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Attempt to destabilise law & order by arming gangsters with advanced weaponry, say officials

Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service

Turkiye seems to be in the limelight as far as the trend of weapon smuggling from Pakistan to Punjab is concerned.

After the deployment of Turkish drones by the neighbouring country against India during the four-day border confrontation in May, Pakistan appears to be now air-dropping Turkish PX5 pistols into Punjab with the help of drones.

The goal, officials believe, is to destabilise law and order in the region by supplying gangsters and terror modules with advanced foreign weaponry. This month alone, security agencies have recovered PX5 pistols in three separate operations in Punjab.

The latest haul came on Saturday in Amritsar, where two distinct operations yielded three PX5 pistols — two from the city and one from the district’s rural belt. This is in addition to Zigana Pistols from Turkey which were recovered earlier.

The Punjab Police dismantled a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module operated by UK-based handler Dharam Singh, alias Dharma Sandhu.Sandhu is considered a close aide of Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Rinda.

Based on intelligence inputs, Amritsar Commissionerate Police arrested Onkar Singh and seized six high-calibre pistols, including two PX5 (.30 bore) and four Austrian-made Glock 9MM pistols.

In a parallel operation, the Amritsar Rural Police intercepted a separate consignment from Lopoke village.

Here, officers arrested Lovepreet Singh, alias Love, and Balwinder Singh, alias Bobby, with one PX5 (.30 bore) pistol, 6.15 kg of heroin and Rs 10,000 in suspected narco-funds. A case has been registered at the Lopoke police station and further strengthens the suspicion of a tight narcotics-arms trade nexus operating across Punjab.

These seizures follow earlier recoveries of PX5 pistols this month. On June 5, the Amritsar police arrested Sukhchain Singh of Daoke and Jugraj Singh of Bhakna Kalan while they were attempting to ferry eight foreign-made weapons, including four PX5 pistols, via the Amritsar-Attari road.

The weapons were allegedly dropped by a drone sent by a Pakistan-based handler, Noor.

A day later, on June 6, the Tarn Taran police detained Surajpal Singh and Arshdeep Singh from Lakhna village and seized two PX5 pistols along with four Glock 9mm pistols. The consignment, the police say, was also linked to Pakistani handlers.

These developments reflect a disturbing evolution in cross-border smuggling operations. PX5 pistols, made by TISAS in Turkiye, are quickly becoming the weapon of choice for criminals in Punjab. But they are not alone.

Turkiye supported Pakistan during the recent conflict with India in May. According to multiple reports, the country supplied Pakistan with over 350 drones, including armed UAVs and kamikaze drones, which were used to target Indian military infrastructure across the northern and western borders.

Two Turkish military operatives were reportedly killed during the Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-offensive, confirming Turkiye’s direct involvement in the conflict.

Turkish advisors also helped coordinate Pakistani drone strikes, and forensic analysis of downed drones revealed they were Asisguard Songar models, manufactured in Turkiye.

The PX5 pistols are manufactured by TISAS. They are smuggled into Punjab via drones launched from across the border with Pakistan.

Glock 19X pistols, made by Glock Ges mbH in Austria, are 9mm military-grade weapons that are sought after by gangsters for their reliability and compact design.

Beretta .30 pistols, produced by the Italian arms manufacturer Beretta, are known for their compactness and have been recovered in multiple operations. Star Mark .30 pistols, originally manufactured by Star Bonifacio in Spain, are older models but still circulate among smugglers and gangsters.

These modern semi-automatic handguns were recovered along with drones.

The .45 bore pistols, originating from the United States, and have been found in consignments linked to US-based handlers.

Lastly, .32 bore pistols, sourced from various

manufacturers across India and Europe, remain common, though some have been traced to international sources

Avneet Kaur Tribune News Service

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Punjab Chapter and Guru Gobind Public School (GGPS), Nainowal Vaid, have announced plans to preserve the Dholbaha War Memorial in Hoshiarpur district. This initiative aims to highlight Punjab’s often overlooked military history and reconnect the youth with their cultural roots.

Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (Retd), INTACH Punjab State Convener, and Harjit Singh, Principal of GGPS Nainowal Vaid, recently visited Dholbaha, a village in the Shivalik hills known for its prehistoric sites. While Dholbaha is famous for ancient artefacts, its significant contribution to modern military history, especially in World War I, remains underappreciated.

During the visit, the team focused on the village’s cultural and military heritage, noting that Dholbaha sent an extraordinary 73 soldiers to fight in World War I. This is remarkable for such a small, remote village, especially compared to other Punjabi villages that contributed fewer soldiers. INTACH life member and military history enthusiast Harpreet Singh Bhatti highlighted that the village’s war memorial plaque still stands as a quiet testament to this contribution.

Maj Gen Singh expressed concern that much of Punjab’s military history remains under-explored and poorly documented, with successive governments failing to preserve these stories. This neglect often leaves Punjab’s youth feeling disconnected and searching for opportunities elsewhere.

Punjab was historically known as the “sword arm” of the British Empire in India. During World War I, over one million Indians served, with more than 300,000 from Punjab. Despite making up just eight percent of India’s population at the time, Punjab contributed roughly 40 percent of India’s total war effort. In this context, Dholbaha’s contribution of 73 soldiers from a small, agrarian village is especially noteworthy.

The region’s martial tradition dates back to ancient times, with service under empires like the Mauryans, Guptas, and later Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sikh Empire. Military service was not only a matter of honour (izzat) but also a source of financial security, attracting young men from villages like Dholbaha, where agriculture offered limited economic opportunities.

Maj Gen Singh noted that while villages in Majha, with high Sikh populations, typically provided more soldiers, Dholbaha’s contribution matches or exceeds many better-connected villages in Doaba and Malwa. However, official records of Dholbaha’s soldiers remain incomplete.

According to recently digitised documents from the University of Greenwich and the UK Punjab Heritage Association (UKPHA), which transcribed over 300,000 Indian soldiers’ World War I records, only two soldiers from Dholbaha appear in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) listings: Sepoy Jagat Ram of the 67th Punjabis and Sepoy Jaisi Ram (also called Jodhi Ram) of the 37th Dogras. Yet, the village war memorial lists eight soldiers killed in action, highlighting discrepancies in historical documentation and unequal recognition of Indian soldiers in British records.

The University of Greenwich is currently working on a CWGC-funded research project to address these gaps, expected to uncover many untold stories of Indian soldiers.

Maj Gen Singh has urged the government to establish a small museum at Dholbaha’s war memorial, displaying names, photographs, and personal stories of the 73 soldiers. This would preserve their memory and educate future generations about their martial heritage.

INTACH Punjab is also considering creating a dedicated military history wing within the state chapter to identify, preserve, and promote Punjab’s global military contributions. This wing would collaborate with the CWGC and UKPHA to ensure accurate documentation and rightful recognition.

“Through the preservation of the Dholbaha War Memorial, INTACH Punjab and GGPS Nainowal Vaid aim to honour the silent sacrifices of the village’s soldiers and inspire pride and belonging among Punjab’s youth,” Maj Gen Singh said.

Pakistan has formally nominated former US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, crediting his “decisive diplomatic engagement and pivotal leadership” during the 2025 India-Pakistan crisis.

According to official statements from Islamabad, Trump’s intervention was instrumental in defusing heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, ultimately preventing a full-scale war that could have had catastrophic regional consequences.

The nomination was publicly announced on the Pakistani government’s verified social media accounts, where officials emphasized Trump’s “strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship” in engaging both Islamabad and New Delhi at a critical moment.

The crisis reportedly began following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, which resulted in significant casualties and a sharp escalation of cross-border hostilities. Pakistan described India’s actions as “unprovoked and unlawful aggression,” alleging a violation of its sovereignty and the loss of civilian lives.

In response, Islamabad launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, which it characterised as a “measured and precise military response” aimed at restoring deterrence while minimising harm to civilians. As tensions threatened to spiral out of control, Pakistan claimed that Trump’s “back-channel diplomacy” played a decisive role in de-escalating the situation and brokering a ceasefire.

Islamabad’s statement lauded Trump as a “genuine peacemaker,” highlighting his commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue. The Pakistani government also acknowledged Trump’s repeated offers to mediate the Kashmir dispute, viewing his involvement as a “sincere commitment to durable peace in South Asia.” The statement stressed that lasting peace in the region would remain elusive without a resolution to the Kashmir issue in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

However, the Indian government has categorically denied any external intervention in the truce talks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent phone call with Trump, reiterated that discussions were held at Islamabad’s request and that no other nation was involved. India’s foreign ministry has consistently maintained its long-standing position against third-party mediation in its bilateral disputes with Pakistan.

Despite these denials, Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering peace between India and Pakistan, asserting that his efforts were crucial in averting a potential war. He has also expressed frustration over not being recognised for his diplomatic interventions in other global conflicts, stating, “They won’t give me a Nobel Peace Prize because they only give it to liberals”.

The nomination comes shortly after Trump hosted Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, at the White House—a rare meeting that followed the four-day military flare-up. Munir had previously advocated for Trump’s Nobel nomination, crediting him with averting a potential nuclear confrontation between India and Pakistan. The White House confirmed the meeting and Munir’s praise for Trump’s role in calming tensions.

While Pakistan has lauded Trump’s diplomatic intervention as pivotal in preventing war, India has firmly rejected the notion of any external mediation, emphasising that the ceasefire resulted from direct bilateral engagement. The nomination underscores the divergent narratives regarding the resolution of the crisis and highlights the ongoing geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the India-Pakistan relationship.

Agencies

Says Operation Sindoor a shining example of restraint and balance displayed by armed forces that were attained by practising yoga

Appreciating the inclination of the armed forces personnel towards Yoga, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said its practice prepares a soldier physically and mentally and makes him battle-ready.

Singh led a mass yoga demonstration on the occasion of International Day of Yoga at northern command headquarters here, performing various asanas and breathing exercises with 2,500 soldiers.

The event was joined by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma.

Yoga sessions were also performed at numerous forward locations in the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, showcasing the commitment and enthusiasm of the soldiers.

The Defence Minister appreciated the inclination of the armed forces personnel towards yoga which, he said, had a direct impact on their discipline and focus.

“Yoga prepares a soldier physically and mentally and its benefits can be seen in the battlefield,” he said, encouraging the soldiers to continue practising it daily.

In his address to the troops, he termed yoga as a universal solution to the problems faced by people in today’s fast-paced world such as stress, anxiety and depression.

“Yoga gives clarity to people in chaos. It is an art, a science, a philosophy, and spirituality. Those who practice yoga in their daily lives have control over their body and mind. It makes us proactive, not reactive,” he said.

Describing Operation Sindoor as a shining example of that control, the defence minister said Indian Armed Forces displayed restraint, balance and precision during the operation, which is a reflection of their inner strength attained by practising yoga.

This year’s theme for the International Day of Yoga is ‘One Earth, One Health’.

He said, “The whole world is a family and working for it is a part of our thinking. Yoga is a practical expression of this thinking, it is silently changing the world and every citizen should be proud of the fact that India’s ancient tradition is being recognised and accepted globally.”

Donald Trump’s proposed $175 billion Golden Dome missile defence system is the most ambitious U.S. missile shield initiative since Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), known as “Star Wars”.

The plan envisions a multi-layered shield using hundreds of satellites equipped with sensors and interceptors—potentially including space-based lasers—to detect and destroy incoming ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles from adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea.

Comparison To Reagan’s Star Wars (SDI)

Like SDI, Golden Dome aims to intercept missiles at all stages of flight, including the “boost phase,” which is technically the most challenging. Reagan’s SDI was ultimately abandoned after years of investment due to insurmountable technical and financial hurdles, as the necessary technology did not exist at the time and remains highly challenging today. Critics have drawn direct parallels between the two projects, noting that while technology has advanced, the scale and complexity of defending the entire U.S. from advanced missile threats is vastly greater than the regional defence provided by systems like Israel’s Iron Dome.

Technical And Strategic Challenges

Scale And Complexity: The U.S. is far larger than Israel, making nationwide coverage exponentially more difficult. The Iron Dome was designed for short-range, low-volume threats, whereas Golden Dome must counter long-range, high-speed, and manoeuvrable threats (ICBMs, hypersonic glide vehicles, and orbital systems).

Technological Hurdles: Intercepting missiles in the boost phase requires rapid detection and response, which is extremely difficult given the short window and the speeds involved. Many proposed technologies, such as space-based lasers, remain unproven at scale.

Cost And Timeline: The Congressional Budget Office estimates a truly comprehensive missile shield could cost over $500 billion across two decades, far exceeding Trump’s $175 billion, three-year plan. Cost overruns and delays are likely, as seen with past missile defence programs.

Strategic Risks: Deploying such a system could accelerate an arms race, prompting adversaries to develop new offensive capabilities to overwhelm or evade the shield, further destabilizing global security.

Expert Consensus

Most independent experts and analysts believe the Golden Dome is unlikely to achieve its stated goals. The technical, financial, and strategic obstacles mirror those that doomed the SDI; despite advances, the fundamental challenges of intercepting sophisticated, high-speed missile threats over a vast area remain unresolved. Even if partial capabilities are fielded, the system is expected to fall short of comprehensive protection and may provoke adversaries to escalate their own weapons programs.

“The plan for an advanced missile defence shield over the US offers no guarantee of success and risks undermining global security… Like the Golden Dome, the SDI proposed a layered defence system that would rely on cutting-edge, and largely untested, technologies… But despite years of investment, the SDI never produced a workable system and was eventually cancelled, exposing the gap between ambition and capability that still exists today.”

Conclusion

Trump’s Golden Dome missile shield faces the same insurmountable challenges as Reagan’s Star Wars: unproven technology, immense cost, and the near-impossibility of reliably defending the entire U.S. from advanced missile threats. History and technical realities suggest the plan is bound to fall short of its ambitions, just as SDI did decades ago.

IDN

A high-level Indian defence delegation, led by Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager (Maritime Systems) Dinesh Kumar, met with French defence officials at the Paris Air Show, marking a pivotal moment in India-France defence cooperation.

The French side was headed by Lt Gen Gael Diaz De Tuesta, Director General of Armament. This meeting officially launched the Rafale Marine program, a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen its naval strike capabilities.

The Rafale Marine fighter jet, specifically designed for aircraft carrier operations, will complement the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of Rafale jets, thereby enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational reach and flexibility in maritime domains.

Simultaneously, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi participated in the 12th Key Leader Engagement, hosted virtually by US Navy’s Pacific Fleet Admiral Stephen T. Koehler.

This strategic forum brought together leaders from 19 nations, where Admiral Tripathi articulated his vision for “achieving maritime security in the Indo-Pacific through innovation and technology”.

He emphasised the critical role of advanced technologies—such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and secure communications—in ensuring robust maritime security and operational superiority for the Indian Navy.

Admiral Tripathi also addressed the evolving nature of warfare, highlighting the enduring importance of non-contact warfare, including drones, loitering munitions, and the growing need for effective counter-drone systems, which were not a focus a decade ago.

Further reinforcing India’s commitment to indigenous defence capabilities, Admiral Tripathi visited Solar Industries India Ltd’s headquarters in Nagpur, accompanied by Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal. 

He reviewed the manufacturing processes of various defence products, including drones, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and the Bhargavastra Counter-Unmanned Aerial System. Admiral Tripathi praised the progress made by the private sector and underscored the necessity for synergy between public and private sectors in India’s defence ecosystem, given the latter’s relatively recent entry into defence production.

The demonstration of advanced indigenous technologies, such as long-range missiles and counter-drone systems, reflects India’s drive towards self-reliance and innovation in defence manufacturing.

Collectively, these developments—formalising the Rafale Marine program, advancing multilateral maritime security cooperation, and fostering indigenous technological innovation—underscore India’s strategic focus on enhancing its naval capabilities and securing its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Based On ANI Report

In a significant escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that it had targeted and struck Iranian missile crews preparing to launch attacks on Israeli territory.

According to reports, Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets conducted overnight operations during which they located and destroyed three surface-to-surface missile launchers that were being readied for imminent assaults on Israel. The IDF stated that these launchers were expected to be used in the multiple missile barrages that were fired across Israel throughout Friday.

Simultaneously, IDF drones identified a group of Iranian soldiers, including a commander from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who was reportedly responsible for at least 15 missile launchers.

As these soldiers prepared to fire additional missiles, the IAF targeted and eliminated the group, resulting in the death of the IRGC commander. These precision strikes were part of Israel’s broader efforts to neutralize Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent further barrages against Israeli cities.

Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict had direct repercussions for civilians and cultural heritage in Israel. An Iranian missile strike in downtown Haifa caused significant damage to the historic Al Jarina Grand Mosque, a landmark originally built in 1775 and expanded in 1901.

The missile’s shockwave shattered stained glass windows and damaged parts of the mosque’s infrastructure. Due to security advisories against public gatherings, only 15 worshippers were present for Friday prayers instead of the usual 200.

Fortunately, Friday prayers had concluded before the missile hit, and the mosque was empty at the time. One person sustained minor injuries outside the mosque. Khaled Dagash, a representative of the Wakf, confirmed that the mosque was under renovation and expressed concerns about whether government compensation would cover the full cost of repairs.

Nearby, the Masjid Al-Saghir, built in 1761, also suffered damage, with windows blown out, though no further visible destruction was reported as security personnel cordoned off the area. The attack drew condemnation from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who emphasised that Iran’s actions endangered Israelis of all faiths, including Muslims. Herzog highlighted Haifa’s multicultural character, describing the city as a symbol of coexistence among Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, Circassians, and Baha’is.

These developments unfolded amid a broader context of escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran, with both sides carrying out strikes and counter strikes involving missiles and drones.

The IDF’s recent operations underscore Israel’s determination to disrupt Iran’s missile infrastructure and defend its civilian population, while the damage to historic mosques in Haifa underscores the far-reaching impact of the conflict on cultural heritage and interfaith relations within Israel.

Based On ANI Report

Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat has publicly commended Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump.

In an exclusive interview with Geo News at King’s College, London, Dulat described the luncheon between Munir and Trump as a significant breakthrough for Pakistan, noting the event’s importance in the context of US-Pakistan relations. He congratulated both Munir and the people of Pakistan, emphasizing that such high-level engagements are rare and represent a major diplomatic achievement for Islamabad.

Dulat used the occasion to advocate for further diplomatic overtures, suggesting that Munir should now visit India and meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, followed by a visit to Amritsar. Drawing on historical precedent, Dulat recalled Modi’s 2015 visit to Pakistan to attend the wedding of Nawaz Sharif’s granddaughter, arguing that such gestures can help soften entrenched hardlines.

He stressed that, given the current frozen state of India-Pakistan relations—especially after the recent four-day conflict—initiatives from either side could pave the way for improved ties. Dulat remarked, “Someone needs to bowl first. Imran Khan is in jail. The Field Marshal or Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif can do that”.

The former intelligence chief highlighted the significance of Munir’s over two-hour luncheon at the White House, which included a visit to the Cabinet Room and the Oval Office. Dulat described this as a “major development” and urged that if such meetings can happen in Washington, they should also be possible in Delhi. He expressed hope that Munir’s engagement with Trump could serve as a model for India and Pakistan to resume direct dialogue.

Dulat also reflected on his personal experiences, noting that he is the only Indian intelligence chief to have visited Pakistan four times post-retirement, between 2010 and 2012. He praised Pakistani hospitality and recounted his friendship with former ISI chief General Asad Durrani, underscoring the potential for personal relationships to bridge divides.

Addressing the recent conflict, Dulat acknowledged that while there is no direct evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam terror attack, suspicion remains strong in India. He described India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor—targeted strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir—as a necessary, measured response, but reiterated his belief that war between India and Pakistan must be avoided.

Dulat advocated for direct talks between the two countries, emphasizing that diplomatic engagement is the only viable path forward.

AS Dulat’s remarks reflect a pragmatic and hopeful approach to India-Pakistan relations. He views Munir’s US visit as an opportunity for further diplomatic progress and calls for reciprocal gestures to thaw bilateral ties, stressing the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Based On ANI Report

Operation Sindoor sent a powerful message to terrorists and their patrons that a ‘new India’ is assertive, resolute and will no longer be a victim of terrorism, but will respond with strength and strategy, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said interacting with soldiers at the Army’s Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur.

“I want to tell to my neighboring country that Operation Sindoor is not over yet. This is just a pause,” he stated. The Minister reached the military station today and is there to take part in the Yoga Day celebrations tomorrow.Rajnath commended the precision, coordination and courage of the armed forces and intelligence agencies in destroying terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, asserting that India’s change in policy towards terrorism is a result of this unmatched valour and dedication.

He said Operation Sindoor as not just a military action, but a warning to the terrorists across the border and those who support them that India will no longer tolerate terrorism and give a befitting reply if its unity and integrity is harmed.

At a dinner for troops, Rajnath urged the personnel to keep focusing on physical and mental well-being, underlining the importance of strength and wellness in a soldier’s life. “If you are strong, our borders will be strong. When the borders are strong, India will be strong,” he said.

A cultural programme comprising khukri dance, bhangra, kalari pattu and jhanz patak was also organised as part of the event. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and the Northern Army commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma were also present.