India allegedly planned killings of six terror suspects in Pakistan since 2021: The Washington Post
New Delhi: India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has reportedly conducted a series of assassinations targeting six individuals in Pakistan since 2021, according to a report by The Washington Post.
The report claims that these operations involved hired shooters from Afghanistan and Pakistani petty criminals, rather than Indian nationals. It further alleges that the assassinations resembled operations targeting Khalistan separatists in the United States and Canada.
Citing unnamed officials, the report states that RAW employed Dubai-based businessmen as intermediaries to organise surveillance, plan killings, and facilitate payments through hawala networks.
One of the reported targets was Zahoor Mistry, accused of involvement in the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight. Mistry was reportedly killed in Pakistan in 2022. Pakistani officials alleged that an Indian intelligence operative, identified as Tanaz Ansari, coordinated the operation by hiring locals and Afghan nationals for the killing.
Another reported target was Syed Khalid Raza, a militant leader active in Kashmir during the 1990s. Additionally, Shahid Latif, alleged mastermind of the 2016 Pathankot attack, was reportedly shot dead by unknown assailants in Sialkot, Pakistan, in October 2023.
The report claims that Muhammad Umair, a labourer arrested in connection with Latif’s killing, confessed to being sent from Dubai for the assassination after previous attempts had failed. He also reportedly disclosed the location of a safe house in Dubai, where Pakistani agents later found intelligence materials but no trace of the Indian operatives allegedly involved.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on the allegations, maintaining its long-standing position of neither confirming nor denying involvement in specific killings. The Washington Post reported that Indian authorities have stated that assassinations are not part of official policy.
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BJP protests Karnataka bus fare hike, apologises to passengers by giving roses
Bengaluru: In a symbolic protest against the recent 15% hike in bus fares, BJP workers distributed roses to male bus passengers at Majestic bus stand on Friday, wearing masks of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar. The protestors fell at the passengers’ feet, claiming to apologise on behalf of the Congress government for the fare increase.
The protest was led by BJP MLA R Ashoka, accompanied by Upper House counterpart Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar, and other party leaders.
Ashoka criticised the government, alleging betrayal of pre-election promises. "We promised not to burden the public with increased prices or taxes. However, starting 2025, we have announced a 15% bus fare hike and plan to raise milk prices soon," Ashoka said.
Impersonating the Chief Minister, Ashoka sarcastically remarked, "People are happy with the decision to raise prices. My New Year's resolution is to increase prices further for the betterment of citizens' lives. We seek your forgiveness for having no other option."
Narayanaswamy called the Congress government "Nama Haako Sarkara" (a government of deceivers), accusing it of failing to uphold promises made ahead of the Assembly elections.
