Ceasefire violation by Pak troops in J&K; 1 jawan killed, six injured

October 23, 2013

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Jammu, Oct 23: Pakistan troops resorted to heavy shelling at Indian positions at 50 locations along the International Border killing one BSF jawan and injuring six others a day after Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde reviewed security situation in Jammu And Kashmir.

According to reports, heavy firing from the Pakistan side was reported last night in the RS Pura and Pargawal sectors and continued for almost six hours.

Pakistani troops fired mortars and rockets targeting BSF posts and nearby villages, reports said.

A senior police officer told reporters that the BSF trooper and others who were injured came under heavy shelling by the Pakistan Rangers on Indian positions last night.

The Rangers violated ceasefire at 50 locations in the sector using 82 mm mortars, heavy weapons and automatics, a senior BSF officer confirmed.

The BSF also strongly retaliated to Pakistan firing and heavy shelling.

In view of the unprovoked firing and increased ceasefire violations from Pakistan, talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries have been put on hold for the time being.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif had agreed upon these talks when they met on the sidelines of the UN general body meeting in New York last month.

Reports claim that in view of rising incidents of ceasefire violations, the South Block is not keen to go ahead with the DGMO-level talks between the two sides.

Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had onTuesday visited Jammu to take stock of the situation arising from the repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan Rangers on the international border.

After his interaction with BSF jawans, the Home Minister said provocations from Pakistan won't be tolerated.

"You fight for us, for the nation. You are very brave and I congratulate you all," he told Indian soldiers.

On Monday, Army Chief General Bikram Singh met Defence Minister AK Antony to discuss the situation at the Line of Control and the border.

Till date this year, there have been over 200 incidents of ceasefire violations. In 2012, there were 117 incidents of unprovoked firing by Pakistani soldiers.

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News Network
December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•    Location tracking
•    Pedometer
•    SOS emergency button
•    Qibla compass
•    Prayer timings
•    Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•    Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•    Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•    Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•    Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1.    Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2.    Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•    Training modules
•    Accommodation and flight details
•    Baggage information
•    SOS and translation tools
•    Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•    India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•    70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•    30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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