Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
THE tourist town of Pahalgam in India's Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of the worst terror attacks in the region on Tuesday (22) since the abrogation of Article 370. A group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire on unsuspecting tourists at Baisaran meadow, killing 26 people and injuring many more.
The attack sent shockwaves across the country and drew condemnation from leaders both in India and abroad. Within hours, a group known as The Resistance Front (TRF), widely believed to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility.
Intelligence agencies have identified Saifullah Kasuri, also known by his alias Khalid, as the key mastermind behind the attack.
Who is Saifullah Kasuri?
Kasuri is a senior commander of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He is a close aide of Hafiz Saeed, the founder of LeT, and plays a key role in the organisation’s political and operational wings.
Kasuri operates out of LeT’s headquarters in Peshawar, Pakistan. He also leads the Milli Muslim League (MML), a political front created by LeT’s parent organisation, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). During a press conference on August 8, 2017, Kasuri publicly introduced MML and spoke about its objectives. The US Department of the Treasury later confirmed his role, identifying him as a senior figure in both MML and JuD.
JuD, which serves as a front for LeT, has been officially sanctioned as a terrorist organisation. It was designated by the US in April 2016 and was added to the United Nations Sanctions List in December 2008. Kasuri has also served on JuD’s coordination committee for central Punjab, further demonstrating his deep involvement in the group’s leadership.
Two months before the Pahalgam attack, Kasuri reportedly visited Kanganpur in Punjab, Pakistan, near a major Pakistan Army base. He later attended a meeting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where, according to unverified intelligence reports, he delivered a fiery speech promising increased militant activity in Kashmir. In the speech, he allegedly declared that “our Mujahideen will intensify attacks,” and vowed to “capture Kashmir by February 2, 2026.”
Kasuri has previously expressed frustration over what he sees as Pakistan’s weakening stance on Kashmir. Following India’s decision to revoke Article 370 in 2019, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, Kasuri criticised his country’s decision to scale back LeT’s activities in the region. He blamed this shift on rising violence in Pakistan’s own regions, like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Indian intelligence agencies believe Kasuri carefully planned the Pahalgam attack. The strike coincided with high-profile visits by US vice president JD Vance to India and prime minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Saudi Arabia. The terrorists were said to have lain low before launching a sudden assault, which appeared to be timed for maximum impact.
According to multiple reports, the attack was led on the ground by Asif Fauji, a TRF field commander. Fauji’s background remains partly unclear, though some sources suggest ties to the Pakistan Army. Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches of three suspected attackers—Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha—and noted that some of them were heard speaking Pashto, indicating Pakistani origins, while others were believed to be local operatives.
Formed in 2019 following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, the TRF has tried to present itself as a local resistance group. However, officials maintain it is a cover for LeT operations. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs declared TRF a terrorist group in 2023 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Since its formation, it has been linked to multiple attacks on civilians, migrant workers, and security forces, and remains one of the most active militant outfits in the region.
The Pahalgam attack appeared highly coordinated. The terrorists had infiltrated the Valley just days before the strike. Wearing local attire and armed with AK-47s and military-grade equipment, they attacked tourists in broad daylight.
Intelligence sources have traced their digital footprints to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, further pointing to cross-border support and planning.
Just a few days earlier, Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir made a speech invoking the Two-Nation Theory and highlighting supposed differences between Hindus and Muslims. Last week, LeT commander Abu Musa addressed a rally in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, calling for jihad and violent resistance in Kashmir. Indian intelligence believes these speeches were used to signal terror groups to act.
BRITAIN needs more talented migrants who can create jobs and wealth in this country, a media expert has said, citing evidence from the latest edition of Eastern Eye’s Asian Rich List 2025.
Writing in the Independent on Saturday (16), Chris Blackhurst argued that “against the present backdrop of protests against immigration, the Asian Rich List illustrates that the UK has so much to be thankful for.” He added, “It is hard to imagine where the economy, wider society, would be without the loyalty, tenacity and public spirit of those on the list and the ones ascending fast. We urgently need more like them, not less.”
Blackhurst is an experienced business journalist and was previously the editor of the Independent from 2011-2013.In his comment piece, he noted how businessman Surinder Arora is one the leading hoteliers in the UK, having arrived in this country with very little money.
Arora owns Renaissance Hotel at Heathrow, where he was employed as a waiter, as well as the Fairmont Windsor Park, the InterContinental in east London, near the O2, and Luton Hoo, which he is developing as a luxury golf and health spa. “Arora’s story typifies the members of this year’s Asian Rich List,” Blackhurst said, adding, “what characterises many is a strong work ethic, coupled with relentless drive and determination to succeed.”
He also cited the examples of former prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, whose father NR Narayana Murthy co-founded Infosys, the Indian IT giant.
Among other insights, Blackhurst noted the younger generation of Asian immigrants stepping up to take over the business empires built by their parents, such as the Arora’s son Sanjay and the Hinduja family. This year’s Asian Rich List includes 17 billionaires, while it is estimated the combined wealth of the 101 richest British Asians in the country is £126.26 billion, an increase of £6.22bn from the previous year.
Many Asians have made their mark in the hospitality and hotels sector. It was reported on Monday (18) that Arora has acquired the Ministry of Justice’s £245 million, with a view to revamping it into a luxury hotel in central London.
“Arora Group, owned by the billionaire Surinder Arora, has bought Queen Anne’s Mansions, near Buckingham Palace, from Land Securities, the FTSE 100 landlord,” the Times said, adding “the fourteen-storey building is fully let to the MoJ, which is due to move out in 2028 when its £15 million-a-year lease expires.”
The Hinduja family restored the former Old War Office Building in Whitehall into a luxury 120-room Raffles Hotel and with 85 serviced apartments.Another Asian businessman making headlines is Sharan Pasricha whose Estelle Manor, a country house hotel in Oxfordshire, was the venue for the wedding of Eve Jobs (the daughter of Steve Jobs) for her recent wedding.
Pasricha bought The Hoxton in London, in 2012 as well as Gleneagles in Scotland before transforming the hotel and golfing complex. While growing their wealth, many Asians are also committed to philanthropy, Blackhurst noted, among them Nirmal Sethia and Cyrus and Priya Vandrevala. Sethia provided funds for victims of the Grenfell fire and supports the Museum of London, while the Vandrevala couple are known for their work in mental health and are also patrons of Elephant Family.
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London. A five-day Shiv Katha has begun at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre to honour the victims of the tragic Air India crash, with prayers offered for their eternal peace. The programme, running from 18 to 22 August, is being led by HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji with recitations by PP Shri Jogi Dada, and attended by devotees and dignitaries from India and abroad.
Opening the Katha, Shri Jogi Dada called it both a spiritual gathering and a heartfelt tribute to the passengers of the Ahmedabad–London flight. “Mahadev’s darshan equals a pilgrimage. It is inspiring to see the younger generation engaging in bhakti, which is vital for preserving our heritage."
Guruji spoke on the eternal energy of Shiv Shakti and chetna (consciousness). “Shiva is not just a deity but the ultimate consciousness. Through Shiv Katha we awaken inner energy and spread vibrations of peace across the world. May the departed souls attain eternal peace, and may their memories guide us towards compassion and unity,” he said.
The inaugural day saw the presence of Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj, Shri Maheshbhai Bhatt, Dhruvbhai Bhatt and Rajendrabhai Thakkar. The evening concluded with Aarti and a sacred Rudrabhishek, performed in memory of the crash victims.
ASHVIR SINGH JOHAL has been named manager of Morecambe, becoming the first Sikh to take charge of a professional football club in Britain.
At 30, Johal is also now the youngest manager in England’s top five divisions. He takes over following the club’s recent takeover by the Panjab Warriors consortium and the departure of former boss Derek Adams.
Johal experience from roles at Leicester City’s academy, Wigan Athletic, and Italian side Como. He worked under Kolo Touré at Wigan and assisted Cesc Fàbregas with Como’s youth team.
He recently completed his UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification, and has spent over a decade in player development.
In a previous interview with the BBC, Johal said: "I have been fortunate to work with and learn from some incredible people, and I'm especially grateful to Kolo and Cesc. I know what world-class standards look like, how to lead with clarity, and how to develop a team with a real identity.
"We will create an environment that brings the best out of people, that people want to be part of, and that drives people to improve every day."
His appointment follows a difficult period for Morecambe. The National League suspended the club over non-compliance with league rules, leading to postponed fixtures. The team is due to play Altrincham on Saturday (23), but as of Tuesday (19), they had only five contracted players and were not insured to train, making another delay likely.
Johal said his first focus will be to “identify the players as we need to perform well in the National League.”
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Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping during their meeting in October 2024.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi will visit China later in August, his security chief said on Tuesday (19), during talks with Beijing's foreign minister in New Delhi.
Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit opening on August 31 in Tianjin, his first visit to China since 2018, Ajit Doval said, in public comments at the start of a meeting with Beijing's foreign minister Wang Yi.
"Our prime minister will be visiting for the SCO summit," Doval said, speaking of "new energy" in diplomatic ties.
China "attaches great importance" to Modi's visit to the SCO summit, Wang said, according to an official translator.
"History and reality proves once again that a healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the fundamental and long term interests of both of our countries," Wang added.
The comments came as the neighbours rebuild ties damaged by a 2020 border clash.
"There has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity," Doval told Wang as he opened the talks.
"Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial. The new environment that has been created has helped us in moving ahead in the various areas that we are working on.”
Wang said the setbacks the two countries experienced over the past few years were not in the interests of the people of the two countries, according to a translation of his remarks.
During talks on Monday (18) with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's foreign minister, Wang said the two countries should "view each other as partners and opportunities, rather than adversaries or threats".
He pointed to the resumption of "dialogue at all levels" and "maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas" as evidence bilateral ties were on a "positive trend of returning to the main path of cooperation".
Earlier on Tuesday, an Indian source said China had promised to address three key Indian concerns.
Wang, the source said, had assured Jaishankar that Beijing is addressing India’s need for fertilisers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines.
The Indian foreign and mines ministries did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
China's commerce ministry also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It was not immediately clear whether China had agreed to approve export licenses faster or grant blanket exemptions for India.
China has previously committed to speeding up export licenses for Europe and the US, without actually dismantling the control regime.
China's exports of rare earths and related magnets jumped in June after these agreements and as the commerce ministry worked through a huge backlog of applications.
However, rare earth magnet exports to India were still down 58 per cent compared to January levels, according to Chinese customs data.
June is the last month for which country-level data is available.
India has the world's fifth-largest rare earth reserves, at 6.9 million metric tons, but there is no domestic magnet production. India relies on imported magnets, mainly from China.
Bilateral relations have improved since October, when Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping met for the first time in five years in Russia.
Chinese and Indian officials have said in recent weeks that the two countries were discussing the resumption of border trade, which has been halted since 2020.
Its resumption would be symbolically significant, and follows discussions to resume direct flights and issue tourist visas.
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She criticised the UK government for what she described as eroding citizens’ rights and freedoms
Author Sally Rooney says she will continue to back Palestine Action, despite the group being proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Writing in the Irish Times, she pledged to use her book earnings and public platform to support the group’s activities.
The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has defended the ban, citing security risks and evidence of violent action.
Palestine Action has targeted UK arms companies and was linked to an incident at RAF Brize Norton, causing £7m worth of damage.
Sally Rooney reaffirms support
Irish novelist Sally Rooney has said she will continue to support the pro-Palestinian direct action group Palestine Action, even after its proscription as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
In an article published in the Irish Times, the award-winning writer of Normal People and Intermezzo said she would keep using the proceeds of her work — including residuals from the BBC adaptations of Normal People and Conversations with Friends — to fund the group.
“If this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it,” she wrote, describing her stance as part of resisting “genocide” in Gaza.
UK government’s stance
The group was banned by the UK government in July 2025. Defending the decision, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper argued that Palestine Action was not “a regular protest group known for occasional stunts” but an organisation linked to repeated unlawful activity.
She pointed to an “Underground Manual” allegedly produced by the group, which she said offered “practical guidance on how to identify targets to attack and how to evade law enforcement”.
Cooper added she had received “disturbing information” about future planned attacks, and warned: “These are not the actions of a legitimate protest group.”
Activities and legal cases
Since the ban, more than 700 people have been arrested, including over 500 at a central London demonstration last week.
The group’s most high-profile action came in June 2025, when members broke into RAF Brize Norton and sprayed two aircraft with red paint, causing an estimated £7m in damage.
In August 2024, alleged members also broke into Elbit Systems UK in Bristol — a subsidiary of the Israeli defence company — an incident which has led to criminal charges including aggravated burglary and violent disorder. The trial of 18 defendants is scheduled for November 2025.
Rooney’s history of activism
Rooney has previously spoken out against the group’s proscription, describing it in the Guardian earlier this year as an “alarming attack on free speech”.
In 2021, she refused permission for her novel Beautiful World, Where Are You to be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli publisher, saying she would only work with a company aligned with the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement.
In her latest opinion piece, she criticised the UK government for what she described as eroding citizens’ rights and freedoms “to protect its relationship with Israel”.
Context
The war in Gaza began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health ministry figures, which the United Nations treats as broadly reliable.
Israel rejects allegations of genocide, but several international human rights organisations say its conduct amounts to genocide against Palestinians.