TUESDAY 06 MAY 2025 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘OPPN SPREADING CONFUSION OVER WAQF AWARENESS CAMPAIGN’ ‘WE DON’T WANT NEP BASED ON SANSKRIT UPHOLDING VARNASHRAMA’ P4 SENSEX 80,796.84 p294.85 WEATHER Partly cloudy sky. Thunderstorm with light to moderate rain likely to occur. RAINFALL: 00.0 mm ` vs $ 84.26 P9 GOLD `98,195 CM raises concern over attack on Bengali migrant workers Min. 45% TEMPERATURE Max: 34.2˚C (-1.2) Min: 26.2˚C (+0.1) SUN RISES 05:02 hrs MOON RISES 12:02 hrs SUN SETS 18:05 hrs MOON SETS 00:40 hrs Full Moon on 12 May THUMBNAILS STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 5 MAY INS Sharda arrives at Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives, for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise planned from 04 to 10 May 25, on Monday. nANI Japan assures full support to India in fight against terrorism in high-level defence meeting: In a key meeting held today, Japan has assured India of full support in its fight against terrorism. During a bilateral meeting held between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart, General Nakatani, the latter expressed solidarity with India over the Pahalgam attack and extended Japan's full support. Earlier, the Japanese Defense Minister laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes. C hief minister Mamata Banerjee raised serious questions over increasing attacks on Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states. “Why are Bengali migrant workers being targeted in BJPruled states like Odisha, Maharashtra, UP, and Bihar? Over 1.5 crore workers from other states work peacefully in Bengal. This is the difference. It's time for the Centre and state governments to act against this injustice!” she said. Miss Banerjee arrived at Berhampore today as part of her two-day visit while blaming the BJP for the recent violence that had broken out in various parts of Murshidabad, which left three people dead. Miss Banerjee said: “If I ask who are engineering communal trouble in the state. I have the experience of working with at least 12 Prime ministers. Who is the acting Prime Minister of the country? I don’t know .The BJP can tell. My advice to him is, strengthen security at the borders without thinking of fomenting communal trouble in the state. India is our motherland. We all love our country. Try to give justice to those who had lost their near and dear ones in Pahalgam terror attack.” The chief minister explained why she is going to Murshidabad after almost a month since the communal violence broke out on 8 April. "I could have gone to Murshidabad much before. But I thought of going there when things have settled down. Normalcy has been restored there for quite some time. In between, there was also the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath temple at Digha, the date for which was announced much before. Now, I am going to Murshidabad after completing my work," she said. On the decision of the family members of Hargobindo Das and Putin speaks to PM Modi, reiterates perpetrators of Pahalgam terror attack should be brought to justice STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 5 MAY Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Condoling the deaths of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, Putin stressed that the perpetrators of the "heinous" Pahalgam terror attack should be brought to justice, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "Putin condoled the deaths of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre and expressed full support to India in its fight against terrorism," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. He said that the Russian President has expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. "Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi conveyed greetings to President Putin on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him for the Annual Summit to be held in India Cash at judge’s residence: SC ‘in-house’ panel submits probe report to CJI later in the year," Jaiswal added. Monday's call between the two leaders took place before the Russian President hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will be on an official visit to the Russian Federation from May 7-10 and take part in the ceremonial events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. PM Modi, who had also been invited by Putin for participation in the Victory Day ceremonial celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, will, however, not be travelling to Russia. Mr Putin is the latest leader to speak to Modi after the attacks. Earlier, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have extended full support to India in its fight against terrorism. The Russian President had even earlier condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a "brutal crime,” and also extended Russia's support in fighting against terrorism with India. NEW DELHI, 5 MAY The Supreme Court-appointed enquiry panel formed to probe into cash discovery allegations against Justice Yashwant Verma has submitted its report to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna. Then Delhi HC judge, Justice Varma, is embroiled in a controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of a huge pile of burnt cash in the storeroom attached to his bungalow in Delhi after the fire brigade had gone there to douse a blaze on March 14. "The three-member Committee consisting of Mr Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Mr Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh. and Ms Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the High Court of Karnataka, constituted for conducting an inquiry into the allegations against Mr Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting Judge, has submitted its report dated 03.05.2025 to the Chief Justice of India on 04.05.2025," said a press released issued by the apex court on Monday. Justice Varma’s transfer from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad HC, amid an in-house probe, was cleared by the Union government on March 28. Chandan Das, the father-son duo killed in communal violence at Samserganj in Murshidabad, refusing compensation cheque offered by the state government, the CM said that the refusal was their personal choice. “The state government is dutybound to offer compensation. We wanted to give that. But if anyone refuses to accept that... it is not in our hands. However, the state government will stand by the affected people at Murshidabad. During the visit to Murshidabad, I will speak to those who would like to meet," she said. Banerjee also expressed hope that the detained Border Security Force (BSF) jawan in Pakistan will return to India soon. "It is a very unfortunate incident. We have to ensure that he returns. Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee is in regular touch with his family members," the chief minister said. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, on Monday, avoided commenting on the report sent by Governor C V Ananda Bose to the Union ministry of home affairs on the communal violence and riot-like situation in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district last month, where he had reportedly suggested consideration of provision of the Constitution's Article 356, for imposing President's Rule. Asked to comment on the Governor’s report before she left for her two-day visit to Murshidabad, Banerjee said, "The Governor is not well. He was hospitalised. I wish him a quick recovery." STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE PARWINDER SANDHU NEW DELHI, 5 MAY Amidst the ongoing heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory to multiple states for undertaking mock drills on May 7. The drills, which will include operationalization of air raid warning sirens and blackouts, are being undertaken to prepare the general public in event of a hostile attack. As per the reports, the key aspects of the mock drills will include, training of civilians, students, crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updating of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal, and operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens. This comes a day after a 30-minute blackout drill was conducted in the Ferozepur army cantonment by the authorities. Speaking to the media, Gurjant Pak test-fires another missile as part of INDUS exercise NEW DELHI, 5 MAY Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan over Pahalgam terror attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Home Secretary Govind Mohan. The meeting assumes significance as it comes close on the heels of the meetings the Prime Minister held with Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Sunday and with Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Saturday. The series of meetings is considered crucial as they took place amid conjectures as to what strategy India was planning as a counter-offensive in the backdrop of India’s national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. It is learnt that during his NEW DELHI, 05 MAY meeting with the Defence Secretary, the Prime Minister was also briefed about the developments on the LoC where Pakistan has been resorting to unprovoked firing across the line for the 11th consecutive night. Reports said that on the adjoining night of May 4 and May 5, small arms firing was directed from posts in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded to the firing promptly. Pakistan on Monday testfired another short-range missile of Fatah Series amid heightened tensions with India following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed at least 25 Indians and a Nepali national. In a statement, the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan said the missile launch was part of Pakistani military’s exercise INDUS and aimed at “ensuring the operational readiness of troops” amid fears of a military action by India. SNS Cyber offensive hits Indian military websites; Pak-based hackers claim access to sensitive data NEW DELHI, 5 MAY Days after websites of multiple educational institutions under the Army Welfare Education Society were targeted in a series of cyber offensives, reports about other Indian defence websites being hacked and sensitive details being leaked have surfaced. According to the sources, a Twitter account "Pakistan Cyber Force" has claimed that the group has allegedly gained access to sensitive data from the Indian Military Engineering Service and Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis. “This claim suggests that the attackers may have compromised personnel informa- tion related to defense persons including the login credentials. In addition to this data breach, it has also been reported that the group also attempted to deface the official website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, a PSU company under MoD. The website has been defaced by using the Pakistan flag and Al Khalid tank,” revealed the source. As a precautionary measure, the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited has been taken offline for a thorough and deliberate audit, in order to assess the extent of any potential damage caused by the defacement attempt and to ensure the integrity of the website. Furthermore, cybersecurity experts and agencies are actively monitoring cyberspace to detect any additional cyber- attacks, particularly those that may be sponsored by threat actors linked to Pakistan. In response to the situation, appropriate and necessary measures are being taken to bolster the security infrastructure, strengthen digital defenses, and safeguard against further intrusion attempts, the source added. These efforts are focused on enhancing the overall resilience of online platforms and ensuring that forces are better prepared to defend against future cyber threats. Earlier, Pakistan sponsored hacker groups “Cyber Group HOAX1337” and “National Cyber Crew” had targeted the websites of Army Public School Nagrota and Sunjuwan and defaced with messages mocking the victims of the recent Pahal- BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 60.52 MHA asks several states to conduct mock drills for effective civil defence Amid escalating India-Pakistan tension, PM Modi meets NSA, Home Secretary STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE AGENCIES P12 SILVER `97,000 CM also blamed the BJP for the recent violence that had broken out in Murshidabad RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 89% P5 NIFTY 24,461.15 p114.45 TITANS FACE TOUGH BATTLE AGAINST IN-FORM MUMBAI ‘IRAN’S TOP DIPLOMAT IN PAKISTAN TO MEDIATE KASHMIR TENSIONS' gam terror attack. In another incident, a website catering to ex-servicemen’s healthcare services was defaced signaling Pakistan’s growing frustration. Earlier, the websites of the Army Institute of Hotel Management and Indian Air Force veterans’ were also hacked. “There have been repeated attempts made by hackers operating from Pakistan to attack websites having linkages to children, old age veterans and other innocent people. Resorting to attacking veterans and families’ platforms reflects another low by Pakistan and their continuous attempt of unethical ways of operating,” the source said adding “It appears that Pakistan is testing India’s restraint and patience.” Singh, SHO, Ferozepur Cantt Police Station, stated that the rehearsal was conducted on the guidelines of the Cantonment Board/Station Commander. "The blackout was from 9 pm to 9:30 pm. As per the orders of the senior officers, lights were fully switched off. If any vehicle was found with its light turned on, it was turned off...Police are fully alert. Deployment has been made at all intersections," he said. Earlier, in a statement issued by the Army spokesperson, it was stated that during a security review on 29 April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs full freedom to select the time, target and method of retribution. “The perpetrators will not be spared by the Indian forces. The Indian Army is prepared for decisive actions, yet has scrupulously avoided hasty cross-Lineof-Control forays,” the statement read. Cong compares Rahul’s politics to that of Mahatma Gandhi’s, BJP calls it ‘drama’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 5 MAY A political firestorm has been ignited with Rahul Gandhi owning up the Congress’ mistakes made in the past, even as the BJP accused the grand old party of staging a "drama" and doing nothing against its leaders allegedly involved in the anti-Sikh 1984 riots. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, while answering a question of a Sikh person during a public interaction in the US, said, "A lot of those things happened when I was not there, but I am more than happy to take responsibility for everything the Congress party has ever done wrong in its history. I have publicly stated that what happened in the 80s was wrong. I have been to the Golden Temple multiple times; I have extremely good relationships with the Sikh community in India." The statement prompted the Congress and the INDIA bloc political parties rallying behindtheLoP."RahulGandhi's politics is truly like Mahatma Gandhi's. One needs a big heart to accept mistakes. During the UPA tenure, Dr Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi admitted the wrongs done to Sikhs. That statement changed the atmosphere in Punjab, and the Congress came to power,” a news agency quoted senior Congress leader Husain Dalwai as saying. "Many mistakes are made while running a government, but one needs to have a big heart to accept and correct them. We are not like the BJP, which says that they do not make any mistakes. Politics doesn't work like this. It is important to be generous in politics," the Congress leader said.