A day after Israeli attack on Doha, PM Modi condemns violation of Qatar's sovereignty
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condemned the violation of Qatar's sovereignty in the wake of Israel's air strikes on Doha targeting Hamas leaders that triggered fears of further escalation of the already fragile situation in the region.
The prime minister's rare criticism directed at Israel came after he spoke to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and conveyed India's "deep concern" over the attacks in Doha.
Israel carried out the air strikes on Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday in the latest in a series of attacks it launched against Syria, Iran and Lebanon.
The attack on Doha triggered global outrage.
"Spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha," Modi said on social media.
"India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar. We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation," he said.
The prime minister said India "stands firmly" in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The prime minister's rebuke came days after India joined other member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in strongly condemning the military strikes by Israel and the US on Iran.
The SCO summit in the Chinese city of Tianjin on September 1 also condemned actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
PM Modi was among the leaders who attended the SCO summit.
"Reiterating their deep concern over the continuing escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the member states strongly condemn the actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip," the SCO declaration said.
It said the SCO leaders noted that the only possible way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is through a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question.
"Member States strongly condemned the military strikes by Israel and the US against the Islamic Republic of Iran in June," it said.
"Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including nuclear energy infrastructure, which resulted in the death of civilians, are a gross violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter, and an infringement on the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran," it said.
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Rahul Gandhi to go on two-day Raebareli visit from May 19
Raebareli (UP) (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on May 19 on a two-day visit, a Congress office-bearer said on Monday.
Congress district president of Raebareli Pankaj Tiwari said that on the first day, Gandhi will inaugurate a marriage hall at Thakurain Kheda in Bachhrawan. Subsequently, he will address a public meeting in Khiron. In Lalganj, he will participate in a 'mahila samvaad' programme.
He further said that on May 20, he will meet the public during a 'Janata Darshan' programme at the Bhuyemau Guest House. Following this, he will participate in the unveiling of a statue of Veera Pasi and attend a public meeting in Lodhwari.
He will then depart for Amethi.
In Amethi, Gandhi will hold meetings with party functionaries, workers and senior leaders at the party's district headquarters, Congress district unit chief Pradeep Singhal said on Sunday.
According to political observers, this meeting would form a part of the strategic preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alongside an organisational review.
Discussions during the meeting are likely to focus on strengthening the party organisation down to the booth level, increasing participation of youth and women workers, and accelerating public outreach campaigns across villages.
According to sources, a large number of party workers -- from Gram Sabha to the district level -- have been invited to attend the meeting.
Gandhi is expected to interact directly with workers.
During the one-day visit, the Congress leader will also travel to Poore Ramdeen Pandit -- the native village of late Congress district president Yogendra Mishra -- to meet his family members.
Mishra, considered a close associate of the Gandhi family, passed away on March 1 following a prolonged illness.
Political activities in the district have intensified ahead of Gandhi's visit, and party workers have already started making arrangements for his reception.
Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress MP from Amethi, is also holding regular meetings with local leaders and functionaries to review the preparations.
