Country Reports
Afghanistan
Suicide bombers hit TV station, kill 6
Four suicide bombers stormed a television station office in Jalalabad on May 17, killing 6 persons. The siege, which went on for three hours, saw the attackers detonate one bomb at the entrance while the others fought security forces. Over 24 other people were injured, including 7 police officers. The Islamic State was quick to claim responsibility for the attack. While two of the attackers were killed, security forces worked on tracking the other two attackers.
For more information, see: “Suicide bombers storm TV station in Afghanistan”, The New York Times
10 IS militants killed in operation
The Interior Ministry has said that 10 Daesh/IS militants were killed in a security operation in Nangarhar on May 19. The operation which took place in Chaparhar district destroyed a cache of weapons and wounded 6 other militants. Affiliates of the Islamic State are active in the province, using the district of Achin as their stronghold. Afghan security forces, accompanied by American advisers and air power, have been trying to reduce the group’s territory and number of fighters with multiple operations. Their numbers have shrunk to about 700 fighters, down from the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 in 2016.
For more information, see: “10 Daesh militants killed in Nangarhar”, Tolo News
$ 20-million USAID aid to improve nutrition
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that it would contribute $20 million towards improving the food and nutrition of 3.4 million Afghans. The contribution will be made to the United Nations World Food Program’s Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation. The money will enhance the quality and nutritional value for millions in 250 districts of the country. According to the statement, USAID is working with 15 UN and NGO partners, as well as the State Ministry for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs to provide immediate relief and assistance to vulnerable Afghans affected by the complex emergency.
For more information, see: “USAID provides $20 m to food program for vulnerable Afghans”, Tolo News
Bangladesh
Ready to help Saudi troops
Bangladesh is all prepared to send troops to Saudi Arabia if security of holy places is under threat, Foreign Affairs Minister AH Mahmood Ali has said. However, he declined to agree that the country has joined the Saudi-led military alliance.
For more information, see “Bangladesh to send troops to Mecca, Medina if necessary”, Bangla News 24.com, 18 May 2017; “Dhaka ready to help Saudi troops”, The Hindu
Record GDP growth
The government has announced that the country would record 7.24 percent of GDP growth in the current fiscal year will is all set to end in June. The Government figures, however, differ with the World Bank’s project of 6.8 percent.
For more information, see “Govt claims a record 7.24pc GDP growth”, The Daily Star
Bhutan
Foreign workers ceiling raised
Home Minister Dawa Gyalshen informed that the government has breached the foreign workers ceiling in the country to meet demands of the hydropower projects. National Assembly in 2004 decided the ceiling at 45,000 foreign workers.
For more information, see: “53,000 foreign workers in the country”, Kuensel
Singapore reaffirms ties
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Foreign Minister of Singapore, visited Bhutan this week. This was the first official visit of Singapore foreign minister after diplomatic relations were established in 2002. He called on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and met with Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay.
For more information, see: “Singapore FM meets Bhutan King; reaffirms bilateral ties”, Chanel New Asia, 15 may 2017; “Singapore FM meets Bhutan King; reaffirms bilateral ties”, Channel New Asia, 15 May 2017; “Vivian Balakrishnan to make official visit to Bhutan from May 14-17”, Strait Times
India
ICJ stay in Jadhav case
In a diplomatic victory for India in the case against Pakistan, the ICJ on Thursday stayed the execution of former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav until the court gives its final decision after the completion of proceedings. The court accepted India’s argument about the ‘urgency’ of the matter and handed India a win that may also have political ramifications for the Modi government. The ICJ also made it clear that the order was binding on Pakistan and a violation of it will open the state to international sanctions.
For more information, see: “ICJ snubs Pakistan, accepts India’s key argument: Round one to India, Kulbhushan Jadhav”, Indian Express
Food grains, milk cheaper under GST
The prices of food grains, cereals and milk will go down from July 1 as they have been exempt from the goods and services tax (GST). The GST Council, which sets the rate, arrived at a broad consensus on the fitment of over 1,200 manufactured goods under a five-slab tax structure. The five tax slabs are 5 per cent, 12 percent, 18 percent, 28 percent and 28 percent plus cess with the peak rate capped at 40 per cent.
For more information, see: “Cereals, hair oil, soaps to cost less in GST; cess on cars”, India Today
Seeking Russia’s help on NSG
Considering the close ties shared by China and Russia, India is attempting to get Russia to sway China’s stand on India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). India has warned Russia that it will stall cooperation with its foreign partners for development of its civil nuclear projects, as it is still not a part of the elite NSG. As per reports, India went as far as to tell Moscow that it would have no option but to go for an indigenous nuclear energy programme if its bid join the group is denied.
For more information, see: “India wants Russia to convince China for its entry in NSG”, Times Now
Maldives
Yameen targets Opposition
After losing out to the combined Opposition under the MDP, as expected in the nation-wide local council elections, President Abdulla Yameen, hit out at his adversaries, saying that their leaders were a divided lot and were incapable of coming together or returning home to face law and elections. Specifically staying away from the China’s prestigious OBOR Summit, possibly not to sour relations with the Indian neighbour more than already, Yameen, however, deputed a senior minister for the Beijing meet but himself left to participated in the Arab Islamic summit only days later.
For more information, see: “Yameen lashes out at opposition after election loss”, Maldives Independent, 16 May 2017; “Council elections turnout at 66 percent”, Maldives Independent, 16 May 2017; “Judge lifts conditions imposed on Gasim”, Maldives Independent, 17 May 2017; “Gasim’s lawyers accuse police of lying in court”, Maldives Independent, 16 May 2017; “Court hears closing arguments in MP Riyaz’s trial”, Maldives Independent, 17 May 2017; “Qasim Ibrahim will take part in Opposition gathering tonight”, Miadhu, 17 May 2017; “Yameen murder suspects caught on camera in custody”, Maldives Independent, 15 May 2017; “Teacher suspended over poem deemed offensive towards first lady”, Maldives Independent
President attends Trump meeting
President Abdulla Yameen who had stayed away from China’s OBOR Summit has since left for Riyadh to attend the Arab Islamic American summit in the Saudi capital. At the summit, being hosted by Saudi royalty, leaders of 50 Arab and Islamic nations would meet up with US President Donald Trump, aimed “to establish an Arab Islamic-American Alliance in the fight against terrorism” amidst reports of stable economic rating for Maldives.
For more information, see: “President departs to attend Arab Islamic American Summit”, Maldives Independent, 20 May 2017; “Ready to assist Maldives in various sectors: Emir of Kuwait”, Miadhu, 17 May 2017; “Fitch assigns stable outlook rating for Maldives”, Maldives Independent
Myanmar
Chinese Naval fleet ports at Thilawa
A Chinese naval fleet comprising three warships Changchun, Jingzhou and Chaohu of Escort Task Group called at the Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa (MITT) in Yangon's Thanlyin town ship on 18 May. Welcoming the Chinese naval fleet at the Thilawa port terminal were Charge d' Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Chen Chen, and Chief of Myanmar naval dockyard headquarters, Admiral Myint Oo, and other naval officials, Chinese embassy officials, entrepreneurs and students as well as representatives of Myanmar-Chinese community, totalling 500.
For more information, see:” Chinese naval fleet calls at Myanmar port to enhance exchange”, Mizzima
Qatar praises delegation
Hassan bn Mohamed Rafei Al-Emadi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, has praised the Myanmar delegation that took part in the 17
th Doha Forum held in Qatar on May 14-15 to discuss issues of development, stability and refugee crisis at the international and regional levels, according to a statement. The delegation this year included Thura U Shwe Mann, Chairman of the Legal Affairs of Myanmar parliament, Khin Ma Ma Myo, Founder and Executive Director of the MIPSS, and U Zaw Min Win, Chairman, UMFCCI.
For more information, see:” Myanmar delegation at Doha Forum reflects friendly relations between the two countries: Qatari Ambassador to Myanmar”, Mizzima
Nepal
CPN-UML leading in Mayoral elections
According to the latest updates, CPN-UML is taking lead in the mayoral race of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). UML candidate Bidya Sundar Shakya is ahead with 11, 082 votes. Nepali Congress candidate Raju Raj Joshi is following Shakya with 7, 498 votes. Similarly, Bibeksheel Nepali’s Ranju Neupane (Darshana) is in the third position with 4223 votes. Sajha Party candidate Kishor Thapa and Maoist Center’s Sarbottam Dandol have got 3498 and 1226 votes, respectively.
For more information, see: “UML maintaining lead in KMC mayoral race”, Republica, 19 May 2017 , “An anxious wait for election results”, Republica, 16 May 2017; “Local Polls 2017: Preliminary results indicate new trend in urban politics”, The Kathmandu Post
Session prorogued
The House session that commenced on 3 May last year came to an end on May 18 midnight after 381 days, becoming the longest session ever in the country. The new session will start on 22 May. Speaker Onasari Gharti informed the House about President Bhandari’s order, as per the government’s recommendation, to prorogue the session. A Cabinet meeting on Thursday morning decided to end the Parliament session and recommend President Bhandari accordingly.
For more information, see: “Longest Parliament session prorogued after 381 days”, The Kathmandu Post, 19 May 2017; “Longest House session prorogued after 381 days”, Republica
Revenue up
The government’s revenue collection jumped 43.8 percent in the first nine months of the current fiscal year on the back of a surge in tax and non-tax receipts. The government generated Rs. 419 billion in tax and non-tax receipts in the nine-month period of 2016-17, compared to Rs.291.4 billion in the same period a year ago, according to the latest report by Nepal Rastra Bank.
For more information, see: “Govt’s revenue collection jumps over 40 percent”, The Kathmandu Post
Pakistan
Proof to ‘Afghan terror’
The army has claimed that they have satellite images and ground reports that prove Afghanistan’s involvement in cross border terrorism. Lieutenant Colonel Haroon said during a press conference on May 17 that Nangarhar province in Afghanistan was being used by the Pakistani Taliban to train militants to target Pakistan. Haroon denied that Pakistani soil was also being utilized to destabilize Afghanistan and asked Kabul to implement stronger border management strategies.
For more information, see: “Pakistan Army ‘has satellite proof’ of Afghan involvement in cross-border terrorism”, The Express Tribune
Terrorists executed
Pakistan hung four Taliban terrorists convicted by the country’s military courts on May 18. The Taliban members were convicted of terror activities, including the killing of civilians, destruction of communication/ electricity infrastructure, destruction of educational institutions, attacking Pakistani law enforcement agencies and were hung at a jail in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa province.
For more information, see: “Pakistan hangs four more terrorists convicted by military courts”, The Economic Times
Sri Lanka
President offers fresh probe
Addressing Tamil victims of the nation’s ethnic war in their native Eastern Province, President Maithiripala Sirisena offered fresh investigations to locate thousands of persons whom their families were still ‘missing’. Earlier at capital Colombo, he paid tributes to the heroes and martyrs of the nation’s armed forces who had won the ‘ethnic war’ against the dreaded LTTE terror group in May 2009.
For more information, see: “Sri Lanka offers fresh probes into missing thousands”, Daily Mirror Online, 20 May 2017; “President pays glowing tribute to fallen war heroes”, Daily Mirror Online, 20 May 2017; “Constitution making would not be delayed: PM”, Daily Mirror Online, 20 May 2017; “Sampanthan calls for India’s help to keep UNP-SLFP marriage going”, The Island, 15 May 2017; “C.V. appeals for 'Day of Mourning" for Vellamulliwaikkal dead”, Daily Mirror Online, 17 May 2017; “OMP Act should be activated soon: Sumanthiran”, Daily Mirror Online, 17 May 2017; “Counsel argues proposed legislation racist: To allow displaced of NE to vote”, The Island, 18 May 2017; “Udaya alleges attempt to give voting rights to overseas pro-Tiger groups”, The Island, 17 May 2017; “Kilinochchi shooting: Army, STF conduct search ops”, Daily Mirror Online
Sirisena comes on top
After a week of downswing for his ruling SLFP ministerial faction, President Maithiripala Sirisena restored his political authority when the Joint Opposition centred on predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa lost out the initiative on the defection front, leading to the continuance of the provincial government in the former’s native, North-Central Province.
For more information, see: “NCP revolt: President retains home province”, The Island, 18 May 2017; “Prez engineers split in SLFP rebel camp: NCPC in turmoil”, The Island, 17 May 2017; “Governor foils JO’s takeover bid: NCPC in turmoil”, The Island, 16 May 2017; “NGOs blame SLFPers for President’s failure to fulfil election promises, wants new constitution urgently”, The Island
Backing for India
It was difficult for India to accept the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as part of Beijing OBOR initiative given the Kashmiri angle, Sri Lanka’s Special Assignments Minister, Sarath Amunugama, has said. The Minister confirmed reports that Sri Lanka had denied permission to China for docking their naval submarine, saying, “We are equidistant from everyone. China, India, US and all other countries, they cannot come into our territorial waters without the consent of the Sri Lankan government.”
For more information, see: “SL backs India's concern over Kashmir in China's connectivity project”, Daily Mirror Online, 17 May 2017; “India is talking to China even though it boycotted BRF – PM”, The Island, 19 May 2017; “Sri Lanka to become logistical, shipping hub: China pledges Rmb 2 billion in grants”, The Island, 17 May 2017; “'India should actively participate in SL’s growing power sector'”, Daily Mirror Online, 20 May 2017; “Sri Lankan to fly to Vizag from July 8”, The Island, 21 May 2017; “Aussie explores options to rehabilitate SL refugees in TN”, Daily Mirror Online, 19 May 2017 “Australian Border Force vessel visits Sri Lanka”, The Island
Rajapaksa accepts Modi invite
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has accepted the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India. Modi invited Rajapaksa when they met at the India House, Colombo, at the instance of the latter, during the prime minister’s recent Sri Lanka visit.
For more information, see: “MR accepts Modi's invitation to visit India”, Daily Mirror Online, 18 May 2017; “MR-Modi talks: Indian envoy consulted me-Prez”, The Island, 16 May 2017; “MR’s talks with Indian PM ‘confidential’ – GL”, The Island, 15 May 2017; “MR-Modi meet no endorsement of Indian policy towards SL – Udaya”, The Island
Primary Documentation
Bangladesh
Press Release, “Bangladesh-Malaysia 1st Bilateral Consultation Held”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2017
Nepal
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Beijing”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 16 May 2017
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Colombo on the Rt. Hon. President’s visit to Sri Lanka”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 16 May 2017
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Doha”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 18 May 2017
Bibliography
Afghanistan
Opinion Pieces
Katrina vanden Heuvel, “The US will never win the war in Afghanistan”, The Washington Post, 16 May 2017
Andrew Potter, “Afghanistan the sequel. Why would Canada return to a war it would rather forget?”,The National Post, 19 May 2017
Omar Samad, “What should the US next move in Afghanistan be?, Al Jazeera, 17 May 2017
Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Md. Shariful Islam, “China’s ‘Óne Belt, One Road’ Invitiative: How Bangladesh can be benefitted”, The Daily Star, 19 May 2017
Minhazur Rahman Rezvi “Bangladesh needs to move towards building an inclusive society”, South Asia Monitor, 16 May 2017
Joyeeta Bhattacharjee, “Changing nature of terrorists in Bangladesh”, orfonline.org, 16 May 2017
Editorials
Bhutan
Editorials
“Tourism policy needs to be inclusive”, Kuensel, 18 May 2017
India
Opinion Pieces
Pratap Bhanu Mehta, “On triple talaq, court must say: Religious practice cannot trump modern constitutional morality”, Indian Express, 18 May 2017
Husain Haqqani, “Islamabad’s self-goal”, Indian Express, 19 May 2017
Dhrubo Jyoti, “Kochi Metro’s transgender outreach is cause for cheer”, Hindustan Times, 17 May 2017
Maldives
Opinion Pieces
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Maldives: After poll-loss, Yameen taunts ‘divided opposition’ leaders to return home”, www.orfonline.org, 18 May 2017
Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
Editorials
“NLD government asks for ‘more time’ as public and pundits take stock”, The Myanmar Times, 19 May 2017
Nepal
Opinion Pieces
Binoj Basnyat, “Moving with the times”, The Kathmandu Post, 19 May 2017
Abha Lal “Schools of schisms”, Republica, 18 May 2017
Editorials
The Kathmandu Post “Chasing the monsoon”, The Kathmandu Post, 19 May 2017
Republica “Old story”, Republica, 18 May 2017
Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
Lawrence Sellin, “Why Pakistan wants the US to lose in Afghanistan”, The Washington Examiner, 18 May 2017
Rakesh Sood, “From a press leak and a tweet to beheadings and ICJ: The story behind the Indo-Pak standoff”, Scroll.in, 18 May 2017
Dr. Raza Khan, “Assessing Pakistan’s foreign policy”, The Express Tribune, 17 May 2017
Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
Rajan Philips, “One Belt-One Road from China, but no Bridge to India: Lanka’s Development Dilemmas”, The Island, 21 May 2017
Rajeewa Jayaweera, “Modi visit and Indian phobia”, The Island, 21 May 2017
Ameen Izzadeen, “If India joins OBOR, we could have an Asian economic union”, Daily Mirror Online, 19 May 2017
M S M Ayub, “Politics of India bogey”, Daily Mirror Online, 19 May 2017
Kusal Perera, “Policy on reconciliation cannot dodge ‘reconciliation’”, Daily Mirror Online, 19 May 2017
Lasanda Kurukulasuriya, “Modi’s visit, China’s Silk Road navigating cross-currents”, Daily Mirror Online, 19 May 2017
Ayesha Zuhair, “Modi’s visit to central hills brings welcome relief to a marginalised community”, Daily Mirror Online, 19 May 2017
Lynn Ockersz, “The current foreign policy dilemma of small States: the case of SL”, The Island, 18 May 2017
Ratnajeevan S Hoole, “Saving Jaffna’s whistle-blower and setting an example for NPC”, The Island, 18 May 2017
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Deep sea fishing seems working to ease off issues with Sri Lanka”, www.orfonline.org, 17 May 2017
Gomin Dayasiri, “Who wants Yahapalanaya, desire a Rajapaksa?”, Daily Mirror Online, 17 May 2017
Jehan Perera, “Subject of Modi visit: National security foremost”, The Island, 16 May 2017
Ahilan Kadirgamar, “Mullaitivu fisheries in troubled waters”, Daily Mirror Online, 15 May 2016
N Sathiya Moorthy, “May Day call and after”, The Sunday Leader, 14 May 2014
Interviews
Ajantha Kumara Agalakada, “No move to form a brigade to suppress strikes”, (President Maithiripala Sirisena), Daily Mirror Online, 18 May 2017
Kelum Bandara, “Rajapaksa not yet finished, we have yet another battle ahead”, Daily Mirror Online, 18 May 2017
Kelum Bandara, “Buddhist remains encompass all India”, Daily Mirror Online, 17 May 2017
Contributors:
Afghanistan & Pakistan: Kriti M. Shah
Bangladesh: Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale
India: Falguni Tewari
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N. Sathiya Moorthy
Nepal: Sreeparna Banerjee
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