N ew York [US], October 7 : Launching a scathing diplomatic offensive at the United Nations, BJP Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb delivered a blistering reprimand against the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its biased stance on counter-terrorism operations, exposing Islamabad's state-sponsored terror networks and illegal occupations. Addressing the UN General Assembly Sixth Committee session concerning 'Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism', BJP MP Biplab Kumar Deb stated, “I now respond to the statement made by the OIC Chair regarding India's focused and measured action against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. It is unfortunate that the speaker is unable to distinguish between fact and fiction and cannot differentiate between the victim and the perpetrator.” Underscoring national resolve against cross-border aggression, he further stated, “India has the full right to protect its people against terrorism on the border coming from Pakistan. The consequences of being involved in terrorism will not be tolerated.” Exposing the perpetual security threats emanating from across the western frontier, the Lok Sabha MP from West Tripura noted that India comprehends through hard experience that the menace of terrorism is a daily reality rather than a mere theoretical threat. Highlighting the devastating human cost inflicted by hostile actors, he noted that the tragic terror strike in Pahalgam last April, in which 26 innocent tourists were killed, exposed the true face of state-backed violence. Elaborating on this, Deb stated, “The Pahalgam terror attack was a calculated assault on our sovereignty, planned and executed by networks that continue to enjoy state patronage, safe havens, and material and logistical support from across our western border.” Underscoring New Delhi's uncompromising zero-tolerance doctrine, he stressed that intentional targeting of civilians constitutes an inexcusable crime against humanity, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly affirmed that even a single attack or lost life is one too many. Tearing into the OIC's hypocritical posturing, Deb decisively dismissed the bloc's unmerited comments regarding the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, turning the spotlight squarely onto Islamabad's internal atrocities. Pointing out the regime's rampant suppression and blatant disregard for fundamental freedoms, he stated, “The OIC chair would do better to focus on Pakistan's illegal occupation, especially in Rawalakot, where wanton killings, brutal violence and the denial of basic rights to the people living there are so visible. Such wilful blindness only speaks of bigotry and intolerance.” Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

N ew Delhi [India], October 7 (ANI): Opposition parties on Wednesday sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu regarding the issues of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, sources said. This follows the October 6 protest carried out by the INDIA bloc leaders against the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has invited Opposition members of Parliament for a lunch meeting at 1 PM in the national capital, where lawmakers are set to sign a letter seeking an appointment with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, sources said on Wednesday. The INDIA bloc has been demanding answers from the Election Commission over the issue and has accused the poll panel of failing to address its concerns. The Opposition's protest formed part of its broader "Save Democracy" campaign. Earlier on Tuesday, leaders of several INDIA bloc parties had marched towards Nirvachan Sadan but were stopped by barricades. The protest was followed by a sit-in at Akashvani Bhawan, where Rahul Gandhi claimed that around 300 Opposition MPs wanted to meet the Election Commissioners and submit their concerns. Several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were later detained by Delhi Police. Rahul Gandhi had defended the protest, saying the Opposition merely wanted to meet the Election Commissioners and ask questions about the electoral roll revision. Following the protest, the Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified that no political party had sought an appointment with the poll panel until 4 pm. In a statement issued, the ECI said Delhi Police informed it around 4 pm that a delegation of about 240 MPs, led by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, wanted to meet the Election Commissioners and submit a memorandum at the Parliament House Annexe. The poll panel said it considered the proposed venue and the manner in which the meeting was sought "unusual" in view of its established protocol. The Election Commission said it later considered sending its most senior executive officer to the venue to receive the memorandum from the Opposition MPs, but the offer was rejected. (ANI)

W ashington, DC [US], October 7 : US Vice President JD Vance has made clear that Tehran must carry out a “meaningful” cut in its nuclear enrichment capacity before Washington will agree to halt the seven-month war with Iran. In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Vance said the United States remains open to a negotiated settlement but will insist on concrete steps from Iran rather than mere assurances about future nuclear limits. “If you don’t want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need 60% enriched fuel?” Vance said. “If you want to show commitment to not building a nuclear weapon, don’t build highly enriched fuel. That’s a very basic threshold issue.” “I think if they want to show a commitment to not building a nuclear weapon, they would do something meaningful on their enrichment capacity,” he added. In recent weeks, the two sides have traded proposals aimed at ending the war and restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies. President Donald Trump has already dismissed Iran’s most recent offer and cautioned that US military action could escalate after the November midterm elections. As a key figure in the talks, Vance stressed that verbal pledges alone will not suffice. “We’re not going to trade words for actions,” he said. The prolonged war has unsettled energy markets and piled political pressure on the Trump administration, with rising fuel prices emerging as a sensitive issue ahead of the midterms. Vance further noted that Washington still lacks clarity on who holds ultimate decision-making power in Tehran. Although US officials have been engaging Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Vance cast doubt on the extent of their authority inside Iran’s system. “One of the things we picked up on is it’s not totally clear how their country makes decisions,” he said. Iran pushed back against that characterisation. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei insisted American officials are fully aware of their Iranian counterparts and understand how decisions are taken in Tehran. “The problem is actually the opposite, it lies in the contradictory positions and mixed messaging from US officials,” Baghaei said. Vance also revealed he has conferred with US field commanders about the war and rejected suggestions of critical munitions shortages. He assessed that Iranian forces retain the ability to hit commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz yet are largely incapable of blocking energy shipments through the waterway. On his own political future, Vance said he has yet to decide whether to seek the presidency in 2028, remarking, “I’m inherently a procrastinator. I really haven’t thought about it much.” Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor