COUNTRY REPORTS
Afghanistan
Taliban welcomes talks
Taliban welcomed the agreement at the Moscow trilateral meeting in which Russia, China and Pakistan agreed to work towards delisting certain members of the Afghan Taliban. The Taliban spokesperson, Suhail Shahin, said that removing the names of Taliban members was a step in the right direction towards peace. The Afghan Government was not represented at the talks, and some parliamentarians in the country expressed displeasure over the same
For more information, see: “Taliban welcomes Moscow talks”, TOLO News
Significant losses
The Taliban has suffered significant causalities in Kunduz following a clearing operation. Afghan security officials said that they cleared several villages of insurgents while counter terrorism operations continued. According to reports, over 30 Taliban fighters were killed including a senior Taliban commander.
For more information, see: “Taliban suffer heavy casualties in Kunduz operations”, Khamma Press
Female pilot seeks asylum
Afghanistan’s first female pilot, Niloofar Rahmani, has applied for an asylum in the United States, after coming into the limelight forced her to hide from insurgents. The 25-year-old pilot went to the US in 2015 to train on C-130 transport aircraft with the US Air Force. As per the arrangement, she is due to return home after training.
For more information, see: “First female pilot in Afghanistan requests asylum in US”, The Wall Street Journal
Bangladesh
Prez for EC honesty
President Abdul Hamid has said that free and fair polls were possible if the Election Commission remained honest. He said that even as local government elections threw up ‘rebel’ candidates of the ruling Awami League that eventually won a substantial number of seats, with political analysts claiming that the voters went for relatively honest candidates than party labels.
For more information, see: “Fair polls possible if EC acts honestly: President”, The Daily Star, 29 December 2016; ”EC formation: BNF for scrapping EC secretariat”, The Daily Star, 29 December 2016; “Zila Parishad Polls: Rebels stun AL in chairman posts”, The Daily Star, 29 December 2016; “Defeat of AL Chairman Aspirants: Some MPs' role, money mattered”, The Daily Star, 30 December 2016; “Zila Parishads: Voters chose mostly clean chairmen”, The Daily Star, 30 December 2016; “AL to mark ‘triumph of democracy’ day Jan 5”, The Daily Star, 29 December 2016; “BNP announces plans for Jan 7 rally at Dhaka's Suhrawardy Udyan”, Bdnews24.com, 28 December 2016; “Government to make Bangladesh a failed state: BNP”, Bdnews24.com
Bhutan
Demonitised INR sold
Indian Rupees (INR) are once again being illegally sold across the border. Both Bhutanese and Indian nationals in need of INR are paying between Nu 108-112 for INR 100. The commission depends on the amount being exchanged.
For more information, see:
“Ngultrum value falls in P’Ling”, Kuensel
Japan building bridges
Japanese companies will construct four double-lane bridges on the Trongsa-Sarpang national highway worth $ 18.4 million. The project involves the construction of bridges at Telegangchu in Trongsa, and Beteni, Samkhara and Passang in Sarpang.
For more information, see:
“Japan to construct 4 bridges on Trongsa-Gelephu highway”, Kuensel
Tourist entry-point
The Gelegphu business community has appealed to the economic affairs minister to allow Gelegphu as the regional tourist entry-point. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji had stopped at Gelegphu en route to Thimphu from Zhemgang.
For more information, see:
“Business community appeals to make Gelegphu a Regional Tourist Entry point”, BBS
India
China, India not rivals
After the test-firing of Agni-V missile, India has clarified that its strategic capabilities are not targeted against any particular country. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in turn stated that India and China, as emerging economies were not rivals but partners, following media reports from India and Japan. Ms. Hua also claimed that “China is willing to work alongside regional countries, including India, to maintain long-lasting peace, stability and prosperity of the region.”
For more information, see: “China calls for 'strategic balance' in South Asia after Agni-V test-firing”, The Hindu, 27 December, 2016 and “Agni V missile test-firing: India says not targeted against any particular country”, The Indian Express, 28 December
Penalty for old currency
The Cabinet has cleared a draft Ordinance, to penalise persons holding old demonetised 500 and 1000-rupee notes after 31 March 2017. Between now and then, those holding these currencies are permitted to deposit them in Reserve Bank of India branches, with explanation as to the delay. According to Government sources, those holding old notes after 31 March are likely to face four-year jail term and also those who transact in old notes are likely to face a penalty of Rs 5,000.
For more information, see: “Demonetisation ordinance passed: Holding old notes a criminal offence post 31 March”, First Post
Compensate poor: Rahul
On Wednesday, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi demanded that the Government do away with cash withdrawal-limits and provide compensation to the poor affected by demonetisation. Speaking to reporters, he also asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to waive farm loans and give 20 percent of the Government-mandated minimum support price to farmers and pay Rs 25,000 to every woman below the poverty-line.
For more information, see: “Scrap cash withdrawal limit, pay compensation to poor hit by demonetisation: Rahul to govt”, Hindustan Times
Sasikala to lead AIADMK
V K Sasikala, an aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has been elected as the AIADMK chief at the first party general council meeting, held after the latter’s death on 5 December. The party passed resolutions demanding Jayalalithaa's birthday to be celebrated as "National Farmers Day" and that Jayalalithaa should be conferred the ‘Bharat Ratna’, Magsaysay Award and Nobel Prize for World Peace.
For more information, see: “Sasikala appointed AIADMK chief: Party wants Nobel Peace Prize for Jayalalithaa”, First Post, 29 December, 2016 and “Sasikala set to become AIADMK chief”, The Indian Express
Maldives
Male island for China
As part of the Government’s decision to include more islands for leasing out, a Chinese company has been allotted Feydhoo Finolhu, the uninhabited island closest to capital Male, for 50 years. Used previously by the police welfare corporation, it’s among the 11 islands and two lagoons short-listed for the purpose.
For more information, see: “Feydhoo Finolhu leased to Chinese company for US$4m”, Maldives Independent, 24 December 2016; “Indian government identifies 5 cruise circuits, including Maldives”, SunOnline, 27 December 2016; “U.S. Embassy Launches New Website for Maldives”, Miadhu, 27 December 2016; “Maldives’ main airport renamed ‘Velana International Airport’”, Maldives Independent, 27 December 2016”, “Record number of jets to arrive in Maldives for New Year”, SunOnline
Myanmar
B’desh fishers fired upon
Six Bangladeshi fishermen were injured when the Myanmar Navy opened fire on them in the Bay of Bengal, near St Martin’s Island on December 27. According to reports, a Myanmar Navy ship chased a trawler and opened fire when the fishermen were east of Chhera Dwip near St Martin, leaving the six injured.
For more information see:
“6 Bangladeshis shot by Myanmar Navy in Bay of Bengal incident”, Mizzima
Call for Rohingyas
More than a dozen Nobel laureates on Thursday urged the United Nations to "end the human crisis" of Myanmar's Rohingya minority group, whose members have been fleeing to Bangladesh to escape a bloody military crackdown.
For more information, see:
“Nobel Laureates urge UN to intervene in Myanmar’s Rohingya crisis”, Mizzima, 30 December 2016; “Nobel Laureates Urge UN to end Arakan crisis”, The Irrawaddy
Role for China
China is extending its sway over an autonomous enclave run by Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed group, says Reuters, quoting local sources. This is aimed at bolstering Beijing’s role in the peace process that is the signature policy of Myanmar’s ruling party leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
For more information, see:
“Through Reclusive Wa China Reach Extends Into Burma”, The Irrawaddy
Nepal
Chinese grant
Nepal and China on December 29 signed a bilateral grant agreement for Rs 15.7 billion (RMB 1 billion) to be used for the repair and improvement of the Syaphrubesi-Rasuwa-gadhi highway, up-gradation and renovation of the Civil Service Hospital and on post-quake reconstruction projects. The agreement was signed by Leela Mani Paudyal, Ambassador of Nepal to China, and Zhang Xiangchen, the Chinese Vice-Minister for commerce.
For more information see: “Nepal, China sign Rs15 b grant deal”, The Kathmandu Post
Statute Bill ‘to stay’
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi reiterating his previous stance said that the government will not withdraw the constitution amendment bill. “The UML stance on the constitution amendment bill is against the democracy, parliamentary system and constitutional norms. I would like to urge CPN-UML to back down from its stance,” said Nidhi. The main Opposition party CPN-UML is pressuring the government to withdraw the bill.
For more information see: “Constitution amendment bill will not be withdrawn: DPM Nidhi”, Republica, 30 December 2016; “UDMF wants Constitution amendment before poll date”, The Himalayan Times
Education to be handy
Addressing the 42
nd convocation of Tribhuvan University held in Lalitpur on December 29, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said it was imperative for TU to ensure that its graduates be more competitive and competent in the global arena. “The educated human resource should be skilled and technologically sound,” he said, adding that TU must lay emphasis on professional subjects. PM Dahal, who is the Chancellor of TU, said education should be accessible and employment-intensive.
For more information, see: “Education should be accessible to all: PM ”, The Himalayan Times
Pakistan
‘No’ to NSG formula
Pakistan's Foreign Office has rejected the new formula for evaluation of candidature of non-Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) States for the Nuclear Suppliers Groups (NSG) membership as "discriminatory" and "unhelpful". Amb Rafael Mariano Grossi of Argentina had been appointed as a facilitator for NSG member-discussions, which have reached a stalemate over applications from India and Pakistan. Amb Grossi this month submitted a two-page revised document to the NSG member-countries containing a nine-point proposal on considering the applications of India and Pakistan, both of which are non-NPT countries.
For more information, see: “Pakistan rejects new formula for NSG membership”, Dawn
Death for Taliban leader
A military court in Pakistan has sentenced top Taliban leader from the SWAT Valley, Muslim Khan, to death. Khan was convicted for killing 31 civilians and security personnel. Khan is known as the “butcher of SWAT” and is known to defend Taliban's policy of killings, beheadings and the destruction of schools in SWAT. Others whose convictions were confirmed by the army chief on 28 December include four gunmen sentenced for involvement in a
2015 bus massacre of Ismaili Shias in Karachi, and the
assassination of social activist Sabeen Mahmud, also in Karachi the same year.
For more information, see: “Pakistan to hang butcher of Swat Muslim Khan”, BBC
Water security for CPEC
Pakistan and China have decided to make water security a part of the CPEC project amidst fear that India will review the Indus Water Treaty signed between New Delhi and Islamabad in 1960. The Joint Cooperation Council, the highest policy-making forum of CPEC, is planning for the development of hydro-electric projects along the Indus River, particularly the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam.
For more information, see: “Pakistan’s water-security made part of CPEC framework”, The Express Tribune
Sri Lanka
Will topple Govt: MR
In a none-too-discreet meeting with overseas newsmen based in Colombo, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he wants to ‘topple the Government’ of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe duo in 2017. He also charged foreign powers, including the larger Indian neighbour, for working towards a ‘regime-change’ in Sri Lanka, leading to his electoral defeat in January 2015.
For more information, see: “I want to topple the govt. in 2017, says Rajapaksa”, The Hindu, 30 December 2016; “I have a standing invitation from Modi to visit India: Rajapaksa”, New Indian Express, 29 December 2016; “H’tota port deal: JHU levels USD 100 mn bribery allegation”, The Island, 27 December 2016; “No other port can be built from Oluvil to Galle – JHU”, The Island, 23 December 2016; “Namal leads protests against Chinese project”, The Island, 25 December 2016; “Fifth container terminal to India: Colombo Port development”, The Island, 23 December 2016; “UNP does not think Prabhakaran could have been Prime Minister”, The Island, 30 December 2016; “Vijayakala dress flak for lionising dead tiger chief”, The Island
MS upset with UNP?
In what looks like yet another episode in the periodic war-of-nerves between SLFP President Maithiripala Sirisena and UNP Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the former’s camp has criticised the Government, identified with the latter, on some clauses in the proposed ‘Super-Ministry Bill’. Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne, a key-player in the Sirisena camp, has questioned a clause in the Bill, conferring legal immunity to the minister concerned. In a tit-for-tat of sorts, a junior minister from the UNP has publicly stated that the current rice-shortage in the country owes to a sibling of President Sirisena.
For more information, see: “
Rajitha frowns on section of Super Ministry bill... faults drafters for legal immunity clause”, The Island, 30 December 2016; “Development Bill to engage PCs in national development: PM”, Daily Mirror Online, 24 December 2016; “PM assures to amend Development Bill: Shan Wijayalal”, Daily Mirror Online, 24 December 2016; “We will not approve Constitution that will harm unitary status: President”, Daily Mirror Online, 24 December 2016; “Prelates asks PM to retain unitary status of SL and grant Buddhism foremost place”, The Island, 25 December 2016; “Gammanpila asks govt to reveal its promises TNA”, The Island, 27 December 2016; “National War Heroes Front takes up security, political issues with President: Urges govt not to vacate Mailady”, The Island, 25 December 2016; “Field Marshal being MP unconstitutional – Sarath”, The Island, 25 December 2016; “SLPI denies Norwegian media trainer’s alleged LTTE links”, The Island, 25 December 2016; “Rice shortage: Culprit could be a sibling of prez – Ajith”, The Island
PRIMARY DOCUMENTATION
Bhutan
Press Releases
Visit of Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako of Akishino in early June, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 28 December 2017
Nepal
Press Releases
“Press Release regarding message of congratulations from President of Nepal to King of Malaysia”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 29 December 2016
“Press Release regarding Agreement between Government of Nepal and the Government of People’s Republic of China”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 29 December 2016
“Press Release on Condolence Message on Russian Military Plane Crash”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 26 December 2016
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Egypt on presentation of credentials”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 26 December 2016
Bibliography
Afghanistan
Opinion pieces
Aziz Amin Ahmadzai, “Challenges and Opportunities for Afghanistan in 2017”, The Diplomat, 29 December 2016
Emily Winterbotham and Peter Quentin, “Making the case for Afghanistan: Why not is not the time to abandon the country”, Newsweek, 29 December 2016
Rakesh Sood, “Afghanistan, India and Trump”, The Hindu, 28 December 2016
Bangladesh
Opinion pieces
Shakhawat Liton, “Snakes and ladders: Where will the next EC be in the game?”, The Daily Star, 26 December 2016
Amitava Kar, “A ‘concession speech’ that inspires”, The Daily Star, 24 December 2016
Bhutan
Editorials
“We welcome more stakeholder intervention”, Kuensel, 1 January 2016
Maldives
Opinion pieces
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Should India prefer ‘surgical strikes’ of a positive kind?”, www.orfonline, 29 December 2016
India
Opinion pieces
- Raja Mohan, “Raja mandala: The looming disruption”, The Indian Express, 27 December, 2016
Vinod sharma, “Polls in 2017 will be a test for PM Modi’s economic nationalism”, Hindustan Times, 27 December, 2016
Manish Sabharwal, “A new story of us”, The Indian Express, 30 December, 2016
Myanmar
Opinion pieces
“In Rangoon, There is plenty to be afraid of”, The Irrawaddy, 29 December 2016
Book Review
Bertil Lintner, War and Peace in the Borderlands of Myanmar, The Irrawaddy, 29 December 2016
Nepal
Opinion Pieces
Bhim Udas, “Rising like the sun”, The Kathmandu Post, 30 December 2016
Vikash Raj Satyal “Poisoned greens”, Republica, 28 December 2016
Editorials
The Kathmandu Post, “Buckle down”, The Kathmandu Post, 30 December 2016
Republica, “Trust, crossed”, Republica, 29 December 2016
Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
I.A Rehman, “About a counter-narrative”, Dawn, 29 December 2016
Nasim Zehra, “Pakistan’s future: questions for 2017”, The News International, 28 December 2016
Asad Rahim Khan, “Not the voice of the creator”, The Express Tribune, 29 December 2016
Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
M S M Ayub, “Why did the PCs reject the Development Bill?”, Daily Mirror Online, 30 December 2016
Siri Hettige, “Sri Lanka: Blurring of a vision”, Daily Mirror Online, 29 December 2016
Neville Ladduwahetty, “Why Constitutional reforms?”, The Island, 27 December 2016
Gamini Gunawardane, “Devolution of police powers for Provinces: A recipe for disaster”, The Island, 27 December 2016
N Sathiya Moorthy, “If It’s Back To H’tota For China And Trinco For US, Is It Neo-Cold War For Sri Lanka?”, The Sunday Leader, 25 December 2016
Contributors:
Afghanistan & Pakistan: Kriti M. Shah
Bangladesh: Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale
India: Sabah Ishtiaq
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N. Sathiya Moorthy
Nepal: Dr AnasuaBasu Ray Chaudhury & Sreeparna Banerjee
Coordinator: Mihir Bhonsale
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