Pioneer in short
Militant killed in J&K encounter
A local militant was killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, the Army said on Wednesday. The operation was launched late Tuesday in the Arahama area following credible intelligence reports of suspicious movement in the region. According to the Army, a joint cordon and search operation was carried out by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. During the search, troops observed suspicious activity and challenged the individual, who opened fire. Security forces retaliated promptly, and the cordon was tactically reorganised amidst intermittent firing to ensure minimal collateral damage. The operation culminated in the elimination of the militant following a calibrated response. The slain individual has been identified as 28-year-old Rashid Ahmad Mughal, a resident of Lar in Ganderbal district. His identity was confirmed by his elder brother at the Police Control Room in Srinagar. Officials said that no civilian casualties were reported during the encounter. Security forces continue to maintain a heightened presence in the area to prevent any further militant activity.
God not safe in Kerala: Rajnath
Senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a blistering attack on the ruling LDF in poll-bound Kerala, alleging that “God was not secure” in the state after the Sabarimala gold loss cases. Speaking at Paravur, he said the LDF “betrayed Lord Ayyappa for a few pieces of gold,” comparing it to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Singh demanded a time-bound CBI probe if the BJP comes to power and accused both LDF and UDF of corruption, mismanagement, and failing Kerala’s development. He highlighted alleged scams during their tenures, including state-sponsored gold smuggling, the solar scam, Palarivattom bridge scam, and bar bribery scandal. The minister also cited rising crime, unemployment, cybercrime, and drug abuse, accusing the Left of fostering appeasement politics and religious extremism.
Stalin accuses BJP of inciting riots
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin accused the BJP of plotting to incite violence in the state, citing incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, and said his government had successfully thwarted such attempts. Speaking at a rally in Tiruchirappalli ahead of Assembly polls, Stalin highlighted his government’s achievements and development initiatives in the region, including the Panchapur bus terminus, mini-stadium, jallikattu arena, model schools, and combined drinking water schemes. He announced future projects such as a mega library named after Kamarajar, a TIDEL Park, and an Olympic Academy. Over the past five years, INR 26,066 crore worth of projects have been completed in Tiruchirappalli, he said, adding that peaceful governance has attracted investments to Tamil Nadu.
