Hashtags #MunirOut and #MunirMIA trended on X on Monday. Just days prior to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Munir referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “Jugular Vein” and asserted that Hindus and Muslims are “two separate nations.”

During his address at a Convention for Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad, Munir stated, “Our stance is unequivocal: it is our jugular vein, it will remain our jugular vein, and we will not abandon our Kashmiri brothers in their courageous struggle.”

Following the attack, he continued to emphasize the two-nation theory while addressing the passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, Abbottabad. He remarked that the theory rests on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus constitute two distinct nations. “Muslims differ from Hindus in all aspects—religion, customs, traditions, beliefs, and aspirations,” he stated.

Munir further declared that Pakistan’s existence resulted from “unparalleled struggle and sacrifices,” and underscored that its defense is a duty of the armed forces, saying, “Our forefathers sacrificed greatly for Pakistan’s creation. We know how to protect it.”

To dispel the rumors regarding the Army Chief’s disappearance, the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office released a photo featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Munir at an event, with a caption noting the date and location. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and officers of PMA Kakul in a group photo with graduating officers of the 151st Long Course at PMA Kakul, Abbottabad. April 2025. (sic),” read the caption.

Unverified claims circulating on social media suggested not only that Munir was missing but also that there had been no updates regarding his family. Rumors indicated that his family had reportedly fled the country following the Pahalgam attack.

Both leaders highlighted that this MoU will facilitate collaboration in various fields, including science, Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga science, agriculture, and other applied sciences and professional courses.

Under the terms of the agreement, both universities aim to enhance mutual cooperation in areas such as agriculture, technological innovation, entrepreneurship development, and student academic and skill growth.

Furthermore, students will have the chance to participate in training, internships, and research through student exchange programs. The MoU will also support joint research initiatives, development activities, skill enhancement programs, COVID-related research, public health advancements, startup activities, and other collaborative projects.

The overarching goal is to create new employment opportunities for the youth by implementing skill development programs across agriculture, science, technology, and health sectors.

Both institutions will organize seminars, workshops, and specialized training programs on topics of shared interest. Additionally, they will focus on improving student participation and leadership through exchange opportunities while providing avenues for training, internships, and research.

Present at the signing were Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Mank Kumar Aggarwal and Examination Controller Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh from the University of Patanjali, as well as Vice Chancellor Prof. Onkar Singh, Examination Controller Dr. B.K. Patel, and Finance Officer Vikram Singh Jantal from Uttarakhand Technical University, along with other senior officials.

The dignitaries hailed this MoU as a significant milestone in education and research, expressing optimism about its potential to yield substantial benefits in the future.

An alumnus of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Shaji began his remarkable career as a cinematographer, collaborating closely with the legendary director G Aravindan.

Born Shaji Neelakantan Karunakaran in 1952 in Kollam, he grew up in a culturally rich environment, with a father in the revenue department and a mother who fostered his passion for literature and classical arts. Shaji became a pioneer of new wave cinema in Malayalam, bringing its legacy to international audiences and earning global recognition.

In 1988, Shaji made his directorial debut with **Piravi**, a poignant exploration of grief that received international accolades, including 31 awards such as the Charlie Chaplin Award at Edinburgh, the Silver Leopard at Locarno, and a Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival.

His later films—**Swaham**, **Vanaprastham**, **Kutty Srank**, and **Olu**—further solidified his status as a master storyteller known for deep emotional narratives and striking visuals. Notably, **Vanaprastham** was his third film to be selected for screening at Cannes.

Long before stepping into directing, Shaji showcased his visual storytelling expertise as a cinematographer in classics like G Aravindan’s **Kanchana Sita** and **Esthappan**. His films often explored themes of human suffering, memory, and existential longing, conveyed through captivating imagery and nuanced emotions.

Beyond filmmaking, Shaji played a vital role in shaping India’s film culture, serving as the founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). In 2024, he was honored with the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to Indian cinema.