Contents
DEFENCE:
INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
Iraq:
Syria:
Afghanistan:
Pakistan:
Africa
Nigeria:
Mozambique:
Somalia:
DOMESTIC TERRORISM
Jammu and Kashmir:
DEFENCE
Consultative Committee for Ministry of Defence reviews operational preparedness of Indian Coast Guard
Consultative Committee Meeting of Ministry of Defence (MoD)on Indian Coast Guard chaired by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman reviewed the operational preparedness, Infrastructure development and coastal security mechanism of the Coast Guard. Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre, MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Director General Indian Coast Guard sh Rajendra Singh along with senior officials of MoD were also present.
Raksha Mantri and the delegation was briefed about the coastal security mechanism and preparedness of the Coast Guard to tackle maritime emergencies. Coast Guard’s initiative of making fishermen the ‘eyes and ears’ of Coast Guard was appreciated. Click here to read.. [
Opening Ceremony: Exercise INDRA
Opening ceremony for the Tenth Indo-Russian Joint Exercise, INDRA 18, scheduled from 18 November to 28 November 2018 was held on 19 November 2018 at Babina Military Station. Contingents of the participating nations came together for the opening ceremony which was held in presence of a number of officers and officials of the participating nations. There was a fly past of Army Aviation helicopters which carried the national flags of both the participating nations during the parade. The members of both the participating nations also interacted and familiarised with each other after the opening ceremony.
The aim of the exercise is to practice joint planning and conduct to enhance interoperability of the two armies in the peace keeping and enforcement environment under the aegis of United Nations. The eleven day exercise focuses upon training on enhancing team building and tactical level operations in a counter insurgency environment in semi urban terrain. Click here to read.. [
Launch of media registration: Aero India 2019 website
The 12th edition of ‘Aero India 2019’ would be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, (Karnataka) from 20 to 24 February 2019.
This five-day event will combine a major trade exhibition of the aerospace and defence industries with public air shows. Besides global leaders and big investors in aerospace industry, the show will also see participation by think-tanks from across the world. Aero India will provide a unique opportunity for exchange of information, ideas and new developments in the aviation industry. Besides giving a fillip to the domestic aviation industry it would further the cause of Make in India.
In Aero India, close to 500 companies, both Indian and foreign, are expected to participate. Click here to read.. [
Visit of COAS to Vietnam
General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), visited Vietnam from 22 to 25 November 2018 on an official bilateral visit. During the visit, the Chief of the Army Staff led delegation met and interacted with senior military hierarchy of Vietnam. The Chief of the Army Staff also visited key military formations and establishments. The Army Chief is scheduled to meet and interact with General Ngo Xuan Lich, Defence Minister and Senior Lieutenant General Pham Hong Huong, Deputy Chief of the General Staff during the visit.
General Bipin Rawat will visit Headquarters of an Infantry Division near Hanoi and Headquarters of 7 Military Region at Ho Chi Minh. Click here to read.. [
Third Defence Ministers’ Dialogue – India and Sigapore
The third Defence Ministers’ Dialogue (DMD) between India and Singapore was successfully concluded. The DMD commenced after both countries signed the revised Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) in 2015 to further strengthen the long standing defence relationship between the Singapore (SAF) and the Indian Armed Forces. The core issue during this meeting was the renewal of the Bilateral Agreement for the conduct of Joint Army Training and Exercises in India. This agreement gives out an exhaustive framework for the conduct of joint training as well as exercises for the Singapore Armed Forces in India and will further strengthen the cooperation between the two Armed Forces.
Earlier in the day, Dr Ng attended the final sea phase of the 25th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise - SIMBEX on board INS Shakti. This multi-dimensional exercise witnessed participation of ships, submarines a well as aircraft from both sides and live firings at sea. Both Ministers complimented all personnel participating in the milestone event and for making it a success which is a testament of the long standing ties between the armed forces of the two countries. Click here to read.. [
DGBR reviews progress of critical roads in border areas
Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Harpal Singh, reviewed the progress of works of operationally critical roads in the Area of Responsibility of Project Arunank from November 20 to 21, 2018.
The DGBR travelled by road from Taksing to Gelensiniak-Bidak and arrived at Limeking. Enroute the General Officer inspected the ongoing road construction and took stock of plan of Bailey Bridges on various nallahs and rivers for fair weather connectivity to Taksing and Bidak. Lt Gen Harpal Singh was convinced about the difficulty of terrain, unpredictable weather and the constraints of local resources in the region which posed huge challenge to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in timely completion of the roads. DG met the BRO personnel at various work sites, complimented and exhorted them to keep pushing forward so that connectivity on these roads could be established. Click here to read.. [
Security restrictions on construction activities in border areas enunciated by MoD
The Security Restrictions Guidelines enunciated by Ministry of Defence on 31.10.1990, were restrictive in nature towards developmental activities near border areas. In supersession of all previous orders, fresh guidelines were issued on 27.11.2017 for construction activities in border areas.
Keeping in view the requests of State Governments, that construction/developmental works in border areas are getting affected due to provisions listed in the MoD’s existing guidelines, Government of India has decided to allow developmental works of small nature like construction, repair and maintenance of village ponds, construction and maintenance of government buildings like schools, hospitals etc. by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and other Central/State Government statutory bodies for faster development in border areas. Click here to read.. [
IN - RN Exercise KONKAN-18 begins at Goa
Naval cooperation between India and the United Kingdom is based on the long term strategic relationship between both countries. Both Navies have, over the years, undertaken bilateral activities such as training exchanges and technical cooperation. The Bilateral KONKAN exercise provides a platform for the two Navies to periodically exercise at sea and in harbour, so as to build interoperability and share best practices.
The KONKAN series of exercises commenced in 2004, and since then has grown in scale. KONKAN-2018 will be conducted from 28 Nov to 06 Dec 18 off Goa with units participating from both navies. The harbour phase is scheduled from 28 Nov to 30 Nov 18, followed by the sea phase from 02 to 06 Dec 18. The Royal Navy (RN) will be represented by HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Class Destroyer equipped with an integral Wildcat helicopter. The Indian Navy (IN) will field INS Kolkata, the first ship of latest Kolkata class destroyers, equipped with integral Sea King and a submarine. In addition, IN Dornier maritime patrol aircraft will also participate in the exercise. Click here to read.. [
INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
Iraq
Bomb blast at New Baghdad
The city of Baghdad was shattered by an explosion hidden in a car in which one Iraqi civilian was killed and several were injured. The city of Baghdad has witnessed a steady surge in the violence with the emergence of Islamic State extremist militants. The UN office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs confirmed that this rise in violence in Iraq is due to the displacement of five million persons across Iraq and nearly 11 million people who are still in need of humanitarian assistance. In monthly review by UN agency it has been confirmed that nearly 69 civilians were killed in October 2018.
Basra clash intensified
Basra the oil rich province of Iraq which has witnessed a protests of unemployed youth demanding basic amenities and avenues. The protesters gathered in campus of Basra Oil Company since 25 days and demanded job opportunities for local Basra youth. This protest has intensified in recent past when the new government in Iraq has rejected the demands for jobs. Oil rich Basra province is one of the southern province of Iraq prominently contributing to the GDP of Iraq. Hence such violent demonstrations and protests is considered to have dire consequences Iraqi economy. Politically, the new coalition government of Iraq is still need to fill complete portfolio and discharge services for the masses. Apart from such major economic challenge, the new government is tasked to rebuild much of Iraq after devastating war against Daesh. On energy front, Iraq is facing another major challenge after US sanctions on Iran, as Iraq is biggest importer of electricity from Iran and needs 23,000 MW of electricity to meet its domestic demands and to rebuilt almost entire country after the deadly war with Daesh. However, there are reports stating that Iraq is considering to import electricity from Saudi Arabia but it needs a more serious and infrastructural measure in short span of 45 days. Click here to read.. [
Click here to read.. [
Iraqi airstrikes in Anbar killed 13 Daesh militants
In continuation of its anti-Daesh operations in Iraq the Iraqi Air Force has launched airstrike on November 26, 2018 targeting Daesh militants of Al-Ja’ar area of Ar-Rutbah desert of Western Anbar province of Iraq. In this airstrike 13 Daesh militants have been killed.
Similarly, the Counter Terrorism Services of Iraq in an intelligence based operation destroyed three tunnels used by Daesh militants as hideouts and storage facilities located in the Dibis district of Salahuddin Province on November 26, 2018. Iraq officially declared victory against Daesh in November 2017 with capture of Rawa, a city from Anabar Province which used to be the last bastion of Daesh in Iraq.
Despite its defeat against US supported Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), Daesh has remained a greater threat against stability and security of Iraq and continues to launch sporadic attacks against ISF and US forces. The recent bomb blast of November 24, 2018 in the Badush town of Northwest Mosul stands testimony to it. Daesh militants also have killed 11 school children when they attacked a school bus on November 22, 2018.
Car blast in Mosul killed 13
The city of Mosul has witnessed the first deadly car bombing on November 9, 2018 in which 13 people have been killed and 24 people were severely injured. Mosul which was once the bastion of Daesh was liberated from the control of Daesh in July 10, 2017. The attack took place in its popular Abu Layla restaurant located in northern part of Mosul. Click here to read.. [
Syria
Iraqi airstrikes killed 40 Daesh militants in Syria
The Iraqi military has conducted airstrikes in Al-Susah and al-Baghuz cities of Deir al-Zour province of Syria in which total 40 Daesh militants have been killed. The intelligence based counter terrorism operation resulted in complete destruction of the target. In April 2018, then Prime Minister of Iraq, Abadi, denied intentions of interference in Syrian affairs but reiterated that Iraqi airstrikes will continue and ISF will follow militants in the whole region not only in Syria.
SDF and Daesh militants fight intensified
The US backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has launched a military offensive on November 6, 2018 and has faced an intense resistance from Daesh’s last vestige in eastern Syria. The Kurdish dominated SDF suspended its operations in the first week of November after Kurdish positions in farther north were shelled by Turkey. US Generals and diplomats de-escalated tensions by engaging with Turks. However, these recent attacks and incidences in Syria underscores the shifting nature of fight against Daesh which has posed a potent threat despite losing its majority of territorial control in Syria and Iraq. It further highlights the fact that despite such heavy loss in the battlefield, the global enterprise of Daesh which consists of two dozen branches and networks manned by thousand members, has remained robust. The foreign language products and propaganda machinery that still works to promote its narrative of enduring resistance and vitality highlight the fact that Daesh has adopted a strategy of sustaining operations and mounting losses and once again revisiting its guerrilla tactics in West Asia and beyond. Click here to read.. [
SDF airstrikes near Iraq border killed 45
In its last assault against Daesh held pocket of northern Syria bordering Iraq, the SDF has launched an airstrike on November 17 in which 45 people have been killed. Simultaneously, the SDF confirmed the airstrikes in Buqan area located close to Hajin on the eastern bank of Euprates River on same day in which no civilian casualties were recorded. The Syrian Assad regime has protested in the UN about the US led SDF airstrike at the Hajin area of eastern Deir-el-Zour region in which 26 civilians were killed. The SDF is considering the recent military campaign as a final assault in the last foothold of Daesh located east of Euphrates River. It will be a major defeat of Daesh in Syria after liberation of Raqqa. Click here to read.. [
Click here to read.. [
Car Bombing in Raqqa
A car bomb was exploded in the city of Raqqa on November 4, 2018 in which one civilian was killed and 10 people including SDF soldiers were injured. The attack was claimed by Islamic State which was targeting fighters from the Kurdish YPG Militia, a strong element of the SDF that wiped out Daesh militants in 2017. SDF is in its last leg against its counter-Daesh operation along the north bank of the Euphrates river close to Iraq border. Click here to read.. [
Afghanistan
Peace talks with Taliban in Russia, India indirectly involved
The Russian Federation has hosted representatives of Afghan Taliban and the Afghan High Peace Council for a meeting on November 9, 2018 at Moscow. The core objective of this meeting was to deliberate means and ways to end the Afghan insurgency which as hammered the development for 17 years. Russia has invited several countries for this talks in Moscow which were earlier scheduled in September but were postponed at the urging of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. After the meeting in a press release Taliban leaders have said that they are ready to talk with the US and end the war but not with the Afghan government which they deem illegitimate. The US has sent its observer to the Moscow for the meeting after it refused to attend the meeting in September. India confirmed its participation in non-official capacity.
The official statement by the Ministry of External affairs confirms India’s strong support for the Afghan efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. It has further clarified that its participation was in synchrony with its Afghan policy and reiterated that attending the meeting was not talking to the Taliban. The meeting comes after Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Putin held talks at New Delhi on October 5, 2018 and declared their support for the Afghan government’s efforts towards the realisation of reconciliation process. Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad held a meeting in Kabul on November 2018. Prior to the meeting the Russian Presidential Envoy Zamir Kabulov stated that the Taliban also had 10 secret consultations with the US officials and Russia is happy that both Taliban and Afghan government are encouraged to have a dialogue without prerequisites. Afghan President and the US Special Envoy for peace in Click here to read.. [
Geneva Conference on Afghanistan
The Government of Afghanistan and the United Nation has jointly hosted the Geneva ministerial conference on November 27-28, 2018. It is the 13th high level international conference on Afghanistan since 2001. The focus of this conference was peace efforts and development. It also reviewed the Afghan goernment’s reforms which were committed by Afghanistan to the donors of Afghanistan at Brussels conference in 2016. The European Union made an aid agreement worth $535 USD with Afghan Government on November 27, 2018 to support Afghan government’s effort to rebuild state and execute public sector reforms in prominent areas of healthcare, law enforcement, and elections and address the migration and displacement challenges in Afghanistan.
Ministers of Afghan delegation have presented various aspects of growth strategy of Afghanistan ranging from security, infrastructure development, anti-corruption, women empowerment etc. and also emphasised upon continuous need of constructive contribution from the international community. In this conference, the Indian delegation was led by the Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh who reassured India’s strong support for development, peace and security in Afghanistan. Indian delegation emphasised on the importance of development and reform and the need for a constructive contribution to peace and security during the conference and the meetings concluded on the side-lines of the conference. Click here to read.. [
Suicide bombing at Kabul killed 55
The city of Kabul once again faced a deadly siege in the form of a suicide attack on November 20, 2018 in which 55 people were killed and 94 people severely injured. Out of these 94, 20 injured are still reported to be critical. The attack was triggered in the gathering of Afghan Ulema Council the apex body gathered in a hall to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad when suicide bomber triggered his suicide vest, scattering the opening recitation of Koranic verses. Parliamentary elections concluded in October 2018 have also sparked a wave of deadly violence across the country in which hundreds of people were killed. It is considered to be the bloodiest assault on the Afghan capital since the twin suicide attack of September 2018 at a wrestling club in which 26 people were killed.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called the attack “unforgivable” and declared November 21, 2018 a national day of mourning. The Afghan Ulema council has remained a prime target for Daesh since long as it had issued an unprecedented religious edict in the past stating insurgency in Afghanistan has no religious basis. Consistent attacks on religious gatherings has hinted at the ISIS footprint as the Taliban, which is in peace talks with the government and the US, has also condemned the attack.
29 Taliban militants killed in counter-terror operation at Uruzgan Province
In an intelligence based joint operation by the Afghan National Army, National Police and National Directorate of Security 29 Taliban militants have been killed in the Deh Raqud district of central Uruzgan Province of Afghanistan. Click here to read.. [
Rising ISIS footprint in Afghanistan
At one end when one sees the Taliban on the peace table, a new security concern is on the rise on the horizons of Afghanistan. The recent deadly attacks against civilian and government targets conducted and claimed by the ISIS in Kabul highlight the fact that the Daesh militants have carved out a sanctuary in the eastern provinces of Afghanistan. Simultaneously, after fall of Mosul and Raqqa in Iraq and Syria, Daesh militants are encouraging their affiliates in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula, Libya, Yemen and Western Africa to continue mobilising fighters and execute attacks against local governments and foment instability in these areas.
Taliban attacks on afghan forces at Iran Border killed 20
Taliban militants attacked a border outpost of Afghan National Army in Farah on November 6, 2018 in which 20 Afghan troops were killed and several soldiers injured. Farah is often under attack from Taliban which has intensified its military campaign since May 2018 when it threatened to seize the provincial capital. Taliban has claimed the responsibility in a statement in which it reiterated its objective to oust foreign forces and overthrow the government in Kabul. Taliban militants have seized the base and looted all the military hardware of the base. This, along with certain major attacks by Taliban on Afghan security forces underscores the fact that Afghan forces are stretched out while confronting Taliban militants who have steadily extended their control in rural Afghanistan, though the government holds control in all provincial centres.
It is 17 years after the US led forces topped Taliban regime. Since then Afghan forces are dying in record numbers and US has warned that the fatal casualties of Afghan forces is not sustainable. In September 2018 more than 500 Afghan soldiers were killed and hundreds were wounded. Click here to read.. [
Attack in Ghazni killed 10 commandos
In a brazen attack by Taliban militants, 10 commandos of Afghan National Army including six commandos and 15 civilians have been killed at Jaghori district of southern Ghazni Province of Afghanistan on November 10, 2018. In response, the coalition forces conducted airstrikes targeting Taliban positions in the area and inflicted heavy casualties. Click here to read.. [
Pakistan
Suicide bombing at Orakzai, Peshawar, 34 kille
In a massive suicide explosion on November 23, 2018 at the crowded Kalaya Bazar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa located in northern Pakistan, 34 people have been killed and 56 people have been injured. Kalaya is Shia dominated region. Daesh has claimed the responsibility of this attack. Click here to read.. [
Terror attack at Chinese Consulate in Karachi
The Chinese Consulate located in the Clifton area of Karachi was attacked by terrorists on November 23, 2018 in which seven people have been killed and several people injured. Three terrorist who attacked the consulate have been killed by the security forces of Pakistan. Heavy amount of explosives and weapons were recovered from the attack site. This was a second terror attack in a span of one week in Karachi. On November 17, a blast in Qaidabad area killed two youth and injured 12. In the past, series of assaults were recorded in Pakistan against Chinese nationals including workers involved in various multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects on which thousands of Chinese workers are employed. In 2012 a motorcycle exploded near Chinese consulate in Karachi. Click here to read.. [
Africa
Nigeria
Boko Haram attacked Metele military base and outgunned the Nigerian military
The Nigerian army base in Metele located in Guzamala government area of northeast Nigeria was stormed by Boko Haram terrorists on November 18, 2018 in which more than 118 soldiers have been killed and 153 soldiers were severely injured. In this attack significant military hardware is looted by militants. Various videos shot by the Nigerian army personnel surfaced on social media after the incident to indicate that that the Boko Haram has outgunned Nigerian army personnel and have used rocket propelled grenades, machine guns and AK-47 rifles to destroy armoured vehicles in large numbers. In response to the attack, the Nigerian Air Force conducted air strikes on November 25 - 26, 2018 on Boko Haram hideouts in Tumbun Rego, Kangarwa and Mainok, and also crossed the border in hot pursuit of terrorists to destroy the military hardware looted by terrorists during Metele attack. Click here to read.. [
Click here to read.. [
Boko Haram attack in Borno killed 15 farmers
The state of Borno in Nigeria has seen another deadly attack by Boko Haram at Kazaaa and Daraa villages of Borno on November 13, 2018 in which militants have killed at least 16 farmers and left 12 farmers missing. The farmers who were killed in this attack were residents from camps located in Monguno which houses people displaced by nine years of insurgency. Boko Haram has stepped up its attack against farmers and loggers in recent times accusing them of passing information to the Nigerian military. Despite the heavy claim by the Nigerian government about victory against Boko Haram, the militant group has carried out several major attacks on military and civilian targets in the recent past. More than 27,000 people have died and 1.8 million people rendered homeless since the start of Boko Haram insurgency in the remote northeast Nigeria in 2009. Click here to read.. [
Mozambique
Terror attack killed 12 people in the Mozambique
The village of Chicuaia Velha of Nangane district of Mozambique was attacked by the terrorists on November 25, 2018 in which 12 people were killed including women and children. The Mozambique has recently seen revival of the terror attacks in various parts. It was a deadliest attack after the one in October 2018 in which 20 people were killed. The Islamic hard line activism is on the rise in the region, stoking unrest when the government in Maputo is pushing ahead with oil and gas development in the province. Simultaneously, various media reports confirm the regrouping of militant groups namely Al-Shabaab’ or ‘Ansar al-Sunnah’ or ‘Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamo’ to destabilise the state. In contradiction, Mozambique government continues to deny the existence of terrorism in the state. Click here to read.. [
Somalia
Mogadishu hotel attack, 39 killed
The capital city of Mogadishu of Somalia witnessed a deadly car bomb attack at the Sahafi hotel on November 9, 2018 in which 58 people were killed and more than 100 injured. The city was shattered by four simultaneous car blasts. Al- Shabab militant group have claimed the responsibility for the attack. Al-Shabab militant group controls territory in rural central and southern Somalia, and has launched frequent attacks of this nature. Click here to read.. [
Galkayo terror attack
The city of Mogadishu again witnessed twin terror strikes at the Galkayo region on November 28, 2018 in which 13 people have been killed. This attack was claimed by Al-Shabab which has also claimed the responsibility of a deadly car bomb explosion at busy market of Wadajir district on November 25, 2018. Al-Shabaab, which has thousands of militants in its ranks, has been active in the East African region since 2006. It is a worrisome fact that has emerged in recent past to underscor the fact that despite several airstrikes by the US AFCOM, which has caused the significant casualties to it, the capabilities of Al-Shabab to conduct strikes and mass attacks on government bases and offices have increased. The US AFCOM has conducted 29 airstrikes in Somalia in 2018 and has conducted 27 airstrikes in 2017, inflicting considerable casualties to the militant group. After these airstrikes there was some decline in terror strikes was recorded. However, recent deadly attacks in various parts of Mogadishu confirms that the Al-Shabab is adapting a conscious strategy to switch to the bombings as its primary source of attack method which does not expose its men and yet cause major terror in the region.
These ongoing terror strikes in various parts of the country highlight the fact that the insurgency in Somalia has reached to a stalemate. What is more worrying which often get highlighted by various attacks in Somalia is the fact that least efforts have been made by the Somalian government to deal with Al-Shabab. Deep humanitarian crisis in Somalia and rising insecurity have added to the complexities. This critical situation is exploited by Al-Shabab which extorts huge sums from starving communities and forcibly recruits hundreds of children as soldiers and suicide bombers to target various government bases and institutions. Overall, 2.6 million people are displaced in Somalia and relief programmes remain critically under-funded. The US has increased its military presence in Somalia since early 2017 to about 500 personnel, after Trump approved expanded military operations. Click here to read.. [
Click here to read.. [
Domestic Terrorism
Jammu and Kashmir
Abduction and killing by militants in Pulwama
A seventeen year youth was abducted from Niklora village of Pulwama District of South Kashmir and later was killed on November 15, 2018. In similar kind of incidents, militants abducted 3 civilians from Sadipora of Shopian on the suspicion of being informers for the security forces on November 17, 2018.
Counter-Terror operations
Budgam Operation
In an intelligence based operations conducted by the security forces in Zagoo area of Khansahib in Budgam District, on November 1, 2018, two Lashkar–e-Taiba militants were killed.
Kaldung operation
Two Lashkar militants were killed by the security forces in Yaripora area of Kulgam district on November 1, 2018. The militants have been verified as Abu Huzaifa and Mohammad Saleem Ganai. During the operation, security forces successfully arrested Azad Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Shirmaal village of Shopian. Huge amount of arms and ammunition was recovered from the operation site.
One week, 24 terrorist neutralised by the security forces
The security forces have achieved a high rate of success in intelligence driven operations in the Valley. Beginning November 25, 2018, 24 terrorists have been killed in different encounters within the span of one week. These slain terrorists include the most wanted one in Shujaat Bukhari murder case and L-e-T Commander Naveed Jatt, who was killed during an encounter at Budgam on November 26, 2018. Jatt escaped from SMHS Hospital in March 2018 when he was taken for medical examination after arrest. Jatt was the fifth senior commander of the L-e-T shot by the security forces in last 45 days. The DGP Police, in press brief confirmed that such high rate of success has caused heavy damage to the terrorist organisations while youth in the valley are diverting from militancy due to the militant’s shorter life span. In November 2018, a youth reported to have joined militant ranks. Till November 26, 2018, security forces have neutralised nearly 249 terrorists. 35 terrorists in September 2018, 30 in October and 39 till November 27, 2018 have been killed.
NIA Filed chargesheet against Aasiya Andrabi of Dukhtaran-E-Millat (DEM)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against Aasiya Andrabi, Sofi Fehmeeda and Naheeda Nasreen of Dukhtaran-e-Millat, a proscribed terrorist organisation, in the Court of Special Judge, NIA, Patiala House, New Delhi. Andrabi and her associates of DEM were arrested by the NIA on July 6, 2018. Thorough investigation done by NIA has established that Aasiya Andrabi is heading Dukhtaran-e-Millat as its Chief and has used social media and other platforms to abet waging of war against the Government of India. She is spreading seditious and insurrectionary imputations against Government of India. She is promoting ill-will and enmity between different communities in India on ground of religion. Investigation has also established that she has close contacts with designated Global Terrorist Hafeez Mohammad Saeed who is the head of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), the internationally designated terrorist organizations that are based in Pakistan. These organizations are also proscribed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Left Wing Extremism
Change in leadership of CPI-M
In a major change in the leadership of Maoist movement in India, the CPI-Maoist has announced in a press release on November 10, 2018 that its general secretary Mupalla Laxman Rao alias Ganpathy has withdrawn from responsibilities, and have nominated Nambala Kesava Rao alias Basavaraju as the new general secretary of CPI-M. Ganpathy has been supreme leader of the Maoist movement in India since last 25 years - 12 years as chief of CPI-ML i.e. Peoples War and 13 years as Chief of CPI-M following the merger of People’s War and Maoist Communist Center in 2004. Basavraju is heading the CPI M at the time when it has received a major setback and its area of influence in some parts of Chattisgarh and Andhra Odisha border has reduced considerably. In the intelligence driven security operations in 2018, total 177 Maoists have been killed and 1261 arrested. In response to the development approach by the government, 391 have surrendered in 2018 to join the mainstream.
