INDIA’S EFFORTS TO COUNTER TERROR

5 Jawans martyred, terrorists ‘trapped’

PAFF, a terror body of Jaish-e-Mohammed, claims responsibility of the Rajouri attack

Moni Sharma

Rajouri: Five Army jawans lost their lives in an explosion during an encounter with terrorists in J&K’s Rajouri district on Friday. A joint operation is underway to flush out the terrorists suspected to be involved in the Poonch terror attack.

Sticky bombs and steel bullets were used in a terror attack last month in which 5 Army jawans were killed in Poonch. On Friday, based on a lead about presence of terrorists in Kandi Forest in Rajouri, an operation was launched, official said.

Mobile internet facilities in Rajouri area have been suspended, IA officials said

No shake hand, only ‘Namaste’: Jaishankar greets Pak FM Bilawal

Five bravehearts laid down their lives during an encounter with terrorists. The deceased soldiers are L/Nk Ruchin Singh Rawat, Paratrooper Siddhant Chettri, Nk Arvind Kumar, Hav Neelam Singh, and Paratrooper Pramod Negi. —Army official

PM Modi invokes ‘The Kerala Story’, accuses Congress of standing with terror elements

First India Bureau

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra

Modi referred to the controversial movie

‘The Kerala Story’ at an election rally in Karnataka’s Ballari city on Friday and accused the Congress of having a

Terrorism was against humanity, life values and development. I am shocked that the Congress has surrendered in front of terrorists to appease its vote bank. They had not uttered a word against terrorism for fear of losing its vote bank. —Narendra Modi, Prime Minister backdoor understanding with terror groups.

“There was a lot of discussion about Kerala Story, which discusses ploys to make the

May 10: Modi to offer prayers at Shrinathji temple

First India Bureau Jaipur: PM Narendra Modi will hold a public rally on Abu Road in Sirohi district on May 10, BJP state President CP Joshi said on Friday. The PM will begin his visit by first offering prayers at Shrinathji Temple. Before the rally, he will inaugurate devp works, and visit Brahma Kumari.

country hollow from within. They say Kerala Story is based on the terrorist plots in just one state. Such a beautiful state, where people are hard working and talented, Kerala Story has exposed the terror conspiracies,” PM Modi said. Full Report on P5, P6

‘YOU’ TURN!

Not stepping down as NCP chief: Sharad

First India Bureau Mumbai: Sharad Pawar, who had resigned as NCP chief a few days ago triggering emotional protests from the party members, has now withdrawn his decision to step down. Hours after his resignation was rejected by NCP panel, Sharad Pawar said he would con-

S Jaishankar with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto prior to SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, in Goa on Friday.

Panaji (FIB): Stating that terrorism is a major threat, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that anti-terror measures are the need of the hour. Speaking at SCO meet in Goa, Jaishankar said that channels of finances for terrorist activities must be seized and blocked to curb these activities.

EAM JAISHANKAR NAMES, SHAMES BILAWAL BHUTTO

Jaishankar greeted Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari with a “Namaste”. Jaishankar hits out Zardari’s ‘weaponising terrorism” remarks at SCO meet and said “as a promoter, justifier and spokesperson of a terrorism industry which is mainstay of Pak, his positions were called out and countered” including at the meeting.

They (Pakistan) are committing acts of terrorism. I don’t want to jump the gun on what happened today at the SCO meeting here, but we are all feeling equally outraged. I would say that Pakistan’s credibility is depleting faster than even its Forex reserves.

—S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister

Rs 538-cr fraud

CBI raids Jet Airways office, Goyal’s home

I’m taking my decision back… Will work for NCP with renewed vigour.

—Sharad Pawar, NCP chief tinue as party chief. Referring to outpouring of emotions after his announcement to step down, Sharad emphasised that he cannot disrespect the sentiments of party members. P5

Naresh Sharma

Jaipur: The Gujarat Giants (GT) once again sealed their place at the top of the table in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 with a 9-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Friday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

It was a spin show from Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad which allowed GT to produce a comfortable win as they chased the target of 119 with more than six overs to spare. Chasing a target of just 119, Gujarat Titans openersShubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha got off to a bright start. The fifty partnership was up for the opening duo in the seventh over. Rajasthan Royals were still search- ing for the all-important breakthrough as Gujarat Titans openers took the game further away from home side. More on P7

Shubham Jain

Ajmer: Talking to reporters in Ajmer, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that no tax was imposed in the first five budgets. “We did not mere make budget announcements but implemented them as well.

We gave the people what they asked for. The announcements are so many that every section will get benefited. The atmosphere of Rahul Gandhi’s visit was spectacular everywhere and the countdown has begun for the BJP in the country. The situation of the country is critical and it has to be understood. If not taken care of, the situation will get worse. PM Narendra Modi speaks well, it is a good thing. But democracy is in danger. ED and CBI are being misused. Ten lakh families have left the country. The last weapon of BJP is polarisation,” Gehlot said. Turn to P8

New Delhi (FIB): CBI searched 7 locations in Mumbai, including office of Jet Airways and premises of its founder Naresh Goyal, in connection with a `538 crore fraud. FIR lodged on plaint by Canara Bank CGM names founder Naresh Goyal, his wife Anita, GA Shetty, Jet Airways, and refers to unknown public servants.