After a year of comparative stability in 2014, politics of hartal (street agitation) is back in Bangladesh. The country is almost paralysed for almost a month following strings of hartal staged by opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its campaign to oust Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government.
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Analysis
After a year of comparative stability in 2014, politics of
hartal (street agitation) is back in Bangladesh. The country is almost paralysed for almost a month following strings of
hartal staged by opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its campaign to oust Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government. The month long political violence has caused 60 lives, hundreds injured and thousands arrested. The present situation is putting a doubt on the future stability of the country.
In the 2014 parliamentary election, Awami League had an easy victory thanks to BNP’s boycott of the election doubting its impartiality. Soon after the election, BNP expressed its resolve to oust the government by launching protest movement. Initially, BNP’s movement failed to gather steam and there were no major impact.
An important aspect of the present spell of protest is use of violence. There has been significant increase on incidences of patrol bomb attack causing death of many people. Government has adopted harsh measures to control the opposition even confined the BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia. In spite of strong measures to curb opposition protests, the situation is far from normal. Contrarily, opposition has declared to resolve to stronger movement to oust the government.
Use of
hartal to bring down the government is not new to Bangladesh. Military dictator H M Ershad was ousted by mass movement jointly led by Awami League and BNP. Similarly, BNP was forced to resign from the government in the face of the movement carried by Awami League demanding establishment of caretaker government for supervising the elections in 1996. However, unlike the past, the present opposition has failed to effectively appeal to the people. Other than the cadres of BNP and its allies mainly, Jamaat-e-Islami, present spell of protests are devoid of popular participation.
Experience with both
The people of Bangladesh have already experienced the rule of the BNP and the Awami League, and are aware of the consequences of the BNP rule. The BNP has been discredited for encouraging corruption, mis-governance and encouraging right wing militancy in Bangladesh. Also, its close association with Jamaat-e-Islami, the party opposed birth of Bangladesh, is a cause of concern for people. Again, people are also questioning the rationale behind the BNP’s agitation as the feeling is BNP lost an opportunity by not participating in the election.
The people’s perception about Awami League is also not very positive. The popular feeling is that both BNP and Awami League are some sort similar in dealing with opposition. The country has developed a culture of winner takes all and represses opposition. This approach has led to hardening of stances and rule out any comprise. The political parties seem to fight till the end.
Non-compromising attitudes of both the political parties generated a feeling of disgust regarding popular politics in the country. Also, there is fatigue among people with the present politics of
hartal that disturbed the daily lives of people. Dates of the school leaving examination had to be altered following the
hartal. The country’s economy is also affected due to continuous shutdown. The shipments of the readymade garment, country’s key export product, are delayed.
Reluctant to interfere
The international community has restrained itself from muddling with the internal politics of the country. The western countries and also South Asian giant India’s scepticism with the BNP, because it is viewed to favour rightist elements, are hesitant to interfere. There is need control the situation for the stability of the country.
The people’s disillusionment with the popular political parties only increases fear to rise of radical forces in the country. These groups are already active in the country and looking for opportunity. Soon the situation stabilise in Bangladesh will be better for the country.
(The writer is a Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, Delhi)
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Bhutan and Obama’s Asia pivot
Mihir Bhonsale
US President Barack Obama’s second visit to India as the chief guest for India’s 66th Republic Day celebration shows that South Asia has not waned on America’s list of priorities. Also, Bhutan, well known as the Last Shangrila in western countries, is yet to be on a president or a prime minister’s foreign visit itinerary, but still might benefit from Obama’s rebalance in Asia strategy.
Obama’s rebalancing to Asia strategy might have as well got a new dimension with the President’s visit to India with a boost to defence and civilian nuclear cooperation. Obama’s strategy of intensifying cooperation with India comes at the cost of China’s interests which is fast tightening its grip of influence over South Asia.
Bhutan has for long been India’s closest ally and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, his first overseas visit as the Prime Minister, underlined the importance of Bhutan to India. U.S. being a global actor, still has to have diplomatic relations with Bhutan, but is Bhutan ready for it, is the question.
Strategic significance
Bhutan emerged out from the shadows of India in 2007 when the 1948 friendship treaty with India was revised. The revised treaty allowed Bhutan to pursue external relations on its own without interference from India. Between, the period 1948-2006 Bhutan’s foreign relations were managed by India.
Since, becoming a democracy in 2008 Bhutan has established formal relations with 25 of the 52 odd nations with whom she has diplomatic relations. It has also bid for the permanent seat of the UN Security Council. Gross National Happiness is a concept which Bhutan has pioneered to the world.
U.S. could be a natural ally of Bhutan considering Obama’s attempt to throttle China’s expansive agenda. Bhutan remains the only nation in South Asia that China is not close to. It was since 1948 when China annexed Tibet, that Bhutan has rebuffed attempts by China to forge close ties.
U.S. is also hard-pressed on finding new partners in the Indian Sub-continent, especially at a time when India remains isolated on multilateral forums ably managed by China. U.S. might reckon that Bhutan is the only all-weather ally of New Delhi in the sub-continent. Bhutan is also a buffer between two Asian giants India and China, making the Himalayan kingdom strategically important.
Re-balancing strategy
Strategic significance of Bhutan cannot be ignored by a global actor like U.S. while Obama attempts to take the ’Pivot to Asia’ strategy to its conclusion in the final leg of his presidentship. U.S. Ambassador to India, Timothy J. Roemer’s visit to Bhutan in 2011 was first such attempt at establishing contact with the Himalayan nation.
U.S.A.I.D. has also supported infrastructure projects in Bhutan, giving an economic angle to informal U.S.-Bhutan relations. Also, acceding the highest number (60,000) of Bhutanese refugees for the resettlement in U.S. has formed an atmosphere of goodwill between the two countries.
Moreover, Bhutan is a member of world forums like United Nations, World Trade Organisation and International Monetary Fund besides World Bank and Asian Development Bank and has sought a larger role in international affairs much to the liking of U.S.
Also, Bhutan now has found more equal footing in regional forums like SAARC, where its newfound economic good- hydropower is opening new vistas for energy security of the region. Thimphu has also recognised its tourism potential and has received tourists from across the world, a lion share amongst them also from the U.S.
Austerity measures
The Tshering Tobgay government is cautious in expanding Bhutan’s foreign relations. The Prime Minister has also ruled out setting up of any new diplomatic missions abroad. This is due to Tshering Tobgay’s austerity measures for checking unnecessary spending at a time when the country is still facing the pangs of poverty. However, how can the Harvard educated Prime Minister ignore U.S. whose top universities, the government of Bhutan had invited to set up campuses in Thimphu. It is another matter that the Education City project had to be scrapped, but in the information age it is difficult to remain isolated.
With opening of Bhutan’s media and increased penetration of internet, Bhutan’s opening up to U.S. is unavoidable. As Bhutan aspires to increase its global footprint, there is more hope for the two countries to come closer and establish relations at the highest level.
U.S. needs to continue the trend of visits initiated in 2011 by Ambassador Roemer for discussing areas of cooperation between the two countries and to establish diplomatic missions. Meanwhile, people-to-people ties might do the trick to bring closer the strongest democracy in the world and a nation that swears by the happiness quotient.
(The writer is a Research Assistant at Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata).
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Country Reports
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Afghanistan
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">More US troops, aid proposed
Ashton Carter, the nominee for the post of Pentagon chief, claimed this week that he would reconsider the plan of withdrawing all US troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2016 if the security situation was to worsen. Mr Carter’s comments came in the form of a reply to a question raised in the Senate Armed Services Committee about the size and pace of the drawdown. In the meanwhile, the defence budget proposal submitted by US President Barack Obama to the US Congress has recommended an additional billion dollars in aid to Afghanistan in 2016. The additional aid, however, is contingent on reforms in the Afghan government and has to be approved by the US Congress.
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For more information see: "Secretary Of Defense Nominee Would Reconsider Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan", The Huffington Post, 3 February 2015;
"U.S. Proposes One Billion USD Hike in 2016 Aid for Afghanistan",,
Tolo News, 4 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">ANA officers arrive in Pakistan for military training
A group of six officers from the Afghan National Army (ANA) arrived in Pakistan to receive training at the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad. The training will last for about 18 months and it is the first instance of Afghan National Security Forces personnel receiving military training in Pakistan.
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For more information see : "First group of Afghan army cadets arrive in Pakistan for training", ,
Khaama Press, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">New deputy chief of ANA appointed
Lt Gen Murad Ali was appointed as the new Deputy Chief of Staff of the ANA this week. Before taking up this office, Gen Murad was serving as the commander of the ground forces of the ANA.
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For more information see : "Gen. Murad appointed as deputy chief of staff of the Afghan army",,
Khaama Press, 2 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Official admit IS’ expansion plans
Mohammed Omar Safi, the Governor of Kunduz province has acknowledged that the Islamic State (IS) has started operations in the northern Afghanistan province. Mr Safi claimed that there were about 70 IS operatives in Kunduz province, which they were going to use as a springboard to expand into further provinces in North Afghanistan. He identified Faryab, Baghlan, Takhar and Badakhshan provinces in particular as the most vulnerable provinces. This statement comes in midst of reports of IS carrying out operations in Zabul and Helman province in southern Afghanistan and of the killing of a Taliban commander in Logar province by the IS.
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For more information see : "ISIS plans to expand in northern Afghanistan: Governor Kundoz", ,
Khaama Press, 2 February 2015;
"IS fighters kill Taliban commander, warn TV viewers",,
Pajhwok, Pajhwok,
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India to provide aid for polio eradication
India’s Health and Family Welfare Ministry had forwarded, through the Ministry of External Affairs, a proposal to both Afghanistan and Pakistan to share India’s expertise for the eradication of polio. Afghanistan accepted the offer and a delegation from Afghanistan is expected to visit India in February to learn from the Indian experience.
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For more information see : "Kabul accepts Delhi’s aid on polio drive", ,
The Hindu, 2 February 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Bangladesh
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">No end to political chaos
Atmosphere of political violence and strike continued in the week. The week witnessed a 72-hour countrywide
hartal, called by opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led 20-party alliance, alongside transport blockade. BNP is staging violent agitation to oust Awami League government for more than a month that caused 60 lives. In one of incidence of political violence 7 people died as a patrol bomb was hurled on a bus which was coming to Cox’s Bazaar to capital Dhaka. A complaint has been filed against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia over countrywide killings by arson attacks during the ongoing blockade enforced by BNP-led 20-party alliance. Possibility of improvement of the situation seems bleak as BNP contemplates to continue with the protest movement.
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For more information see : "72-hr countrywide hartal enters 2nd day", The Daily Observer, 2 February 2015,
"7 killed in firebombing", The Daily Star, 4 February 2015 ,
"Complaint against Khaleda over killings in arson", Dhaka Tribune, 2 February 2015,
"Continue with movement, victory very close: BNP", The Independent, 4 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">China a role model for Bangladesh
Inaugurating the year-long celebration of 40 years of Sino-Bangladesh diplomatic relations Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali observed that China’s rapid economic growth is a "role model" for Bangladesh. Foreign Minister also informed that Bangladesh is keen on learning Chinese experience. He said Bangladesh also "supports and appreciates China’s renewed emphasis on regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region". The foreign minister said the current bilateral relations was now at the "landmark phase" and added that he was confident that "this friendly cooperation would continue to strengthen and grow in leaps and bounds in the days ahead".
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For more information see : "China a role model for Bangladesh: FM", Bdnews24.com, 2 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">4G spectrum soon
Prime Minister’s IT Affairs Adviser SajeebWazed Joy said auction of the 4G spectrum would take place at the end of 2016 with an aim to implement fourth generation wireless in the country within tenure of the present government. Joy also informed that Joy said he has three plans, which he would implement for reaching a "Digital Bangladesh".
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For more information see : "4G spectrum auction next year: Joy", The Daily Star, 6 February 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Bhutan
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">BOiC approves 149 projects in the east
The Business Opportunity and information Centre (BOiC) has approved 149 projects in the six eastern dzongkhags during the inauguration of its regional office in Trashigang on 5 February. The CEO of BOiC, Karma Tshering said that half of the projects received were for agriculture.
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For more information see : "BOiC approves 149 projects in the east", Kuensel Online, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Indo-Bhutan car rally in Phuntshogling
The 5th Indo-Bhutan car rally arrived in Phuntoshogling on 5 February. The rally was flagged off from Siliguri in West Bengal on 4 February and included 27 cars participating in the rally.
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For more information see : "Indo-Bhutan car rally arrived in Phuntshogling", Bhutan Broadcasting Service, 5 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">PM stands up for climate change
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said at the Himalayan Third Pole Centre Meeting in Thimphu that the entire Himalayan region needs to come together and work for the common goal of climate change, only then can the rising temperature and melting of glaciers be halted.
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For more information see : "Think globally and act regionally to stand up to climate change: PM", Kuensel Online, 6 February 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">India
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India tests nuclear capable Agni-V
India successfully test-fired the nuclear capable Agni-V missile from Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha, on January 31. Agni has a strike range of over 5000 kms and payload capacity of over one tonne. It is India’s longest range missile and is believed to be capable of targeting most of China and all of Europe. The test marked the first time that an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from a canister. This is Agni-V’s third test after earlier tests in April 2012 and April 2013. It is expected to enter service after a series of further trials.
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For more information see : "Agni V missile test-fired successfully; PM Modi lauds scientists", The Indian Express, 31 January 2015;
"Agni-V’s maiden canister trial a roaring success", The Hindu, 31 January 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Bihar Chief Minister resists efforts to get him step down
Janata Dal (United)’s attempts to transition power back to party icon Nitish Kumar were opposed by current Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Manjhi was appointed after Kumar resigned following the party’s poor performance in the last General Elections. JD (U)’s recent decision to restore Kumar as the party’s ambassador was made keeping in mind the upcoming State Assembly elections, given his role in reinvigorating the hitherto backward state’s development. Manjhi, however, showed reluctance to step down. He refused to participate in a meeting of the party’s legislators scheduled for February 7 and complained that he has been pressured because of ’working for the poor’. He is even believed to have signalled his intention to dissolve the Assembly if forced to quit.
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For more information see : "Bihar CM Manjhi revolts, Nitish Kumar set to return to the helm", The Indian Express, , 6 February 2015;
"Jitan Ram Manjhi may dissolve Bihar assembly if he is forced to give up CM’s chair", The Times of India, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Home Secretary sacked over interference in CBI’s investigation
Anil Goswami was sacked from the coveted post of Home Secretary on 4 February after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presented the Home Minister with evidence about his attempts to protect former union minister MatangSinh from the CBI team investigating the Saradha scam. According to the CBI, Goswami asked its officers not to arrest the Sinh. While Goswami was sacked immediately, official accounts hold that he ’voluntarily retired’ from service. L C Goyal, a 1979 batch bureaucrat from the Kerala cadre was appointed as the new Home Secretary.
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For more information see : "Home Secretary Anil Goswami sacked", The Hindu, 4 February 2015;
"New Home SecyGoyal takes charge as Anil Goswami given marching orders", The Indian Express, 4 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">RBI holds interest rates steady
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held interest rates steady on Tuesday, while boosting banks’ liquidity in a bid to persuade them to lower lending rates after they failed to pass on the benefits of the last official rate cut three weeks ago. The RBI kept its policy repo rate unchanged at 7.75 percent, as expected by analysts, leaving its next reduction probably until after the government presents its annual budget at the end of this month.
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For more information see : "rates", Reuters, 3 February 2015;
"RBI holds rates, cuts SLR", The Financial Express, 3 February 2015;
"RaghuramRajan stays put on rates for now", Livemint, 3 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Indian firms line up for low-cost banking licenses
Top Indian firms, including Reliance Industries and Bharti Airtel, have applied for licences to set up low-cost banks that could bring millions more people into the formal banking sector, finance officials said. A total of 41 applicants submitted applications for "payments bank" licences, while 72 applied for "small finance bank" licences, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which is administering the scheme.
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For more information see : "Indian firms line up for low-cost bank licences", The Business Times, 5 February 2015;
"RBI Sets Up Committees for Small Finance, Payments Banks Applications", The Times of India, 4 February 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Maldives
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">MDP, JP hold join rally
The Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Jumhooree Party (JP) held a joint political rally in Male on the night of Friday, 6 February, criticising the government of President Abdulla Yameen and promising to work together to ’defend’ the nation’s Constitution.
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For more information see: : "MDP and JP will remain with the people in all circumstances- Nasheed",
Miadhu, 6 February 2015; "I will remain for the sake of the people even if we are shot dead- Gasim",
Miadhu, 6 February 2015; "This is the time to forgive, ask forgiveness for the nation and renew the national resolve- Ali Waheed",
Miadhu, 6 February 2015; "Gasim is being patient to govt intimidations for the sake of the people- Ali Waheed",
Miadhu, 5 February 2015; "Opposition parties to sign agreement on defense of Constitution tonight",
Minivan News, 5 February 2015; "Opposition questions PG’s independence as Gasim comments investigated",
Minivan News, 5 February 2015; "Maldives Trade Union joins opposition’s defence of Constitution",
Minivan News, 2 Feburary 2015; "Gayoom: MDP, JP’s efforts are useless",
SunOnline, 3 February 2015; "MDP gets Miladhoo Council seat",
SunOnline, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Nasheed loses plea on trial
The High Court has declined Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader Mohammed Nasheed’s plea to stay the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) appointing three judges to the criminal court hearing a petition on the arrest of Judge Abdulla Mohammed when the former was the nation’s President.
The case, relating to the January 2012 incident, has been pending since 2013, when the trial court suspended hearing, leading to Nasheed being able to campaign for and contest in the year’s presidential polls, without the suspense of possible disqualification hanging over his head.
The MDP has since claimed that the court had ordered ’island arrest’ for Nasheed, implying that he could not travel out of the capital city of Male, pending trial - claiming that the former President had no intention of not wanting to face the court case.
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For more information see : "Nasheed’s request for halt to Hulhumalé court appointments denied",
Minivan News, 5 February 2015; "Court to decide if it can pursue Nasheed case next week",
Haveeru Online, 3 February 2015; "Nasheed requests reappointments to Hulhumalé court be stopped",
Minivan News, 3 February 2015; "Nasheed trial part of drive to eliminate President’s opponents, says MDP",
Minivan News, 2 February 2015; "Government agenda behind Nasheed’s trial, alleges MDP",
Haveeru Online, 3 February 2015; "Nasheed under Island Arrest Totally unnecessary says Ex Maldivian FM",
The Island (Colombo), 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Infant dies in Syrian war-front
A three-month-old Maldivian infant girl is reported to have died in war-torn Syria owing to inadequate healthcare after her parents had taken her with them there, for them to join the ’Islamic State’ militant-terror group, engaged in a civil-war for ’regime-change’ in that country.
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For more information see : "Three-month old Maldivian baby dies in Syria",
Minivan News, 5 February 2015; "Maldivian infant dies in war-torn Syria",
Haveeru Online, 5 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Talks on China FTA
Following up on the commitment between the two countries during President Xi Jiaping’s visit last year, Maldives and China have commenced official-level, technical talks on the feasibility of signing a free trade agreement (FTA) between them.
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For more information see : "Maldives-China mulls feasibility of free trade agreement",
Haveeru Online. 4 February 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Myanmar
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Japanese boost to Yangon railway
Myanmar officials held talks with Japan Myanmar Association requesting the latter to provide loans and to improve Yangon’s railway system and to streamline the Yangon-Thilawa Rail link.
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For information more see : "Japan, Myanmar Hold Talks On Upgrading Yangon Rail System", Eleven Myanmar, 5 February 2014
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Myanmar raps UN Envoy
Myanmar’s foreign ministry criticized the United Nations for using the term ’Rohingya’ and alleged that the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar interfered in the issues that fall within state sovereignty and domestic jurisdiction.
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For information more see : "Myanmar raps UN Envoy for interfering in country’s internal affairs", Mizzima, 5 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Thai companies in for Dawei SEZ
The Thailand government has announced that 2 Thailand-based companies Italian-Thai Development PLC and Rojana Industrial Park, will sign a US $ 1.7 billion agreement to help develop the Dawei Special Economic Zone, the Junta mouth-piece Global New Light of Myanmar reported on 1 February.
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For information more see : "Two Thailand-based companies to sign for Dawei SEZ", Mizzima, 2 February 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Nepal
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Bhattarai calls NC, UML as stumbling blocks
UCPN- Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai claimed that the ruling parties Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML were stumbling blocks for consensus over the constitution. Bhattarai, a former prime minister, speaking at Pokhara said that issues of federalism, forms of governances, electoral system and judiciary were areas of disagreement.
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For information more see : "NC, UML stumbling blocks for consensus: Bhattarai", The Himalayan Times, 6 February 2015;
"NC, UML scared of consensus: UCPN(M) chair Dahal", My Republica, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Indian man nabbed for forgery
An Indian national has been arrested on charges of forging counterfeit Nepali banknotes in exchange of goods that he brought from a Bhimsensthan based cosmetic shop in Katmandu. Police said the Indian from Jharkhand had handed over 19 notes of Rs. 1,000 denomination and four with a value of Rs. 500.
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For information more see : "Jharkhand man pushes for fake Nepali notes to buy cosmetics", The Himalayan, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Agreement on joint patrolling of Indo-Nepal border
Officials of Nepal and India have agreed on the joint monitoring of the border pillars and no man’s land that have remained a bone of contention between the two countries for long. Officials of the two countries met in Birgunj and agreed on joint management of pillars in Bara, Parsa and Chitwan districts.
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For information more see : "Nepal-India officials agree to monitor and manage border pillars", ,
My Republica, 5 February 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Pakistan
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">PM to Hurriyat: Pak committed to peaceful Kashmir resolution
While addressing a delegation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in Muzaffarabad, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan is committed to a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute on the basis of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions. While addressing the joint session of Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Kashmir Council, he said that the dialogue with India would remain inconclusive and meaningless until the core issue of Kashmir was resolved.
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For information more see : "Pakistan committed to peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute, PM tells Hurriyat leaders", The Express Tribune, 5 February 2015;
"Pakistan-Kashmir bond unbreakable: PM", The Express Tribune, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">India: Focus on your own problems, not Kashmir
India reacted sharply to Pakistan’s "Kashmir Solidarity Day" and said it was time for Pakistan to start paying attention to the problems that it faces rather than "covet what is not theirs and never will be". The spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin termed the activities undertaken in Pakistan by its leaders and "unsavoury elements" as a "futile quest for territorial aggrandisement".
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For information more see : "Focus on your own problems, not Kashmir: India", The Nation, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Afghan soldiers begin training in Pakistan
In a landmark moment in military-to-military contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, six Afghan National Army cadets arrived in Islamabad to join the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Abbottabad for an 18 month long course. This is the first ever group of Afghan National Army cadets to attend the PMA.
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For information more see : "Afghan soldiers begin training in Pakistan", ,
The Nation, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Peshawar school gate bombed
Unknown persons blew up the main gate of the ICMS School and College in the Hayatabad area of Peshawar. The incident occurred in Phase V area of Hayatabad.
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For information more see : "Gate of Peshawar school blown up", ,
The Nation, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Obama administration considers 10% cut in aid to Pakistan
The United States of America is deliberating a 10 percent cut in economic and security assistance provided to Pakistan in its new financial year budget proposal.
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For information more see : "US seeks 10% cut in economic assistance to Pakistan", ,
The Express Tribune, 3 February 2015
< style="color: #a52a2a; font-size: medium;">Sri Lanka
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">On I-Day, President for ’true democracy’
At his first Independence Day after assuming office, President Maithripala Sirisena called for establishing ’true democracy’, ’genuine unity’ and ’eradication of poverty’, after the physical defeat of terrorism.
The function was marked by the absence of a parade of the nation’s military-might, which used to be the hallmark of the day’s events over the post-war years when then President Mahinda Rajapaksa would take salute.
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For information more see : "Maithri speaks of reconciliation",
Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2015; "President recalls long struggle for freedom, calls for forging unity among all Sri Lankans",
The Island, 4 February 2015; "Modi wishes SL on its Independence Day",
Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2015; "Xi congratulates SL on 67th National Day",
Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2015; "Queen wishes for National Day",
Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Row over TNA duo’s presence
An internal dispute of a kind has sprout again in the larger Tamil community, particularly among the Diaspora, and also the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) nearer home, with Northern Province Chief Minister C V Wigneswaran declaring a boycott of the event, after senior party leaders R Sampanthan and M A Sumanthiran attended the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.
In London, Tamil Diaspora groups burnt their pictures while in the US, a group called ’Tamils for Obama’, wanted Sampanthan to quit the party leadership and politics, a la Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
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For more information see: "New Sri Lankan president says military deployment will remain the same",
Tamil Guardian, 5 February 2015; "Sampanthan defends decision to attend Sri Lanka’s Independence Day event",
Tamil Guardian, 4 February, 2015; "Tamils burn posters of Sampanthan, Sumanthiran, outside British PM’s office",
Ceylon Mirror, 4 February 2015; "Tamils for Obama to Sampanthan: Do As Other Great Men like Mandela Have Done and Retire",
PR Web, 5 February 2015; "Wigneswaran says he will reject Sri Lanka’s Independence Day until Tamils free",
Tamil Guardian, 4 February 2015; "Protesters across North-East call on government to return detained relatives",
Tamil Guardian, 3 February 2015; "Ananthy Sasitharan responds to ITAK ’interdiction’ letter",
TamilNet, February 2015; "KP banned from leaving Sri Lanka",
Colombo Mirror, 5 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">NHCR stands by decision
The UNHCR has welcomed the new government in Sri Lanka but has said that the organisation chief’s call for Colombo to cooperate with the Council-ordered ’independent probe’ into allegations of ’war crimes’ and ’accountability issues’, still were valid.
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For more information see: "UN Chief’s call on probe stands",
Daily Mirror Online, 7 February 2015; "Mangala invites UNHRC Chief to SL",
Daily Mirror Online, 7 February 2015; "SLFP Organiser calls for independent domestic war crimes probe",
The Island, 1 February 2015; "Ananthi warns UN against repeating mistake of 2009",
Colombo Mirror, 4 February 2015; "Tamils protest on SL ’independence day’, remind UK of its moral, legal responsibility",
TamilNet, 4 February 2015; "No let-up in arrests of Tamil youths at Katunayake airport" ,
Colombo Mirror, 5 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">SLMC CM for East
As part of the poll-time deal with the then ruling SLFP-UPFA ruling at the Centre, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress has taken over the post of Eastern Province Chief Minister within the existing coalition arrangement.
Though there have been rumblings over the choice of Hafiz Nazeer Ahamed as Chief Minister, to succeed SLFP’s M N Abdul Majeed, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem said that the arrangement in the East could be the rehearsal for a truly national government at the national-level, after the promised parliamentary polls later this year.
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For more information see: "SLMC takes East CM’s post amidst Kalmunai turmoil",
The Island, 6 February 62015; "SLMC to receive Eastern Province CM post soon",
The Island, 2 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">Maithri, Modi to visit the other
On his first overseas outing after assuming office, President Maithripala Sirisena is set to visit India for four days, from 15 February, when he will hold high-level talks with senior government leaders in New Delhi, and also offer prayers at Bodh Gaya and Tirupati, returning home on 18 February.
As indicated during the first overseas visit of Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera to Delhi earlier this month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would become the first VVIP from that nation to visit Sri Lanka in 28 years, when he is also expected to visit Jaffna, Kandy and Anuradhapura, in March.
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For more information see: "Sirisena to visit India during Feb. 15-18",
The Island, 6 February, 2015; "President Sirisena to visit Delhi, Bodh Gaya in mid-February",
The Island, 31 January 2015; "Modi may visit Jaffna, Kandy or Anuradhapura too",
The Island, 4 February, 2015; "Lankan, Indian officials meet to discuss return of refugees from Tamil Nadu",
The Island, 31 January, 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">China project still on
A day after a senior Chinese Minister visited Sri Lanka for a review of the on-going Beijing-funded projects after the new government took over in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament that the multi-million Colombo Port City Project would not be scrapped but would be reviewed and modified to address anticipated environmental concerns.
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For more information see: "Port City project won’t be scrapped: PM",
The Island, 6 February 2015; "Govt. To proceed with Colombo Port City Project-Rajitha",
The Island, 5 February 2015; "UPFA ally questions new govt. Decision",
The Island, 6 February 2015
< class="heading12boldGeorgia">US to work for an ’inclusive future’
After a two-day visit, when she met President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wiickremesinghe, and also held detailed discussions with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, US Assistant Secretary of State Nisha Biswal said that her nation was willing to work for Sri Lanka to become peaceful and inclusive.
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For more information see: "Lot of work to be done for SL-Biswal",
Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2015; "US says Sri Lanka faces difficult challenges ahead",
The Island, 2 February 2015; "SL included in US national security strategy",
Daily Mirror Online, 6 February 2015; "Mangala to meet Kerry",
Daily Mirror Online, 2 February 2015
< style="font-size: large;">Bibliography
< style="font-size: medium;">Maldives
< style="font-size: medium;">Opinion Pieces
< style="font-size: medium;">Sri Lanka
< style="font-size: medium;">Opinion Pieces
N Sathiya Moorthy, "Sri Lanka: Hundred-day reforms and India",
South Asia Monitor, 6 February 2015
Dr Ranga Kalasooriya, "Maithri change: How much longer to wait?",
Daily Mirror Online, 6 February 2015
Kelum Bandara, "Maithri change: How much longer to wait?",
Daily Mirror Online, 5 February 2015
Kamanthi Wickremesinghe, "The role of civil society organisations in good governance",
Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2015
Dr Kelana Senaratne, "Mahinda’s defeat and consolidation of power",
Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2015
Dr Sumanasiri Linayage, "Welfare and Austerity",
The Island, 2 February 2015
Dr Jehan Perera, "Balancing change with continuity to ensure public support",
The Island, 2 February 2015
N Sathiya Moorthy, "From constitutional reforms to political refinement",
The Sunday Leader, 1 February 2015
N Sathiya Moorthy, "India too has to walk the talk - and nearer home",
www.orfonline.org, 30 January 2015
< style="font-size: large;">Primary Documentation
< style="font-size: medium;">Afghanistan
Joint Communiqué of the 13th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation, the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of China, Ministry of External Affairs, 2 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Bhutan
Report on NSC Members Meeting with Laos Counterpart on the Implementation of EIF Tier II Projects, Bhutan Ministry of Economic Affairs, 27 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">India
Ravi Shankar Prasad (Union Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology),
"’I never called for a debate on secularism and socialism’", The Hindu, 3 February 2015
External Affairs Minister’s Speech at the inauguration of "Visit India Year 2015" in Beijing, Ministry of External Affairs, 2 February 2015
External Affairs Minister’s remarks at the launch of the 2nd India-China Media Forum, Beijing, Ministry of External Affairs, 1 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Myanmar
President’s Speech at the meeting of the Central Committee for Management of Foreign Aids and Grants, Myanmar President’s Office, 5 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Nepal
Joint Press Release of the JWG Meeting on Sub-regional Cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Pakistan
Kashmir Solidarity Day - Foreign Secretary Briefs OIC Ambassadors, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, 4 February 2015
Speech by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi at the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) Karachi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, 2 February 2015
UN High Level Panel on Peace Operations’ Visit to Pakistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, 2 February 2015
< style="font-size: large;">Bibliography
< style="font-size: medium;">Afghanistan
< style="font-size: medium;">Opinion Pieces
Michael O’Hanlon,
"How Not to Squander Hard-Won Gains in Afghanistan", The Wall Street Journal, 5 February 2015
Mohammad Harris Arifi,
"ISIS Infiltration into Afghanistan", Khaama Press, 5 February 2015
"A new shroud on spending in Afghanistan", The Los Angeles Times, 2 February 2015
Robert L Grenier,
"What if America Had Never Invaded Afghanistan?",The Atlantic, 1 February 2015
"Can Islamic State move into South Asia?"BBC News, 31 January 2015
Theo Farrell,
"Britain’s war in Afghanistan: was it worth it?", The Telegraph, 30 January 2015
Simon Barnes,
"World Cup Cricket’s Best Hope: Team Afghanistan", The Newsweek, 30 January 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Mohammad Badrul Ahsan,
"Unified field theory of POLITICAL SOLUTION", The Daily Star, 6 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Bhutan
Opinion Pieces
Kuensel,
"Communities come of age", Kuensel Online, 5 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">India
Opinion Pieces
M. K. Narayanan,
"Tangibles and imponderables of a visit", The Hindu, 6 February 2015
C. Rangarajan,
"The twist in the growth story", The Hindu, 5 February 2015
Shiv Visvanathan,
"AAP rises again", The Asian Age, 5 February 2015
Happymon Jacob,
"A mortar-for-bullet game", The Hindu, 5 February 2015
NissimMannathukkaren,
"The invisible face of terror", The Hindu, 3 February 2015
DeepaOllapally,
"His own diplomacy", The Indian Express, 3 February 2015
Ela R Bhatt,
"The spirit of khadi", The Indian Express, 3 February 2015
Mohan Guruswamy,
"Swachh Bharat’ is bound to fail", The Asian Age, 1 February 2015
PratapBhanu Mehta,
"Article of faith", The Indian Express, 31 January 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
Eleven Myanmar,
"Citizens Must Secure Right To Determine Myanmar’s Destiny", Eleven Myanmar, 5 February 2015
Tim Mc Laughlin,
"The future is digital, but digital alone is not enough", Mizzima, 5 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Nepal
Opinion Pieces
My Republica,
"Design Flaws", My Republica, 5 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Pakistan
Book
Andrew Small,
The China-Pakistan Axis: Asia’s New Geopolitics, New York: Oxford University Press, 2015
Opinion Pieces
"No direction in anti-militancy fight", Dawn, 6 February 2015
Mani Shankar Aiyar,
"Mani-Talk: Modi is Turning Us into America’s New Pakistan", NDTV, 3 February 2015
Tim Craig,
"As the US moves closer to India, Pakistan looks to Russia", The Guardian, 3 February 2015
Husain Haqqani,
"Pakistan’s elusive quest for parity", The Hindu, 2 February 2015
Bina Shah,
"Pakistan’s Competing Narratives", The New York Times, 1 February 2015
< style="font-size: medium;">Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
N Sathiya Moorthy, "Sri Lanka: Hundred-day reforms and India",
South Asia Monitor, 6 February 2015
Dr Ranga Kalasooriya, "Maithri change: How much longer to wait?",
Daily Mirror Online, 6 February 2015
Kelum Bandara, "Maithri change: How much longer to wait?",
Daily Mirror Online, 5 February 2015
Kamanthi Wickremesinghe, "The role of civil society organisations in good governance",
Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2015
Dr Kelana Senaratne, "Mahinda’s defeat and consolidation of power",
Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2015
Dr Sumanasiri Linayage, "Welfare and Austerity",
The Island, 2 February 2015
Dr Jehan Perera, "Balancing change with continuity to ensure public support",
The Island, 2 February 2015
N Sathiya Moorthy, "From constitutional reforms to political refinement",
The Sunday Leader, 1 February 2015
N Sathiya Moorthy, "India too has to walk the talk - and nearer home",
www.orfonline.org, 30 January 2015
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Contributors:
Afghanistan : Aryaman Bhatnagar;
Bangladesh : Joyeeta Bhattacharjee;
Myanmar & Bhutan & Nepal : Mihir Bhonsale;
India: Kaustav Dhar Chakrabarti and Manmath Goel;
Maldives & Sri Lanka : N Sathiya Moorthy;
Pakistan : Taruni Kumar
The views expressed above belong to the author(s). ORF research and analyses now available on Telegram! Click here to access our curated content — blogs, longforms and interviews.
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