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India.com
7 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Inside Operation Sindoor: Army Veteran Explains How India's Precision Strike Hit Jaish HQ In Pakistan's Bahawalpur
New Delhi: In the early hours of May 7, while most of South Asia slept, India sent a message that echoed beyond borders. Using a blend of surgical precision and technological superiority, the Indian Armed Forces carried out a high-value strike on Bahawalpur, deep inside Pakistani territory. It was not a random target. It was the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), one of the most notorious terror groups in the region. Codenamed Operation Sindoor, the mission unfolded with efficiency. Among the nine targets India hit that night, Bahawalpur was the farthest and perhaps the most fortified. What followed was a carefully calibrated assault that reportedly killed or wounded multiple militants, including family members of JeM chief Masood Azhar. 'The Legacy of Terrorism Overshadows Culture' Major Manik M Jolly, a decorated Gorkha veteran, academician and author, detailed the strike in his ongoing B.I.R.D. thread series on X (formerly Twitter). In a tweet that captured the contrast of Bahawalpur's history and its militarisation, he wrote, 'Bahawalpur, home to cultural and architectural legacy, has seen the legacy been overshadowed after Jaish-e-Mohammad's headquarters were established around 2000s with the help of the Pakistan Army. The region now suffers from the legacy of terrorism and state militarisation.' For India, the strike was a strategic signal and an operational success. Precision With Purpose Major Jolly wrote that Precision Strike Weapon Systems (PSWS) and BrahMos missiles were used in the strike. The goal was to cripple the JeM infrastructure while ensuring zero civilian casualties. Reviewed later, satellite imagery showed complete destruction of the terror training facilities in Bahawalpur. 'Targets were hit around 1 AM IST, with precision ammo. As soon as these attacks started, PAF and Air Defence got activated, but could not do anything to thwart the attack. The decision on timing, location and style of attack was always fully with India,' he posted. The emphasis on timing and control underlined the depth of planning behind the operation. By launching the strike under cover of night, Indian forces achieved maximum tactical surprise. Pakistan's air defence systems reacted but failed to intercept or respond effectively, according to Jolly's account. Collateral Damage to Terror Infrastructure The fallout was severe for the JeM. Apart from operational casualties, the strike reportedly targeted and damaged the living quarters and training zones of the group. Among those injured or killed were individuals close to Masood Azhar, including some of his family members. Pakistan's response, according to Major Jolly, came not through denials but admissions. 'The Pakistani Army showed its support to Jaish-e-Mohammad organisation by sending top Pakistani officials to offer their prayers and condolences after the Bahawalpur strike was successful,' he wrote. The Pakistani military's post-strike gestures pointed to the enduring links between Islamabad's security establishment and the terror groups it is often accused of nurturing. 'India Chose Timing, Location and Style of Attack' For India, Operation Sindoor was more than a tactical victory. It was a demonstration of strategic reach and political will. The Indian side retained full control over every parameter, from mission planning to the moment of strike. Major Manik M Jolly summed up the operation's impact, 'The impact and damage has set the terrorist organisation back massively. The strike on Bahawalpur proved to be successful in various ways, proving the capabilities of the Indian defence systems and their stand against terrorism.' While official remain tight-lipped on operational details, voices like Jolly's, with their background in military intelligence and boots-on-ground realism, offer a rare window into how modern warfare is evolving. B.I.R.D. Thread series #OpSindoor -Targets Bahawalpur On May 7, India hit #Bahawalpur in a precision strike on Jaish-e-Mohammad's HQ-the farthest of 9 targets. A key ops hub with training, indoctrination, and living facilities. Here's what took place: @BIRDInitiative1 — Maj Manik M Jolly,SM (@Manik_M_Jolly) July 31, 2025 Bahawalpur, home to cultural and architectural legacy has seen the legacy been overshadowed after Jaish-e-Mohammad's headquarters were established around 2000s with the help of the Pakistan army, the region now suffers from the legacy of terrorism and state militarization. — Maj Manik M Jolly,SM (@Manik_M_Jolly) July 31, 2025 The Indian military used the Precision Strike Weapon System (PSWS) and BrahMos missiles to destroy JeM infrastructure in Bahawalpur, avoiding civilian harm. High-resolution satellite imagery confirmed the complete elimination of the terrorist training facility. — Maj Manik M Jolly,SM (@Manik_M_Jolly) July 31, 2025 Targets were hit around 1 AM IST, with precision ammo. As soon as these attacks started, PAF and Air Defence got activated, and yet couldn't do anything to thwart the attack. The decision on timing, location and style of attack was always fully with India. — Maj Manik M Jolly,SM (@Manik_M_Jolly) July 31, 2025 The strikes killed or injured several terrorists and even family members of Masood Azhar. The Pakistani Army showed its support to Jaish e Mohammad organisation by sending top Pakistani officials to offer their prayers and condolences after the Bahawalpur strike was successful. — Maj Manik M Jolly,SM (@Manik_M_Jolly) July 31, 2025 A Storm That Spoke Loud Once known for its sandstone mosques and pre-independence palaces, Bahawalpur now lies in news for another reason. In addition to neutralising a terror hub, India's strike did so without crossing a single civilian line, with precision that defied Pakistan's response machinery. And in that quiet, early morning strike, India made something clear that it knows how to hit where it hurts and when it counts.
NDTV
09-07-2025
- General
- NDTV
11 Killed After Bridge Collapses In Gujarat: A Look Back At Major Tragedies
11 people were killed and three others injured on Wednesday morning when a portion of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Vadodara district, sending multiple vehicles into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River. The incident occurred around peak traffic hours in Padra taluka, on a key bridge that connects the Anand and Vadodara districts. According to officials, the collapsed section brought down four vehicles, two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the structure gave way. Rescue teams from the fire brigade, local police, and the Vadodara district administration rushed to the spot and launched operations to retrieve bodies and search for survivors. Over the years, India has witnessed some of the deadliest bridge collapses. Here are some of them. 2022: Morbi Suspension Bridge, Gujarat At least 137 people, including nearly 50 children, were killed when a 150-year-old suspension bridge collapsed in Morbi, Gujarat, on October 30, 2022. The bridge reopened days earlier after renovations. It was packed with Diwali crowds when it gave way. Footage showed people rocking the bridge moments before it fell. Investigations revealed corroded cables and no fitness clearance. 2016: Kolkata Flyover Collapse, West Bengal On March 31, 2016, an under-construction flyover collapsed in a crowded Kolkata neighbourhood, killing 26 people. Workers noticed cracks and tried to weld them instead of alerting the public. The accident exposed serious lapses in construction oversight. 2011: Darjeeling Bridge Collapse, West Bengal In October 2011, tragedy struck near Darjeeling during a Gorkha cultural event when a wooden suspension bridge in Bijanbari collapsed under the weight of a large crowd. At least 32 people were killed, and hundreds more were injured. The bridge was reportedly already weakened by a recent earthquake. 2011: Seppa Bridge Collapse, Arunachal Pradesh A week after the Darjeeling tragedy, a second bridge collapsed in the northeastern town of Seppa, Arunachal Pradesh. A suspension footbridge gave way while hundreds of villagers gathered to collect a local insect delicacy from the river below. Approximately 30 people, most of them children, died in the collapse. 2006: Bhagalpur Railway Bridge Collapse, Bihar In December 2006, at least 34 people were killed when a 150-year-old railway bridge collapsed onto a passenger train at Bhagalpur station in Bihar. The bridge was officially marked as disused but had not been demolished or cordoned off. As the train pulled into the station, large sections of the stone and iron structure came crashing down on the coaches.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Assam & Meghalaya villagers protest proposed dam on Kulsi
Guwahati: Hundreds of people from Assam, joined by residents from adjoining Meghalaya, organised a protest march at Chaygaon in Kamrup district on Wednesday, opposing a proposed 55 MW hydel power project along the interstate border near Ukiam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The demonstration comes in response to the joint Assam-Meghalaya move to build the dam by evicting villages located near the Kulsi river. More than a dozen organisations participated in the rally, including units of the All Assam Students' Union, All Rabha Students' Union, Assam-Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee, Ukiam-Kyrsai group, Garo National Council (Assam Zone), and Bongaon Anchalik Committee of the All Assam Tribal Sangha. These groups represent a cross-section of tribal and non-tribal communities — Khasi, Gorkha, Bengali, Koch-Rajbongshi, Garo, Rabha, Bodo, and others. Memorandums were submitted to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma, demanding that the project be scrapped. Protesters said the proposed dam, located upstream on the Kulsi river — a major tributary of the Brahmaputra — would devastate agricultural livelihoods in Kamrup, affect wetlands such as Chandubi Lake, and destroy habitats of endangered Gangetic river dolphin. The fishing community downstream has also voiced opposition, raising concerns after CM Sarma announced the proposed project following a meeting with his Meghalaya counterpart. Kulsi is considered the agricultural lifeline of south Kamrup district. The river originates from the confluence of the Khri (Sri), Dilma (Ghoga), and Dron rivers at the "Tribeni Sangam" in Ukiam, flowing onward as a vital Brahmaputra tributary. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The crops and natural vegetation of south Kamrup depend on the Kulsi's flow. Installing a 62-metre-high dam at Ukiam would severely disrupt this ecosystem," read the memorandum sent to the CMs via the Chaygaon circle officer. Protesters also warned of the risks during monsoon, citing past cloudburst incidents. They fear that in the event of excess rainfall, a sudden release from the dam's reservoir could cause large-scale devastation downstream. According to the memorandum, the proposed project is expected to affect several villages in Assam's Kamrup district and Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills. These include Ukiam, Barjhar, Dighalbil, Warygrow, Krishnapur, Umthali, Mekhamdal, Darifang, and others. Kulsi is home to the endangered Gangetic river dolphin, or Sihu, Assam's state aquatic animal, listed on the IUCN Red List, the memorandum stated.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Arunachal celebrates West Bengal statehood day in spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
1 2 3 4 Itanagar: In the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the statehood day of West Bengal was celebrated at the Raj Bhavan here on Friday. The celebration brought together the Bengali and Gorkha communities of Arunachal Pradesh to showcase the rich heritage of West Bengal. Taking part in the celebrations, Arunachal Pradesh governor KT Parnaik congratulated the people of West Bengal and thanked them for their contributions to the development and progress of Arunachal Pradesh. He said their dedication and cultural vibrancy have enriched the social fabric of the state. Parnaik also acknowledged the pioneering efforts of institutions like the Ramakrishna Mission, along with the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas, in strengthening the education system of Arunachal Pradesh, adding that the Ramakrishna Mission embodies the shared values that bind the people of both states. Highlighting the importance of cultural exchange, the governor said such celebrations provide young students of Arunachal Pradesh a valuable opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures of India. "When children are exposed to the traditions, music, and values of other states, they grow up with greater empathy, understanding, and respect for our nation's unity in diversity," the governor said. The event was marked by cultural presentations by students from the Nrityangan Dance & Music Academy, Itanagar, a Gorkhali dance by Lhamu Dolma Tamang and others, and local folk dance by students of PM SHRI Arunodaya School, Itanagar, traditional Bengali duet folk dance by Techi Ajum of VKV, Itanagar, and Tarh Dai of KV, Itanagar. As a part of the event, the message of West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose was read out. Later, the governor hosted high tea for the participants and interacted with the members of the Bengali and Gorkha communities, praising their efforts to preserve and promote their cultural heritage in their adopted home.
Indian Express
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Fruit of decade-long activism': Nepali listed as optional subject for West Bengal Civil Service exam
By Debasmita Chowdhury The West Bengal government has included Nepali as an optional subject in the West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) 2025 Mains examination, fulfilling sustained demands by the Gorkha community. Hindi and Santhali were made 'compulsory language' subject options, according to a June 17 notification by the state's Personnel and Administrative Reforms department. Recognised as an official language in the state since 1961 and listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Nepali had previously not been on the list of optional subjects of the examination. However, its availability as a compulsory subject for the preliminary examinations has continued this year. The move means that students with degrees in Nepali and its native speakers will be able to use the optional subject to their advantage instead of resorting to unrelated subjects for the main examination. This had sparked protests over the years, especially in the Darjeeling hills. 'This decision comes after strong and sustained efforts, which I had been following up on since 2021. This year, I had reached out to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on May 31, requesting her to ensure justice for Gorkha, Adivasi and Hindi-speaking communities, accompanied by strong representation from various stakeholders, including the Hills Student Union (HSA), North Bengal University, and the All Bengal Adivasi Students' Association (ABASA),' said Raju Bista, Darjeeling MP from the BJP in a statement. He called the move a reaffirmation of Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality and non-discrimination. 'Let this decision mark the beginning of more inclusive and sensitive policy-making that reflects the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the state, particularly our Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region,' Bista said. Until now, students who studied subjects like Physics or Bengali could opt for them in WBCS, but those with degrees in Nepali were denied that option, forcing them to choose unrelated subjects. Upendra M Pradhan, Editor of The Darjeeling Chronicle, said, 'The Constitution of India guarantees the right to equality, but the Gorkhas had been deprived of this right. The inclusion of Nepali as an optional subject in the WBCS examination, finally, after decade-long activism by Gorkha students, youth politicians, showcases the disconnect Kolkata has towards the people of Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars, particularly the Gorkhas. This is something that should have been done automatically, but they had to struggle.' The writer is an intern with The Indian Express
