'Good beginning is half the battle' - says PM on a day UNSC condemns Pak on terror

Seoul, Feb 22 (UNI) "Shichagi Bhanida ......", - Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Friday referring to a Korean saying meaning -- "A good beginning is half the battle''.This came on a day when the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution condemning the Pulwama attack and urging Pakistan to take convincing steps to intensify its actions against terror groups.

The top UN body has urged all states, in accordance with their obligations under international law and Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in fight against terror especially in the context of Pulwama attack.

Addressing an impressive gathering after receiving the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize here, the Prime Minister said "time has come" for all those who believe in humanity to join hands to completely eradicate terrorist networks and their financing, supply channels, and to counter terrorist ideology and propaganda.


"Only by doing so can we replace hate with harmony; destruction with development and transform the landscape of violence and vendetta into a post-card for peace," he said.

Earlier in a joint media briefing with the South Koren President Moon Jae-in, the Prime Minister said "Ab samay aa gaya hae ki vaishwik samuday....batton se agey barkar, is samasya ke virodh mein ek jut hokar karwa-wahi karey (Now the time has come for the global community to go beyond mere talks and stay united and take concrete actions against terror menace)".

Prime Minister's resolute remarks hours came after the UN Security Council named JeM, which claimed responsibility for February 14 terror attack, and underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.

India’s permanent representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted to say that the UNSC statement had "many firsts takes more time than expected".

"In complex diplomatic situations, however, it is better to be late than never,” Akbaruddin wrote.

Sources said the UNSC resolution was adopted despite Pakistan lobbying with UNSC top brass and initial skirmishes raised by China.

Sources also said India had pushed for adoption of its 'stand and language' in the resolution through 'partner countries' including on the naming of Jaish-e-Mohammad and "to bring perpetrators to justice".
France has played a key role in pushing the resolution, sources said and so did countries like the US.

In his speech after receiving the award, Prime Minister Modi also referred to the "progress over the past year towards peace on the Korean peninsula"

"President Moon deserves all the praise for the role he has played in overcoming the legacy of mutual distrust and suspicion between North Korea and the international community, and bringing them to the discussion table," he said adding this is "no small achievement".


"I state again my Government's strong support to the ongoing dialogue process between the two Koreas and between the US and North Korea," Mr Modi said.

"I am deeply honoured to be awarded the Prize....the award belongs to the people of India," Mr Modi said.

The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 and the awardees receives a diploma, a plaque and honorarium of USD 200,000."May there be peace everywhere......may there be eternal peace," Mr Modi said on the occasion quoting Sanskrit mantras.
The Prime Minister said the entire monetary prize amount would be dedicated to the Namami Gange project - committed to clean Ganga.

Setback to Imran regime: FATF slams Pak for 'limited progress' on terror financing

Paris, Feb 22 (UNI) In yet another set back to Pakistan and its beleaguered Imran Khan-led regime vis-a-vis its flip flip on terror financing, the anti-money global body Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Friday said it will continue to keep Islamabad in the 'grey list'.

This move is also seen as a minor win for India's efforts as post-Pulwama, Indian agencies submitted dossiers to the FATF urging it that Pakistan should not given any relief.

The FATF held its plenary sitting from February 17 and the deliberations completed on Friday.


In a statement, the FATF said: "Due to the limited progress on action plan item due in January 2019, the FATF urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timeliness of May 2019". The international financial watchdog in effect warned Pakistan to stick to the deadlines and not miss them again - as they have this time.


The FATF list matters vis-a-vis terror funding will be reviewed again in June and October later this year. Sources say India is keen to push for inclusion of Pakistan in the FATF 'black list' like Iran and North Korea.


The blacklisting of Pakistan could only add to the economic woes for the cash-strapped nation which is faced with balance of payment crisis.
Indian government sources say the FATF can 'blacklist' Pakistan if convinced of its role in the Pulwama attack and its complicity in terror funding.
Actions from FATF may lead to "downgrading" of Pakistan by global lenders such as IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and European Union.
In a desperate move on Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday 'reinstated' ban on Hafeez Saeed-led Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD).

The JuD is a front organisation of the Lashkar-e-Toiba terror group which had carried out the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed.

The Pakistan government has also decided to ban JuD’s charity wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF).

India owes historic statement 'with many firsts' UNSC resolution to US and France

New Delhi/United Nations, Feb 22 (UNI) Diplomatically, things could not be going better for the Modi government.

Over five months after India and the US held their first '2 Plus 2 Dialogue', the American administration stood by India steadfastly post-Pulwama attack and finally ensured a strong UNSC negation against Pakistan.


The UN Security Council comprising 15 permanent and non-permanent members on Thursday finally adopted the resolution 'unanimously' that condemned in the “strongest terms” the “heinous and cowardly” terror attack and also named Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in the statement.
"These can be seen as diplomatic win," sources said and the comments were readily endorsed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in a television interview as well.

"This country has the confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver...," Mr Singh said.
Besides, P-5, other nations in 15-member powerful organ of UN include - Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Peru, Poland,  South Africa, Indonesia, Dominican Republic,  Belgium and Germany.

The US, UK, France, Russia and China are permanent members with veto power.

The UN Security Council statement making strong reference to terrorism and even naming Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad for February 14 dastardly act was 'forcefully and tactfully' delayed by China while Pakistan worked overtime to avoid a strong resolution completely.

"Now that the resolution was adopted, we can say it was adopted unanimously by the UNSC including both permanent and non permanent members and also China. It contains specific language that India had proposed via partner countries including on the naming of JeM," an informed source said here.

India's stand that perpetrators should be brought to justice was also accepted even as India's formidable competitors and rivals in region China and Pakistan tried to do everything to either 'dilute' the content or even total avoidance of a statement altogether.

What is seen as a matter of immense satisfaction for Indian side is that the condemnation by the powerful organ of the world body came shortly after Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi had met top brass in the UN including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Lodhi has also met the UN Security Council president Anatolio Ndong Mba of Equatorial Guinea.

Some UNSC members including the US wanted a statement by February 15-16, but Chinese insisted that it should be taken up only by February 18.

But in all these - India's partners France and the US stood by New Delhi.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had urged Pakistan - after the Pulwama attack - to act firmly against the terror groups. France has played a key role in pushing the resolution.

In fact, the 'determined' bid from French government was reflected in true spirit of remarks made by the France envoy to India. "By coordinating our diplomatic efforts, France and India show once again unity against terrorism," Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler had tweeted on February 19.

For the part of the US, no less than The White House issued a strong statement. NSA John Bolton also spoke to his Indian counterpart  Ajit Doval and even President Donald Trump described the attack as 'horrible'.

India’s permanent representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted on the UNSC resolution calling it -“A statement with many firsts takes more time than expected. In complex diplomatic situations, however, it is better to be late than never".

Sources said France will initiate yet another move at the UN and that will be to put Masood Azhar on the terrorist list.

Among the big fishes, UNSC permanent member  Russia is backing India and also the US and United Kingdom.

Sources recall that supported by the UK and France, the Americans had moved a proposal at the UN’s Sanctions Committee 1267 in 2017 to ban Azhar. However, it was blocked by China.


India and Saudi Arabia plan to play regional maritime 'security providers'


New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) India and Saudi Arabia are set to take forward their diplomatic engagements and strategic partnership to a much higher level and will be keen to play the role of "next security providers" in the maritime front as well in the region.

After the "very significant and successful round" of state visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Indian side is enthusiastic to see that the Prince himself has taken a keen interest in boosting the maritime and defence ties.

"India is interested in that area and on maritime security. Saudis too have same type of apprehensions and concerns on maritime security," a source said here.
In this context, the Saudi Crown Prince and his delegation told the Indian side on February 20 meet that it will be a 'good thing' if India and Saudi Arabia come together and bring other countries in the region together.
"In fact....we will be next security providers along with others in the region," the source maintained.
Sources said the concept for such cooperation and coordination was mooted by no less than the Saudi Crown Prince at the 'restricted' level bilateral talks between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This concept will be taken forward as India too has 'strong and deep interest' in the region. "Efforts will be made also to bring other countries in the region together," the source said.

Sources have said that Saudi Crown Prince's visit was "extremely important and successful visit" and for the first time reflected Saudi regime's agreement that essentially 'Kashmir is a bilateral issue' between India and Pakistan.

"The Joint Statement issued at the end of the visit said there is need for creation of conditions for 'resumption' of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. This is exactly India has been stating.....that means what -- the renunciation of terror (by Pakistan)," a source in the know of things said here.

"That is a very clear position we have had ......there was no ambiguity on the part of Saudis too and their understanding of Kashmir issue, that there is also clear recognition that it is essentially a bilateral issue,"  sources said.
The Indian foreign policy engine room is also enthusiastic to note that the Joint Statement makes mention of Pakistan.

This came more than a decade after.  "The last time that Pakistan was mentioned so clearly in an India-Saudi joint statement was in 2006. It was also a goody-goody stuff when both sides had “welcomed" the dialogue process between India (under Manmohan Singh) and the then Pakistan government under Gen Pervez Musharraf".

Even as Saudi Crown Prince made no reference to Pakistan or even Pulwama attack in his media briefing in presence of PM Modi in Delhi, the Joint Statement was categorical -  "His Royal Highness appreciated consistent efforts made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014 including Prime Minister’s personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan".
In more ways than one, India sees much importance Saudi side has sought to attach to its relation with India.
Firstly, a source said, even if Saudis were toying with the idea to 'mediate' for peace between India and Pakistan, they gave up once they felt the 'anguish' among Indian delegates on the Pulwama attack.

At the three-level talks held between two sides on Wednesday - one on one between PM Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince, in the restricted bilateral between two sides and later at the delegation level talks, it was emphasised that the Saudi side does not want to involve in conflicts and tension between India and Pakistan  "without being invited" by New Delhi and Islamabad.

Sources also said that traditionally India's relations with Saudi Arabia had 'revolved around trade,oil, energy Indian expatriate working in the region - but over the decades, this has evolved. "It has especially evolved in last three years especially on the eve of and after PM Modi's visit in 2016".
Moreover, showing sensitivities to Indian sentiment, Saudi Crown Prince had 'gone back' to Saudi Arabia and avoided coming to India direct from Islamabad.

This also underlines that from the Saudi perspective its relations with India and Pakistan are independent of each other.

This is also a typical case of endorsement to Indian views. In fact, a day ahead of Saudi Crown Prince's visit o India, Indian officials on Monday asserted that notwithstanding the fact that crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has made a visit to Islamabad just on the eve of his trip to India, the context of Pakistan is "irrelevant" to India Saudi Arabia relations.

My hero of the day or the week !! - LT. GEN KJS DHILLON

"You pick up gun, and you are dead ....... unless you surrender"

There is no accent quite like the Punjabi accent and there is no Punjabi accent quite like of a Military officer. The army commander Lt Gen KJS Dhillon asserted today at media conference- First such detailed breifing- after Pulwama attack that no matter how much whoever crosses over to the Indian Territory with ill intention Indian army is ever ready to give them a befitting fight.
He said "Kitne Ghazib aye Gaye .....
Lt Gen Dhillon more than once siad he will take the opportunity to appeal all the mothers in Jammu and Kashmir to convince their sons to stay away from terrorism.

"Our message is clear, you pick up a gun and don't surrender,you will be eliminated" 

Lt General Dhillon took over on Feb 9, 2019 from Lt Gen AK Bhatt who is shifting to New Delhi as Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, Tribune India reported.“The officer has an incisive understanding of J&K, having served here for five tenures since 1988 with notable being sector commander of Rashtriya Rifles and Brigadier General Staff of the Chinar Corps,” the Army said.

A graduate from Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, and National Defence College, Delhi, Lt General Dhillon is credited with important appointments at the Army Headquarters and instructional appointments at Infantry School, Mhow, and Indian Army training team abroad.

Imran's 'proof' rhetoric a 'lame excuse', Pak PM did not condemn Pulwama: India

Even as Imran Khan 'offered' support to India to probe Pulwama attack and claimed that his government takes 'action if evidence" is provided, India on Tuesday outright rejected his radio broadcast and pointed out that Pakistan Prime Minister failed to even condemn the heinous act.

"We are not surprised that the Prime Minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism. Prime Minister of Pakistan has neither chosen to condemn this heinous act nor condoled with the bereaved families," an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs here said.


Throwing a virtual challenge to authorities in Pakistan - whom India has sought to 'isolate' in the comity of nations aftermath Pulwama attack - the MEA statement said Imran Khan regime should take action against Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar.


"It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action," an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs here said.


Earlier in a radio broadcast and breaking his five-day long silence, Mr Khan said - "Pakistan offers full support for any investigation in Pulwama. I guarantee action on this".

He had also said - "It is in our interest that nobody from our soil spreads violence. I want to tell Indian government that we will take action if evidence is found against anyone from Pakistan".


Not surprisingly in its hard hitting statement, the MEA said "Disclaiming any link between the terrorist attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan. The Pakistani Prime Minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, as well as by the terrorist, who perpetrated this heinous crime".


"Pakistan Prime Minister has offered to investigate the matter if India provides proof. This is a lame excuse. In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, proof was provided to Pakistan. Despite this, the case has not progressed for the last more than 10 years. Likewise, on the terror attack on Pathankot airbase, there has been no progress. Promises of "guaranteed action” ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan," the statement said.

Ridiculing Khan's repeated reference to 'Naya Pakistan' in as many words, the statement said - "In this "Naya Pakistan”, Ministers of the current Government publicly share platforms with terrorists like Hafeez Saeed who have been proscribed by the United Nations".
In yet another clear snub, the statement said - "Pakistan claims to be the greatest victim of terrorism. This is far from truth. The international community is well acquainted with the reality that Pakistan is the nerve center of terrorism".

The MEA statement said - "Promises of "guaranteed action” ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan".

If Imran Khan is serious on terror, Pak must take action against JeM and Azhar: India

New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) Stepping up attack against Pakistan on its double standard on terrorism, India on Tuesday described its western neighbour as "the nerve center of terrorism" and said if Prime Minister Imran Khan was serious about crushing the menace, his government should take action against Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar.
"It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action," an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs here said.
The statement said - "Disclaiming any link between the terrorist attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan. The Pakistani Prime Minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, as well as by the terrorist, who perpetrated this heinous crime".

Ridiculing Pakistan Prime Minister's repeated reference to 'Naya Pakistan' trying to denote changes, his regime has supposedly brought in last few months, the statement said - "In this "Naya Pakistan”, Ministers of the current Government publicly share platforms with terrorists like Hafeez Saeed who have been proscribed by the United Nations".

The statement said - "Pakistan claims to be the greatest victim of terrorism. This is far from truth. The international community is well acquainted with the reality that Pakistan is the nerve center of terrorism".
It also referred to the Pakistani side demanding 'proof' and dismissed the fresh argument as a "lame excuse" and pointed out that - "In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, proof was provided to Pakistan. Despite this, the case has not progressed for the last more than 10 years. Likewise, on the terror attack on Pathankot airbase, there has been no progress".
The statement also said - "Promises of "guaranteed action” ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan".

"Pakistan’s Prime Minister has called for dialogue and expressed his readiness to talk about terrorism. India has repeatedly stated that it is ready to engage in a comprehensive bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence," the statement said.

Growing India-Saudi ties can make Pakistan feel 'insecure': Official

New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) India has over the years built up a robust and very strong India-Saudi Arabia relation which is independent of any third party and the growing New Delhi-Riyadh axis has the potential to make Pakistan feel 'insecure'.

"If the growing ties between Saudi Arabia-Pakistan and Saudi Arabia-India are to be taken into account, let me say that it is Pakistan which is feeling a bit insecure and not us," a senior official has said here.

"This India-Saudi relationship has radically transformed in last few years," the official said, adding, "In fact, if someone has to be worried, it is Pakistan".

The bureaucrat in the know of things vis-a-vis India-Saudi Arabia relations and the importance attached by both sides to it further said - "Last four-five years, we have seen a remarkable transformation and that is something that has genuinely happened and particularly after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016".
Commenting on the fact that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud made a visit to Islamabad on Sunday and even told Pakistani leadership that he would be happy to be a 'Pak envoy' in Saudi Arabia, the official tried to point out the obvious facts about ground zero situation and economic reality.

"When they invest in India, they are going to invest on a very robust economy which is growing over 7 per cent and that they are not here to bail out India," he said.

"We have developed a strong independent strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and it is independent of Pakistan," he said.

As a testimony of India-Saudi better understanding, the bureaucrat pointed out at the 2016 Joint Statement issued at Riyadh during Mr Modi's visit in 2016 that said, ''The menace of extremism and terrorism threatens all nations and societies and the two sides reject totally any attempt to link this universal phenomenon to any particular race, religion or culture.''


"They called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists operating and perpetrating terrorism from their territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice".


Sources also said that even as the Pulwama terror attack is being debated and discussed now, the visit of Saudi Crown Prince to India was planned much before February 14 attack.

The official pointed out that the reflection of growing ties must be also appreciated from the fact as over last few years, many people wanted by Indian agencies have been 'extradited'.

"If you look at defence cooperation, there is a greater interest in Saudi side to engage with us and thus we are also looking at a joint Naval exercise," he said.

India is, in fact, one of the eighth key strategic partners of Saudi Arabia and these include - China, Japan, Korea, France, Germany, the UK and the US.

"This list was beyond the countries they (Saudis) were traditionally engaged and the decision to include these eight countries as their strategic partners was taken suo motu by Saudi leadership," he said.

"This itself is a signal given by Saudi Arabia," the official added.

"The first state visit of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince will take the relations only to a higher level," the source said.

India is also keen to help Saudi Arabia in sectors like food security.

Terror to figure prominently in India-Saudi Jt. Statement, it 'was flagged' off in 2016
New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) In endorsement to India's stance on cross border terrorism and as a testimony of India-Saudi Arabia friendship the issue of terrorism will be highlighted yet again at the bilateral talks between two sides when Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud interacts with the Indian delegation led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"If you see 2016 Joint Statement issued in April 2016 during Mr Modi's visit, it is very much there.

There was a clear phrase of the terrorists 'operating and perpetrating terrorism from their territories against other states' ......so there is no reason to feel otherwise," a source said.


The Crown Prince who arrived in Islamabad on Sunday at the start of his Asia tour - that includes first State Visit to India has returned to Saudi Arabia on Monday.
Apparently, Indian diplomats had 'reservations' over his coming to India from Islamabad.
Now, according to sources, Crown Prince will arrive here on late evening Tuesday and will have important rounds of talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday.
In 2016, the Joint Statement had - "....called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists operating and perpetrating terrorism from their territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice".
Indian side believe unlike past, there is a "shift" in Saudi perception about the issue of terrorism.
In fact, New Delhi has reasons to believe that Saudi Arabia is no more taking the 'Pakistan's narrative' on the issue Kashmir and cross border terrorism in the spirit as they used to do in the past.
During the talks, India will raise the issue of Pakistan's support to terror groups, sources said.
"Saudi Arabia is a strategic partner in our extended neighbourhood. The Riyadh Declaration of 2010 had forged a Strategic Partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. Relations between India and Saudi Arabia are rooted in strong historical and civilisational links," Secretary, Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs T S Tirumurti said.
"Our relations received a huge boost during the visit of Prime Minister Modi in April 2016. Since then, there has been an intensification of our engagement".
He also said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned and denounced the terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14.


"We appreciate Kingdom’s cooperation in security and counter terrorism areas over the years. During the visit of PM Modi to Saudi Arabia in 2016, an MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed. The Kingdom has shown greater understanding of our terrorism-related concerns and also agreed to work with India in countering this global menace," he said.

Meanwhile, in Islamabad, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has said - "Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully".
India on Monday asserted that notwithstanding the fact that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has made a visit to Islamabad just on the eve of his trip to India, the context of Pakistan is "irrelevant" to India Saudi Arabia relations, informed sources said here.
"His visit to Pakistan in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama attack is not a setback to India. Media have reported about Saudi investments coming in Pakistan....But when they invest in India, they will not be doing so to bail out the economy," a senior official said.

Saudi Crown Prince arrives for crucial talks amid unusual tension b/w India & Pak

New Delhi, Feb 19 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday received the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud as the latter kick starts his two-day crucial and maiden state visit to India at a time when heightened tension has surfaced between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

"India is delighted to welcome HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia," Mr Modi tweeted.

"A new chapter in bilateral relations. Breaking protocol, PM Narendra Modi personally receives Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia as he arrives on his first bilateral visit to India", MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

India has asserted that notwithstanding the fact that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has made a visit to Islamabad just on the eve of his trip to India, the context of Pakistan is "irrelevant" to India-Saudi Arabia relations.

The visiting dignitary, who made a visit to Pakistan on Sunday, will have important rounds of talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday.

In endorsement to India's stance on cross border terrorism and as a testimony of India-Saudi Arabia friendship the issue of terrorism will be highlighted at the bilateral talks between two sides on Wednesday.

"If you see 2016 Joint Statement issued in April 2016 during Mr Modi's visit, it is very much there.

There was a clear phrase of the terrorists operating and perpetrating terrorism from their territories against other states' ......so there is no reason to feel otherwise," a source said here.

The visit of Saudi Crown Prince comes at a time when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan made a radio broadcast - "Pakistan offers full support for any investigation in Pulwama. I guarantee action on this".

Imran Khan's missive was dismissed hours later by Indian Ministry of External Affairs which in a strongly worded statement said - "We are not surprised that the Prime Minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism. Prime Minister of Pakistan has neither chosen to condemn this heinous act nor condoled with the bereaved families".

Ridiculing Khan's repeated reference to 'Naya Pakistan' in as many words, the statement said - "In this "Naya Pakistan”, Ministers of the current Government publicly share platforms with terrorists like Hafeez Saeed who have been proscribed by the United Nations".

"Saudi Arabia is a strategic partner in our extended neighbourhood. The Riyadh Declaration of 2010 had forged a Strategic Partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. Relations between India and Saudi Arabia are rooted in strong historical and civilisational links," Secretary, Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs T S Tirumurti said.

"Our relations received a huge boost during the visit of Prime Minister Modi in April 2016. Since then, there has been an intensification of our engagement".

He also said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned and denounced the terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14.

In major crackdown, Govt decides to withdraw security of five Kashmiri separatist leaders

New Delhi, Feb 17 : The government on Sunday decided to launch offensive crackdown against all those sympathizing with the cause of 'separatists' in Jammu and Kashmir and announced that security and other facilities provided to five separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Abdul Ghani Bhat would be withdrawn.

"All security and any vehicles provided to them will stand withdrawn by today evening," the source said. 

Top sources in the Jammu and Kashmir government told UNI that besides Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Bhat, the security and facilities provided to three others Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah will also be withdrawn.

The state police headquarters in Srinagar have been directed to "review if there are any other separatists" who have government security or facilities and subsequently all these will be withdrawn immediately, the source said. The 46-year-old Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is the chairman of the Awami Action Committee, one of the two key factions of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Recently, he was in news for having tele talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Former All Parties Huriyat Conference (APHC) and Muslim Conference senior leader Bhat was removed as the party president in 2017 after he met with government's interlocutor Dinesh Sharma
and had expressed his willingness to 'talk' to the central government.

The 65-year-old Qureshi is one of the founding members of J & K Liberation Front and is now chairman of J&K Democratic Liberation Party.

Another key leader who will face the wrath of Modi government's crackdown is Bilal Lone, brother of
mainstream politician Sajjad Lone.

He also hit headlines recently when he said he will 'permanently' stay in the "pro-freedom politics as that was the right path".

Shabir Shah, 65 is founder and President of J&K Democratic Freedom Party and is often hailed by terror groups and sympathisers across the border in Pakistan as a 'jail bird and Nelson Mandela of Kashmir".

"No security forces or cover should be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatist," sources said adding if they have any other facilities provided by the government, they are to be withdrawn forthwith.

During his recent visit to Srinagar, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had indicated that the security given to people 'getting funds' from Pakistan and its ISI could be reviewed.
"There are elements and forces who take money from Pakistan and the ISI. I have asked the officials concerned to review their security," Mr Singh has told reporters at the end of his day-long visit to the state on Friday.
"Such people are playing with the lives of people of Jammu and Kashmir and the future of the state's youth. Our war against terror is in a decisive phase and I want to assure the nation that we will win it," the Home Minister has said.

White House, USA, Sarah Sanders:
Statement from the Press Secretary on the Terrorist Attack in India

The United States condemns in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attackby a Pakistan-based terrorist group that killed over 40 Indian paramilitary forcesand wounded at least 44 others. We express our deep condolences to thevictims’ families, the Indian government, and the Indian people for the loss of lifein this brutal attack. The United States calls on Pakistan to end immediately thesupport and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil,whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region. This attackonly strengthens our resolve to bolster counterterrorism cooperation andcoordination between the United States and India.

#$$$$$$$$$$$$

Foreign Secy briefs 25 Mission heads: "All were convinced about Pak role", say sources

New Delhi, Feb 15 (UNI) Launching the diplomatic offensive to isolate Pakistan and to expose its double standards on terrorism, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Friday met 25 Heads of Missions in India and briefed about role of western neighbour in supporting and encouraging the killer menace.

"All the Heads of Missions were left in no doubt about the role played by Pakistan and that it had supported Jaish e Mohammed in the terrorist attack," an informed source later said.

It was underlined in no uncertain language that Pakistan should "cease forthwith all support and financing to terror groups operating from areas under their control".

Foreign Secretary also highlighted the role played by Pakistan in using terrorism as an 'instrument of its state policy' - a state India has been highlighting in various global fora over the years.

The Ministry of External Affairs will continue to take "all steps to expose" the complicity of Pakistan in the Pulwama terrorist attack and demand immediate and "verifiable action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and its leader Masood Azhar".

Mr Gokhale undertook the major diplomatic exercise underlining to foreign envoys the role of Pakistan in supporting terror "as part of continuing diplomatic efforts on the matter".

Foreign Secretary met around 25 Heads of Mission based in New Delhi from all P-5 countries, all South Asian countries and other important partners like Japan, Germany, Republic of Korea and others, sources said.

Mr Gokhale also summoned Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood and gave him a strong demarche on the Pulwama attack on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi categorically said several countries have already started appreciating India's stand.

''The messages I have been getting since Pulwama attack have shown that the International community is  equally pained and anguished due to dastardly act and wants to crush the menace,'' the Prime Minister said at a function at Jhansi in UP.

Earlier in the morning,  the Prime Minister presided over a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security which decided among other things to withdraw Most Favoured Nation status given to the western neighbour in 1990s.

The Foreign Secretary conveyed to Pakistan envoy that his country must take immediate and verifiable action against the JeM and that it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories, sources said.

India also rejected the statement made by the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan on the incident.

India has audio-visual evidence of Jem, Pak involvement in Pulwama attack : MEA

New Delhi, Feb 15 (UNI) India on Friday late night asserted that Pakistan's demand for an investigation into Pulwama attack is 'preposterous' when there is already a video of the suicide bomber declaring himself a member of the JeM.

"There are also other audio-visual and print material linking JeM to the terrorist attack," official spokesman in the MEA Raveesh Kumar said in reply to a question on Pakistan Foreign Secretary's briefing rejecting Pakistan's involvement in the Pulwama attack.

"JeM has  claimed responsibility for the attack. The organization and its leadership are located in Pakistan. LeT and other terror groups have welcomed the news of the attack. These groups are also based in Pakistan. Pakistan cannot claim that it is unaware of their presence and their activities," he said.

He further maintained that Pakistan authorities "have not taken any action" against these groups despite international demands, especially against groups and individuals proscribed by the UN and other countries.

"The links to Pakistan are clear and evident for all to see. Its own Ministers have shared the same podium with UN proscribed terrorists," he said.

The spokesman further said India has "not seen" any constructive approach from Pakistan on relations with India.

"What we have noticed however, are claims to offer dialogue on the one hand, while  sponsoring and sheltering terrorists and terrorist organizations such as JeM on the other," Mr Kumar said adding "We demand Pakistan take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control to create a conducive atmosphere in the region free of terror".

Earlier, Pak Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua has strongly rejected Indian allegations on Pulwama attack. In a tweet, Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal said that while briefing the ambassadors of P-5 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she noted a familiar Indian pattern of 'immediate and reflexive assignment of blame' on Pakistan without investigations.

Tehmina said Pakistan has pursued a constructive approach towards India. She also said that Pakistan's offer of dialogue and Kartarpur initiative is a clear evidence of this.

$#$#$

Post MFN move: India to list Pak items for higher custom duties
New Delhi, Feb 16 (UNI) In the wake of government's decision to withdraw Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan, steps are being taken by the Union Commerce Ministry to prepare a list of Pakistani items which would face restrictions and high custom duties.

While the Modi government has sought to squeeze Pakistan's already under stress economy, sources point out that more than the religious sentiment and respecting the sentiments of Sikhs - minorities in both India and Pakistan - the "opening of the Kartarpur Corridor" was seen by the Imran Khan regime as an opportunity to slowly reduce trade barriers.

Authorities in Pakistan were hopeful that the Kartarpur Corridor would "encourage the cross-border movement of people and goods". This was a point, which was understood well by foreign policy engine room in India and traders in Indian side of Punjab state as well.

"A timely reduction in the barriers that restrict the movement of people across the Line of Control could open up new economic opportunities. This has been in Imran Khan regime's mind," a source said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has understood the gravity of Imran Khan regime's economic stress and thus has been hitting out at it for not focusing on governance and depend on state sponsorship to terror.

"A country that came into existence after the partition of India, a country where terrorism is sponsored and promoted, it is a country which is on the brink of economic collapse and bankruptcy- that country has become synonymous with the word terrorism today," Mr Modi said at Yavatmal in Maharashtra on Saturday.

From time to time, MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar too has been mocking at Pakistan's domestic matter and even has counseled Imran Khan on those lines rather than speak about 'minorities' in India.

It is worth mentioning that the World Bank  has said that trade between Pakistan and India was valued at a little over $2 billion, but it could go as high as $37bn.

The PML-N under Nawaz Sharif had offered several proposals to take trade relations with India to the “next higher” levels.

Even the PPP dispensation took several steps to liberalise the trade regime with India on both unilateral and bilateral basis.

According to government sources, India mainly exports raw cotton, cotton yarn, chemicals, plastics, manmade yarn and dyes to Pakistan and imports petroleum products, bulk minerals, finished leather, fresh fruits and cement.

India's tea exports to Pakistan grew substantially in 2017-18 to 15.83 million kilograms from 14.73 million kilograms in 2017 and products chiefly came from Assam and West Bengal, sources said.

Textiles and clothing in effect constitute the largest share of bilateral trade between the two neighbours and few years back, trade in textiles sector constituted about 48 per cent in total bilateral trade between two sides.

In the eastern India, apex India Tea Exporters Association has backed the government decision to 'deal' with Pakistan, including in trade aftermath the dastardly terrorist attack on February 14 at Pulwama.

Trade and commerce interest has become secondary as the trading community in textiles and tea join the nationwide anguish against Pakistan.

The decision of the Cabinet Committee on Security on withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation status given to the western neighbour in 1996 is seen as an attempt to mount further economic pressure on Imran Khan regime by squeezing the economy.

Sources in the government say this will also help India ensure that Pakistan gets 'isolated' in the comity of nations and is forced to take actions against terror hubs. Simultaneously, international pressure is also building up.

However, analysis carried out on the basis of surveys conducted in India, Pakistan and Dubai in 2016 showed informal trade between India and Pakistan would be around USD 4.7 billion. Out of that, India’s exports to Pakistan through informal channels stood over USD 3.5 billion and imports from Pakistan USD 1.2 billion.

Sources have said the informal trade actually thrive as the route ensures avoid custom hassles and so called tensions and conflicts in relations between two nations.

The ease of routing goods through a third country Singapore, Dubai and Malaysia also deserve a closer look.

At official levels, Pakistan and India currently use Wagah border and Port Qasim, Karachi for trading.

In terms of technicalities, removal of MFN status means India can enhance customs duties on goods from Pakistan and harm its trading interest.  

Under provisions of the Customs Act and the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, the government of India now has option to ban some items and also impose port restrictions. "These would hit Pakistani business interests," the source said.

In accordance with the MFN principle and its obligations under the WTO, India had accorded MFN status in 1996 but Pakistan had not done it. Ironically, the government decision to withdraw MFN status to Pakistan was taken on Friday even as in January this year the government had told Parliament during winter session in a written reply: “Presently, there is no proposal to review the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan".

Sources said India-Pakistan trade had increased to USD 2.41 billion in 2017-18 as against USD 2.27 billion in the previous fiscal.

Import from Pakistan to India stood at $288.134 million in 2004-05 and reached $350m in 2016-17 in the wake of liberalisation of the trade regime. Indian exports to Pakistan were $547.458m in 2004-05 and shot up to $2.7 billion in 2016-17.

Pakistan's economy on domestic front is faced with many limitations and none other than Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has repeatedly spoken of improving trade with India.

At times, some statistics suggest even Bangladesh economy is doing better than Pakistan's.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked at Pakistan's state of economy and said while authorities in Islamabad are moving around the world with 'begging bowl' - it was not getting the help so easily.

ends

We can't win as many seats to come to power", - Mulayam springs mega surprise of 2019

New Delhi, Feb 13  Big political row has been triggered off by veteran socialist Mulayam Singh Yadav's heaps of praise on Prime Minister and extending of good wishes that Narendra Modi should 'return' to power again.

"Hum log toh itna bahumat mein nahi aa sakte haen, Pradhan mantri ji aap phir pradhan mantri baney (We cannot win as many seats to come to power. Mr Prime Minister, you will again become Prime Minister)," Mr Yadav said in Lok Sabha perhaps making the most surprising political remark of circa 2019.

With UPA stalwart Sonia Gandhi on his side, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav sprang major surprise and without doubt, former UP Chief Minister's praise on Modi created ripples down the political spectrum as Sonia Gandhi and perhaps also NCP lawmaker Supriya Sule were left surprised in the House.

The well televised episode in Lok Sabha - which is expected to haunt the opposition for months in the election season - has already spread like wildfire on the social network.
Prime Minister Modi had acknowledged Mr Mulayam's 'blessings and good wishes' and also reciprocated to Samajwadi Party stalwart with folded hands.

BJP spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi predictably welcomed the statement from Samajwadi Party leader and said: "The courtesy he showed proves that he (Mulauam) has risen over and above the party politics". "I think it is nothing but the acceptance of credibility of Narendra Modi in the contemporary Indian politics after his government gave an inclusive development," Mr Trivedi told a private TV channel. 

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah only had two words tweet reactions to the episode- "Poor Akhilesh!"

Efforts have been made by Samajwadi Party sources and other opposition parties later to play down Mulayam's remarks saying the former UP Chief Minister has only tried to wish good wishes to all sitting lawmakers in the House as it was the last working session of the 16th Lok Sabha.
Mulayam's son Akhilesh Yadav lately worked out an alliance with BSP of Mayawati and had kept Congress out of the same.

Mulayam's remarks came on a day opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Arvind Kejriwal, Farooq Abdullah and Sharad Yadav have tried to come together  to work out a grand alliance.

Later in the day, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, however, said - "Well, I disagree with him. But Mulayam Singh Yadav has a role in Indian politics".

TRS tells BJP 'know your friends' : CPI-M MP says Speaker's 'smile' was permanent feature

New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) On the last working day of the 16th Lok Sabha and at the fag end of the working session, the members including veteran parliamentarians sounded emotional but did not fail to articulate their emotions and even latent anguish.

Nevertheless, they punctuated their views - seemingly honest ones - and voiced these with befitting wits and sagacity.

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's rather flattering remarks to the ruling bench made Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the compliment with folded hands.

"Aap phir PM (Prime Minister) baney (May you return to power again)," Mr Yadav said.

CPI-M floor leader P Karunakaran in his customary last speech at the concluding session thanked and congratulated 76-year-old Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for successfully presiding over the House for last five years.

The soft spoken Marxist lawmaker told Ms Mahajan that all along one constant thing about the Speaker while running the House used to be "your smile".

"Your smile used to be the constant thing.....You were angry at times, but you were unable to hide your smile," said Mr Karunakaran.

TRS leader A P Jithender Reddy while thanking the Speaker and the Union government for cooperation rendered to him and his party colleagues in highlighting issues concerning the nascent state, told the ruling side - "aap yeh nahi jaante they kaun dost hae, kaun dushman hae (In beginning you did not know, who is your friend and who is your enemy)".

The remarks with sarcasm was targeted at TDP, who was part of the NDA dispensation from 2014 when the Modi government came to power and later parted ways.

Notably, the TDP members gave the occasion a miss.

As CAG backs govt on Rafale, PM uses 'earthquake' jibe against Rahul

New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) Close on the heels of CAG report giving clean chit to the government on Rafale deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his 'when I speak, there will be earthquake' and said five years have gone and no tremor could disturb him or his government.

''...Hum kabhi kabhi sunte they bhukamp aayega, paanch saal ka kaaryakaal pura ho raha hai, koi bhukam nahi aaya(we have more often heard about earthquake coming but five years have gone, nothing like that happened),''  the Prime Minister said at the valedictory session of the 16th Lok Sabha in the presence of Mr Gandhi.

Prime Minister's remarks were in reference to comment made by Mr Gandhi first in 2016 that if he is allowed to speak, there will be earthquake in the country.

The Prime Minister said, ''Kabhi hawai jahaj bhi ude... bade bade logon ne hawai jahaj udaai.  Lekin loktantra aaur Lok Sabha ki maryada itni unchi hai ki bhukamp bhi pacha gaya aur koi hawai jahaj uski unchai tak nahi pahunch paya (sometimes many people flew aircraft and boasted that they can trigger tremor but the beauty and the strength of democracy is that no allegation could touch it).''

Mr Modi said during the last four-and-a-half years, his government helped the country achieve many milestones and getting rid of 1,400 obsolete laws was one of them.

''This was a good beginning and senior leader Mulayam Singh Yadav has also given his blessings to my government,'' the Prime Minister said, in reference to socialist stalwart's remarks earlier that Mr Modi should return to power again.

''Aap fir bane pradhan mantri (My best wishes are that you become Prime Minister again),'' Mr Yadav said earlier.

The Prime Minister also smilingly thanked him with folded hands.

The CAG report on Rafale deal was placed in both the Houses of Parliament which was hailed by Union Minister Arun Jaitley.

'' Satyameva Jayate – the truth shall prevail.

"The CAG Report on Rafale reaffirms the dictum," he tweeted.

Country's prestige shot up globally because of full-majority govt, says Modi

New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid emphasis on the importance of clear mandate for a  'full-majority' government and said this was single biggest reason for the country's prestige to have gone up in the past few years.

''In the comity of nations, India is taken seriously these days. There need not be any doubt that this is happening because of Modi or Sushma Swaraj(External Affairs Minister). The reality is something else and the reason is for the first time in 30 years there came a government with full majority in 2014,'' the Prime Minister said at the valedictory session of the 16th Lok Sabha.

''The world recognises the government with full majority...the fractured mandate in 30 years has often made the country face awkward situation globally,'' he said, adding when a leader goes abroad with full mandate government behind him, he gets different kind of respect.

''When such a leader goes abroad, the world knows that this man has mandate behind him,'' Mr Modi said in presence of senior parliamentarians L K Advani, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

''This is a big difference I have experience in the last five years and the credit for this goes to 125 crore people and not to Modi or Sushma Swaraj for their decision to vote for a stable government in 2014,'' he said.

The terse political commentary on the issue of fractured mandate and stability from the Prime Minister comes on a day when several Opposition leaders are holding a rally in the Capital.

In his speech in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister also made opportune use of the occasion and made a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the unprecedented 'hug politics' the latter had brought into the House in July last year.

''Pahli baar pata chala ki gale milna aur gale padne mein kya farak hai (only after coming into this House, I could know what hug politics is all about),'' the Prime Minister said in his inevitable style.

Mr Modi said as the leader of the House , he would express regrets for any harsh comments made by any member of the House irrespective of party against anyone.

''Michhami Dukkadam ....'', he said adding this is a meaningful phrase which talks about forgiveness so that no dispute or ill feeling is carried beyond this point.

In a lighter note, he said he personally enjoyed debating in the House with Congress floor leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

''It would have been great had his throat been okay today...He could have enlightened us more,'' he said.

Mr Modi said quite often he based his speeches in Parliament in reference to the context of what Mr Kharge has spoken or analysed things.

K C Venugopal of Congress and Sudip Bandyopadhyay of Trinamool Congress also spoke among others.

Weak Oppn is not good for democracy, says Biju Janata Dal MP Mahtab

New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) Even as all is set for curtain to fall on the 16th Lok Sabha, a senior

lawmaker Bhartruhari Mahtab on Wednesday said a weak opposition is not good for

democracy.

Making the customary speech at the valedictory session of the Lower House of Parliament,

Mr Mahtab said in 2014 while the mandate was certainly in favour of BJP and the NDA, it was

also a typical case of 'fractured mandate' for the opposition as well.

"It was such a mandate that the opposition got a fractured mandate......and the principal opposition

(Congress) strength was so less that it could not get the formal recognition as Leader of the Opposition in the House," said Mr Mahtab, who was awarded Best parliamentarian award in August 2018.

"This should not happen again....," he said.

Congress floor leader Mallikarjun Kharge had missed the formal recognition as Leader of the Opposition as the party's strength was less than one-tenth of the total members of the House.

Making his observations, Shiv Sena leader Anandrao Adsul also said democracy needs to have a strong opposition also.

Amid much confabulation between Sina and BJP over alliance talks, Mr Adsul almost

sought to put all speculation to rest and said "those who were our friends, were our friends in the 

past, they are still our friends and will be also our friends".

Full text version of Mahtab's remarks:

: I recollect the day 

when I was sharing the Bench along with Mulayam Singh Ji, where

today Chandrakant Khaire Ji and Ananth Ji are sitting. The day you

took the position of the hon. Speaker in that Chair, that 

13.02.2019 Sh/Hcb Uncorrected / Not for Publication 385

majority. The last this Lok Sabha had witnessed in 1984, when the

Treasury Bench had more than 410 Members. But after that, the

country repeatedly gave a fractured mandate. So, should we blame

the people for that or it was because of the fact that there was

fracture in our politics that was getting reflected in the House.

Political scientists will be debating on those issues. 

But in 2014, the

country gave a full majority, but at the same time, we should also

understand the country also gave a fractured Opposition. It was in

such a situation, the major Opposition Party did not get the requisite

numbers to be the Leader of Opposition. 

I would only hope that in 

future such things do not happen again. 

In 2014, Biju Janata Dal 

became the fifth largest party in Lok Sabha.

We were, because of you, Madam, able to ventilate our point of view,

hopefully forcefully, in this House whenever the situation asked us to do.

 I would also mention here, Madam, that during these days in the 16th Lok

Sabha, many changes have been made and a new history has been created.

But there are certain instances, which we should forget as bad dreams. It is

necessary, today, that we should do away with blame game, and we should look

forward to 2022 when this nation will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary of

Independence. This is the year, as I had said earlier also, when we will be 

13.02.2019 Sh/Hcb Uncorrected / Not for Publication 386

celebrating many historic moments; and I would hope that when this country will

be going to exercise its mandate, a new era will emerge and that morning will

definitely be for a better tomorrow, for a better nation-building.

 With these words, I commend to you, Madam, that the manner in which

you presided over this Lok Sabha, it has added a glorious chapter to our

parliamentary history.

 Thank you, Madam. 

ends