Army patrol attacked in J&K
Srinagar, May 18: An army patrol was attacked on Friday by militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. No casualties were reported.
The patrol party of the army was fired at by militants in Hajin area, army sources said.
"There was a brief exchange of fire, following which the militants escaped. There was no casualty on our side. The area was cordoned off for searches," the sources added.
This is the first incident of an attack on the security forces by militants after the Union Home Ministry announced non-initiation of combat operations during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.
The security forces have been advised not to initiate operations against militants and use weapons only in self-defence.
The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant outfit has rejected the ceasefire announced by the central government.
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Modi, Kharge congratulate Harivansh on being elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Harivansh on being elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman for the third time.
Harivansh, a nominated member of the House, was elected unopposed.
Congress President and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge also congratulated Harivansh.
Speaking in the Upper House, Prime Minister Modi said that being elected for the third time in a row as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is, in itself, a profound expression of the trust that the House has in Harivansh.
Modi said the House has benefited greatly from Harivansh's experience in the past, and the efforts he has made to take everyone along.
"This is a tribute to his experience and an intuitive work style," the prime minister said.
Modi also said that Harivansh, who has been a journalist earlier, has held high standards of journalism. He further said that Harivansh has spent his MP LAD (local area development) funds for research projects at various universities.
The prime minister also lauded the contribution of Harivansh in instilling confidence among the younger generation in achieving the goal of a developed India.
Kharge expressed hope that the Deputy Chairman will take care of the opposition and give them adequate time in the House.
The Congress leader further said he was pained by the fact that the post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has been vacant since 2019, which is contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.
Earlier, the Samajwadi Party and TMC staged a walkout when the motion to elect Harivansh was being adopted.
