If Imran Is Generous, He Should Hand Over Masood To India: Sushma Swaraj

India, March 14 (PTI) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said if Pakistan PM Imran Khan is generous, he should hand over JeM chief Masood Azhar to India.

"We are ready to engage with Pakistan in atmosphere free from terror. Some people here (India) say Imran Khan is a statesman, if he is so generous then he should hand over JeM chief Masood Azhar to India ... Let us see his big heart. He should give us Azhar. Why doesn't he give us Masood Azhar?" she said.

Sushma also ruled out talks with Pakistan unless it acts against terror outfits on its soil.

"We do not want talk on terror, we want action on it. Terror and talks cannot go together," she said.

Sushma asked why Pakistan retaliated to the Indian air strikes in Balakot when India had specifically targeted JeM terror camp, without civilian causalities.

"Why did the Pakistani military attack us on behalf of JeM? You not only keep JeM on your soil, but fund them and when the victim country retaliates, you attack it on the terror outfit's behalf," she said.

Republic TV Airs Clinching Proof Of Balakot Terror Decimation

India, March 11: In yet another clinching proof of IAF decimating JeM terror camps in an pre-emptive air strike in Balakot, an audio tape aired by the Republic TV neutralises the lies spread by Pakistan and its Indian lobby on non-military action.

In the three-minute tape, an eye-witness of the air strike and a resident of Balakot is heard disclosing the explosive details of the air strikes conducted by IAF in which many top JeM terrorists were killed and dumped in Kulhar river to delete proof.

"They burnt most of the bodies, most of them. They got petrol out of cars and used it to burn the bodies. The remaining bodies were put in sacks and were dumped in the Kulhar river. Do you understand? They dumped the bodies in the river so that there is no proof available in the future," he says.

In spite of trying to cover up the matter, people are circulating videos, he adds.

He goes on to share some of their names like Mainshah Abdar Zak, Lahore's Major Retd Havar Rana, Altaf Ali Chaudhary from Karachi, Mudassar Ali from Rawalpindi, Ustad Mohsin from Bahawalpur, Datta Khel's Tafail Dost.

He also says two brothers from Dhannu Ali Khatak and Bahadur Khatak, were killed.

A top commander of Jaish from Gujranwala has also been killed, among others, he adds.

However, the total number of terrorists killed is still not known, he says, adding that the Pakistani army has surrounded the entire area in Balakot.

The army is thrashing and brutalising people, besides snatching their mobile phones and shut down internet services in the area so that people do not circulate information, videos and pictures, he says.

The army also were not providing basic medical care to the injured, though they were screaming for help, he adds.

He also says that the Indian strike has rattled JeM and ISI are rattled, and are moving all their men Waziristan-Afghanistan border.

He says that if there is another strike by India at the Pakistani army camps, they will have no place to hide.

"We believe that if the Indian army continues to target the terror camps and continues to kill terrorists, soon we will be free of terror," he adds.

Hope Polls Are Held On Level-Playing Field: Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy

India, March 10:  Shortly after Lok Sabha election dates were announced in New Delhi, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Sunday hoped polls are conducted in a level playing field and all parties should respect voters' decision.

"India is set for another election. In this battle of democracy, I hope elections are conducted in a level playing field. All parties and candidates must follow the guidelines issued by the ECI and uphold the values of democracy, and respect the decision of the voters," Kumaraswamy tweeted.

Elections will be held in two phases for 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, between April 18 and April 23, Karnataka Chief Election Officer Sanjiv Kumar told reporters in Bengaluru.

In the first phase, elections will be held for Kolar, Chikballapur, Bengaluru South, Mysuru, Dakshin Kannada, Hassan and Udupi, among other Lok Sabha seats, he said.

In the second phase, elections will be held for Chikodi, Belagavi, Bidar, Ballari and Shivamogga, among other parliamentary seats, Kumar said.

As many as 50346721 electorate will vote in Karnataka, of which there are 24847292 eligible women voters as per the final rolls published for 2019 Lok Sabha election, Kumar said.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

Wishing all candidates for good performance, State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa appealed all voters to cast their vote and work together for a mission.

"I appeal to all voters to turn up to vote and reinforce the democratic ethos of the nation. Lets work together for mission #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar. I Wish all candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," he said.

Former Prime Minister and JDS Supremo H D Deve Gowda said the Congress-JDS coalition combine will decide on seat-sharing in few days.

Of the 28 parliamentary seats in Karnataka, five seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste and two for Sheduled Tribe, Kumar said.

The five reserved constituncies for SC are Bijapur, Kalaburgi, Chitradurga, Chamrajnagar and Kolar, whereas, reserved seats for ST are Raichur and Ballari, he said.

In the first and second phase, elections to 14 Lok Sabha seats each will be held on April 18 and April 23, Kumar said, adding that the results would be announced on May 23.

In the first phase, notifications would be issued on May 19 and last date for nominations would be March 26, Kumar said.

The scrutiny of nominations would be held on March 27 and last date for withdrawal would be March 29, he added.

In the second phase, notifications would be issued on March 28 and last date for nominations would be April 4, Kumar said, adding that the scrutiny of the nominations will be conducted on April 5 and last date for withdrawal will be April 8.

He also said there is a seven per cent increase in the number of polling station for this elections compared to the previous 2014 election.

"There are as many as 58186 polling stations this election compared to 54265 in 2014 election," he added.

Kumar also said as many as 600 women-managed polling stations will be set up across Karnataka.

As per the revised election expenses ceiling for candidates, the maximum limit of election expenses for the parliamentary constituencies is Rs 70 lakh per candidate, he said. PTI BDN 

Lok Sabha polls from April 11 to May 19: CEC

India, March 10: Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases, instead of nine, from April 11 to May 19.

The results will be declared on May 23, CEC Sunil Arora told reporters at New Delhi..

Assembly elections will be held simultaneously in Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Odisha, he said.

He said phase one election will be held on April 11 and second on April 18, while phases three and four will be held on April 23 and 29.

Arora said phase five poll will be held on May 6 and sixth phase on May 12, besides phase seven of the poll will be held on May 19.

The states going in single phase are Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal, Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Andaman and Nicobar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry and Chandigarh.


States going to polls in two phases are Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan and Tripura and in three phases are, Assam, Chhattisgarh.

Jharkhand, MP, Maharashtra and Odisha, will go to polls in four phases, besides Jammu and Kashmir in five phases.


Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, on the other hand, will go to polls in seven phases.


Replying to a query, Arora said nomination will be rejected if Form 26 is found incomplete. He also said VVPATs will be used in all polling stations.

Arora also said there are 900 million eligible voters and 84 million new voters have been added.

More details awaited

Rajnath Triggers Storm, Mentions Third Air Strike Across LoC

India, March 9: India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh today triggered a political storm by mentioning about the third air strike conducted across LoC in last five years.

"In the past five years, we have crossed the border thrice and conducted air strikes. I will tell you about two, not the third one," he said at a public rally in Mangaluru.

"Once in Uri, our soldiers were killed by terrorists coming from Pakistan, then our soldiers had responded. Next was after Pulwama. The third one I will not disclose," he added.

In a pre-emptive and non-military action, India had targetted the terror training camp of JeM after they had claimed responsibility for February 14 terror attack in Kashmir's Pulwama in which over 40 CRPF jawans were killed by a suicide bomber.

Pakistan retaliated the next day by sending a pack of fighter jets across LoC to target military installations in India.

In an aerial dog fight that ensued, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 before ejecting, but he was captured by Pakistan Army after his parachute landed across the LoC.

Abhinandan, however, was released after mounting global pressure.

The first air strike in last five years was in September 2016 when IAF crossed LoC to decimate terror launch pads in PoK, weeks after Pakistani terrorists attacked an army base in Uri in Kashmir, killing 19 soldiers. 

Cong and Co Playing Losing Political Game By Questioning Indian Armed Forces

By B D Naraayannkar

With the Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh saying the number of terrorists killed in Balakot air strike would be known in next two days, it ought to end the unprecedented demand by opposition parties led by Rahul Gandhi of seeking proof on the attack by IAF pilots on Februaury 26.

I am astonished with this demand, which only makes them villains in the eyes of the people, but the tragedy is they have a weird perception of reaping political dividends in the runup to general election.

I, for one, is not against parties playing politics, as they have every right to do so, but I am against the timing of the oppositionm questioning the military action of Modi government.

This is the time for them to rise above the level of statesmen from being mere politicians, just as Atal Behari Vajpayee and Jan Sangh leaders did during Bangladesh war in 1971.

They supported the then Indira Gandhi led Congress government and showered praise on her successful venture, which resulted in Bangladesh getting its Independence from the yoke of Pakistan.

Never did Vajpayee and Jan Sangh asked for the proof of military and civilian casualities among many war related mattters. Nor did the Republican party in the US sought evidence of the elimination of Osama Bin Laden by the then Barack Obama government after intruding into Pakistan air space.

In fact, US President Donald Trump had thanked Obama for this military action.

Sadly, a section of mediapersons who are running hate-Modi campaign for over three decades, are also giving voice to Pakistan and its lobby based in India, who are doing huge disservice to India, when both countries are in the state of war.

They are in state of war
the day captive Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was released as Prisoner of War under Geneva Convention.

These handful mediapersons shamelessly are refusing to acknowledge the state of war between India and Pakistan, so that they can swiftly change the narrative of any Indian diplomatic and military action.

People of this nation have very well understood and already acknowledged this reality, and any further anti-Modi pitch on national security issue, will only bring defeat to the parties making pro-Pakistan noise in the runup to Lok Sabha elections.

However, what defies all logic is in the fact that the opposition, especially the Congress, has taken refuge in a strategy to question Modi government's military action, expecting falsefied rich electoral dividends, when the majority of the people visibly are backing Modi government in the fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

May be, the Congress is being advised by a set of Lutyens media, who apparently has helped Imran Khan's PTI party to post a tweet in straight Hindi language, which the Pakistanis hate.

Jai Hind

No Country Has Sought Proof Of Balakot Attack, Except Cong: BJP

India, March 5: India's Central Minister Ravishankar Prasad today said no country in the world has sought any evidence to validate the attack across LoC, except the Indian National Congress over Balakot air strike.

Prasad said the Congress has been ignoring the international media reports validating the casualties and attack on Balakot terror camp, but picking on those reports which are speaking the Pakistani line.

"Reuters, PTI and BBC Urdu have reported validating Balakot attack and the casualties suffered thereof ... The Congress is not taking account the ground reporting done by some international media, but picking up reports that are toeing the line of Pakistani rhetoric," he said.

Asking the Congress to stop demoralising the Indian armed forces, Prasad also quoted reports from The Hindu and other Indian media validating Balakot attack.

"I will appeal to the Congress leaders, please, for the sake of India's interest, please don't reduce the morale, courage and prestige of Indian armed forces for extraneous gains," he added.

Prasad also alleged that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are the reason for Congress leaders to take stance which is demoralising the Indian forces.

Prasad also raised surprise over Congress' lack of understanding of the mood of the people who are with the Indian armed forces.

Modi Hints At New Phase Of Fight Against Terrorism, Says India Will Strike In Pak's Backyard

Gujarat, March 4: Giving a hint on a new phase of fight against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today warned Pakistan that India would strike in their own backyard to fight the menace.

"Yeh hamara siddhant hai. Hum ghar mein ghuss ke marte hain (It is our principle that we enter the houses and strike) ...," he said addressing a rally in Ahmedabad.

He also said he would not spare terror mongers even in the hell.

Modi said he would not wait for long and hit each one of terror mongers.

He also asked opposition to stop abusing the Indian forces, but are free to abuse his policies.

Modi said he has not taken the military action for reaping political benefits, but for nation's security.

"For me nation comes first, not chair ...," he said.

Rafale fighters would not have spared any Pakistanis: PM Modi

Gujarat, March 4: Raising Rafale issue in the midst of growing India-Pakistan tension, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said if India had Rafale fighters, the result could have been better and Pakistanis would not have been spared.

"I stated that had India had Rafale fighters, the result could have been better. Had it been with us, we wouldn't have lost anything of us and wouldn't have spared any of them," he said.

Attacking the Opposition for demanding proof of the February 26 air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan, he added that his objective was to end terror while that of the opposition was to remove him.

Modi said he does not understand why some people in the opposition still want to question the forces over Balakot air strike on Feb 26.

"The entire nation agrees that the menace of terror has to be eliminated. It is natural that we all should believe the armed forces and be proud of the forces. Yet, I don’t understand why some people still want to question the forces," he said.

The opposition is questioning his assertion and don't seem to have the capacity to understand what he is saying and hoped they use some common sense, Modi said.

He also said India would not sit quietly in the fight against terrorism and would do all to cure it from the root, which lies in Pakistan. 

Air Chief Marshal Dhanao Gives Oppn Stinging Reply, Quells Doubts Over Balakot Air Strike

Coimbatore, March 4: Amidst Opposition parties including Congress raising doubts over Balakot air strike, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanao today said Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan responded because IAF pilots hit the target.

"The target has been clearly amplified by FS in his statement. If we plan to hit the target, we hit the target, otherwise why would he (Pak PM) have responded, if we dropped bombs in the jungles why would he respond," he told reporters.

The Balakot attack had raised a political stink after several opposition leaders doubted the veracity of air strike and demanded proof of their destruction.

Twelve IAF Mirage-2000 jets had crossed LoC early Feb 26 morning and had destroyed JeM terror camps in Balakot. The air strike was carried out weeks after Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday in Patna had flayed the opposition parties for demoralising the Indian armed forces by seeking proof of the air strike, which is benefiting enemies.

Replying to a query, he said the government will clarify the number of casualties because the IAF does not count human casualties, but the targets.

On Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Dhanao said after he gets his medical fitness, he will get into fighter cockpit.

"Whether he (Wing Commander #Abhinandan) flies or not depends on his medical fitness. That's why post ejection, he has undergone medical check. Whatever treatment required, will be given. Once we get his medical fitness, he will get into fighter cockpit," he said.

Replying to a query on Mig 21's capabilities, Dhanao said the jet is capable and has been upgraded that has better radar, air-to air missiles and better weapons system.

Modi Blames UPA For Delay In Kalashnikov Project In Rahul's Backyard

Amethi, March 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today blamed UPA for the delay in Kalashnikov project in Amethi which is Rahul Gandhi's constituency.

"The Kalashnokov project should have started 8-9 years ago. Our forces had then made a request to the govt mentioning their needs. This was the reason this factory was sanctioned. Those who cannot do this much, how can someone trust them? They could not even decide on the arms to be manufactured here. They could not decide upon the land to be allotted," Modi said.

He said after inaugurating several development projects for Amethi, including the launch of a Kalashnikov rifles manufacturing facility.

The Made-in-Amethi AK-203s will be of great help to our forces in fighting terrorists and Naxals, he said.

Modi expressed his gratitude to his friend President Vladimir Putin for making this venture possible in such a short time.

He also said the earlier government was least bothered about India's armed forces as it even delayed acquisition of bulletproof jackets.

He said despite Supreme Court giving clean chit, the Opposition, especially Congress is trying to stall Rafale deal.

Rahul had raised the issue in at India Today Conclave this morning by saying that PM is 'solely responsible' for delay in arrival of Rafale.

Modi said his government sealed the deal within half a year and the first Rafale aircraft will be in the skies of India within a few months. 

Jaitey Recalls Vajpayee, Jana Sangh's Support To Indira Govt During 1971 War

India, March 3: Hitting out at opposition for not supporting Narendra Modi government and seeking proof over Balakot air strike, veteran BJP Leader Arun Jaitley today recalls the support of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Jana Sangh extended to the then Indira Gandhi government during 1971 war by rising from the level of politicians to statesmanship.

"There are occasions in history where the nation speaks in one voice.  Politicians and leaders rise to the level of statesmanship. They rise above narrow partisan interest. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s and the Jana Sangh’s support to the Government during the 1971 war is a case in point," Jaitley wrote in his blog.

He said the resolution of 21 Opposition parties, which accused Modi of politicising Pulwama and Balakot incidents, gave a handle to the enemy and Pakistani media used this as a trump card.

This statement endorsed Pakistani position that India had taken the Balakot action because of the compulsion of its domestic politics and not as a part of it's policy to defend the country against terrorism.

Apart from this, the statements of former PM Manmohan Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee statements have hurt India’s national interest and gave smiles to Pakistan, which became instrument in Pakistan’s hands to discredit India.

"Does the opposition want the Air Force to release operation details of the Balakot attack?  The Opposition is entitled to oppose and ask questions, but then restrain and statesmanship are also an essential ingredient of public discourse.  I hope, India’s Opposition revisits its position and does not let down the nation," he said.

Mamata had doubted the veracity of Balakot attack and wanted to know the operational details. Manmohan also had stated that he was disturbed with the "mad rush of mutual self-destruction" by the two nations.

Jaitley said Pakistan did not admit Balakot attack because the evidence of a terrorist camp in existence and the list of dead terrorists, would have been international issue.

He also said there is enough evidence has been shared with Pakistan about the planned Pulwama attack on February 14 in which several Pakistani nationals were involved and some of them had already been liquidated.

Jaitley also said the pre-emptive attack by IAF across the border was intended to defend India’s sovereignty and no civilian or military installations were targeted.

The retaliatory attack by Pakistan’s F-16 was the most botched up operation, he added.  

People Will Not Forgive Parties Seeking Proof Over Balakot Air Strike: Modi

Bihar, March 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said people of India will not forgive those including Opposition parties led by Congress for demoralising Indian armed forces by seeking proof of Balakot air strike, which is benefiting enemies.

Twelve IAF Mirage-2000 jets had crossed LoC early Feb 26 morning and had destroyed JeM terror camps in Balakot. The air strike was carried out weeks after Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

The air strike raised a political stink after several opposition leaders raised doubts on the veracity of air strike and demanded proof of their destruction.

Modi also alleged that the opposition want to finish Modi, instead of finishing terror and poverty, besides fulfilling aspirations of the youth and malnutrition.

He also hit out at 21 opposition parties for uniting to question NDA government when India had to stand united against terror factories.

Modi also said this is New India which does not remain silent on the killings of brave soldiers.

Lockheed Martin Calls Out Pak Lies Over Suing India For Shooting Down F-16

India, March 2: In yet another embarrassment for Pakistan and its lobby in India including a handful of media, the US aerospace and defence major Lockheed Martin rubbished Pakistan PM Imran Khan's claims that the company was contemplating suing India's false claim over shooting down PAF's F-16 fighter jet by IAF's Wing Commander Abhinandan.

Danyal Gilani, a high-ranking Pakistani civil servant, had said in a tweet that Lockheed Martin is going to file lawsuit against false Indian claims over factually incorrect claim of shooting down Pakistani F-16.

Lockheed Martin manufactures F-16 jet.

Replying to the tweet, the company, "Lockheed Martin has made no such comments."

To allay the embarrassment, Gilani took back the statement by acknowledging the statement was wrongly attributed to the company as he picked the report from a website.

Pakistan has relentlessly attempting to deny its F-16 was shot down by India's MIG-21 Bison, which was flown by Abhinandan.

However, Indian Air Force had discovered a debris component of a AMRAAM missile which is only fitted into an F-16, proving the use of F-16s into Indian air space by PAF on Feb 28.

The deployment of F-16s was also discovered by the electronic signature when it made its intrusion into Indian airspace.

Abhinandan Undergoes Medical Tests

India, March 2: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was flown to Delhi after Pakistan handed him over to the Indian security officials at Attari-Wagah border late yesterday night, underwent a series of medical tests as part of "cooling down" process.

The tests are expected to continue till tomorrow, officials said.

Earlier, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Abhinandan and also his immediate family members.

Abhinandan's right eye was swollen when he had crossed over to the Indian side at Attari-Wagah border.

After completion of the health check , debriefing sessions will be held for him, they said.
The IAF pilot had arrived at New Delhi before midnight yesterday and was taken to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment.

He was held captive by Pakistani armed forces on February 27 after his parachute drifted into the PoK border after his MiG 21 Bison crashed during a dogfight with Pakistani jets.

Before he could eject, Abhinandan brought down a Pakistani F-16.

Abhinandan Reaches New Delhi, To Be Debriefed Later Today

New Delhi, March 1:  Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman landed at Palam airport  past midnight after he was flown from Amritsar and has been taken for a medical check-up.

Abhinandan, who was released by Pak's armed forces from its custody, was welcomed by cheering people on the Indian side of Attari-Wagah border crossing past 9 pm IST.

The pilot was taken to Amritsar and flown to Delhi. 

Soon after he set his foot on the Indian soil, Abhinandan told an Indian security official, "It is good to be back in my country." 

Abhinandan would undergo physiological and physical check-up among other things, in the presence of military and intelligence officials, later today.

India had scored a massive diplomatic victory over Pakistan yesterday as it was compelled to release Abhinandan, who was taken into custody by Pakistan army, after his parachute drifted into PoK area.

Abhinandan had ejected from Mig 21 which he was flying after he had brought down a Pakistani F-16 in an aerial dog fight on February 28.

India also had given ultimatum by sending a dossier to Imran Khan's government demanding 'safe and immediate' return of Abhinandan.

Earlier, expressing happiness over Abhinandan's homecoming, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh called top class his terse replies to Pakistani military official's questions in custody.

The United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres welcomed the return of Indian pilot.

The parents of Abhinandan last night were given a standing ovation when they de-boarded a Chennai-New Delhi flight.

India Welcomes Captive IAF Hero Abhinandan Back

Attari Border, March 1:  Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was released by Pak's armed forces from its custody, today was welcomed by cheerings people on the Indian side at Attari-Wagah border crossing.

He was handed over to the Indian security officials at the Wagah-Attari Border after completion of formalities.

Before handing over Abhinandan to the Indian authorities, the IAF wing commander underwent a medical checkup at Wagah border.

Abhinandan had Lahore in a convoy comprising vehicles of Pakistani government officials.

The pilot will be taken to Amritsar and flown to Delhi, and thereafter to his home town, Chennai.

India had scored a massive diplomatic victory over Pakistan yesterday as it was compelled to release Abhinandan, who was taken into custody by Pakistan army, after his parachute drifted into PoK area.

Abhinandan had ejected from Mig 21 which he was flying after he had brought down a Pakistani F-16 in an aerial dog fight on February 28.

India also had given ultimatum by sending a dossier to Imran Khan's government demanding 'safe and immediate' return of Abhinandan.

Earlier, expressing happiness over Abhinandan's homecoming, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh called top class his terse replies to Pakistani military official's questions in custody.

The United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres welcomed the return of Indian pilot.

The parents of Abhinandan last night were given a standing ovation when they de-boarded a Chennai-New Delhi flight.

Details awaited

Ind-Pak Tension: Modi Tears Apart Pak Lobby Within India

Tamil Nadu, March 1: Hitting out vehemently at the Pakistan lobby in India including Congress party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked them to stop weakening India to strengthen their own politics over India-Pakistan tension in the aftermath of Pulwama attack.

"I want to tell them (Pakistan supporting lobby in India) - Modi will come and go, India will remain. Please stop weakening India to strengthen your own politics," he told addressing a public rally in Kanyakumari.

Modi said a few parties, guided by Modi hatred, have started hating India and no wonder they suspect the Indian armed forces, while the entire nation supports them.

The world is supporting India's fight against terror, but a few parties suspect India's fight against terror, he said.

Modi also said statements of Pakistan supporters are helping the neighbour and harming India.

"They are the same people whose statements are being happily quoted in Parliament of Pakistan and in the radio of Pakistan," he said.

Modi also asked the lobby whether they stood with the Indian armed forces or suspect them.

They should also clarify if they believe Indian armed forces or believe those forces who support terrorism on Indian soil.

Modi said India has been facing the menace of terrorism for years, but is no longer helpless and will be helpless.

The nation expected terror perpetrators to be punished, but nothing happened, between 2004 to 2014, a period when several terror attacks were carried out, Modi said.

However after Uri and Pulwama attacks, India retaliated against terror strikes in India, he added.

Modi also said UPA blocked Indian Air Force who wanted to do surgical strike after 26/11, but during NDA regime armed forces have been given full freedom to do what they want.

Influence of terrorists and terrorism has been curtailed and it is going to be curtailed even more, he added.

"This is a New India. This is an India that will return the damage done by terrorists with interest," he said.

"The events of the past few days have demonstrated yet again the strength of our armed forces. It has also brought our nation closer. The way the nation has supported our armed forces is extra-ordinary and I bow to every Indian for that," he added.

Abhinandan To Reach Wagha Border A Few Hours From Now

Wagha Border, March 1: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was released by Pakistan's armed forces from its custody, has left Islamabad and reach Attari-Wagha border in few hours from now, acccording to Amritsar DC Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon.

India had scored a massive diplomatic victory over Pakistan yesterday as it was compelled to release Abhinandan, who was taken into custody by Pakistan army, after his parachute drifted into PoK area.

Abhinandan had ejected from Mig 21 which he was flying after engaging with Pakistani F-16 in an aerial dog fight on February 28.

India also had given ultimatum by sending a dossier to Imran Khan's government demanding 'safe and immediate' return of Abhinandan.

Expressing happiness over Abhinandan's homecoming, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh called top class his terse replies to Pakistani military official's questions in custody.

Earlier, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres welcomed the return of Indian pilot.

Sushma Builds Further Pressure On Pak At OIC Meet

Abu Dhabi, March 1: Further building pressure on Pakistan, India's Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said nations who are funding and giving shelter to terrorists should stop doing it.

She was speaking at Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

"If we want to save humanity, we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing shelter and funding to the terror organisations based in that country," she said.

Sushma said this is not a clash of civilisations or cultures, but a contest of ideas and ideals.

"As PM @narendramodi has often said, it is a struggle between the values of humanism and the forces of inhumanity," she said. 

Sushma also said fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion.

Terrorism and extremism bear different names and labels and uses diverse causes, but in each case, it is driven by distortion of religion and a misguided belief in its power to succeed, she added.

Sushma also said every religion in the world stands for peace, compassion and brotherhood.

"India has always embraced and found it easy to embrace pluralism since it is embedded in the oldest Sanskrit religious text “The Rig Veda” and I quote "एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति", which means "God is One but learned men describe Him in many ways," she said.