Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

24 Apr

BCCI Ends Bilateral Cricket Ties with Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Citing National Security

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, SportsBCCI, India-Pakistan cricket, Pahalgam attack, Rajeev Shukla

New Delhi, April 24, 2025 — In a decisive response to the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 28 civilians, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly ruled out any bilateral cricket engagements with Pakistan. The board said it stands completely aligned with the Indian government’s stance on cross-border terrorism and national interest.BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said on Tuesday that the cricket board will strictly follow the government's directions on all matters related to cricket ties with Pakistan. “There will be no bilateral series with Pakistan. We only play in ICC events,…

24 Apr

PM Modi Warns Terrorists: Will Hunt Down Every Perpetrator Behind Pahalgam Attack

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia terrorism response, Narendra Modi, Pahalgam terror attack

Madhubani, April 24, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to the perpetrators of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, vowing that India will "identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their backers," sending a clear message of zero tolerance against terrorism. The statement comes just two days after the brutal attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, which killed 26 people, including tourists and local horsemen, and left many others injured.Addressing the nation during a National Panchayati Raj Day event in Bihar’s Madhubani, Modi led the gathering in observing a minute of silence for the victims…

24 Apr

Third Encounter in 24 Hours in J&K: Soldier Martyred in Udhampur, 4 Overground Workers Arrested in Bandipora

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBandipora OGW arrest, Jammu and Kashmir, Udhampur encounter

National Times Bureau, April 24, 2025 – In the third consecutive encounter within the last 24 hours following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have surrounded a group of terrorists in Dudu Basantgarh area of Udhampur.The identities of the terrorists are yet to be confirmed. A soldier was martyred in the exchange of fire after succumbing to injuries sustained during the gunbattle.Meanwhile, in Bandipora, police arrested four overground workers (OGWs) linked to the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. Authorities said they had received inputs about these OGWs planning to attack police personnel and non-local residents.Acting on the tip-off,…

24 Apr

Kartarpur Corridor Remains Open for Sikh Pilgrims Despite Attari Check Post Closure

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, PunjabAttari Check Post, Kartarpur Corridor, Pahalgam

Gurdaspur/Amritsar (National Times): The Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district continues to facilitate pilgrim traffic to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, even as India and Pakistan have suspended operations at the Attari Integrated Check Post, officials confirmed. “Pilgrims wishing to travel through the corridor to visit the gurdwara can do so. As of now, the corridor is open,” said Sohail Qasim Mir, Senior Superintendent of Police, Batala, in an interview with The Indian Express. Wednesday evening’s announcement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs imposed new restrictions on bilateral engagement in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack,…

24 Apr

Pahalgam Terror Attack Comes As Heavy Blow to Kashmir’s Tourism-Reliant Economy

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaJammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam

Kashmir (National Times): The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, has shattered the region’s hard-won gains in tourism, a sector that underpins much of its local economy. Immediate Fallout Local Business Strike: Restaurants, guesthouses, tour operators, and handicraft vendors in Pahalgam and neighboring destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg are already seeing revenues fall by nearly half, imperiling thousands of livelihoods. Plummeting Bookings: In the days following the attack, airlines flying into Srinagar report a 60-65% fall in ticket sales from Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. Hotel occupancy rates have dropped from an average…

24 Apr

India-Pakistan Tensions Rise Sharply After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia, Pahalgam, Pakistan

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 civilian lives, including 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese national, diplomatic and security tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated significantly.The Indian government has taken a series of stern measures, including downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan, expelling Pakistani defense personnel, and reducing its diplomatic staff in Islamabad. In a strong message of protest, the Attari-Wagah border crossing has been closed, and the historic Indus Waters Treaty, a cornerstone of bilateral agreements, has been suspended.Furthermore, all Pakistani nationals in India on…

24 Apr

Five Key Measures India Has Taken Against Pakistan After the Pahalgam Terror Attack, and What They Signal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia, Pahalgam, Pakistan

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In the aftermath of the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, India announced a set of diplomatic and security measures aimed at pressuring Pakistan to act against militancy. Here’s what each step means: Indus Waters Treaty Suspended What it means: India has placed its obligations under the 1960 Treaty “in abeyance.” While water flow continues today, Pakistan’s Punjab, heavily dependent on these rivers for irrigation, now faces uncertainty. The move sends a potent political warning, 'future water supplies could be curtailed if terror persists'. SAARC Visa Stickers for Pakistanis Cancelled…

24 Apr

US Warns Citizens Against Travel to Jammu and Kashmir After Pahalgam Terror Strike

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsJammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam, US

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In response to Tuesday’s terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 tourists dead, the United States on Wednesday updated its travel guidance, urging American citizens to refrain from visiting the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The advisory, posted on the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India website, stated: "Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this territory (except visits to eastern Ladakh and its capital, Leh).” It warned that sporadic violence occurs, especially along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and…

24 Apr

India Withholds Pakistani Government’s ‘X’ Account Amid Pahalgam Attack Backlash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness

New Delhi (National Times): Just days after a brutal terrorist ambush in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 27 lives, most of them holidaying tourists, India has moved to restrict access to the Government of Pakistan’s official account on X (formerly Twitter). The measure, announced late Saturday by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signals New Delhi’s deep frustration with Islamabad’s perceived inaction against cross‑border militancy. On the afternoon of April 22, heavily armed militants descended on the serene Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam—a spot often dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its alpine beauty—opening fire on families from Gujarat, Maharashtra,…

24 Apr

Soldier Killed in Udhampur Encounter; Operation Continues

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia

Udhampur (National Times): A soldier lost his life on Thursday during an ongoing encounter in the Basantgarh sector of Udhampur, the Army’s White Knight Corps announced via X (formerly Twitter). According to the Army, which coordinates closely with local police, the operation began early today following “specific intelligence” about militant presence in the area. “Contact was established and a fierce firefight ensued,” the White Knight Corps posted, as reported by the Kashmir News Observer. During the initial exchange of fire, one soldier suffered serious injuries. Despite prompt medical treatment, he later succumbed to his wounds. The identity of the fallen…