Country Reports
Afghanistan
Heavy clashes in Helmland
The Taliban and the Afghan security forces have had heavy clashes in the southern Helmand province as the insurgency group has staged numerous coordinated attacks in the past few days. The attacks on the military base, district centres and security check-posts highlight the deteriorating security situation in the country. The United States had earlier announced that it would be deploying around 300 troops to Helmand later this year to help Afghan forces in the province.
For more information, see: “Taliban assaults district centre in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province”, VOA, 30 January 2017; “32 Taliban insurgents killed in Sangin clash”, Tolo News
Security deteriorating: US
The United States’ Special Inspector-General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in its quarterly report has stated that 6,785 Afghan security forces personnel had been killed between 1 January and 12 November last year and over 11,000 were injured in action. The report which is largely based on data provided by US forces in Afghanistan (USFOR-A) also stated that only 57.2 percent of the country’s area was under the government’s influence or control.
For more information, see: “SIGAR report notes sharp rise in security force casualties”, Tolo News
Mineral-smuggling
The Afghanistan Anti-Corruption Network has said in its recent report that militant groups in the country received at least $46 million in earnings from mineral and precious stone smuggling. According to the report, over 7,50,000 tons of marble and talc stones were smuggled from the eastern Nangarhar province, where the ‘Islamic State’ is active, into Pakistan. Insurgent groups and local strongmen have taken over mining operations in many areas and fixed a levy on minerals smuggled out of the country.
For more information, see: “Report: Militant groups in Afghanistan get rich off mineral smuggling”, VOA
Bangladesh
Dhaka ‘high-threat’, says US
The US state department has claimed capital Dhaka is a high-threat location for political violence and crime directed at or affecting Washington’s official interests. This observation was made in the State department’s crime and safety assessment report 2017.
For more information, see: “Dhaka ‘high-threat location’, reckons US state dept”, Prothom Alo
Support for Palestine
President Mahmoud Abbas visited Bangladesh at the invitation of President Md Abdul Hamid. This visit highlights Bangladesh’s support for Palestinian nationhood. Bangladesh reiterated its stance on the two-state solution for Palestine and Israel.
For more information, see: “President’s visit to Bangladesh extremely important: Head of mission”, Bdnews24.com, 31, January 2017; “Bangladesh backs 2-state solution”, The Daily Star
Bhutan
French fete
Les Amis du Bhoutan, one of the oldest friendship associations for Bhutan in Europe, celebrated the 30
th anniversary of its foundation at a dinner in Paris on January 27, according to a foreign affairs ministry press release. The association was founded in 1987 to promote better understanding of Bhutan in France.
For more information, see:
“Les Amis du Bhoutan celebrates 30th anniversary”, Kuensel
Online permit welcome
Tour agents in Phuentsholing have welcomed the online permit system that the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) recently introduced for regional tourists.
For more information, see:
“Online permits for regional tourists”, Kuensel
Missing in Bangkok
A school support staff member from Tsirang has been reported missing from Bangkok since January 23. Harka Bahadur Subba, 39, a cook with two other support staff and seven teachers of the school went to Bangkok for a school agriculture study tour that was to end on January 30.
For more information, see:
“Bhutanese man missing in Bangkok”, Kuensel
India
Defence budget up, 6%
A modest six percent hike in defence allocation over comparable defence expenditure shows that defence spending remains a low priority area for the government. The hike is unlikely to meet the impact of inflation, depreciation of the rupee and the imposition of customs duty on military imports from last year.
For more information, see: “Defence Budget up by 6 per cent to Rs 2.74 lakh crore in 2017-18 from Rs 2.58 lakh crore last year” Economic Times
Former FM’s views on the Budget
Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram commended the budget for not trying to be reckless. He, however, added that gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) — meaning net investment — had constantly shrunk under the Modi government and was minus 0.2% in 2016-17. He also added that a reduction in indirect taxes would have boosted demand.
For more information, see: “Chidambaram pats FM for not being ‘reckless’” The Hindu
India Inc worried over proposed more powers to IT officials
The Finance Bill 2017 proposes to amend the I-T Act to give more powers to the assessing officer in cases of search and seizures. The tax officer is not required to give any reason to the taxpayer or the appellate authorities for which the search was undertaken.
For more information, see: “India Inc jittery as tax officials get more power” Business Standard
Controlling ‘Goa from Delhi’
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of giving Goa a government which is “remote-controlled” from Delhi, and promised that his party would provide a corruption-free government, which will focus on employment for youth.
For more information, see: “BJP remote-controlling Goa”, The Hindu
Maldives
Nasheed in Colombo
Former Maldives President, Mohammed Nasheed, now living as a political refugee in the UK, arrived in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo to meet up with his MDP colleagues. Ahead of his current visit, the second in a few months, Nasheed had said in the US that they should be looking for a ‘common Opposition candidate’ to take on incumbent Abdulla Yameen in the presidential polls of 2018, and not hope for a ‘regime-change’ any time soon.
For more information, see: “Nasheed arrives in Colombo as stalemate drags on in Maldives”, Maldives Independent, 29 January 2017; “Umar to meet Jameel in London to discuss Presidential Election”, SunOnline, 2 February 2017; “President: Maldives cannot abide by UN WGAD decision”, SunOnline, 30 January 2017; “The Government of Maldives does not agree with the Opinion of the UN WGAD on Col (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim’s submission: Foreign Minister”, Miadhu, 30 January 2017; “Maldives rejects UN decision on detained ex defence minister”, Maldives Independent, 31 January 2017; “AG: Government’s books are open, there’s nothing to hide”, SunOnline, 30 January 2017; “Maldives local council elections postponed a second time”, Maldives Independent, 2 February 2017; “Court throws out lawsuit challenging new call for candidates for local councils”, Maldives Independent
National theme
President Abdulla Yameen has proposed ‘Economic Prosperity, Social Harmony’ for 2017, the penultimate year before the presidential elections. The Government will publicise the theme on all its documents and through various other forms.
For more information, see: “President Proposes 2017 National Theme”, Miadhu, 30 January 2017; “President’s anouncement revives rumours about the sale of Maldives atoll to Saudi Arabia”, Maldives Independent, 29 January 2017; “Teachers sacked, suspended for wearing niqab”, Maldives Independent
Myanmar
16 pacts with Thailand
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak’s state visit to Myanmar saw the two countries sign 16 business Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) in six different business sectors including. The MoU’s are designed to foster greater cooperation between Thai Companies, Myanmar Government and Myanmar’s Federation of Commerce and Industries.
For more information, see:
“Burma and Thailand Sign 16 Business Agreements”, Irrawaddy
More for Mae Sot road
Thailand has approved a 1.8 billion baht ($53 million) help to Myanmar for developing part of its road along the transnational route and by means of which, stepping up efforts to boost the Rangoon-Mae Sot trade link.
For more information, see:
“Thailand to boost funding for Rangoon-Mae Sot road upgrade”, DVB, 3 February 2017; “Myanmar’s road project hooks B 1.8 bn”, Mizzima, 3 February 2017; “Burma Road Project Hooks 1.8 Billion Baht from Thailand”, Irrawaddy
Ko Ni was being watched by intelligence officials
Ko Ni, the prominent Myanmarese Muslim lawyer assassinated in Rangoon, was being closely watched by intelligence agents, according to friends and colleagues, and had received past threats over his sensitive work as an adviser to Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling party.
For more information, see: “
Surveillance and Threats: Slain lawyer Ko Ni felt ‘targeted’”, DVB, 1 February 2017; “The death of the rule of law’: coming to terms with the loss of U Ko Ni”, Myanmar Times
Nepal
PM inaugurates Khimti-Dhalkebar Transmission
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on February 2 inaugurated the Khimti-Dhalkebar Transmission Line, the first 220 kV transmission line in the country. The formal inauguration of the 75-km transmission line in Khimti of Dolakha district means electricity imported from India through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar cross-border transmission line can be directly linked to Kathmandu Valley, where energy demand is highest in the country. This will also help evacuate electricity from Tamakoshi-Bhotekoshi corridor to the eastern region.
For more information, see: “A milestone in electricity sector in country: PM”, The Kathmandu Post, 3 February 2017; “PM inaugurates Khimti-Dhalkebar transmission line”, Republica
Pipeline work accelerates
The installation of the drinking water pipeline in Kathmandu Valley under Melamchi Drinking Water Project is moving ahead in speed. The Melamchi Drinking Water Project – 2 Implementation Directorate is installing the pipelines in 50 locations per day. The water from Melamchi will be channelled to Sundarijal where it will be processed before being distributed to 11 major tanks within the valley and supplied to every household.
For more information, see:”
Melamchi pipeline installation gains speed”, The Kathmandu Post
The government has written formally to the Election Commission (EC) to make necessary preparations for holding local polls. However, it remains undecided over the poll date and whether the polls are to be held under the existing structures or as per the new federal setup. Some election experts and opposition party leaders have taken the government's decision as a move to further dillydally over local polls.
For more information, see:” Govt writes to EC for local poll preparations”, Republica
Pakistan
Hafiz Saeed in house-arrest
Pakistan placed Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai 2008 attacks and leader of militant group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) under house -arrest on 30 January. Saeed who is also the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba has ‘distanced’ himself from the group in recent years, and has claimed that that he only runs JuD as a religious charity. Two days after his house arrest at the JuD headquarters in Lahore, Saeed and his close aides’ names were also placed on the exit-control list, barring them from fleeing the country. The United Nations and the United States have listed JuD as a front for LeT and both organisations, as well as Saeed as an individual, remain under international sanctions.
For more information, see: “Pakistan: Hafiz Saeed placed under house arrest”, Al Jazeera
115 accused freed from blasphemy
Pakistan’s anti-terrorism court in Lahore acquitted all 115 suspects accused on burning a number of Christian homes and shops in 2013. Judge Chaudhary Muhammad Azam ruling over the blasphemy issue cited the lack of evidence as a reason for acquittal. The incident in March 2013 involved thousands of protestors ransacking Joseph Colony in Lahore armed with stones and sticks, setting fire to a number of shops, homes and vehicles, after a rumour spread of a Christian committing a blasphemous attack. While 115 suspects have been acquitted, the Christian who was arrested was sentenced to death in 2014.
For more information, see: “Pakistan court acquits 115 accused of torching Christians’ house”, Deccan Chronicle
US ban extension
In the aftermath of the US President ban on refugees from certain Muslim countries, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus has hinted that Pakistan may be added to the list of countries in the coming weeks. Sources in the Trump administration say that the President is “keenly aware” of who sheltered Osama bin-Laden and where most of the world’s terrorists originate from. The Pakistan government reacted to this possibility with a warning that in case of such a move by the US, it would reduce its cooperation with Washington in the fight against Islamist terror groups in case.
For more information, see: “American visa ban on Pakistan most likely: US sources”, The Economic Times
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Army was not inclined to take over Jaffna initially
Declassified American CIA documents have quoted then Sri Lankan President J R Jayewardene as telling visiting US diplomat, Amb Peter Galbraith, that his armed forces were disinclined to take the LTTE-held Jaffna, owing to apprehensions of “unacceptable level of casualties”. Jayewardene also told Galbraith that his Government was forced into a deal with India, a reference this to the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement of 1987.
For more information, see: “I was forced into a deal with India, Jayewardene told U.S. envoy”, The Hindu, 5 February 2017; “India backs Sri Lanka’s efforts to enact new constitution, forge reconciliation: High level visits expected in coming months”, The Island, 30 January 2017; “NFF says govt now moving to introduce 20th Amendment: New constitution shelved?”, The Island, 30 January 2017; “Work honestly and with commitment: President tells politicians”, Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2017; “Only united people can make Sri Lanka strong: PM”, Daily Mirror Online, 4 February 2017; “Wigneswaran boycotts Independence Day event”, New Indian Express, 4 February 2017; “Can’t solve Tamil issue by chasing me away: CV”, Daily Mirror Online, 3 February 2017; “CM mulls NPC war crimes accountability mechanism”, The Island, 2 February 2017; “CV has become a ghost: Dayasiri”, Daily Mirror Online, 2 February 2017; “Sampanthan calls for reconciliation based on equality, dignity”, The Island, 4 February 2017; GSP+: EU P'ment urged to look into HR background”, Daily Mirror Online, 2 February 2017; “Norway ready to assist in accordance with int’l procedures: Tamil diaspora role in assassination bid”, The Island, 4 February 2017; “Sri Lanka needs to walk through difficult paths – Norwegian Ambassador”, The Island, 3 February 2017; “Attempt on lawmaker’s life: Norway mum”, The Island, 2 January 2017; “Sumanthiran assassination plot a sign of LTTE re-grouping: JHU”, Daily Mirror Online, 1 February 2017; “GL wants to know why terrorists not charged under PTA: EU won’t comment on Sumanthiran assassination bid”, The Island
‘No’ to Chinese military
Though Sri Lanka is selling up to 80 per cent of the financial stakes in the southern Hambantota Port to the Chinese construction firm, there was no question of allowing Chinese military into the port, Sri Lankan Ambassador in Beijing, Karunasena Kodituvakku, said after the nation’s Independence Day celebrations in the Embassy. Back home in Colombo, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said that the port stakes-sale agreement would be signed as early as this week, after being postponed once earlier, owing to local protests and President Maithiripala Sirisena’s reservations.
For more information, see: “Chinese military will not be permitted at H'tota port: SL envoy”, Daily Mirror Online, 5 February 2017; “Govt. expects to ‘finish off’ H’tota Port sale deal this week”, Daily Mirror Online, 3 February 2017; “Ranil reiterates China-led projects in H’tota ...reveals ongoing talks with Japan, India for Trinco port development”, The Island, 30 January 2017; “Vasudeva’s FR application against H’tota deal fixed for support on Feb. 13”, The Island, 4 February 2017; “Presence of Chinese submarines in SL purely for economic reasons: Navy chief”, Daily Mirror Online, 1 February 2017; “Indian Budget allocates INR 1.25 bn to Sri Lanka”, Daily Mirror Online
Primary Documentation
Bhutan
Press Releases
Lyonchhen met with the Public of Tsangkha Gewog Dagana, Cabinet Secretariat, 27 January 2017
A delegation of ambassadors from the European Union call on the Foreign Minister Lyonpo Damcho Dorji, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2 February 2017
Indian Ambassador to India calls on the Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 30 January 2017
Myanmar
Press Releases
President received Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, President’s Office, 3 February 2017
Press release regarding assassination of U Ko Ni, President’s Office, 31 January 2017
Nepal
Press Releases
“Press Release issued by Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, New York covering the participation of the Hon. Minister for Youth and Sports in the 2017 Youth Forum of the ECOSOC”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 31 January 2017
“Press Release on the conclusion of the 2nd meeting of the Nepal-India Oversight Mechanism”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 30 January 2017
“Press Release issued by the Embassy of Nepal, Bangkok regarding the opening of new chancery”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 30 January 2017
“Press Release issued by Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations covering the conclusion of the Contingent-Owned Equipment Working Group for 2017”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, 28 January 2017
Bibliography
Afghanistan
Opinion pieces
Barnett R. Rubin, “The art of the deal in Afghanistan”, The New York Times, 1 February 2017
Bonnie Kristian, “President Trump should take his own advice and exit Afghanistan”, The Huffington Post, 1 February 2017
Dr. Ayesha Ahmad, “Mental health in Afghanistan- when the mind suffers”, Tolo News, 31 January 2017
Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Tamanna Sultana, “The path to radicalisation”, Dhaka Tribune, 1 February 2017
Bhutan
Editorials
“Need for inclusive growth”, Kuensel, 1 February 2017
“Involve public in forming cultural guidelines”, Kuensel, 30 January 2017
Interviews
“Bhutan’s environmental policy sets an example for the world: Chinese ambassador to India”, Kuensel, 28 January 2017
India
Opinion Pieces
Rhea Colaco, “Elections2017: New Worries Creep Into Seemingly Healthy Goa”, ORF, 03 February 2017
Ashok Malik, “Budget shows Modi’s ‘War On Cash’ is a serious one”, ORF, 02 February 2017
Pavan Srinath, “Rescuing India’s defence spending from oblivion”, LiveMint, 03 February, 2017
Maldives
Opinion Pieces
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Indian concerns over Maldives island-lease: It’s not about China but about sovereignty talk”, South Asia Monitor, 1 February 2017
Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
Wencai Zhang, “The Myanmar link to Asia’s next big leap”, Myanmar Times, 3 February 2017
Benedict Rogers, “Assassination of U Ko Ni a severe blow to the prospects for peace and democracy” Mizzima, 30 January 2017
Nepal
Opinion Pieces
Li Tao, “From yam to bridge”, The Kathmandu Post, 3 February 2017
Chura Bahadur Thapa, “The ‘English’ debate”, Republica, 1 February 2017
Editorials
The Kathmandu Post, “Bad medicine”, The Kathmandu Post, 3 February 2017
Republica, “Old habits”, Republica, 2 February 2017
Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
Praveen Swami, “In fact: Hafiz Saeed’s recent arrest is no turning point for Pakistan”, The Indian Express, 3 February 2017
Saleem Safi, “Ghani and Pakistan”, The News International, 1 February 2017
Zahid Hussain, “Is Pakistan getting Trumped?”, Dawn, 1 February 2017
Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
M S M Ayub, ‘Playing politics with Sumanthiran plot”, Daily Mirror Online, 3 February 2017
Gomin Dayasiri, “The Best & Worst of Government”, Daily Mirror Online, 1 February 2017
Ranga Jayasuriya, “MR’s opportune return”, Daily Mirror Online, 31 January 2017
Dr Nirmala Chandrahasan, “National question and grievances faced by a minority”, Daily Mirror Online, 30 January 2017
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Breaking the ice for the party, or breaking the party”, The Sunday Leader, 29 January 2017
Interviews
Upul Wickramasinghe, “MR’s acolytes want old regime back for survival: CBK”, Daily Mirror Online, 2 February 2017
Contributors:
Afghanistan & Pakistan: Kriti M. Shah
Bangladesh: Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale
India: Subh Soni & Pushan Das
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N. Sathiya Moorthy
Nepal: Sreeparna Banerjee
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