21 Opposition parties hit out at PM Modi over ‘politicisation of armed forces’

Agencies

February 28, 2019

New Delhi, Feb 28: Amid the rising Indo-Pak tensions, the Opposition on Wednesday condemned the ruling BJPs "blatant politicisation" of the armed forces sacrifices and also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not convening an all-party meeting.

Representatives of 21 opposition parties, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee and CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, met in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakot in Pakistan.

In a joint statement, they "expressed deep anguish over the blatant politicisation of sacrifices made by the armed forces by leaders of the ruling party."

"National security must transcend narrow political considerations," they said, adding the Prime Minister has, regrettably, not convened an-all party meeting as per the established practice in our democracy.

They also condemned the dastardly Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored JeM and lauded the action taken by the IAF against the terrorist camp on Tuesday and praised the Indian Armed Forces for their valour and bravery. "The meeting paid homage to our martyrs and expressed solidarity with our Armed Forces in crushing the menace of terrorism," the statement said.

The leaders also expressed concern on the emerging security situation.

With the Ministry of External Affairs confirming targeting of Indian military installations and loss of one fighter aircraft, the leaders condemned the Pakistani misadventure and expressed deep concern for the safety of pilot who the MEA announced to be “missing in action”. Meanwhile Pakistan has been claiming that they have one IAF pilot in their custody.

The leaders urged the Modi government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity.

While there has been no further communication from the Indian government, Pakistan PM Imran Khan addressed his country earlier today. He said that they were ready to invite India for dialogue, and that “better sense should prevail”.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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