Country Reports
Afghanistan
Taliban kills 25 securitymen
Over 25 security personnel were killed in southern Afghanistan on May 24. A suicide car bombing in Helmand killed over 6 people after the Taliban rammed an explosive laden car into an office of the National Directorate of Security killing the district chief. In the neighbouring Kandahar province a Taliban ambush left at least 13 Afghan soldiers dead and eight others wounded. Defence Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said that dozens of insurgents participated in the deadly assault that targeted an Afghan military base in the Maiwand district in Kandahar and that Afghan forces drove the assailants back, killing about 20 of them.
For more information, see: “Fresh Taliban attacks kills 25 members of Afghan forces”, VOA, 25 May 2017; “7 ISIS militants killed, 12 wounded in East of Afghanistan”, Khamma Press
NATO training to continue
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that while the alliance would continue to train, assist and advise Afghan security officials, it would not return to a combat operation in Afghanistan. Speaking in Brussels on May 25, Stoltenberg promised that NATO would decide on exact troop levels by the end of the year. He said, “Afghan special operations forces have been very effective in targeting and attacking ISIS and other terrorist groups in
Afghanistan. NATO troops are not doing that, but we help and train and advise Afghans in the fight against ISIS.”
For more information, see: “No return to combat mission in Afghanistan: NATO”, Pajwok
Bangladesh
Choke terrorism: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has opined that controlling supply of arms and finances is crucial for countering terrorism. She urged for a concerted global initiative to block supply lines of weapons and money to terrorists. Sheikh Hasina made this comments during her speech at the Arab-Islamic-American Summit held at Saudi Arabia.
For more information see: “PM seeks global effort to curb terrorists' supply line”, The Daily Star, 23 April 2017; “Hasina joins Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh”, The Daily Star
Statue removed
Putting an end to all controversies, the statue depicting a ‘Goddess of Justice’ outside its Supreme Court removed. Religious hard-liners had staged massive protest demanding its removal as they perceived it to be “un-Islamic". This move by the government is considered a major victory for hardliners.
For more information, see: “Statue of Greek goddess on SC premises being taken down”, The Daily Star, 26 May 2017; “Bangladesh removes 'un-Islamic' statue after protests”, Mailonline
Carbon tax in June
In a measure to deal it climate change government is set to impose its own carbon tax on fuel next month. The tax is likely to be in place on June 1. It is worth noting that Bangladesh share of per capita emission is very small.
For more information, see: “BD to impose carbon tax in June”, The Financial Express
Bhutan
Ex-ACC chair joins BKP
Former chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commisison, Dasho Neten Zangmo, joined Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP) May 26 at Dewathang, Samdrupjongkhar. Dasho will contest from Deothang-Gomdar constituency.
For more information, see: “Former ACC Chairperson Dasho Neten Zangmo joins BKP”, Kuensel
Held with fake voter cards
The regional immigration office in Phuentsholing on May 18 detained nine unidentified non-Bhutanese men for allegedly attempting to obtain work permits using fake Indian voter cards. A labour contractor is also under detention. He had arranged fake voter cards for the men with details of registered voters. They were paid Rs 300 each for this deal.
For more information, see: “Immigration detains nine for using fake Indian voter cards”, Kuensel
Environment funding
The Members of the European Parliament (MEP) delegation launched a euro 2.5 million (M) European Union Programme to support civil society in Bhutan in Thimphu. To be implemented by Helvetas, the project aims at improving the environment and operational capacity for civil society engagement in sustainable development and good governance by promoting an inclusive approach to strengthen civil society actors.
For more information, see: “Bhutan – EU relations beyond development cooperation”, Kuensel
India
Presidential candidate: Opposition ask Govt to clarify
Leaders of Opposition met in New Delhi on May 26 to carry forward the discourse on a joint presidential candidate for the upcoming polls in July. Criticising the government for not coming up with a name as its presidential nominee, the opposition parties said they would field their own candidate if there is no consensus.
For more information, see: “Presidential polls: Opposition to field candidate if no consensus over government nominee”, Times of India, May
Army attacks Pak posts
The Indian army said it attacked and destroyed Pakistani posts along their de-facto border as part of counter-insurgency operations to stop militants from crossing into India. The army also released what according to it was a video of the military action that showed heavy artillery blasting temporary bunkers and shelters on a tree-covered mountain.
For more information, see: “Pakistani posts damaged in punitive fire assaults across LoC: Army”, The Times of India, May
Maldives
EC funds for parties
As a part of the constitutional provision for State-funding, the Election Commission has disbursed MVR 23 m, or $ 1.5 m, to four political parties, with President Abdulla Yameen’s PPM faction topping the list with a reported 39,502 members, followed by the Opposition MDP with 29,350 members, slashed by half owing to failure to register thumb-impression. In all four parties have been disbursed funds after Parliament fixed a minimum of 10,000 members for State-funding, up from the original 3,000 under the 2008 scheme.
For more information, see: “Elections Commission to disburse funds for political parties”, Maldives Independent, 25 May 2017; “Supreme court to decide legitimacy of parliament’s removal of state officials”, Maldives Independent,
Joining IORA
After a gap, Maldives will join the Indian Ocean Association for Regional Cooperation (IORA), a Cabinet meeting, headed by President Abdulla Yameen, has decided. In a separate development, reports indicated that the US has slashed aid for Maldives by a high 86 percent.
For more information, see: “Maldives to join IORA”, SunOnline, 26 May 2017; “USA to reduce aid to Maldives by 86 percent”, Miadhu
Myanmar
Suu Kyi opens second round of peace talks
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi opened a second round of peace talks under her government here in the capital on May 24, predicting that the coming days would bring “intense discussions, exchanges of views, debates and difficult decisions.”
For more information see: “Suu Kyi warns of ‘intense discussions, difficult decisions’ as Panglong opens”, DVB,
Ma Ba Tha gets a reprimand
The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, also known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ha Na, has announced a mid-July deadline that, if enforced, would effectively put an end to the public profile of the Buddhist nationalist group Ma Ba Tha, in a move further imperiling the controversial association’s survival.
For more information see: “Ma Ba Tha dealt potentially crippling blow by highest Buddhist authority”, DVB
Chin refugees in Mizoram repatriated
Some 340 refugees from Myanmar, who had crossed over to Mizoram less than a week ago to evade the Arakan Army, have been repatriated, the Hindustan Times reported on May 25. The refugees arrived in waves on May 19 and 20 from Ralie village in Myanmar’s Chin State. People of India’s Khaikhy and Lungpuk, two villages in Saiha district, had provided them shelter.
For more information see more: “Chin refugees in Mizoram repatriated”, Mizzima
Nepal
Prachanda resigns, new PM to take charge
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal resigned on May 24, paving the way for the major ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress (NC) to form a new government, as per the agreement reached with the party at the time of his election to the post. President Bidhya Devi Bhandari approved Dahal's resignation on the same day just five days ahead of the annual budget and three weeks ahead of the second phase local polls in the remaining 41 districts.
For more information, see: “Dahal steps down as promised”, Republica
SC stays new local units
The Supreme Court on May 26 ordered the government not to implement the Cabinet decision of May 22 to increase the number of local units in 12 districts along the plains and give Birgunj and Biratnagar the status of metropolis. The government had decided to increase the numbers of local units in order to bring the agitating Madhesi parties on board the second phase local polls scheduled for June 14.
For more information, see: “SC orders govt not to implement decision to increase local bodies”, The Kathmandu Post, 26 May 2017; “SC stays decision to create new local units in tarai”, Republica
Fast-track Nijgadh airport: MPs
The International Relations and Labour Committee of Parliament has directed the government and Ministry for Tourism to complete the plan and design of the Nijgadh International Airport and accelerate the construction process. The committee also directed the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation to clear the obstructions faced by the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Butwal and start the construction process of Pokhara International Airport without any further delay.
For more information, see: “House committee directs govt to speed up Nijgadh Int'l Airport”, The Kathmandu Post
Pakistan
US cuts fund by $ 190 million
The US government has proposed a massive $190 million reduction in financial assistance to Pakistan for the year 2017. The Trump administration will now give $344 million, including $100 million in foreign military funding to the country. The State department said that, "Pakistan plays a key role in US counter-terrorism strategy, the peace process in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation efforts, and stability and economic integration in South and Central Asia. It is also a large and growing economy offering profitability for US businesses." Last year, the US assistance to Pakistan under the State Department budget was $534 million, which included $225 million towards foreign military funding.
For more information, see: “Trump administration proposes massive $190 million cut in aid to Pakistan”, The Times of India
Chinese kidnapped
Three Chinese nationals were kidnapped at gunpoint at a restaurant in Quetta on May 24. The victims were instructors at a Chinese language center in the city. The four kidnappers arrived in a vehicle without a number plate and forced the Chinese into a car, shooting a passerby who attempted to thwart the abduction. Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri has directed the police and security agencies to find the abducted persons. Balochistan has seen a sharp increase in Chinese visitors over the last couple of years because of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. (CPEC)
For more information, see: “
Three Chinese nationals abducted in Pakistan”,
The Hindu
Indian woman returns
Indian woman Uzma who was forced to marry a Pakistani man has returned to India after she alleged her husband tortured her. Uzma who met her husband Tahir Ali in Malaysia, travelled to Pakistan voluntarily earlier this month and was forced into marriage under gunpoint on May 3. On May 12, Uzma filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court, accusing her husband of harassing and intimidating her, and taking away her travel documents to stop her from leaving Pakistan. After Islamabad court granted her request to leave, she was escorted across the Wagah border by Indian high commission officials.
For more information, see: “Indian woman forced to marry Pakistani returns”, BBC
Sri Lanka
Floods claim 122 lives
At least 122 persons were killed and around 100 have gone missing in the heavy rains and floods that followed two years of drought, putting the Government authorities and normal life once again, out of gear. Nations, starting with neighbouring India, and also the UN have rushed aid and relief material, as Met officials said that rains in many parts of the country crossed the 500-mm mark, though the record from the past for 24 hours is past 750 mm in earlier years.
For more information, see: “122 killed in weather calamity”, Daily Mirror Online, 26 May 2017; “Rainfall as high as 553 mm recorded in the country”, Daily Mirror Online, 27 May 2017; “Sri Lanka steps up relief drive as toll hits 113”, The Island, 28 May 2017; “Mass evacuations in several districts: Military called in for assistance”, The Island, 27 May 2017; “Modi tweets his support in 'hour of need'”, Daily Mirror Online, 27 May 2018; “India rushes three ships to SL to assist in flood relief operations”, The Island, 28 May 2017; “Indian ship with relief materials arrives in flood hit SL”, Daily Mirror Online, 27 May 2017; “Pakistan to provide relief goods”, Daily Mirror Online, 27 May 2017; “US to send emergency assistance”, Daily Mirror Online, 27 May 2017; “UN supports SL in flood relief efforts”, Daily Mirror Online
Racism biggest threat: Ranil
With the hard-line Buddhist outfit, BBS, back in the news for targeting Muslims and Upcountry Tamils after a gap of three years in the case of the former, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that racism was the biggest threat in the country. He has also said that officers in charge (OICs) of police stations would be held responsible if racist incidents were reported from their jurisdiction even as Interior Minister Sagala said that the Government should take responsibility for the same.
For more information, see: “Racism biggest threat to country – PM”, The Island, 24 May 2017; “PM: Police OICs to be held responsible if ethnic harmony not maintained”, The Island, 28 May 2017; “UPFA Gen Secy promises stern action against those fanning racial flames”, The Island, 25 May 2017; “Failing to smother racial tensions: Govt. must take responsibility: Sagala”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 May 2017; “Govt. unable to defuse religious tensions: Anura Kumara”, Daily Mirror Online, 24 May 2017; “Muslims will be compelled to seek int'l community support: EPC Opposition Leader”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 May 2017; “Govt silent as BBS continues its Holy War”, The Sunday Leader, 28 May 2017; “Arrest Muslim racists before arresting Gnanasara Thera”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 May 2017; “Several teams out to arrest Ven. Gnanasara: Police”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 May 2017; “Gnanasara thera gives up fast”, The Island
Growing with India
India and Sri Lanka should grow together and “we cannot prosper in isolation”, Indian High Commissioner, Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said, even as fresh talks of Indian cooperation in developing the country’s power sector came up for mention elsewhere. Meanwhile, the two countries along with Japan are discussing a three-nation, LNG terminal in Sri Lanka.
For more information, see: “Sri Lanka and India should grow together; We cannot prosper in isolation – High Commissioner”, The Island, 28 May 2017; “India, Japan JV to set up LNG import terminal in SL”, Daily Mirror Online
Primary Documentation
Bangladesh
Nepal
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Kuala Lumpur regarding Pekenenas Camp Nepali detainee”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 25 May 2017
“Press Release issued by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, New York, covering the second and third day of the Second ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development follow-up”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 25 May 2017
“Press Release issued by Permanent Mission of Nepal to UN and other International Organizations, Geneva regarding Seventieth World Health Assembly”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 24 May 2017
“Press Release issued by the Embassy of Nepal, Beijing regarding a news published in Rajdhani Daily!”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 24 May 2017
“Press Release on Manchester Attack”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 24 May 2017
“Press Release issued by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, New York covering the first day of the Second ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development follow-up”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 23 May 2017
Bibliography
Afghanistan
Opinion Pieces
James Stavridis, “5 reasons Trump should send more troops to Afghanistan”, Time, 23 May 2017
Richard Ghiasy, “Why Afghanistan’s stability is so important to China”, South China Morning Post, 22 May 2017
Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Muhammad Azizul Haque, “How can we benefit from a China-led globalisation?”, The Daily Star, 22 May 2017
Divyansh Awasthi, “China Rolls Out Red Carpet to Bangladesh on Its Silk Road, But What’s In It for the Dragon?”, Fromtersnews.com, 22 May 2017
Mizanur Rahman, ”Why are we not focusing more on renewable energy?”, The Daily Star, 20 May 2017
Bhutan
Opinion Pieces
Janita Gurung and Anu Kumari Lama, “Biodiversity and sustainable tourism in the Hindu Kush Himalaya”, Kunesel, 27 May 2017
Editorials
“Saving the roots of our culture”, Kuensel, 26 May 2017
India
Opinion Pieces
Amit Kataria, “How watertight checks and balances ensure EVMs can’t be tampered with”, Hindustan Times, May 23, 2017
Editorials
The Economic Times Editorials, “India and Africa must focus on mutual benefits”, The Economic Times, May 25, 2017
ET Now, “GST: Anyone whose rate has gone up is going to complain, says Arvind Subramanian ”, The Economic Times, May 25, 2017
Maldives
Opinion Pieces
Shoko Noda, “Keeping paradise pristine”, Maldives Independent, 25 May 2017
Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
Stephen Weedon, “Insurance in Myanmar: Spreading the risk”, The Irrawaddy, 23 May 2017
Nepal
Opinion Pieces
Mohna Ansari, “Rights all year round”, The Kathmandu Post, 26 May 2017
Sukhdev Shah, “Night train to Beijing”, Republica, 25 May 2017
Editorials
The Kathmandu Post “Mixed legacy”, The Kathmandu Post, 26 May 2017
Republica “Good ten months”, Republica, 26 May 2017
Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
Krishnadas Rajagopal, “Can Pakistan seek a rehearing?”, The Hindu, 26 May 2017
Elizabeth Roche and Shaswati Das, “Why New Delhi has toughened its stance against Pakistan on Kashmir situation”, Live Mint, 25 May 2017
Zahid Hussain, “A dangerous coalition”, Dawn, 26 May 2017
Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
Rajan Philips, “Weather gods are showing no mercy, and a shuffling government has no answers”, The Island, 28 May 2017
M S M Ayub, “Religious tension, a shot in the arm of communal politics”, Daily Mirror Online, 26 May 2017
Kusal Perera, “Reshuffling: Only short term survival”, Daily Mirror Online, 26 May 2017
Malinda Seneviratne, “Cabinet reshuffle: Cards that keep floating to the top”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 May 2017
Dr Dayan Jayatilleka, “The new Constitution & the Modi-Wickremesinghe plan”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 May 2017
Sumanasiri Liyanage, “Resolving the national question: where is the key?”, The Island, 23 May 2017
C A Chandraprema, “Cabinet reshuffle, a damp squib”, The Island, 23 May 2017
Jehan Perera, “Reversing the growing trust deficit in the North”, The Island, 23 May 2017
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Modi visit, a measured new step”, The Sunday Leader, 21 May 2018
Interviews
Kelum Bandara, “Separate admin unit for Upcountry Tamils is not a viable demand: Senthil Thondaman”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 May 2017
Kelum Bandara, “Plantation Tamils need administrative powers first: Thilakaraj”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 May 2017
Contributors:
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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