200 Pakistani pilgrims refused entry into India
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TOBA TEK SINGH: Around 200 Pakistani pilgrims intended to visit Sarhand Sharif to attend the annual Urs of Hazrat Mujaddid Alf-i-Sani (RA) were refused entry into India on Thursday.
Among them were 25 pilgrims of Sarhand Colony and other localities of Toba Tek Singh.
A local newspaper reporter, Afzal Gujjar, said when pilgrims reached the Lahore railway station to board Samjhota Express, they were informed that India had not allowed their entry due to security reasons.
STRIKE: A complete shutter-down strike was observed at Gojra and Kamalia on the second consecutive day on Thursday on the call of the Anjuman Tajiran to mourn the Peshawar incident.
Fruit and vegetable and grain markets also remained closed. Quran khwani was held at Saddar Bazaar Chowk where scores of citizens and traders participated.
Members of the District Bar Association also observed a strike.
Funeral prayers were offered in all government and private schools for Peshawar victims.
DPO Dr Shahzad Asif attended a mourning session of students in Convent and Jesus School.
GUTTED: An electronic shop located at Al-Hilal Chowk on Shorkot Road caught fire due to a short circuit on Thursday.
Reports said goods worth millions of rupees were gutted. Personnel of the Rescue 1122 and the TMA fire brigade extinguished the blaze.
LOOTED: Three armed men looted a tractor-trolley loaded with sugarcane worth Rs6,000 at Kamalia late on Wednesday night.
According to the Saddar police, Abdul Khaliq of Arifwala said the bandits stopped his trolley at Sarfraz Chowk on Kamalia-Pirmahal Road. They took Khaliq away in their car and left him at a deserted place. They also took away his tractor-trolley loaded with sugarcane.
Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2014
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Comments (84) Closed
Dec 19, 2014 10:09am
While security reason sound suspicious, logically if we think, Indians are also taking all possible precaution, so that nothing goes wrong. As sentiments of civilians on both sides are running high, any uncomfortable comment may cause emotional outburst, which will harm relations. Also Indians are on high alert after attack here. They had shown so much solidarity and shared genuine pain with us, after that if we released Mumbai massacre accused, for whom they have strong evidence. Their emotion is also running high, with DISMAY, that how can that happen in current situation in Pakistan.
So, show some restrain and please don't read too much in this news of no entry. This is time for solidarity, not picking fight, this will lead us nowhere.
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Dec 19, 2014 10:36am
There is a strict Security situation in INDIA because of the Republic Day as well as because of visit of President Obama.
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Dec 19, 2014 10:52am
bad things happening all to gather .
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Dec 19, 2014 11:21am
Not surprised by the decision, when people like Hafeez Saeed roams freely, spews venom against India, and the mastermind of 27/11 Mumbai attacks, Lakhvi released on bail, India will make a hard stance against Pakistanis.
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Dec 19, 2014 11:34am
It's mujaddid alf-e-sani , not alif sani, please. Alf means thousand and alf-e-sani means second millenium. Kindly correct.
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Dec 19, 2014 11:35am
and all of sudden my indian fans would defend the such biased decision of their govt without any justification.... i pity them as they are such crying babies
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Dec 19, 2014 11:36am
Any comment from Indian trollers and we provide full services to Sikhs and Hindu pilgrims
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Dec 19, 2014 11:46am
bhagwat singh and other person feel free to do whatever they want in pakistan, earlier one of pakistani scientist relased but after spending many years in jail without any allegation, i think we should avoid to travel india, india is not safe for muslims.
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Dec 19, 2014 11:51am
Not a good time to enter India..security on high alert as Obama is coming to Delhi. India is taking every possible step to avoid the risk. Good sign...better try next time.
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Dec 19, 2014 11:55am
Pakistani needs to reply in kind and next time don't issue any visas for those yatra seekers from across the border.
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Dec 19, 2014 11:58am
@Sunil and your the one representative of creating hatred , spreading venom against Pakistanis. huh. have some soul searching first and u will find the bitter facts.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:05pm
it might be decision based on security, look hafeej, lakhvi roaming free
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Dec 19, 2014 12:08pm
@Sunil what India is doing by the way with those who spews venom on Pakistan? making them their PM ? and is there proof you guys have provided against these personals upon 27/11 ? Go and read the news of your own Times on India which states that it was done by your own military.
And yes the visa rejection also shows your poor intelligence who cannot differentiate between a common civilian and a terrorist.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:15pm
These people take this visa & settle down in Gujrat and Rajasthan.
1000 of muslim from Pakistan hav been overstaying in India. Indian govt should deport Pakistani muslims & avoid giving any visa to them
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Dec 19, 2014 12:19pm
In usual case india dont deny entry but recent threat to India made by hafiz saeed it looks logically for time being
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Dec 19, 2014 12:26pm
Indian government should have allowed this and can always monitor the movement of pilgrims. Indian governmnent and authorities shall coordinate movement of people, especially the pilgrims to bridge the gulf and not break the bond completely. The need of the hour is more cooperation and exchange of people than otherwise.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:31pm
As an indian, I feel this is not a good decision. The sacrifice of 150 kids shouldn't go waste. The people of India and Pakistan are a turning point towards good relations and this is the worst time to deny visas.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:37pm
India should welcome pilgrims, especially if they are coming from Pakistan. If they needed security, Indian gov. must provide it.
Indian Government should allow these people-to-people contact more often.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:37pm
likely outcome after Hafiz saeed's speech
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Dec 19, 2014 12:43pm
India should allow pilgrims. They are not terrorists.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:45pm
Is there a statistics about how many Indians/Pakistanis apply for visa and how many actually get visa and how many get rejected? Was there a reason given for the rejection? US routinely rejects visa to Indians without giving reason but between India and Pakistan, we should have at least summary report about rejections at the end of each year.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:47pm
Some times Indian Government decision embarrass the common people of India. They should have allow them to offer prayer in India.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:47pm
@Sunil
Shows what sort of democracy India is.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:49pm
For whatever the reasons, India has every right to refuse visas the same way Pakistan has the same right. Nobody should complain.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:53pm
If courts in India can release Mr. Modi, on massacre charges, and people in India voted for him, why the Pakistani courts, and system is being criticized for releasing a suspect on bail.
He has not exonerated from the charges, and the people are not planning to vote for him either.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:54pm
@Khan-Haqiqi Thanks, and trust us- an Indian commoner would never support such a decision. I am sure this will be rectified soon. Stay safe, and god bless you all.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:54pm
@klobania Brother, India would gladly welcome all pilgrims from Pakistan. There were more than few lakhs of pilgrims have completed their pilgrimages satisfactorily since 1947. India has always allowed pilgrims so far. However, If you READ the article closely, the solid reason mentioned to deny their entry was mainly because of TERROR ALERT and SECURITY CONCERNS in the wake of Peshawar and Sydney terror attacks. Please try to understand and let's not make it a big deal out of nothing.
Peace.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:57pm
@klobania bro you are habitual to terrorists and their company but we are not, so if we find anything suspicious we will take action and we are not remorseful.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:57pm
India is on high alert after Hafiz saeed's threat and Lakvi's bail. Security is always tightened before Independence day due to terror threat and this time US president is visiting too. India will not like to take any chance, however remote it might be. Internal security is top priority.
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Dec 19, 2014 12:59pm
@Burki Yatra seekers wont be interested in coming to Pakistan any more, have you noticed the killings in your country even tarzan will fear landing in Pak
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Dec 19, 2014 01:06pm
India has to choose 1 Keep India safe or Pakistanis Happy?
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Dec 19, 2014 01:08pm
not surprised to see immature comments here. India is on high alert due to election and events in your country and it is logical to limit the visas. Various Islamic groups are regularly issuing threats including the government guest Hafiz Saeed who get the givernment to arrange special trains to transport his supporters from Islambad to Lahure. India right in exercising caution. Nothing more than that. You should remember that getting a visa is a privilege, not a right.
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Dec 19, 2014 01:10pm
But why?
No one took the shirt off
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Dec 19, 2014 01:14pm
India has all the right to ensure her security. Wish, Pakistan reciprocates in a befitting way to stop entry of the RAW infiltrators.
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Dec 19, 2014 01:16pm
@klobania Yes... sounds practical
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Dec 19, 2014 01:17pm
@jay` funny you don´t see the irony of your own comments. Indian "yatrees" swarming in droves a Pakistani newspaper here spitting out venom against Pakistan everyday.
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Dec 19, 2014 01:43pm
and the World can see, we always welcome sikh pilgrims.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:07pm
Shut all the doors including political tie-ups.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:09pm
@vkdka But people got shot. That's why...
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Dec 19, 2014 02:14pm
We Indian can not take any risk. There are many Pakistani who have not returned back in the past and based on the current unstable situation in neighboring countries, this is the right move.
Seems harsh but its required.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:20pm
@klobania There is security risk bro as Hafeez saeed is threatening
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Dec 19, 2014 02:21pm
@Naxalite India too welcomes pilgrims of Ajmer Sharif, and also actors, patients etc. You probably dont know that India is on high alert after threats from some people in Pakistan, and also security is high for Obama's visit.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:21pm
A very good decision taken by India. Indian govt cant believe sudden sea change mentality in ISI (against india) after Peshawar terrorist attack.
For us our Satety is important to us.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:21pm
@Khan-Haqiqi Notice how many 'recommends' Indians get here, as opposed to any comments from any Pakistani. This is a concerted efforts by the indian trolls to commend any comments made by the Indians.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:24pm
Dear all getting visas of other countries is privilege not a right. India denied due recent developments in terror threat plus election and Independence day obama visit. dont make it big out of nothing.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:29pm
Sorry about that! Pakistani brothers and sisters are always welcome to India. Currently India is bit over cautious because of intelligence reports. Please bear with-us.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:30pm
My Pakistani Friends!! Please understand that we are not trying to discourage you from visiting India. It's the current turmoil and situation which looks very grim, and the last thing we can afford right now is "A terror attack in India". This might be a kneejerk reaction but nobody can take chances on the safety and security. I am sure that if you perceive any terror threat from India, then you will also keep a check on us. That is completely justified. Nation's security comes first. Hope things get better and in the future we will not even need a visa to visit each other's country. Amen!!
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Dec 19, 2014 02:34pm
@Ali at least it is one
Not a banana republic!
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Dec 19, 2014 02:36pm
@klobania: Yes my dear friend we are such crying babies.. still weeping for what had happened two days ago in a school. We are so much worried as Hafeez roaming free, Lakvi got bail.. and we are not ready to see any such horror like what had happened... dear friend it not time to fight among us. its time to fight the evil which is killing our lives and little angles.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:36pm
@Naxalite Sikhs and Hindus don't indulge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:41pm
In retrospect, it was foolish for the partition to take place in 1947. Pakistan has not progressed well. Perhaps it would have been better for one country to exists rather than three as is the case now.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:52pm
No big deal. These people will be allowed to visit later. Urs happens every year. I'm sure Pakistan would have done the same in these circumstances.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:53pm
@Burki "Pakistani needs to reply in kind and next time don't issue any visas for those yatra seekers from across the border."
Why stoop to the level of Indians. Pakistan should welcome the annual pilgrims from India and show to Indians that they may have more money and bit of political clout but Pakistanis are more open minded and better human beings.
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Dec 19, 2014 02:59pm
I hope everybody understands that India and pakistan are not having good diplomatic relations due to various reasons known to everyone. So this kind of visa denials are expected so dont be courious guys. Such expectations from pakistan side needs changes in their mindset and actions towards India and as such bridge doesnot appears to jumb start.
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Dec 19, 2014 03:05pm
@ERo are you giving personal guarantees on that ?!
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Dec 19, 2014 03:06pm
we often think that Kashmir is the main problem between the two countries but in fact neither Kasmir nor siachin etc is the main one. The main problem between the two countries is mistrust. They can become brothers but for some time not for always. Just see the past and future.
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Dec 19, 2014 03:08pm
@Khan-Haqiqi ; --- there has not been any strike like Mumbai attack and attack on Parliament in Pakistan. Openly venom is spewed against India by Hafiz saeed and government support is quite visible to these terrorists . How can We trust pakistan in the current atmosphere. Your government is free to take the decisions.
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Dec 19, 2014 03:12pm
@Fawad Quite sensible comment...Lets not make an issue out of it.
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Dec 19, 2014 03:45pm
@Fawad
Very much agreed with you.
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Dec 19, 2014 04:10pm
@Tariq.. 1947 partition is a painful reality and cannot be rewritten/revisited.. Instead of thinking about one nation, we better try to live peacefully as neighbors now.. Robin, India
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Dec 19, 2014 04:34pm
@Tariq
Tariq bhai than we will be super power of the world & biggest country.. Koi ankh utha nahi dekh pata..
agar South Germany & North Germany ek Ho sakte hain to Hum kyo nahi????
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Dec 19, 2014 05:11pm
@Fawad Your understanding of the situation is excellent. I appreciate it.
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Dec 19, 2014 05:19pm
@Khan-Haqiqi I think it is just a matter of time.... right now any sane and logical officer or politician of any country would do the same thing.
Imagine Emirates Airlines called off its flights to Peshawar within hours of the massacre..! What is your opinion about them?
Even Iran had taken measures..... Dont you think its natural? Why read anything more into it..?
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Dec 19, 2014 05:26pm
Its just a one off incident. It will pass and they might get their permissions again. It has happened many times between the two country pilgrims. Lakhs of Pakistani pilgrims / tourists come to India every year (and vice versa). Lets not create a news out of nothing...
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Dec 19, 2014 05:32pm
@Question Searching for proof?? You can read the 11000 page chargesheet filed by Mumbai police against LeT terrorists, and available online, if that is enough for you. Stop living in delusions. The sentiment is against terrorists and not ordinary pakistanis, why you defending them?
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Dec 19, 2014 05:43pm
India should stop allowing religious tourists who come to Pakistan.
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Dec 19, 2014 05:44pm
Again fake comments by fake Indian names, all by placed sources. HA
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Dec 19, 2014 05:49pm
@Ali FYI buddy the democracy in India is vibrant, functioning and well entrenched. Peace
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Dec 19, 2014 05:52pm
@lafanga you made me laugh.
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Dec 19, 2014 06:04pm
No to terrorist.
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Dec 19, 2014 06:04pm
@Ali
No to terrorist
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Dec 19, 2014 06:24pm
Considering the recent situation in Pakistan and terrorists like Hafeez and Lakvi are raoming freely with both Govt and people's support, this decision was very much expected. J&K Elections,New Year, Republic Day and Obama visit.. We have our own concerns on security. Moreover A recent report found out thousands of Pakistanis have not returned home even after years of their VISA got expired. Who, here, will give the guarantee that they are not terrorists or involved in Anti India activities here.. Think logically and intellectually.. Don't just start u reasonable chaos and commenting harshly on India..
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Dec 19, 2014 06:25pm
@Azmeen Idiot, in that case we will stop all Sikhs and Hindus who come to Pakistan on pilgrimage, as supposedly they are all RAW.
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Dec 19, 2014 06:36pm
I completely understand feelings of pilgrimage but it's a high alert situation .... I am sure once things settle down... pilgrims will certainly be visiting us ...
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Dec 19, 2014 06:47pm
@Abbas Ali Indian government tried hard to implicate Modi for genocide, for 10 yrs, they couldn't. That means Modi is not guilty of any wrong doing period. He passed the litmus test, no blot on him. Pakistani courts, civil system still needs to evolve to be called credible. They did not charge Lakwi for heinous crimes but charged with frivolous stuff with great reluctance. That's the distinction we do not want to forget.
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Dec 19, 2014 07:43pm
@klobania ...Better safe than sorry. Very good decision.
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Dec 19, 2014 07:44pm
@Khan-Haqiqi ...It doesn't mean that we need to reciprocate. Is that what you asking
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Dec 19, 2014 07:45pm
@Question can you differentiate? They all look the same to me
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Dec 20, 2014 03:31am
Request to people, now write positive things and hence things will start turn positive in mind, in environment and intern in country and world. Too much negativity in atmosphere.
i know its difficult but this is the only way
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Dec 20, 2014 08:24am
@Fawad. very sensible and just assessment of the situation brother.
Indian security is on extra high alert due to oncoming obama's visit.
The security forces are not leaving any stone unturned to sensitise, in order to avoid any blame on American president's visit marred by controversies.
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Dec 20, 2014 08:51am
@klobania current people would not aware of such thing like as what is security situation ,enviourment in India. This time to high alert on all indian state and border area. Because it it time to near to republic day of indian and American prime minister will come in india. They have long program and American security agencies has alert message from Americans security agencies. So don't be panic yaar . After some time , it would be normal situation between india and Pakistan .
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Dec 20, 2014 09:52am
High alert is declared in India after Peshawar blasts and also American President is coming. These are just precautionary steps.
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Dec 20, 2014 09:59am
@Ali Democracy doesn't mean that we will allow terrorists to penetrate into our holy land.
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Dec 20, 2014 09:58pm
Where's the investigation report of Samjhota Express massacre?
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