
Crucial to uncover links of terrorists: BJP's Kavinder Gupta on arrests by NIA in Pahalgam attack
Jammu and Kashmir [India], June 22 (ANI): Following the arrest of two individuals by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly sheltering terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, BJP leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta on Sunday said the development would prove crucial in uncovering key details about the perpetrators' connections and operational network.
'If Pakistan does not work towards curbing the terror activities, it would become a victim of their terrorism and will be destroyed if it does not walk on the right path now,' said Kavinder Gupta.
Speaking to ANI, about the arrests, the BJP leader said, 'After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, our agencies were steadfast on finding the accused. It was a brutal attack that claimed the lives of 26 people. India retaliated to the attack in the most befitting manner.'
'A lot of things will be revealed in the investigation now after the NIA has arrested two men for harbouring the terrorists for the horrendous attack. The breakthrough will help discover who the individuals are linked to and about their networks,' said Gupta.
'We will stop cross-border infiltration, but the bigger problem is the people supporting them from within the country... Pakistan is a country where different departments work differently, and even when they have been shamed on the international forum, they run such a business against India. They become victim of their own terrorism, and the fire of separatism will break the nation. Pakistan will be destroyed if it does not walk on the right path now,' he added.
Speaking about the US strikes on Iran's three nuclear facilities, Gupta said, 'We are the supporters of peace... Hopefully, the violence does not spread to the entire world. This is a sign of World War 3 and should be stopped responsibly... Prime Minister Modi may say something about it soon.'
Meanwhile, after the US launched strikes at Iran's nuclear facilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep concern at the recent escalations and calling for 'immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.'
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, 'Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations,' PM Modi stated.
He emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution and said, 'Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.'
Speaking from the White House, Trump on Saturday (US local time) announced that America carried out 'massive precision' strikes on Iran and warned the latter of further retaliation if peace was not achieved.
Iran condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of international law and vowed to continue its nuclear program.
A statement issued by AEOI confirmed that early on Sunday morning, Iran's nuclear sites were 'subjected to savage aggression--an act in violation of international laws, particularly the NPT.'
'This action, which violates international regulations, unfortunately took place under the indifference--and even complicity--of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),' it said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the military action under the leadership of Trump, stating that Trump's bold decision to target Iranian nuclear facilities will change history.
The conflict between Israel and Iran entered its ninth day on Saturday, with the US now joining in support of Israel.
Meanwhile, India continues its evacuation efforts for Indian nationals in Iran, with multiple flights planned to bring back citizens from the conflict-hit region. (ANI)

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NDTV
42 minutes ago
- NDTV
From Congress To AAP: A Political Shift In Gujarat's Visavadar
Ahmedabad: Visavadar, a seat long held or closely contested by the Congress, delivered a verdict in the 2025 bypoll by electing Aam Aadmi Party's Gopal Italia, a result which encapsulates the crumbling of old allegiances and the emergence of new political aspirations. With 75,942 votes to his name, Mr Italia defeated BJP's Kirit Patel (58,388 votes) by a decisive margin of 17,554. Congress, which once wielded commanding influence in this agrarian belt of Junagadh district, plummeted to a dismal third with a mere 5,501 votes. It is a reversal of political fortunes few would have predicted a decade ago. Visavadar has historically been a 'Congress country'. From the days of Madhavsinh Solanki's dominance in Gujarat politics to the post-liberalisation electoral churn, Congress maintained a strong presence in Saurashtra through its grassroots workers, its caste alliances, particularly with the Patidar and Koli communities and its image as the party of farmers. In the 2017 and 2022 elections, Visavadar was one of the few seats where Congress remained competitive even as its presence diminished elsewhere in Gujarat. The bypoll was triggered by the defection of AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani to the BJP, an act seen by many locals as political betrayal. This left the seat vacant and opened the field for a high-stakes contest. The Congress, weakened by internal strife and a crumbling cadre, fielded a low-key candidate, hoping nostalgia and legacy would carry them through. But the ground had shifted. Instead of flowing back to Congress, the anti-BJP sentiment in the constituency rallied behind Gopal Italia, a leader with credibility, conviction, and connection. Mr Italia's entry into the contest changed the entire dynamic. His political identity, shaped by activism, anti-corruption movements, and his prominent role in the Patidar agitation, gave AAP the kind of leadership Gujarat had been lacking. His appeal extended beyond caste lines, drawing in first-time voters, disenchanted Congress supporters, and farmers fed up with both state and central neglect. For Congress, the defeat is more than electoral; it is existential. The party's vote share in Visavadar has collapsed from nearly 30 per cent in 2022 to under 8 per cent now. This isn't just about one seat. It's about a broader rejection of a party that has failed to offer fresh leadership, build new narratives, or even sustain old ones. The resignation of Gujarat Congress chief Shaktisinh Gohil in the aftermath only highlights the turmoil. AAP, by contrast, ran a meticulously localised campaign. While Delhi's governance model was highlighted, the focus remained on Visavadar's specific issues: dwindling water resources, poor healthcare infrastructure, agricultural distress, and the feeling of political abandonment. Mr Italia's team worked booth-to-booth, speaking in the idiom of the voter, not the Delhi headquarters. The BJP's second-place finish is significant but also telling. Despite their deep pockets and statewide cadre network, they could not capitalise on Congress's collapse. Their bet on Bhayani's defection misfired badly, and the selection of Kirit Patel failed to energise voters. The electorate's message was clear: it will not reward opportunism or take kindly to backroom deals. What Visavadar demonstrates is a changing pulse in Gujarat's rural politics. A constituency once loyal to Congress has not only turned away but has not defaulted to the BJP, a scenario Gujarat has rarely seen in recent years. Instead, it has consciously chosen a third path. For the Aam Aadmi Party, this is more than a symbolic win. It is a confirmation that their brand of issue-driven, personality-backed politics has potential in Gujarat beyond urban fringes. With Gopal Italia now firmly established as the face of this new push, AAP has its first real grassroots icon in the state. It remains to be seen whether they can build on this momentum, but for now, they have what Congress once had in Visavadar, a toehold in the voters' trust. Visavadar's verdict is a turning point. It tells the story of a constituency that once stood with the Congress, turned restless, and now has chosen to invest its faith in a new experiment. Whether that experiment flourishes or flounders will shape not just the future of 'Saurashtra' but potentially of Gujarat's politics itself.


India Gazette
42 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Eleven Nepali nationals being evacuated from Iran, expected to arrive in India tomorrow
Kathmandu [Nepal], June 23 (ANI): Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba announced that 11 Nepali nationals being evacuated from Iran in the evacuation flight being conducted by India are expected to arrive Southern neighbor by tomorrow. Addressing the parliamentary meeting on Monday, Foreign Minister Deuba informed that a total of 16 Nepali nationals are recorded to be in Iran, out of which 11 are being evacuated for now, as five remain in jail. 'Sixteen Nepali nationals are in Iran; last week, we requested India's Ministry of External Affairs to evacuate our nationals as well while they're evacuating their citizens via Jordan. They've agreed to bring 11 Nepali as well from the evacuation flight, who are now in Mashhad. hopefully, they'll be brought to India by tomorrow, and then they can come to Nepal easily. Out of them, one had to be issued a travel document, and there are five other Nepali citizens who are in jail after going to Iran through illegal migration channels. We are working to bring them back at the same time through this operation,' Foreign Minister Deuba briefed. The Indian Embassy in Tehran had coordinated the evacuation of Nepali nationals who travelled for about 900 kilometers overland from capital Tehran to Mashhad. As tension between Iran and Israel enters the second week, questions were raised about the evacuation and safety of Nepali workers in those war-raged countries. In her address, Foreign Minister Deuba informed lawmakers that over 2,000 Nepalis had gone to Israel under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement, and all relevant data of these individuals is available. The minister noted that Nepal's embassy in Israel is currently non-operational due to conflict, with the ambassador working from a bunker. Additionally, she said three Nepalis stranded in Israel would be brought back via Egypt, as Germany declined to issue travel documents. She also revealed that around 500 Nepalis have settled in Israel through marriage. 'We are in constant consultation with the ILO and IOM about the ongoing situation and the evacuation of workers from there. From June 17, we have operated the online portal through which the details about the Nepali workers who want to be evacuated have been asked to sign in. Till now, 8 hundred and 85 people have filled in their details,' Minister Deuba said. On Saturday, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba had thanked External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for assisting in the evacuation of Nepali students from conflict-hit Iran, calling it a reflection of the strong Nepal-India ties. In a post on X, Deuba wrote, 'Thank you, External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar, for India's swift assistance in helping to evacuate Nepali nationals from Iran. India's support in Nepal's evacuation efforts reflects the strength of Nepal--India ties.' Earlier on Saturday, the Indian Embassy in Iran said that it had made efforts to evacuate citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka and noted that the efforts were made at the request of the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka. The Indian Embassy in Iran posted on X that 'On request of the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy's evacuation efforts in Iran will also cover Citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka. ' The conflict between Israel and Iran entered its eleventh day on Monday. The conflict started after Israel, on June 13, launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed 'Operation Rising Lion'. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale drone and missile operation, 'Operation True Promise 3', targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres. (ANI)


Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
NATO boss warns Russia of ‘devastating' consequences should Putin attack alliance
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued strong warnings to Russia, identifying it as the most immediate threat to the alliance, and accused Iran of escalating the conflict in Ukraine. As NATO leaders convene in The Hague, they're addressing rising tensions and fears of a wider global conflict. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday gave strong warnings to Russia and Iran, calling Moscow the most immediate threat to the alliance and accusing Tehran of expanding its role in the Ukraine statements come as NATO leaders prepare to meet in The Hague this week amid rising tensions and growing fears of a wider global conflict.'If Russia were to attack us today, our response would be devastating,' Rutte said, addressing concerns over escalating rhetoric and Moscow's recent references to a potential World War 3 scenario. 'The most significant and direct threat facing this alliance is Russia.'Rutte also reinforced NATO's increasing focus on Tehran's strategic ties with Moscow. 'Iran is heavily involved in Russia's fight against Ukraine."On Iran's nuclear programme, he added, 'When it comes to NATO's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon.'The warnings come as Israel-Iran hostilities enter their 11th day, and just hours after NATO countries agreed on a new pledge to ramp up defence spending. Spain dropped its opposition to the plan on Sunday, clearing the path for consensus ahead of the two-day NATO summit starting President Donald Trump has demanded that all allies commit to spending 5% of GDP on defence, significantly higher than the current 2% benchmark. While that proposal remains under discussion, it has added pressure on member states to increase military confirmed that NATO members will provide over €35 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year and announced major upgrades to the alliance's defence systems. 'NATO will invest in a five-fold increase in air defences,' he said.