant through a common acquaintance, Kanwal Deep, and demanded a bribe for settling the matter in the favor of the complainant.
The complainant has recorded an audio conversation of the accused wherein he demanded Rs 200,000 as the first installment. Earlier, District Manager Ferozepur and 2 inspectors of PUNSUP Ferozepur were also suspended by the department in the same matter.
The spokesperson added that preliminary verification of allegations was conducted discreetly, and after finding the allegations prima facie to be true, a VB team from the flying squad laid a trap during which the aforementioned general manager was caught red-handed in the parking of Max Hospital, Phase 6, Mohali, while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard, a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at the VB police station, Flying Squad-1, Punjab, at Mohali.
The VB team has recovered Rs 100,000 in bribe money from his possession and the official car of the accused, in which he came on the spot to receive money, was also taken into possession. He would be produced in the competent court tomorrow, and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

AAP stages statewide protests in Punjab against the Centre's decision to allocate additional water to Haryana, asserting water rights.

AAP Protests Against Water Allocation to Haryana

AAP protests in Punjab against the Centre’s water allocation to Haryana, asserting Punjab's rights over its resources and labeling the move unconstitutional.

AAP launches protests across Punjab to oppose Centre's water allocation to Haryana, declaring it unconstitutional.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab staged widespread protests across the state against the BJP-led Central Government&rsquo;s decision to allocate additional water to Haryana through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). AAP leaders and workers held demonstrations, emphasizing Punjab&rsquo;s rightful claim over its water resources.
Highlighting the injustices faced by Punjab, cabinet ministers, MLAs, and senior party leaders led protests in various districts, urging Punjabis to unite and oppose this unconstitutional move. The protests witnessed effigy burnings and demonstrations against BJP leaders at multiple locations across Punjab.
Amritsar
Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, along with AAP leaders Dr. Ajay Gupta, Baldev Miadian, Gurdev Lakhna, Moti Lal Bhatia, Jaspreet Singh, Dr. Inderpal, Iqbal Singh Bhullar, and Manish Aggarwal, along with hundreds of workers, gheraoed the residence of BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh.&nbsp;
Pathankot
Minister Lalchand Kataruchakk, AAP leaders Amit Mintu and Vibhuti Sharma, along with AAP volunteers, staged a protest outside BJP leader Ashwani Sharma&rsquo;s residence in New Bank Colony, condemning the Central Government&rsquo;s anti-Punjab policies.&nbsp;
Ludhiana
AAP MLAs and leaders, including Pappi Prashar, Madan Lal Bagga, Daljit Grewal Bhola, Kulwant Sidhu, Jeevan Singh Sangowal, and Amandeep Mohie, organized a protest at Arora Palace Dana Mandi, challenging the BJP&rsquo;s unconstitutional decision.
Patiala
AAP leaders Dev Mann, Kulwant Bazigar, Kundal Gogia, Ranjit Hadana, Megh Chand Shermajra, and Tejinder Mehta protested outside Moti Mahal, the residence of former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, to demand justice for Punjab&rsquo;s water rights.
Roopnagar
Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains, MLA Dinesh Chadha, and leader Harminder Dahne led protests at Bela Chowk in Roopnagar, declaring that Punjab will not tolerate any further exploitation of its water resources.
Fazilka and Shri Muktsar Sahib
Narinder Pal Singh Sawna, Arun Narang, and Shaminder Singh Khinda led demonstrations in these districts, emphasizing that Punjab&rsquo;s water belongs solely to Punjab.
Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar protested with party leadership in Patti, burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to denounce the BJP&rsquo;s misuse of BBMB.&nbsp;
Minister Dr. Ravjot staged a protest in Sham Chaurasi, condemning the Central Government&rsquo;s attempt to divert Punjab&rsquo;s water, and also burned the effigy of the Prime Minister.
Speaking on the issue, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk stated, "The BJP-led Central Government&rsquo;s arbitrary actions to allocate Punjab&rsquo;s water to Haryana will not be tolerated. Punjabis are united in opposing this injustice."
AAP Punjab reiterated its commitment to protecting Punjab&rsquo;s water rights and urged all Punjabis to join the fight against this unconstitutional and unjust decision. The party vowed to continue its struggle on all fronts, including legal and public mobilization. Punjab&rsquo;s water is Punjab&rsquo;s right, and AAP will safeguard it at any cost.

Severe rainfall and thunderstorms in Delhi led to a house collapse killing four, disrupted over 100 flights, and caused widespread traffic issues due to waterlogging and uprooted trees.

Heavy rain batters Delhi, 3 children among four dead; over 200 flights delayed

Severe rainfall and thunderstorms in Delhi led to a house collapse killing four, disrupted over 100 flights, and caused widespread traffic issues due to waterlogging and uprooted trees.

An intense storm with heavy early-morning rain hit the national capital on Friday, causing a house collapse that killed a woman and her three children and delaying more than 200 flights.
Many busy road stretches, including Minto Bridge and ITO, were waterlogged, causing heavy traffic jams in many areas.
The city received 77 mm rain in just three hours during the downpour which started around 5 am.
Visuals from several areas showed uprooted trees and people stuck in waterlogged roads. Videos surfaced on social media which showed half-submerged vehicles wading though Minto Road.
Major Somnath Marg in RK Puram, Minto Road and Khanpur were particularly affected in the rain.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, urging people to remain extremely vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Three children and a woman died after a a tree fell on their house following strong gusty winds that accompanied rains in the city, causing it to collapse.
"We received a call regarding a house collapse in Kharkari Nahar village in Najafgarh at 5.25 am. We deployed multiple teams on the spot and four people were rescued from the rubble," a Delhi Fire Services official said.
They were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were declared dead, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Jyoti (26) and her children --- Aryan (7), Rishabh (5) and Priyansh (7 months). Her husband Ajay (30) sustained minor injuries in his chest and wrist.
According to IMD data, in the last three hours, the Safdarjung weather station, the city's primary observatory, recorded 77 mm of rainfall. Lodhi road recorded 78 mm, Palam recorded 30 mm, Najafgarh 19.5 mm, and Pitampura 32 mm of rainfall.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inspected waterlogged road stretch at Majnu Ka Tila area while PWD minister Parvesh Verma reached the Minto bridge area to take stock of the situation.
"Waterlogging continues to be a concern across various parts of Delhi due to choked drains and pothole-ridden roads. Officials have been instructed to immediately identify all such vulnerable spots in the city that are prone to waterlogging," she said.
The chief minister described the pre-monsoon showers as a "warning sign" for the city's infrastructure, calling it the result of a decade-long backlog in development.
"If Delhi doesn't see planned development, such management issues will continue to arise. But today, the entire administration is on its toes to address these challenges," she added.
The Aam Aadmi Party lashed out at the BJP government with senior leader and former Delhi CM Atishi posting videos of waterlogging in Dhaula Kuan and ITO on X.
"Is this what the people of Delhi expected from the 4-engine BJP Govt?" she posted on X, referring to the BJP governments at the Centre, in Delhi, the municipal corporation and the local MP.
Three flights were diverted and over 200 flights were delayed at the IGI airport as thunderstorms and gusty winds disrupted operations.
An official said two flights that were to land at the Delhi airport were diverted to Jaipur and one to Ahmedabad.
More than 200 flights were delayed, according to data from flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates the airport, in a post on X at 5.20 am, said some flights were affected owing to inclement weather conditions.
Later in a post on X at 7.25 am, DIAL said the thunderstorm has passed but there is some impact on flight operations due to adverse weather conditions.
Delhi Fire Services received around 100 calls of rain-related incidents during the 3-4 hours of storm and heavy showers. Trees were uprooted in many parts of Delhi further affecting traffic on the roads.
The Public Works Department said it received 100 complaints of waterlogging by 12 pm and added that 150 quick response teams were deployed to clear waterlogging and other problems.
In the Lutyen's Delhi area, 25 tree fall cases and 12 complaints related to waterlogging were received.
Narendra Girsa, Councillor of Dwarka's Nasirpur area, said that an MCD school in the locality was flooded with water after rainfall.
Girsa said the school was built on a lower ground level while the surrounding areas are elevated, which caused rainwater to flow into the school premises.
The IMD has predicted moderate to heavy rain for Friday and Saturday, along with moderate to severe thunderstorms and wind speeds reaching 70-80 kmph in parts of Delhi-NCR.
Light rain is likely in some other areas of the region.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to expedite relief efforts following recent storms, ensure treatment for the injured, and assess crop loss and waterlogging for prompt government response.

CM Yogi Adityanath orders swift relief for storm-affected areas in Uttar Pradesh

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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has directed swift relief efforts after rain and lightning left three dead and damaged crops. The IMD warns of more thunderstorms ahead.
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With rain-related incidents leaving three people dead and causing damage to crops in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday directed officials to carry out relief and rescue operations with full urgency.
He directed district officials to visit affected areas, assess damage to crops and livestock, and ensure that relief is distributed immediately to those affected by lightning strikes, rain-related mishaps, or storm damage.
Adityanath also ordered a detailed crop damage assessment and instructed officials to submit their reports to the state government promptly so that further steps could be taken for compensation. In urban and low-lying areas facing waterlogging, he asked officials to prioritise drainage efforts.
At least three people, including a 17-year-old girl, were killed and several injured in separate incidents when lightning struck large parts of the state on Friday morning.
The dead include two labourers working on a road project under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Firozabad. A family trying to cover a haystack with a tarpaulin sheet to protect it from rain was also hit. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and thunderstorms in several parts of the state over the next two days.
According to the IMD, west Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness rain and thundershowers at a few places on May 3 and 4, accompanied by strong surface winds of 25-35 km/hr and gusty winds reaching 40-50 km/hr at isolated locations.
In east Uttar Pradesh, isolated rains are expected on May 3 and more widespread showers on May 4. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-50 km/hr) are also likely during this period.
The IMD has advised residents to stay alert and take precautions in view of the expected weather disturbances.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami marked the Kedarnath Dham opening with prayers, bhandara, and floral showers, assuring safe Char Dham Yatra for devotees.

CM Dhami welcomes devotees as Kedarnath Dham opens with prayers and bhandara

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami marked the Kedarnath Dham opening with prayers, bhandara, and floral showers, assuring safe Char Dham Yatra for devotees.

The sacred portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham were thrown open to devotees on Friday, two days after the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was present at the shrine to welcome pilgrims and oversee the arrangements.
Addressing the gathering at the shrine, CM Dhami said the Char Dham Yatra began on April 30 and that the doors of Badrinath Dham would open on May 2. &ldquo;Char Dham Yatra has started on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on 30th April... Two days from today, the doors of Lord Badrinath Vishal will also open, and the yatra will start in full swing. We have tried to ensure that the journey of the devotees is safe and they do not face any kind of trouble during the journey, and for this, we have made appropriate arrangements,&rdquo; he said.
The spiritual atmosphere was further elevated as flower petals were showered on devotees from a helicopter, and the Indian Army Band played devotional music for the pilgrims.
Speaking on the nation&rsquo;s current challenges, CM Dhami said prayers were also offered in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking divine strength to combat terrorism and separatism.
&ldquo;Today, we have also done puja here in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today, issues like terrorism and separatism, which are in front of us, Baba will give strength to our Prime Minister and the enemies, demons who did such an incident in Pahalgam will be finished,&rdquo; he said.
Meanwhile, the Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath arrived at the temple on Thursday. Echoes of &lsquo;Jai Baba Kedar&rsquo; filled the Kedar Valley as the idol made its way to the temple from Gaurikund.
Sharing the moment on social media, the chief minister posted, &ldquo;Today, after the ritualistic worship at Gaurikund, the Panchmukhi idol of Baba Kedarnath reached the holy Shri Kedar Dham. When the Doli reached the temple premises, there was an atmosphere of devotion among the devotees, the entire Dham echoed with the chanting of 'Jai Baba Kedar'.&rdquo;
The state government has made extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience for thousands of devotees expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

AAP protests BBMB's decision to reroute Punjab's water to Haryana, calling it unconstitutional and threatening state resources.

AAP Faces Off Against Water Decision of BBMB

AAP contests BBMB's allocation of Punjab's water to Haryana, citing constitutional concerns and potential impact on local resources.

AAP challenges BBMB's allocation of Punjab's water to Haryana, labeling it unconstitutional and threatening local resources.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly opposed the Bhakra Beas Management Board&rsquo;s (BBMB) decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of Punjab&rsquo;s water to Haryana. AAP MP Kang said that this decision, taken under pressure from the BJP-led Central Government, is unconstitutional and an outright assault on Punjab&rsquo;s rights.
AAP MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, has called this move a grave injustice that jeopardizes Punjab&rsquo;s farmers, its water security, and the state&rsquo;s future generations. In a letter to BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, Kang lambasted the BJP government for orchestrating this "daylight robbery" of Punjab&rsquo;s rightful resources while accusing Bittu of maintaining a shameful silence on the matter. &nbsp; &ldquo;The BBMB decision is not just an administrative order&mdash;it is a direct attack on Punjab&rsquo;s lifeline. Despite Haryana having already overdrawn its share of water, BJP has forced BBMB to hand over Punjab&rsquo;s precious water to Haryana, leaving our farmers and citizens at risk of severe water scarcity. This is an insult to Punjab&rsquo;s 3.5 crore people,&rdquo; said Kang.
The BBMB annually distributes water between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan from May 21 to the following May 20. However, Kang revealed that Haryana, after exhausting its full share by March 31, 2025, demanded an additional 4,000 cusecs daily from Punjab. Punjab, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, was allowed on humanitarian grounds to meet Haryana&rsquo;s basic drinking water needs. However, BJP has now arm-twisted BBMB into granting Haryana an additional 8,500 cusecs&mdash;an action that AAP calls unlawful and unacceptable.
&ldquo;Our reservoirs&mdash;Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams&mdash;are already at dangerously low levels. With groundwater levels depleting across the state, every drop of water is vital for Punjab&rsquo;s farmers. Yet, BJP is sacrificing Punjab&rsquo;s needs to appease Haryana. This is nothing short of bulldozing Punjab&rsquo;s rights,&rdquo; Kang stated.
Kang expressed disappointment at BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu's silence, accusing him of prioritizing his party&rsquo;s political alliances over Punjab&rsquo;s welfare. &ldquo;Bittu&rsquo;s inaction raises serious questions about whether he stands with Punjab or has surrendered to BJP&rsquo;s unconstitutional diktats. The people of Punjab deserve answers,&rdquo; Kang asserted.
AAP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken a firm stand to expose BJP&rsquo;s unconstitutional actions. Highlighting Haryana CM&rsquo;s misleading statements that Punjab had agreed to this water diversion, the AAP government clarified that Haryana has already consumed 103% of its allocated share while Punjab has used only 89%. Despite this, Punjab extended support to Haryana, but BJP&rsquo;s latest decision crossed all limits.
Kang reiterated that Punjab&rsquo;s farmers and people will not tolerate this injustice. &ldquo;Punjab&rsquo;s history is filled with struggles to protect its resources and rights. Today, we face a similar challenge. AAP and the people of Punjab will resist BJP&rsquo;s blatant disregard for Punjab&rsquo;s welfare,&rdquo; he affirmed.
In his letter to Bittu, Kang posed some serious questions to Bittu: "Are you with Punjab, or complicit in the BJP's exploitation of the state's resources? Why haven&rsquo;t you raised the issue of BBMB&rsquo;s illegal decisions in Parliament? Why are you silent on the alarming depletion of water levels in Punjab&rsquo;s dams? Your inability to address these pressing questions raises serious doubts about your commitment to Punjab&rsquo;s rights. The youth, intellectuals, and people from all walks of life are closely observing this anti-Punjab stance. It is time for you to either stand firmly for Punjab&rsquo;s interests or relinquish the position you hold, which was secured in Punjab&rsquo;s name but appears to serve BJP&rsquo;s agenda."
AAP demands immediate reversal of BBMB&rsquo;s decision and calls on all political parties in Punjab to unite and defend the state&rsquo;s interests. The party also urges BJP leaders like Ravneet Singh Bittu to take a clear stand and oppose this unconstitutional decision in Parliament.
Taking to social media, Kang wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "The @BJP4India-led Central Government has crossed all limits by forcing BBMB to release 8,500 cusecs of Punjab&rsquo;s water to Haryana. This is nothing short of an unconstitutional act of daylight robbery."
Kang assured the people of Punjab that the AAP Government will continue to fight for their rights and protect the state&rsquo;s resources. Kang concluded that Punjab&rsquo;s future cannot and will not be compromised for political gains.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attends the opening of Kedarnath Dham, distributes Mukhya Sevak Bhandara to pilgrims, and ensures a safe Char Dham Yatra journey.

CM Dhami distributes bhandara as Kedarnath Dham welcomes devotees

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attends the opening of Kedarnath Dham, distributes Mukhya Sevak Bhandara to pilgrims, and ensures a safe Char Dham Yatra journey.

The doors of Kedarnath Dham were officially opened on Friday, marking the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra.&nbsp;
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the auspicious occasion and later distributed a special bhandara among the devotees. This year, the Kedarnath Dham has introduced a Mukhya Sevak Bhandara for the pilgrims, further enhancing the spiritual experience for those visiting the sacred site.
While addressing the gathering, CM Dhami informed the devotees that the Char Dham Yatra began on April 30 and that the doors of Lord Badrinath Dham would open two days after May 2. He assured the pilgrims that the state government had made comprehensive arrangements to ensure their journey remains safe and hassle-free.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Char Dham Yatra has started on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on 30th April... Two days from today, the doors of Lord Badrinath Vishal will also open, and the yatra will start in full swing. We have tried to ensure that the journey of the devotees is safe and they do not face any kind of trouble during the journey, and for this, we have made appropriate arrangements,&rdquo; CM Dhami stated.
In a special ceremony, a helicopter showered blessings on the devotees while an Indian Army Band played devotional tunes. Addressing the challenges the country faces, CM Dhami also prayed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging strength for the leader to combat terrorism and separatism.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Today, we have also done puja here in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today, issues like terrorism and separatism, which are in front of us, Baba will give strength to our Prime Minister and the enemies, demons who did such an incident in Pahalgam will be finished,&rdquo; he added.
Meanwhile, the Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath made its arrival at Kedarnath Dham on Thursday, greeted by the chanting of &lsquo;Jai Baba Kedar&rsquo; that resonated throughout the Kedar Valley, setting the spiritual tone for the yatra.

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Attacking the Centre over the rise in Covid-19 cases and the struggling healthcare infrastructure, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the Prime Minister for the present situation and called it a Modi-made disaster. Mamata demanded that PM Modi has to take responsibility of low availability of medicines or should quit if he is unable to provide with adequate medical infrastructure to fight the virus.
The Trinamool Congress Chief alleged that 65% of the medicines produced in the country had been exported and surge in Covid-19 cases was due to the monumental failure of the Centre which showed how negligent and incompetent the Central government is.

Mamata slams PM over resurgence in Covid-19 cases, calls it a Modi-made disaster

Attacking the Centre over the rise in Covid-19 cases and the struggling healthcare infrastructure, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the Prime Minister for the present situation and called it a Modi-made disaster. Mamata demanded that PM Modi has to take responsibility of low availability of medicines or should quit if he is unable to provide with adequate medical infrastructure to fight the virus.
The Trinamool Congress Chief alleged that 65% of the medicines produced in the country had been exported and surge in Covid-19 cases was due to the monumental failure of the Centre which showed how negligent and incompetent the Central government is.

Covid&nbsp;wave: Didi&nbsp;blames PM, calls it Modi-made disaster
PM should take responsibility over medical infra failure: Mamata
'Quit if you cant' provide adequate medical supply'
TMC&nbsp;chief alleges 65% medicines exported

Attacking the Centre over the rise in Covid-19 cases and the struggling healthcare infrastructure, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee&nbsp;has called the crisis a Modi-made disaster. Mamata demanded that PM Narendra&nbsp;Modi has to take responsibility of low availability of medicines or should quit if he is unable to provide adequate medical infrastructure to fight the virus.
The Trinamool Congress Chief alleged that 65% of the medicines produced in the country had been exported and surge in Covid-19 cases was due to the monumental failure of the Centre.

The image of a woman's frozen expression as she sits beside her dead husband, murdered in a ghastly terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, has shaken the country to its core.

A Haunting Image and the Memories of Pahalgam Terror attack in Kashmir

Every image conveys a distinct viewpoint. How we want to see the different aspects of the image depends on our individual perspectives.

My aunt is seventy years old. She returned from a trip to Kashmir about ten days ago. It was her first time visiting the region. Despite her ailing health, she roamed around almost every corner of Kashmir for nearly a month. As she was narrating her stories upon returning home, I observed how happiness and the true essence of serenity lit up her wrinkled face and eyes while she talked about the 'Paradise on Earth' and its people.
In our country, there are many people around us who do not use smartphones. They do not use social media. They are not keen to squander their time watching news channels on television, either. The morning newspapers are still their most trustworthy access to the news. My aunt is one such person. It was on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. She was trembling while holding the newspaper. I saw her eyes. The eyes, which were previously bright with elation, filled with unendurable sadness. I noticed she was staring intently at a photograph. Her eyes were full of tears. She was mumbling, 'Eto boro sorbonaash keno hoye gelo bol toh?' (Why did such a huge disaster happen?)
There is a very popular saying that we all know: 'A picture speaks a thousand words.' What does a picture or a photograph essentially do? It represents a scene. That scene is interwoven with the thoughts of the viewers. Thoughts weave their way across our minds continuously. A recent study suggests that people generally have over 6,000 thoughts in a day. But what if, stuck in one image, our thinking automatically comes to a standstill?
Over the past seven days, the image of a woman, Himanshi Narwal, wearing bridal bangles and locked in silent despair as she sits beside her dead husband, Navy officer Vinay Narwal&mdash;murdered in a ghastly terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam&mdash;has shaken the country to its core. The picture does speak, indeed. But it does not always tell the entire story. The responsibility lies with the viewers, who have to identify those overlooked aspects within the image. Now, the way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe. Although the relation between what we see and what we know is never fully resolved. We only see what we look at. To look is an act of choice. As a result of this choice, what is seen is metaphorically brought within our reach.
Each image tells us a particular perspective. How we want to see the different aspects of the image depends on our individual perspectives. Images are, to an enormous extent, more accurate and richer than written words, as no other text in the past can provide firsthand evidence regarding the world that other individuals experienced at other times. The same goes with photographs. It becomes a medium through which the photographers want us to see their interpretation of the visible. That is where the requirement of our approach enters. When we 'see' a landscape, we subconsciously situate ourselves in it. It also allows us to go back and recreate other landscapes within that we are not perceiving. Likewise, as we keep looking at that one picture of Pahalgam, several situations start arising in our minds.
We recall having seen three-year-old Aylan Kurdi deceased on a Turkish beach, which jolted the world. We recall the grisly war between Israel and Palestine in Gaza. We recall the devastation, the terror, and the loss that the population has been burdened with, enduring perpetual suffering. We recall Ukraine. Others may go back to recalling memories of brutality in Hitler's notorious Auschwitz.
At this point, it suddenly becomes apparent that what lies before us is not merely a picture but a portrait. The truth of that portrait lies in the heart of eternity, which shows a disturbing illustration of human suffering that spans across different times and places.&nbsp;
We are affected by the charm of nature diversely and sometimes in the ways we least anticipate. It forms its thought in a realm detached from concrete reality. Without characters, without situations. The fascinating aspect of nature's magnificence is that it consistently allows you to immerse yourself deeply through your reasoning mind and creative imagination. Although I have never been to' Pahalgam' (which in Kashmiri signifies 'village of shepherds'), if I close my eyes and start dreaming about the place, I feel that I would never regret it if the rest of the world disappeared from my eyes forever! The same might be the case with almost every citizen of this country! No matter how many times we go there or even if we never do, a portion of the valley still remains within. Such is the influence Kashmir has on us.
Let us return to the image where it all began. The image that depicts the true form of the vast emptiness of life. Grief comes to us naturally. We grieve because we feel connected. We grieve because we have been loved. And because, in grieving, we find a way to honor what once made life whole. As we continue to look, it becomes clearer that the image is uncovering more than despair at the loss. It holds the raw truth of humanity, along with the profound portrayal of empathy and love.
This single photograph creates a faint, sacred space. That space is precisely unmarred by the violence, hatred, ethnic venom, and political cruelty of our mundane existence. And, in that very moment, it appears to embody the unfathomable depths of pain of the whole nation. We may have the luxury of distance from Kashmir. We may have the luxury of distance from this image as well. Yet, the greenness of that grief covers us fully. In that utter silence, we are all revealed.
Seven days have passed since the attack. More afternoons, more nights, more evenings&mdash; perhaps for another seven lives, this image may still be recognizable in our minds. We will remember, we will remember in countless repetitions, the sight that surfaced at nearly 2,800 meters above sea level, which silently reminded us once again how sorrow stands like a rock in the midst of various disputes. It reminded us how love keeps watch beside envy and hatred. All these emotions were packed in that single image (that effectively captured the wounded hearts of the valley of pristine whiteness). A single image that, despite being just a 'picture,' appeared to completely disregard the common saying that 'a picture speaks a thousand words' and, on that day, in fact 'could not speak.'

Karnataka Speaker Khader rejected Minister Shivanand Patil's conditional resignation, highlighting non-compliance with assembly rules and Yatnal’s lack of resignation intent.

Speaker Denies Patil's Resignation in Karnataka

Assembly Speaker U T Khader rejected Minister Patil's conditional resignation due to rule non-compliance and Yatnal's lack of intent; emphasizing the importance of procedural norms.

Karnataka Speaker Khader rejected Minister Shivanand Patil's conditional resignation, citing rule non-compliance and Yatnal's non-resignation; emphasizing public decision.

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday said Minister Shivanand Patil's "conditional resignation" as MLA cannot be accepted as per rules.
This decision from the Speaker came hours after Patil met him and submitted his resignation as MLA from the Basavana Bagevadi segment, stating that he was doing so, accepting the challenge thrown at him by Vijayapura City MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal to contest against him electorally.
Patil, who holds the textiles, sugarcane development, and agricultural marketing portfolios, had, however, requested the speaker to accept his resignation as MLA only if Yatnal too quits and his resignation is accepted.
"Basangouda Patil Yatnal has neither resigned as an MLA nor has he personally met me to submit his resignation, and Yatnal's resignation has not been received by the Assembly office. In this light, I explained to Shivanand Patil that it is not possible to accept his conditional resignation, as per the Assembly rules," Speaker Khader said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "I told Shivanand Patil that the state of Karnataka needs his experience and service for a long time. I wish him well." Responding to a question about the format of the resignation, the Speaker said, "It is not as per rules and hence cannot be accepted." In his resignation letter, Patil said Yatnal had challenged him, stating that he would resign as MLA from his Vijayapura City Assembly constituency and would contest against him from his Basavana Bagevadi segment.
"I have accepted his challenge and have decided to contest against him in the election. Hence, I'm resigning as MLA from Basavana Bagevadi, which I'm representing," he said.
"Hence, I request you (Speaker) to accept my resignation only after Basangouda Patil Yatnal, as challenged, resigns from his MLA post and his resignation is accepted," he added.
Yatnal had won from the Vijayapura city segment in the 2023 assembly polls as a BJP candidate. He was recently expelled by the BJP from the primary membership of the party for six years for repeated violations of the party discipline.
Speaking to reporters earlier, Patil said Yatnal had set the Friday deadline for him to resign, and he had resigned before that, accepting the challenge.
"I have accepted the challenge and resigned. I only requested him (Yatnal) that you asked me to contest against you. You too resign as MLA from Vijayapura city, as I have. If you want me to contest from there (Vijayapura city), I will contest from there, or if you want to contest from Basavana Bagevadi, I am ready for it," he said.
"Let this end here. Either I or he should survive politically. The people of Vijayapura or Basavana Bagevadi will decide. So I have resigned. I have requested the Speaker to accept my resignation an hour before Yatnal resigns. Let my resignation be accepted before his. Let's face the people and let the people decide," he added.
Patil said this decision of his was purely personal and had nothing to do with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah or the Congress party.
"I have no pain about losing a minister post. When I quit as MLA, naturally I will have to quit as minister too," he added.
Patil also hit out at Yatnal for commenting that his family's original surname was "Hachadad" and not Patil and for making personal remarks against him.
"When I was born, my father's name was Patil. What can I do...?" he said.
However, Yatnal, speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, said he had made it clear that Patil's resignation should be accepted and a gazette notification regarding it should be published by Friday. "Please go through the video of what I had said (while challenging)." "He (Patil) should be ashamed....Will anyone put conditions while giving resignation? As per the rules, only two lines should be written stating that I'm resigning due to personal reasons. If this much is there, resignation will be accepted. If conditions are put, it is nothing but a drama."

Safdar Ali, a fugitive wanted since 2009 for a kidnapping, was caught in East Delhi. This marks a pivotal point in a long-standing investigation as he confessed and faces additional charges.

16-Year Fugitive Caught in East Delhi

Proclaimed offender Safdar Ali, on the run for 16 years for a 2009 kidnapping, was captured in East Delhi. His arrest unlocks new developments in a prolonged investigation.

Safdar Ali, a fugitive evading capture for 16 years over a 2009 kidnapping case, was arrested in East Delhi.

A proclaimed offender on the run for the past 16 years in a kidnapping case was nabbed from east Delhi's Sabzi Mandi area, police said on Friday.
At the time of his arrest, Safdar Ali, 57, was hawking vegetables in a local market.
In April 2009, Safdar Ali allegedly abducted Kalicharan, a resident of Prem Ka Gakaan village in Delhi, after he married his sister Shama.
Kalicharan called his mother and told her he had been kidnapped and taken to Bisauli in Uttar Pradesh.
Police launched a hunt for Kalicharan and arrested one Agar Ali. Safdar Ali remained out of bounds and was declared a proclaimed offender in 2012 by a court.
Since then, he kept shuttling between Delhi and Bareilly till a tip-off led to his arrest on Thursday.
He was tracked down to the Sabzi Mandi area in Mulla Colony, where he sold vegetables.
He said he had been working as a daily wage laborer and at times a vegetable seller.
Safdar Ali confessed to kidnapping Kalicharan and was also found involved in another criminal case registered in Bareilly, police said.

Congress responds to PM Modi's political comments at Vizhinjam Port inauguration, emphasizing pressing national issues over rhetoric.

Congress Counters Modi at Vizhinjam Port Event

At Vizhinjam Port inauguration, Congress criticizes PM Modi's political focus, calling for attention to pressing issues like the caste census and national security.

Congress criticizes PM Modi for political focus during the Vizhinjam Port inauguration, stressing national issues like the caste census.

The Congress on Friday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "sleepless nights to many" swipe, saying they will continue to hold him accountable for issues like the Pahalgam terror attack and caste census.
Modi, while commissioning the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, took a swipe at the opposition INDIA bloc, saying their presence will give "sleepless nights" to many.
Reacting to it, AICC general secretary, organization, K. C. Venugopal said in a post on X, "Even after the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, our PM remains fixated on disturbing the sleep of opposition leaders instead of confronting the real threat&mdash;Pakistan. His priorities are crystal clear: appeasing his real master&mdash;Adani.
"But rest assured, PM, while you&rsquo;re busy with your distractions, our sleepless nights will be spent holding you accountable," he said.
"We will relentlessly pressure you to set a timeline for the caste census, remove the 50 percent cap on reservations, and finally deliver the strong, decisive response that Pakistan so rightly deserves," he also said.
At the event, Modi also referred to Vijayan as a "pillar" of the opposition INDIA bloc.
The prime minister told Vijayan and Tharoor, who were on the dais, that their presence at the inauguration event would give "sleepless nights" to many. However, the person translating his speech did not translate it properly, and it prompted the PM to say, "The message has gone across to whom it was meant."

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the Kashmiri Hindu diaspora in the U.S. calls for global accountability to address ongoing threats.

Kashmiri Hindus Demand Action Post-Attack

The Kashmiri Hindu diaspora in the U.S. urges global action and accountability following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, highlighting perpetual threats in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmiri Hindu diaspora calls for accountability after Pahalgam attack that killed 26. The Resistance Front claimed responsibility.

Kashmiri Hindus in the US are demanding greater accountability and global awareness following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
The diaspora members said the attack on April 22, which occurred during the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to India, has raised serious concerns about lapses in security preparedness and persistent threats to minority communities in Kashmir.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Dr. Vijay Sazawal, international coordinator of the Indo-American Kashmir Forum (IAKF), claimed that the attack was a preventable tragedy.
&ldquo;Thousands of tourists use this route daily, yet there was no visible security presence on the day of the attack. Despite a high-profile diplomatic visit, basic risk assessments were clearly ignored,&rdquo; he claimed.
&ldquo;While attention often centers on cross-border terrorism, there are also internal support structures &mdash; overground workers &mdash; that quietly sustain militant activity," Sazawal said, claiming that the "progress against them has been hindered by judicial delays and administrative inefficiencies&rdquo;.
Dr Subhash Kak, a Padma Shri awardee and an academic based in Oklahoma, said the Pahalgam attack underscores the fact that severing diplomatic ties or curbing trade with Pakistan is not enough.
Amit Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit based in Houston, said, &ldquo;For many, this was a shocking event. For us, it is a recurring nightmare. The same pattern &mdash; Amarnath, Wandhama, Nadimarg &mdash; keeps repeating. We&rsquo;re still waiting for justice.&rdquo; Meanwhile, the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) and HinduACTion, led by Utsav Chakraborty, are hosting a congressional briefing titled 'Pakistan&rsquo;s Proxy War Against Hindus: Global Implications' on May 5 in Washington, D.C.
Utsav Chakraborty, executive director of HinduACTion, said the attack reflects a larger transnational threat.
&ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t just another terror incident. This is part of a sustained ideological campaign. The US and its allies must take seriously Pakistan&rsquo;s use of jihadist groups as geopolitical tools,&rdquo; he said.
The Pahalgam attack drew swift and widespread condemnation from global leaders, who expressed solidarity with India and denounced terrorism.
Memorial vigils and community prayer meetings condemning the attack are being held in more than 50 cities across the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia to honor the victims.

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