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India-Pakistan tensions: PM Modi reviews security as US, China, and Saudi Arabia step in

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs

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Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service

Hours after India said Pakistan Army was seen moving its troops towards forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level national security review at his residence.The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs.

PM reviewed India’s preparedness with armed forces in a high state of operational readiness, having successfully foiled all hostile actions proportionately.

The PM also took note of India’s response.

After Pakistan fired drones and missiles, launched fighter jets and high-speed missiles at India, climbing up the escalation ladder, Indian response hit targets in Pakistan.These included bases Rahimyar Khan, Murid in Chakwal, Rafiqui in Jhang, and Sialkot.

The Indian response followed the first wave of civilian casualties in Pakistan attacks.

Also, the review by the PM came as the US intensified attempts at de-escalation and Pakistan said the option to go nuclear was not on the cards right now.Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said today, “At the moment the nuclear option is not on the cards. However, if the situation comes up, the watchers will be affected as well,” Asif told Geo News.

Meanwhile, the world intensified efforts to de-escalate tensions.The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to both Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister today.

Jaishankar told Rubio that India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so.

“Had a conversation with US @SecRubio this morning. India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so,” Jaishankar said on X.The US State Department said Rubio emphasized that both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation.

“He further proposed US support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.Rubio said both India and Pakistan need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation, proposing support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes. He spoke separately with Jaishankar and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.China on Saturday strongly urged India and Pakistan to exercise calm and restraint and return to the track of peaceful settlement amid reports of escalation of the military conflict between the two neighbours.

“We strongly urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, exercise calm and restraint, return to the track of political settlement through peaceful means, and refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions,” a statement by the spokesperson of the ministry said.

Saudi Arabia also early Saturday said it was making efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan.


Over 3,000 youth enrol as Civil Defence volunteers in Chandigarh

Massive turnout at Tagore Theatre and Tiranga Urban Park reflected a surge of national pride

Over 3,000 young citizens of Chandigarh enrolled as Civil Defence volunteers during a large-scale mobilisation drive held at Tagore Theatre in Sector 18 and Tiranga Urban Park in Sector 17 on Saturday.

The event witnessed not only an overwhelming response but also a surge of national pride and youthful determination.

Punjab Governor and Administrator of UT Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria addressed the youth at Tagore Theatre. His words, full of emotion and moral clarity, struck a deep chord with every listener.

Recalling India’s long tradition of unsung heroes who served without rank or recognition, Governor Kataria spoke with reverence of the invisible warriors of the past – those who during the wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971 turned schools into bunkers, carried the wounded to safety, and worked day and night with no expectation of reward.

“They had no medals,” he said, “but they had the heart of India beating inside them.”

At Tiranga Urban Park, under the waving tricolour, hundreds took the pledge to serve not just in times of war, but in every crisis – be it disaster, emergency, or the need for calm in chaos. For many, it was a turning point – a moment when being a citizen took on a deeper meaning.

The event also witnesses the participation of key officials including Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, and UT Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur.


Operation Sindoor LIVE: Pakistan’s fresh bid to attack Pathankot Air Force station with 3 missiles

Tribune Web Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level national security review at his residence amid India-Pakistan tensions. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs.

Emergency fire machinery worth Rs 47 crore for Pathankot, Rajasansi, Ferozepur

May 10, 2025 4:57 pm

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday dedicated fire equipment worth Rs 47 crore to strengthen emergency response in border areas of Pathankot, Rajasansi, Ferozepur and other vulnerable locations. Mann said to cater to needs of border region fire apparatus, including small and medium fire tenders and other essential machinery has been dedicated to people of the state. This includes disaster deployment kit, hydraulic combi tool collapse structure and rescue kit, gas detectors, fire entry suits, battery backup lighting tower, multipurpose fire tender, quick response vehicle (small) and others. TNS

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Op Sindoor must continue till last terrorist hideout is destroyed: Martyr Dilawar Khan’s father

May 10, 2025 4:48 pm

Karamdin, father of martyred Dilawar Khan, who was awarded Kirti Chakra (posthumous), has urged the government to continue Operation Sindoor till all terrorist hideouts are destroyed. Talking to the PTI on Saturday, he said that he was elated with the Indian armed forces and the Central Government, which have given a befitting reply to the terrorists after the Pahalgam attack. Dilawar (28) was martyred on July 23, 2024, in the Lolab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir. During a search operation, Khan killed a terrorist despite being injured, but also lost his life. PTI

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Debris of unidentified projectiles found in Hoshiarpur

May 10, 2025 4:44 pm

The debris of unidentified projectiles was found from two villages in Hoshiarpur district on Saturday morning, officials said. The wreckage was found in Sikri and Sandhra villages, Hoshiarpur Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Mukesh Kumar said. No loss of lives or damage to property was reported, the officials said. Acting promptly, police informed Indian Air Force officials for further investigation. Tanda DSP Davinder Singh said the unidentified objects were taken by the armed forces for examination and disposal. PTI

Faridkot admn sets up 6 evacuation centres

May 10, 2025 4:44 pm

According to official communication issued today, under the directives of the Faridkot DC, a total of six evacuation centres have been established across the district to ensure the safety and preparedness of residents in vulnerable areas. These centres are equipped to accommodate residents from border villages in case of any emergency situation. TNS

Amid rising tensions, Faridkot enforces ‘Thikri Pehra’

May 10, 2025 4:30 pm

Amid escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border, the Faridkot administration has ordered all village panchayats to implement Thikri Pehra — a traditional community night patrol — under the provisions of the colonial-era Punjab Small Town Patrol Act, 1918. As part of the heightened security protocol, panchayats have been instructed to enforce strict vigil from 7 pm to 5 am. The directive also includes a mandatory blackout. TNS

Punjab CM appeals to people not to rush to debris site

May 10, 2025 4:30 pm

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann appealed to the people not to rush to the debris site at once. “Inform police or army personnel, let them handle it first. Please do not rush to the spot where parts of bomb, mortar, missile or drone are found and gather around it. It may explode. Army has requested this message to be conveyed,” he said.

8 BSF troops injured in Pak shelling

resh Explosion heard in Srinagar

May 10, 2025 12:00 pm

A drone was shot down by the air-defence system at the old airfield in Srinagar on Saturday as the city was rocked by massive blasts, officials said. Two massive explosions were heard near the Srinagar airport around noon, they said. The officials said a drone hovering over the old airfield, also called the “technical” airport, was shot down by the air-defence system. Two blasts rocked the city around 11:45 am, hours after multiple explosions in the early hours. Drone strike continues inside Adampur Air Force base even now. A few drones have fallen within the compound too.

Pakistan army moving troops towards forward areas: Wing Commander Vyomika Singh

May 10, 2025 11:40 am

After targeting several locations and civilians in different areas in India, the Pakistan Army is now moving its troops towards forward areas, signaling possible offensive intentions. Addressing a press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed that the Pakistan Army is moving troops towards forward areas. Wing Commander Singh asserted that while all hostile actions have been effectively countered with proportionate responses, India has reiterated its commitment to de-escalation, conditional on reciprocal restraint from Pakistan. “Pakistan Army has been observed to be moving its troops towards forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalation. Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness, and all hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded proportionately. Indian armed forces reiterated their commitment to non-escalation, provided the Pakistan side reciprocates,” Singh said.

Will stop if India stops: Pakistan Foreign Minister on local TV

May 10, 2025 11:19 am

Pakistan Foreign Minister on local TV: If India stops here then “we will consider to stop here”. Reuters

Pakistan’s bid to attack Indian airbases

May 10, 2025 11:09 am

Pakistan attacked Indian airbases in Udhampur, Pathankot and Bathinda among other stations last night, the Centre said in a special briefing on Operation Sindoor. The briefing was led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Pakistan used drones and other high-calibre weapons to attack India’s western front. In total, 26 Indian cities were targeted. India neutralised most of the attacks. “Pakistan also attacked school and medical facilities in Srinagar, Avantipura and Udhampur,” Col Sofiya Qureshi said. Also read: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/pathankot-bathinda-udhampur-attacked-by-pakistan-indias-special-briefing/

Pak targets airbase station in Punjab

May 10, 2025 10:59 am

Pakistan used high speed missile to target an airbase station in Punjab

J&K: Morning visuals from Kupwara

May 10, 2025 4:30 pm

Eight BSF personnel have been injured in Pakistan shelling along the International Border in Jammu on Saturday, officials said. The incident took place in the RS Pura sector. The troops have been rushed to a nearby military medical facility, the officials added. PTI

Air attack warning in Faridkot

May 10, 2025 4:30 pm

An air attack warning has been sounded in Faridkot. All sirens are on; people have been directed to stay indoors and take appropriate self-protection measures. Following the orders by the district administration, police asked shopkeepers to close their shops. The police also made rounds of markets in Kotkapura, asking the shopkeepers to close their commercial establishments for the time being in view of a Red alert.

BJP accuses Congress of passivity on terror, sparks political row

May 10, 2025 3:25 pm

The Congress sought clarification from the BJP-led government on Saturday after the saffron party accused the former UPA government of “passivity” over terror attacks from Pakistan on Indian soil during its tenure. While the saffron party hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking action against Pakistan for conducting terror strikes on India. Read more: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/bjp-accuses-congress-of-passivity-on-terror-sparks-political-row/

5 top Pakistani terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor: GOI sources

May 10, 2025 2:31 pm

The first leg of ‘Operation Sindoor’ eliminated five high-value terrorists, including two brothers-in-law of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, top Government of India sources said on Saturday after confirmations. Read more: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/5-top-pakistani-terrorists-killed-in-operation-sindoor-goi-sources/

Pakistan fires 3 missiles at Pathankot Air Force station

May 10, 2025 2:17 pm

Pakistan fires three missiles aimed at Pathankot Air Force station. All three missed the target and hit hilltops near Damtal before exploding. Security enhanced in and around the air base.

PM Modi reviews security as US, China, and Saudi Arabia step in

May 10, 2025 2:05 pm

PM Narendra Modi chairs high-level meet with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, service chiefs, top security officials.

Haven’t slept for 2 days: Border residents in Rajasthan

May 10, 2025 10:41 am

A fresh wave of drone attacks by Pakistan last night made residents of border areas in Rajasthan anxious yet their faith in the Indian Armed forces stayed strong as the forces neutralised the drones mid-air, with no harm reported. The western Rajasthan experienced a complete blackout and sirens were sounded multiple times, particularly in Barmer, to alert residents. The first drone attack bid occurred in Jaisalmer’s Pokhran on Friday night. Then similar attempts were reported from other areas in Jaisalmer and Barmer.

China ‘strongly’ urges India, Pakistan to exercise calm, restraint

May 10, 2025 10:37 am

China on Saturday “strongly” urged India and Pakistan to exercise calm and restraint and return to the track of peaceful settlement. China is closely following the ongoing situation between India and Pakistan and is deeply concerned about the escalation, a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry here. “We strongly urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, exercise calm and restraint, return to the track of political settlement through peaceful means, and refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions,” the statement issued by the spokesperson of the ministry said. “This will be important for the fundamental interest of both India and Pakistan, and for a stable and peaceful region. This is also what the international community hopes to see. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role to this end,” it said.

Explosions in Haryana’s Sirsa city: Debris found at 2 locations

May 10, 2025 10:26 am

Sirsa city in Haryana was shaken by a loud explosion past Friday midnight around 12:15 am, triggering panic among residents. Read more:https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/tensions-rise-in-sirsa-after-late-night-explosions-debris-found-in-two-locations/

Terrorist launchpad in Pak opposite Jammu’s Akhnoor destroyed: BSF

May 10, 2025 10:16 am

The Border Security Force on Saturday said it has “completely destroyed” a terrorist launchpad opposite Akhnoor in Jammu in response to unprovoked firing from the other side along the International Border. The base was located at Looni in Pakistan’s Sialkot district, a BSF spokesperson said. This came after Pakistan initiated “unprovoked” firing on BSF posts in Jammu sector from 9 pm on Friday. The BSF responded in a commensurate manner, causing widespread damage to the posts and assets of the Pakistan Rangers along the international boundary, the spokesperson said. The terrorist launchpad at Looni in Sialkot district, opposite Akhnoor area, was completely destroyed by the BSF.

Rubio calls up Pak Army chief, offers talks

May 10, 2025 10:13 am

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir and offered US assistance in starting “constructive talks” with India to avoid future conflicts. Rubio “continued to urge both parties to find ways to de-escalate,” a statement issued by Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

Delhi airport resumes normal operations, issues travel advisory

May 10, 2025 9:51 am

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport resumed normal operations in the early hours of Saturday and issued an advisory to passengers amid heightened security preparedness due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. In its latest travel advisory, the airport said, “Delhi Airport operations are normal at present. However, due to changing airspace conditions and increased security measures as per orders from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, some flight schedules might be impacted, and security checkpoint processing times could be longer.” The airport operator issued the advisory to passengers, which includes, “Stay informed with updates from their airlines. Follow hand baggage and check-in luggage rules. Arrive early to allow for potential delays at security checks. Cooperate with airline and security staff for smooth processing. Check flight status via their airline or the official Delhi Airport website.” “We encourage all passengers to rely on official sources for accurate information and avoid sharing unverified content,” the advisory added.

Blast reported inside Air Force Station in Bathinda

May 10, 2025 9:19 am

Blast reported inside Air Force Station in Bathinda. Air force stations in the region are being targeted. The frequency of blasts near the Adampur Air Force Station is also high.

Nankhana Sahib in Pakistan not attacked by Indian drone: govt debunks fake news

May 10, 2025 9:07 am

The government on Saturday debunked claims that India had launched a drone attack on the Nankana Sahib gurdwara in Pakistan. “A video shared on social media is claiming that India has carried out a drone attack on the Nankhana Sahib gurdwara. This claim is completely fake,” the PIB Fact Check Unit said. Read more: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/nankhana-sahib-in-pakistan-not-attacked-by-indian-drone-govt-debunks-fake-news/

Jalandhar on high alert: A day after drone attacks, city sees missile attacks

May 10, 2025 9:06 am

A day after multiple drone attacks, Jalandhar saw several missile attacks on the night of May 9-10, with explosions heard intermittently, keeping residents awake and panicky. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/jalandhar-on-high-alert-a-day-after-drone-attacks-city-sees-missile-attacks/

PM Shehbaz Sharif calls meeting of body that oversees nuclear arsenal: Pakistan military

May 10, 2025 8:06 am

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a meeting of the National Command Authority on Saturday, the military said, after Islamabad launched a military operation against India and targeted multiple bases. Read more: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/pakistan/pm-shehbaz-sharif-calls-meeting-of-body-that-oversees-nuclear-arsenal-pakistan-military/

Omar Abdullah on X

May 10, 2025 7:44 am

I’m not sure how the “International Community” thinks the current tension in the subcontinent will be de-escalated when the IMF essentially reimburses Pakistan for all the ordnance it is using to devastate Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Tangdhar & so many other places.— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1921024713981063364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>May 10, 2025

Woman killed in Poonch

May 10, 2025 7:39 am

A woman identified as Rashida Bi from Mendhar in Poonch killed in Pakiatan shelling at 7 am today

ADC Rajouri Raj Kumar Thappa killed in Pakistan Army strikes

May 10, 2025 7:22 am

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thappa, has been killed during Pakistan Army strikes in response of Indian non-stop aggression.

Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services. Just yesterday he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district & attended the online meeting I chaired. Today the residence of the officer was hit by Pak shelling as they…


HEADLINES : 10 MAY 2025

Fight war only to protect people’:Lt Col H.S. Kahlon (retd), Vir Chakra FROM Ludhiana

Ex gratia for martyrs’ families doubled to Rs 1 cr, disability coverage expanded

Bapora villagers filled with pride seeing ‘bahu’ Wing Commander Vyomika Singh at centre stage for Operation Sindoor briefing

COL SOPHIA QURESHI:An Army signals officer

Explainer: What are Turkish Songar drones, 400 of which Pakistan used to target 36 places in India

Pakistan: Three explosions rock Lahore, emergency response team reaches site

Sirens in Chandigarh, blackout in Ambala

Kartarpur corridor closed indefinitely

Multiple blasts heard in Srinagar

Several civilians injured in Pakistani drone attack in Punjab’s Ferozepur: Government

Operation Sindoor Live: Explosions heard at 3 Pakistan air bases; govt briefing at 10 am

Pakistan claims India targeted three airbases with missiles

Pakistan is using civil airlines as shield, says Indian Army

China’s PL-15E Turned Rafale Into Wreckage—First Ever Kill! | Pak J10c vs India Rafale

Decade of planning, political resolve gave India combat edge against Pak

Made-in-China missile found in Punjab may provide vital info

Jalandhar, Adampur, Kapurthala were on Pak list of targets

Drones spotted in Chheharta, Airport Road area in Amritsar

Drones neutralised in Amritsar area

Punjab Police strengthen second line of defence in border districtss

Invoke emergency powers for seamless essential services, Centre directs states

BSF kills seven terrorists after foiling major infiltration bid in Samba, damages Pak post

Chief of Staff given powers to mobilise Territorial Army

If we strike, Pakistan will cease to exist” Listen to Lt Gen Dhillon (Retd) on nuclear threats

Baramulla to Bhuj: Pak targets 26 sites across region


Fight war only to protect people’:Lt Col H.S. Kahlon (retd), Vir Chakra FROM Ludhiana

Lt Col disheartened to speak on present situation

article_Author
Manav Mander Tribune News Service

“Deh shiva bar mohe eh hai, Subh karman te kabh na taron. Na daro aar so jab jaye laro, Nischay kar apni jeet karon” (O Akaal Purakh, give me this boon, may I never ever shirk from doing good deeds. That I shall not fear when I go into combat. And with determination, I will be victorious), is how Lt Col H.S. Kahlon (retd), who was decorated with Vir Chakra for his courage and valour in the 1971 war, starts the conversation with The Tribune today.

It took a little effort to persuade Col Kahlon to speak about the current situation as he was disheartened. “War is no solution and should be fought only if the welfare of the people is involved, like in the case of 1971 war. One should never step back from laying down his/her life for the sake of the country. Nation comes first and everything else after and this is what the Army and my religion has taught me,” he says.

Commenting on the current escalating situation between India and Pakistan, Kahlon said that after the Pahalgam attack, the strike by India was justified, but it should be stopped now as none of the countries can afford war at present. War should be fought only if people of the country are in danger and not to settle political scores, he says. “The Indian armed forces are very powerful and can deal with any situation,” he says.

He recalled that he was also posted at the J&K border during his service. “We often use to gun down terrorists trying to infiltrate, but that was only on the border. Such situations should be handled at the border and not involve the entire nation into it. Years have passed, but the sad reality is that the situation still remain the same, especially in PoK,” he said.


Ex gratia for martyrs’ families doubled to Rs 1 cr, disability coverage expanded

Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Haryana Government has significantly enhanced the ex gratia compensation for families of armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel who die in the line of duty or suffer permanent disability while serving…

article_Author
Bhartesh Singh Thakur Tribune News Service

Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Haryana Government has significantly enhanced the ex gratia compensation for families of armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel who die in the line of duty or suffer permanent disability while serving in operational areas or during war, terrorist or militant attacks, border skirmishes, or United Nations Peacekeeping Missions.

  • As per a notification issued by the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department, the next of kin of a battle casualty will now receive Rs 1 crore as an ex gratia — double the earlier amount of Rs 50 lakh
  • This revision is effective from February 23, 2024Advertisement
  • Soldiers suffering from a disability of 70% or above will be granted Rs 35 lakh. Those with disabilities between 50% and 69% will receive Rs 25 lakh, and personnel with disabilities ranging from 20% to 49% will be entitled to Rs 15 lakhNew guidelines

As per a notification issued by the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department, the next of kin (NoK) of a battle casualty will now receive Rs 1 crore as an ex gratia — double the earlier amount of Rs 50 lakh. This revision is effective from February 23, 2024. The last revision to the amount was made in 2016.

The state has also revised the slabs for disability related ex gratia, now covering a wider range of permanently disabled personnel. Soldiers suffering from a disability of 70% or above will be granted Rs 35 lakh. Those with disabilities between 50% and 69% will receive Rs 25 lakh, and personnel with disabilities ranging from 20% to 49% will be entitled to Rs 15 lakh.

The notification specifies that the “disability element should be of a permanent percentage fixed by the initial Medical Board.” Review Medical Board reports will not alter the ex gratia payment amount, even if the disability percentage is later changed.

Previously, only those with 75% and above disability were eligible for Rs 35 lakh, while the 50-74% and 25-49% categories received Rs 25 lakh and Rs 15 lakh respectively. The last revision in disability benefits was made in 2017.

Only soldiers who had Haryana domicile at the time of joining the forces are eligible under this scheme.

The notification also outlines how the ex gratia amount will be divided among the martyr’s family. The spouse will receive 35%, regardless of remarriage. Children will get 35%, and parents 30%, irrespective of dependency. In case of an unmarried martyr, parents will receive 100% —split equally between mother and father. If the deceased had no children, the widow and parents will share the amount equally.

The Administrative Secretary of the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department is the competent authority to sanction the grant, with powers delegated to the respective Deputy Commissioner-cum-president of the District Sainik Welfare Office.

Attempts to reach ACS Vijayendra Kumar for comment were unsuccessful.


Bapora villagers filled with pride seeing ‘bahu’ Wing Commander Vyomika Singh at centre stage for Operation Sindoor briefing

Bapora is already known as the native village of former Army Chief General VK Singh

article_Author
Deepender Deswal Tribune News Service

Vyomika Singh’s family members at their residence in Bapora village in Bhiwani district. Tribune Photo

With the entire nation celebrating the success of the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor, the people of Bapora village in Bhiwani district have even more reason to rejoice. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force who has drawn attention at the national and international level by being part of the Indian Force’s media handling team, is the ‘bahu’ of Bapora in Haryana’s Bhiwani district.

She and Colonel Sophia Qureshi were part of the Indian Force’s team which regularly briefs media on Operation Sindoor. Singh is married to Dinesh Sabharwal, a native of Bapora village in Bhiwani district, which also happens to be the ancestral village of former Army Chief General VK Singh (retired) — who is serving as Governor of Mizoram now.

Dinesh Sabharwal is also the Group Captain in the IAF. His father Prem Singh Sabharwal had also retired as the District Excise and Taxation Controller.

“Vyomika is a bahu (daughter-in-law) of the village, and her success brings honour not only to her family but to the entire village. Her father-in-law’s family still resides in the village, while Vyomika lives with her husband in Gurugram,” informed the villagers.

A villager said that the entire village was elated after hearing about the success of Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Air Force crossed into enemy territory to eliminate nine terrorist camps in Pakistan. “The operation symbolised a moment of national pride. The success of Operation Sindoor provided a sense of justice for the nation,” he said.

86-year-old Ramdei, who is grandmother-in-law of Vyomika Singh, expressed pride, saying, “May every household be blessed with such a brave daughter-in-law. She has proven that our girls are no less courageous than boys.”

Bapora village has a strong tradition of military service — nearly ten family members of Vyomika, including her husband Dinesh Sabharwal have served in the armed forces.


Explainer: What are Turkish Songar drones, 400 of which Pakistan used to target 36 places in India

The possible purpose of such large scale intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence

During the intervening night of May 8 and 9, Pakistan carried out strikes by drones on India at 36 locations along the western borders from Leh in the north to Sir Creek in Gujarat, using 300-400 unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Revealing this at a media briefing related on the ongoing military engagement between India and Pakistan, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said preliminary examination of downed drones showed that Turkey’s Asisguard Songar drones were employed for the attacks.

Stating that the Indian Armed Forces shot down many of the drones using kinetic and non-kinetic measures, they added that the possible purpose of such large scale intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence.

Developed by an Ankara-based firm, Asisguard, Songar is a low-altitude, quadrotor, unmanned combat aerial vehicle that was developed for the Turkish Armed Forces and has been in use since 2020 for battlefield operations as well as internal security duties.

Consisting of a quadrotor that can be armed and a ground-control station, it can be operated in autonomous and manual-flight modes and can simultaneously transmit telemetry data and images. Its features include route-planning and navigation based on GPS and autonomous return-to-base operation in an emergency.

The company’s website states that Songar Armed Drone System is the first armed drone in the Turkish Armed Forces’ and is meant to be used in any kind of day and night military and security operations.

Songar has an operational range of about 10 kms and a maximum take-off weight of 45 kg. According to reports, the system is low-cost and can be modified according to requirements at hand, is easy to use, It is also light weight and easy to carry by troops.

Besides carrying daytime and infrared cameras, it can be equipped with different types of weapons that can be triggered remotely. These include machine guns, grenade launchers and mini missiles that can be used to target personnel, bunkers, light vehicles and buildings up to a range of two kms.

Barrel rotation up to 45 degrees, close air support capability for critical military installations, ability to perform 35 minutes of duty without payload, rapid response to known threats, multi-layered firing safety measures and gimbaled automatic firing system are among its other listed features.

Songar has been integrated into both ground vehicles and standalone UAV operations. It has also been mounted on a 4×4 armored vehicle to support close-range combat and surveillance missions.

Pakistan and Turkey have close bilateral relations encompassing cultural, economic, diplomatic and military domains and are both members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Turkey is a major supplier of military equipment to Pakistan and has been supporting it in the international arena.


Pakistan: Three explosions rock Lahore, emergency response team reaches site

Lahore Police said that the explosions occurred within moments of each other. The blasts were so loud that people who were several kilometres away heard its sound and rushed to streets in confusion and fear.

Lahore [Pakistan], May 8 (ANI): Three explosions were heard in quick succession in Walton Road of Pakistan’s Lahore on Thursday, prompting residents to rush out of their homes in fear, ARY News reported, citing police. The blasts happened in the vicinity of Gulberg, which is one of Lahore’s most upscale and sensitive districts.

Lahore Police said that the explosions occurred within moments of each other. The blasts were so loud that people who were several kilometres away heard its sound and rushed to streets in confusion and fear.

Emergency response teams, including Rescue and Firefighting units, have reached the site of the incident. Furthermore, the police have cordoned off the area, ARY News reported.

According to officials, investigations were being made to determine the nature and source of the explosions. The authorities have sealed the area and unrelated people have been restricted from entering the area as bomb disposal and intelligence teams start their preliminary assessment, ARY News reported.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has temporarily suspended flight operations at airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot, local media outlet Aaj News reported.


Sirens in Chandigarh, blackout in Ambala

The Chandigarh administration sounded an air raid siren appealing to people to remain indoors after receiving a warning from the Air Force station of a possible attack. The administration in Ambala, which has a key IAFbase, ordered a complete blackout…

The Chandigarh administration sounded an air raid siren appealing to people to remain indoors after receiving a warning from the Air Force station of a possible attack. The administration in Ambala, which has a key IAFbase, ordered a complete blackout during night hours.