Operation Sindoor: Mock Drills, Blackouts Conducted Across Nation; Pak Shelling Kills 12 Along LoC

• Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday launched 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

• The naming of 'Operation Sindoor' strikes a chord for the Indian citizens after several women were widowed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

• At least 12 people died and 57 others were injured after the Pakistan army resorted to heavy artillery and mortar shelling targeting forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a cabinet meeting where he called the targeted military strike 'Operation Sindoor' launched by the bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces a "moment of pride."

• Extensive mock drills were conducted on Wednesday across places including Delhi, Mumbai, Bngaluru and Kolkata amid intensifying tensions with Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack

Three civilians were killed in overnight heavy firing and shelling by Pakistan military across the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, PTI reported.

During the intervening night of May 6 and 7, the Pakistan Army resorted to arbitrary firing, including artillery shelling, from posts across the LoC and IB opposite Jammu and Kashmir, as per reports.

According to PTI, among the deceased was a woman whose house was hit by a mortar shell in Mankote area of Poonch district, officials said. Her 13-year-old daughter was injured.

They said nine more civilians were also injured in different sectors of Poonch due to intense shelling by Pakistan, and their condition was stated to be stable.

The wreckage of an Indian jet wasd found in Pulwama's Pampore, says unconfirmed reports. The jet wreckage was found in south Kashmir but no official confirmation regarding same

Days after the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, Indian Armed Forces during the early hours of Wednesday launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’ targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's military also confirmed that Indian missile strikes hit three locations inside Pakistani territory - Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and the Ahmed East area of Bahawalpur.

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All educational institutions in five border districts of the Jammu will remain closed on Wednesday in the wake of prevailing situation in the region, officials said.

In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba''s base in Muridke.

"In view of the prevailing situation, all schools, colleges and educational institutions in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch will remain closed today," Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said on X.

India on Wednesday launched Operation Sindoor to hit terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India targeted the terror infrastructure from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed, the Indian Army said. Altogether, nine sites have been targeted, it said.

"Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution," the Indian Army said.

"These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable," it said.

This is a time for unity and solidarity and the Congress is standing firmly with the armed forces, the party said on Wednesday as Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said India's commitment to eliminating all sources of terrorism in Pakistan and PoK has necessarily to be uncompromising and always be anchored in the supreme national interest.

"This is a time for unity and solidarity. Right from the night of April 22nd, the Congress has been categorically stating that the government will have our fullest support in the nation's response to the Pahalgam terror attack," he said.

"The Congress is standing firmly with our armed forces," Ramesh said on X, using the hashtag "Operation Sindoor".

Indian airlines have cancelled their flights from various cities as a few airports, including Srinagar, have also been shut for operations in the wake of the armed forces carrying out missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan.

Air India said that in view of the prevailing situation, the airline has cancelled all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot till noon.

"Two international flights en route to Amritsar are being diverted to Delhi. We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen disruption," the airline said in a post on X.

According to SpiceJet, due to the ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice.

"Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted," it said in a post on X.

IndiGo, in a post on X, said that due to changing airspace conditions in the region, flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh and Dharamshala are impacted.

Air India Express said that in keeping with prevailing restrictions, multiple flights on our network are impacted including cancellation of flights to and from Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon till mid-day.

"Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Srinagar airport has been closed for civil operations. As a result, our flights to and from Srinagar have been cancelled," Akasa Air said in a post on X.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif early Wednesday termed the Indian missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab province as an "act of war" and said his country has every right to give a "befitting reply."

In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes early Wednesday, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed, the Indian Army said.

Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said at least eight people were killed and 35 others injured in Indian missile attacks on cities in Punjab and PoK, Geo News reported.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hailing Indian Army's 'Operation Sindoor' shared a post on X platform where he wrote, "The world must show zero tolerance for terrorism."

A Union Cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held in Delhi today as the Indian Army continues with 'Operation Sindoor'.

The list of 9 targets taken by the Indian Armed Forces under 'Operation Sindoor' in Pakistan, PoK -

1. Markaz Subhan Allah Bahawalpur

2. Markaz Taiba, Muridke

3. Sarjal / Tehra Kalan

4. Mehmoona Joya Facility, Sialkot

5. Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, Bhimber

6. Markaz Abbas, Kotli

7. Maskar Raheel Shahid, located in Kotli District

8.Shawai Nallah Cam in Muzaffarabad

9. Markaz Syedna Bilal

- ANI

Sangita Ganbote, widow of Kaustubh Ganbote, who lost his life in the Pahalgam Terror Attack said, "The action taken by the military is good, and by naming it as Operation Sindoor, they have respected the women. I still cry some days. We were waiting for PM Modi to take such action, and he has given them a befitting reply. Terrorists should be eliminated..."

Ganbote lives in Pune

Following the Indian Armed Forces 'Operation Sindoor', the Cabinet committee on security is expected to meet at 11 AM on Wednesday. This meeting is expected to be chaired by PM Modi and will comprise of the four key ministries - Hoem Affairs, Defence, External Affairs and Finance.

The Indian Army is set to conducted a brief regarding India's overnight Operation Sindoor. The briefing has been set for 10 AM

Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar says the “whole nation” is behind the country’s armed forces and supports retaliation against India.

“We are a peaceful people, but when it comes to challenging us, the whole nation will respond and the whole nation is united against Indian aggression, and standing behind the armed forces of Pakistan,” Tarar said in an interview with Turkey’s TRT World, a snippet of which was shared on the Pakistani government’s X account.

1. Bahawalpur, located around 100 Km from the International Boundary. It is the headquarters of the JeM.

2. Muridke, located 30 km from the border opposite Samba. It is an LeT camp.

3. Gulpur, 35 km from LoC in Poonch-Rajouri.

4. LeT camp in Sawai, 30 km inside POK, Tangdhar Sector.

5. Bilal Camp, a JeM launchpad.

6. LeT Kotli camp, 15 km from LoC opposite Rajouri.

7. Barnala camp, 10 km from LoC opposite Rajouri.

8. Sarjal camp, JeM camp about 8 km from IB opposite Samba-Kathua.

9. Mehmoona camp, 15 km from IB, near Sialkot, HM training camp.

Owing to the changing airspaces and high tensions between India and Pakistan, Delhi Airpirt has issued an important advisory for passengers.

Taking to social media platform X, IGI airport shared that some flights have been impacted.

"Kindly note, due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been

impacted at Delhi Airport. For updated flight information, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines or may visit our official website."

According to India Today, Mumbai airport received threat call on Wednesday where they spoke about blowing up an IndiGo plane.

Shortly after India carried out military strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he hopes that the hostilities will end "very quickly".

"It’s a shame, he said, adding, "We heard about it just as we were walking in the doors of the Oval (Office). I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past."

"They've been fighting for a long time. They've been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, actually, if you really think about it,” Trump said.

Asked if he has any message for the countries, he said, “No, I just hope it ends very quickly.” 

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Ashanya Dwivedi, the widow of 30-year-old Shubham Dwivedi, killed in the April 22 attack on civilians in Pahalgam as 'real tribute' to her late husband and thanked PM Modi.

She told the reporters, “I want to thank PM Modi for taking revenge for my husband's death. My entire family had trust in him, and the way he replied (to Pakistan), he has kept our trust alive. This is the real tribute to my husband. Wherever my husband is, he will be at peace today."

Seven persons, including a woman and two children, were killed and 38 others injured Wednesday as Pakistan Army pounded dozens of forward villages with artillery and mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The Indian Army is responding to the shelling in equal measure, they said on the ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces after India carried out missile strikes against nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

All the seven deaths were reported in the worst-hit Poonch district with another 25 persons injured, the officials said.

Ten persons were injured in Uri sector of Baramulla district and three others were injured in Rajouri district, the officials said.

The rupee depreciated 31 paise to 84.66 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, after India's military strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir increased cross-border tensions.

Indian armed forces on early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke.

The military strikes were conducted under Operation Sindoor two weeks after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.

Forex traders said the military strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir bring the focus on the escalation of conflict onto the rupee.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 84.65 and fell to 84.66 against the greenback, registering a loss of 31 paise over its previous close.

According to PTI, the name 'Operation Sindoor' was chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the Indian Army and stated, "Proud of our armed forces. #OperationSindoor is Bharat’s response to the brutal killing of our innocent brothers in Pahalgam. The Modi government is resolved to give a befitting response to any attack on India and its people. Bharat remains firmly committed to eradicating terrorism from its roots."

A red alert was declared in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday after the Indian Army's targeted strike on terror hideouts in Pakistan under 'Operation Sindoor'.

UP Police have been directed to coordinate with Defence units and bolster security at vital installations, according to a statement by the state’s Director General of Police.

"Red Alert declared in Uttar Pradesh following #OperationSindoor - the Indian Army’s targeted strike on terror hideouts. All UP Police field formations have been instructed to coordinate with Defence units and strengthen the security of vital installations," said DGP, UP in a post on X.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty witnessed high volatility in early trade on Wednesday after India launched missile strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Markets faced extreme volatile trends during the early trade. The Sensex hit the day's high of 80,844.63 and an intra-day low of 79,937.48. The Nifty hit a high of 24,449.60 and a low of 24,220.

"What stands out in 'Operation Sindoor' from the market perspective is its focused and non-escalatory nature. We have to wait and watch how the enemy reacts to these precision strikes by India. The market is unlikely to be impacted by the retaliatory strike by India since that was known and discounted by the market," VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh present at the panel

At least one person was killed and nine others sustained injuries after an unidentified aircraft crashed and went up in flames in Aklian Kalan village of Punjab’s Bathinda district in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Govind, a native of Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, who was working as a farm labourer. There was no information about the pilot till this report was filed.

The aircraft crashed into the harvested wheat fields, about 500mts away from the inhabited area, around 2 am. The crash site is about 20 km from the district headquarters.

- Hindustan Times

Vikram Misri speaks about the recent Pahalgam terror attack at the press briefing, "The attack was aimed at disturbing social situation in Jammu and Kashmir that was witnessing progress, development."

He added, "Pahalgam attack was also aimed at disturbing communal harmony."

Misri confirmed, "Pahalgam attack investigation has revealed Pakistan's link to it." He added that "Our intelligence identified those involved and planners of Pahalgam attack".

"It is natural that there was anguish in Jammu and Kashmir and rest of India over Pahalgam attack," he said.

He said, "Manner of Pahalgam attack was aimed at provoking communal discord in Jammu and Kashmir, and other parts of India."

Vikram Misri speaking Of Operation Sindoor, said, "India exercised its right to dismantle terror infrastructure".

Misri claimed that Pakistan has made an identity in the world as a safe haven for terrorists.

He added, "Group called Resistance Front claimed responsibility for Pahalgam attack, it's connected with LeT."

Read Government Press Briefing Full Story

"Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to deliver justice to the victims of Pahalgam terror attack and their families. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and successfully destroyed. Over the last three decades, Pakistan has systematically built terror infrastructure. It is a complex web of recruitment and indoctrination centres, training areas for initial and refresher courses and launchpads for handlers," Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said. 

Col Sophia Qureshi, while addressing a press briefing, said that targets were selected in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) to break the backbone of terrorism.

"Operation Sindoor was launched to give justice to victims of Pahalgam terrorist attack. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and destroyed," Qureshi added. 

The US Mission in Pakistan on Wednesday issued a security alert advising American citizens to leave areas of active conflict, saying it is "closely monitoring developments" following Operation Sindoor launched by India targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan.

The security alert, titled ‘Military Activity and Closed Airspace’, said, “We are aware of reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments.

"US citizens are reminded of the 'Do Not Travel' advisory for areas in the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict, and the US Department of State’s 'Reconsider Travel' advisory for Pakistan generally,” the alert said.

“We are also aware that airspace has been closed, and many flights have been cancelled,” it added.

Through the alert, the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan advised American citizens to "depart areas of active conflict if they can safely do so, or to shelter in place.” It said that US citizens should exercise caution and “leave the area if you find yourself unexpectedly in the vicinity of military activities, shelter in place if they cannot relocate, review personal security plan, keep a low profile and be aware of surroundings and carry identification and cooperate with authorities." In March, the US State Department issued a travel advisory to reconsider travel to Pakistan "due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict”.

"Do Not Travel to: Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, which include the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and to the immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict,” the advisory stated.

- PTI

Pakistan army resorted to heavy artillery and mortar shelling targeting forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, leaving nine people dead and 41 others injured, officials said. The intense shelling from across the border started shortly after Indian armed forces carried out missile attacks on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to avenge the April 22 terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead.

The officials said the Indian Army is responding to the shelling in a befitting manner, resulting in many casualties on the enemy side after several of their posts engaged in firing were destroyed.

The worst-hit in the Pakistani shelling was Poonch district which accounted for all the civilian deaths, the officials said, adding 28 persons were also injured and the condition of some of them was stated to be critical.

Air India shared a travel advisory on Wednesday Air India flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot – are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 10 May following a notification from aviation authorities on closure of these airports.

They added, "Customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. For more information, please call our Contact Centre on 011-69329333 / 011-69329999 or visit our website http://airindia.com."

Read: Operation Sindoor: India Shuts Airports In Northern States; Mock Drills Today | Top Points

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif in a post on X platform wrote in Urdu, "The treacherous enemy has launched a cowardly attack on five locations within Pakistan. This heinous act of aggression will not go unpunished. Pakistan reserves the absolute right to respond decisively to this unprovoked Indian attack — a resolute response is already underway. The entire nation stands united behind its armed forces, and our morale and resolve remain unshaken. Our thoughts and prayers are with the brave officers and soldiers of Pakistan. The people of Pakistan and its forces are fully prepared to confront and defeat any threat with our strength and determination. The enemy will never be allowed to achieve its malicious aim."

Read: India Launches 'Operation Sindoor' Against Terror Infrastructure| Here's How World Reacts

PM Narendra Modi's visit to Norway, Croatia and the Netherlands postponed, sources told ANI.

DG ISPR Gen Ahmed Chaudhry clarified that no Indian aircraft was allowed to enter Pakistan’s airspace and none of Pakistan’s jets went into the airspace.

"At no time, any of their aircraft were allowed to enter into Pakistan’s airspace and also at no time, none of Pakistan’s aircraft went into Indian airspace," he told a media briefing.

- Dawn Pakistan

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday, Pakistan is ready to "wrap up" tension with India, if New Delhi de-escalates the situation,

Asif was reported as saying by Bloomberg Television that Pakistan will only respond if attacked.

"We have been saying all along in the last fortnight that we’ll never initiate anything hostile towards India. But if we're attacked, we'll respond. If India backs down, we will definitely wrap up this tension," he said.

-PTI

Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership met in Islamabad on Wednesday morning to assess the fallout of India’s overnight missile strikes, which targeted nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the National Security Committee meeting, joined by General Sahir Shamshad, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, according to geo news.

The Indian army on early Wednesday launched missile strikes on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Bahawalpur.

These strikes, code-named 'Operation Sindoor', mark yet another chapter in the long-standing military tensions between India and Pakistan.

1947 (first Indo-Pak War) The war, also known as the First Kashmir War, broke out over the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir between the newly independent nations India and Pakistan.

The conflict continued until January 1949, when a UN-mediated ceasefire was implemented, resulting in the division of Kashmir between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC).

1965 (second Indo-Pak War) The armed conflict broke out on August 5, 1965 over Kashmir.

1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War) The 1971 Indo-Pak War was triggered by Pakistani military's crackdown on East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and its demand for independence.

1999 (Kargil War) The 1999 Kargil War was a high-altitude conflict between India and Pakistan, fought from May to July after Pakistani troops and terrorists occupied peaks in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir. India launched 'Operation Vijay' to reclaim the territory, supported by the Air Force's 'Operation Safed Sagar'.

2016 (Uri Attack) Following the terrorist attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, on September 18, 2016, which killed 19 soldiers, India conducted a surgical strike on September 28–29 across the LoC.

2019 (Pulwama attack) On February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan, in response to the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

The Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes on nine terror headquarters in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in pre-dawn operation today.

Among the targets hit in the precise operation were Markaz Subhan Allah at Bahawalpur, Sarjal at Tehra Kalan, Markaz Abbas in Kotli and Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad (all of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group).

-PTI

Welcoming the strikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces on nine terrorist bases in Pakistan under 'Operation Sindoor', former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that people stand with the Indian Army and the Government of India.

"Operation Sindoor has dealt a severe blow to terrorism by destroying Pakistani terrorist bases," he said.

With the emoji of 'Jai Hind' and the Indian tricolour, Gehlot posted on X, "The Congress Party and the whole of India welcome this action and we stand strongly with the Indian Army and the Government of India." Talking to PTI, he said that the Congress party had expressed trust in the government and the defence forces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet meeting earlier today.

Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar acknowledged on Wednesday that 10 members of his family and four close associates were killed in India's missile attack on the outfit's headquarters in Bahawalpur.

A statement attributed to Azhar said those killed in the attack on Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur included the JeM chief's elder sister and her husband, a nephew and his wife, another niece, and five children from his extended family.

The statement further mentioned that the attack also claimed the lives of one of Azhar’s close associates and his mother, along with two other close companions.

In the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian armed forces for carrying out targeted strikes at terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

-PTI

In the wake of India-Pakistan tensions, all the CMs, DGPs, and chief secretaries of J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Sikkim, and West Bengal will attend a meeting called by Amit Shah.

Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefed the media on 'Operation Sindoor', India's significant retaliatory action against terrorism – marking the largest strike since Balakot in 2019.

During a press briefing, Colonel Qureshi stated that Operation Sindoor was launched to bring justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, with nine terrorist camps targeted and destroyed in Pakistan.

Army Col. Qureshi also stated that the operation was carried out between 1:05 am to 1:30 am on Wednesday. Read Here

As per local government sources and media reports, a fighter jet allegedly crashed in Jammu and Kashmir on April 7, hours after India said it struck “nine Pakistani terrorist infrastructure sites” across the border. While official confirmation is awaited, the crash near Wuyan in Pampore left residents terrified.

They heard a loud explosion and flames erupted from a school in this congested area. Within nearly half an hour, a fire service vehicle arrived at the scene and soon a heavy number of security force personnel ringed the site where the aircraft had crashed. Read Here

As per the reports, Britain said it stands ready to support both India and Pakistan to move towards dialogue and de-escalation.

Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor' in the wee hours of Wednesday as their strikes targeted nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke which they said is a retaliatory action after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians on April 22.

The naming of 'Operation Sindoor' strikes a chord for the Indian citizens after several women were widowed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Reportedly named by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the operation has been hailed by citizens, politicians across the country. Read Here

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday called for urgent video conference with chief ministers, DGPs and chief secretaries of states bordering Pakistan, Nepal in view of the escalating border tension.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, general secretary KC Venugopal and other senior leaders of the party attend the emergency informal meeting of senior leaders of the party, to discuss the current security situation.

Father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the ponywalla who sacrificed his life while protecting the tourists during the Pahlalgam terror attack, said on Wednesday that the military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir have avenged his son's killing.

Shah's family expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces for the retaliatory action.

"I am very happy today that the forces and (PM Narendra) Modi have avenged the killing of 26 persons. It makes me happy that those (victims) will rest in peace today," Shah's father, Syed Haider Shah, told PTI videos here.

"Now, my brother, and 25 other innocents will rest in peace. When I came to know this morning that Modi has avenged the killings, it made me happy. We have got justice now, and we are very happy," Nawshad said.

-PTI

At least nine people died and 41 injured after the Pakistan army resorted to heavy artillery and mortar shelling targeting forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. During the intervening night of May 6 and 7, Indian armed forces carried out missile attacks on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in the wake of April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Read Here

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor in which the Indian Armed Forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Read Here

Uttar Pradesh declared Red Alert in the state following 'Operation Sindoor' by the armed forces against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), UP DGP told PTI.

"Red alert has been declared in Uttar Pradesh in view of the action taken by the Indian Army on terrorist hideouts under #OperationSindoor. All field units of @Uppolice have been instructed to coordinate with the defense forces and strengthen the security of important installations," UP DGP Prashant Kumar said from his 'X' handle.

"UP Police is alert, equipped with resources, and fully prepared to ensure the safety of every citizen of the state. Jai Hind!," he added.

-PTI

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated into a late night lethal fireworks on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday as India directed missile fire at nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), without crossing the LOC. The world’s eyes are now focused on the Indian response to the terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam, Kashmir, barely two weeks ago. Read Here

After the emergency meeting, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We are proud of our security forces that carried out 'Operation Sindoor', gave befitting reply."

Amid soaring tensions between the two countries, Villages near the India-Pakistan border in Amritsar and Tarn Taran remain calm, with people carrying on with routine work.

Authorities have ordered schools and the Amritsar international airport to be shut. However, people in the two districts remained calm.

Gurmeet Singh, a resident of the border village Chinna Bidhi Chand in Tarn Taran, said there was no panic in the village. Children were at their homes due to the school closure.

-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a cabinet meeting where he called the targeted military strike Operation 'Sindoor' launched by the bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces a "moment of pride", as per reports.

"The whole country was looking up to us. We are proud of our Army", NDTV quoted the orume minister as saying. Read Here

At least 12 people, including four children, were killed and 57 others injured as the Pakistan Army resorted to heavy artillery and mortar shelling on forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, PTI confirmed.

As part of 'Operation Abhyaas', an air raid siren echoed across Delhi on Wednesday. A nationwide civil defence mock drill was initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the deadly terror attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

Notably, the exercise, the first of its kind since the 1971 India-Pakistan war, involved multiple sirens blaring at 4 pm in Delhi's 11 districts, simulating wartime scenarios like air raids, urban fires, casualty evacuations, and temporary hospital setups.

During the mock drill, PCR vans and fire engines were stationed at multiple locations while there was a heavy deployment of security personnel and civil defence volunteers. Read Here

"Those living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at others." India head coach Gautam Gambhir hardly pulled back punches as he responded to criticism from a couple of former Test stars, accusing them of treating Indian cricket as their "personal fiefdom".

While Gambhir didn't take names, he dropped enough hints to make it obvious that the target of his outburst were two former India skippers from Mumbai, who have been critical of him since his playing days.

"I am into this job for eight months. If results don't come, I am fine with criticism. It is people's job to criticise. There are people who are sitting in the commentary box for 25 years and feel that Indian cricket is their personal fiefdom," Gambhir said at News Media summit.

-PTI

At inauguration of 50 BRO infrastructure projects across 6 States and 2 UTs, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "You know that today, under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, our Indian armed forces have made us all proud..."

Authorities on Wednesday carried out a large scale civil defence mock drill at various locations in the city under ‘Operation Abhyas’ (Operation Exercise) in line with the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to officials, soon after the siren blew at 3.48 pm in various locations, the civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services personnel swung into action.

The drill included rescue operations in the event of fire, removing people from beneath the debris, evacuation of people from high rises and medical emergency services.

The targets set under Operation Sindoor were destroyed with precision as per plan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

"India has exercised its 'right to respond' to the attack on its soil. Our action has been taken very thoughtfully and in a measured manner," Singh said while lauding the retaliation by armed forces against the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed.

"We only killed those who killed our innocents," Singh said at the inauguration of Border Roads Organisation's 50 infrastructure projects across six states and two Union territories.

-PTI

Within less than half an hour of India’s missile strikes, Pakistan’s army spokespersons were on all major international channels, giving their version of the events to the world. Pakistan presented itself as the aggrieved party, railing against India’s “cowardly act against sleeping civilians”. Lt General Ahmed Sharif, director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), was on air with CNN saying that India had launched an “unprovoked act of war” by hitting civilian targets across Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Read Here

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the UK is engaging with both India and Pakistan to push for dialogue and de-escalation after Indian military strikes on terror targets in the neighbouring country under Operation Sindoor.

Opening the Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session in the House of Commons, Starmer raised the issue of the rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

"Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain,” Starmer told Parliament.

“We are engaging urgently with both countries, as well as other international partners, encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the protection of civilians,” he said.

“The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,” said Lammy.

-PTI

India's 'Nari Shakti' was veritably on display during a press briefing here on 'Operation Sindoor' on Wednesday, as two accomplished woman military officers joined Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in giving details about the precision strikes by the armed forces on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

At the briefing held at the National Media Centre, Misri was flanked by Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, presenting a striking image of a combination of India's prowess in military and diplomacy.

Indian military carried out a "measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible" strike to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan to "deter and to pre-empt" any further terrorist strikes, Misri said, hours after India retaliated the Pahalgam attack.

The precision strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor', two weeks after the massacre of 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

-PTI

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot were among several leaders who welcomed 'Operation Sindoor' carried out by the Indian Armed Forces in Pakistan on Wednesday.

Sharma, who returned from Gujarat on Wednesday morning, chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the state's preparedness and issued instructions to tighten security following the operation.

-PTI

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday asked several states to conduct mock drills on Wednesday in view of "new and complex threats" that have emerged amid rising tension with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Government of Bangladesh is closely observing the evolving situation in India and Pakistan. Bangladesh expresses its deep concern over the situation, and urges both the countries to remain calm, show restraint and refrain from taking any steps that could further aggravate the situation.

In the spirit of regional peace, prosperity and stability, Bangladesh remains hopeful that tensions will be defused through diplomatic endevours, and that peace will ultimately prevail for the benefits of the peoples in the region.

After Home Minister Amit Shah meets with chief ministers, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "We are together in the war on terror; there shouldn't be differences among us."

Following the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) instruction, extensive nationwide mock drills were conducted on Wednesday amid intensifying tensions with Pakistan over the April 22 Pahalgam attack which India retaliated with the targeted attack called 'Operation Sindoor'.

The directive came on May 5 where it was mentioned that through the 'Operation Abhyaas' endeavour, the civilians would be trained to protect themselves in case of a war. 

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Sirens are activated in Shimla to indicate people to practice blackout, as part of the mock drill ordered by the MHA.

Blackout has been conducted in Bihar's Patna as part of the mock drill ordered by the MHA. The visual is being seen from BISCOMAUN Bhawan.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday reviewed blackout and mock drill situations conducted by Civil Defence team in Lucknow in view of the tense Indo-Pak conflict.

Blackout drills are being conducted in Delhi's Khan Market area following the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) May 5 directive.

An official statement by the spokesperson of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said, "France condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April and expressed its full solidarity with India. France supports India in its fight against terrorist groups."

"France is deeply concerned about the latest developments between India and Pakistan. It calls for de-escalation and the protection of civilians. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and our embassies in Islamabad and New Delhi are mobilised to assist our nationals", the statement further added.