(September 16-30, 2016)
Pakistan
Surgical Strikes, SAARC and Diplomatic and Economic Strangulation
Pressure on Pakistan that was being mounted by India in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on an Army camp in Uri culminated in multiple ‘surgical strikes’ on terrorist launch pads along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. While the Indian government and army publicly owned the strikes, the Pakistani military and political establishment went blue in the face denying anything more than cross-LoC firing by Indian troops. But the flurry of activity inside Pakistan after the Indian announcement of the strikes suggests that what happened along the LoC was something much more than mere cross-LoC firing. Why else would the Pakistan PM describe something as commonplace as a ceasefire violation by India as ‘naked aggression’? The strikes did puncture the balloon of bombast that was coming from the Pakistani side since the Uri attack. And even as the Pakistanis were putting up a brave face by denying the surgical strikes, there was also a gnawing sense among the commentariat that their bluff was being called.
The surgical strikes came at the end of a fortnight in which India and Pakistan clashed at the UNGA what with India replying to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s ‘tirade’ by calling Pakistan ‘Ivy League of terrorism’ and a ‘a terrorist country’. Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also pulled no punches in calling for identifying countries [she was clearly indicating towards Pakistan “that speak the language of terrorism, that nurture it, peddle it, and export it” and went on to show Pakistan a mirror by pointing to the ‘egregious abuses’ by the Pakistani state against its own people, including the ‘brutality against the Baloch people’. This was perhaps the first time that India raised the issue of Balochistan at the UN.
India-Pakistan relations, which have been on a steep slide since the outbreak of disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir in early July which Pakistan orchestrates and instigates,, became extremely tense after the terrorist attack in Uri in which 18 soldiers were killed. This attack all but broke the dam of ‘strategic restraint’ in India. And yet, for over a week India played it by the book, including sharing evidence with the Pakistan High Commissioner. But in the face of Pakistani denials, and worse, Pakistan’s preposterous allegation that Uri was a ‘false flag’ operation, India was left with no choice but to exercise the military operation to send a strong message of both intent and resolve.
The military option was however exercised as part of a larger strategy to start turning the screws on Pakistan. Amidst demands that Pakistan be declared a terrorist state, the government of India reviewed the Indus Waters Treaty – a step that has seriously shaken the Pakistani establishment and led to warnings that any unilateral abrogation of the IWT will be considered a ‘declaration of war’. So far however the only decision taken by India is to hasten the projects that are wither underway or on the anvil in order to maximise the use of water available to India by staying within the letter of the IWT. There is also a move to review the economic relationship with Pakistan by reviewing the MFN status that has been granted by India to Pakistan.
The biggest blow that was delivered by India on the diplomatic front was its boycott of the SAARC summit in Islamabad. In what was a major setback to Pakistan, three other SAARC countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan – also followed India in boycotting the Islamabad summit. The unkindest cut of all was when a day after these three countries, even Sri Lanka, which shares a very close defence and security relationship with Pakistan, announced its withdrawal from the SAARC summit. This was followed by Maldives. Nepal too called for a ‘conducive’ environment to be created before the Summit could be held. Clearly, Pakistan was completely isolated within the region. Once again Pakistan put up a brave face and deplored India’s decision to boycott the Summit and alleged that it was in fact India and not Pakistan that was sponsoring terrorism in the region and interfering in affairs of other countries. But the fact that for all its frenetic efforts to agitate the Kashmir issue diplomatically, Pakistan has received very little traction from the international community, and has mostly to satisfy itself with lip service (by the usual suspects – OIC), has also come as a bit of a blow. Of course, as is its wont, Pakistan denies that it is isolated and points to Nawaz Sharif’s meetings with world leaders in New York and claims it has garnered support for the ‘Kashmir cause’. Also, Pakistan is pointing to the military exercises with Russia and the purported desire of Iran to become part of CPEC to claim that it is far from being isolated.
MQM-Pakistan breaks away from Altaf
What appeared at first to be mere shadow boxing on part of the MQM-P against the MQM-London (still loyal to Altaf Husain) to gain some political space in the face of the military-led crackdown on the party has turned into a full blown crisis with the MQM-P actually breaking away from MQM-L and capturing the entire party paraphernalia in Pakistan. The split became apparent after MQM-P removed Altaf loyalists in London, including the convener Nadeem Nusrat, from the party’s top decision making body – coordination committee. In turn, the London loyalists announced dissolution of the coordination committee and rest of the organisational structure of the party, and asked all MNAs and MPAs to resign as they had received their mandate in the name of Altaf Husain. The Pakistan based party however ignored this decision. Meanwhile, in Sindh assembly the MQM-P backed a resolution calling for Altaf’s trial on charges of treason. An audio appeal by Altaf was also ignored as fabricated. Even the newly elected members of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation which is dominated by the MQM passed a resolution against Altaf’s August speech in which he had railed against Pakistan. Clearly, the MQM in Pakistan is split right down the middle and the London secretariat which had been running the party by remote since 1992 has lost control over the party machinery in Pakistan. While Altaf probably retains his hold over a large section of the cadres, the loss of the party machinery means that his ability to swing things from London has been severely impaired, if not irretrievably damaged.
Panama Papers: Imran goes alone against Sharifs; Court Admits Petition
Even though most other opposition parties distanced themselves from the plans of the PTI to hold a rally in Raiwind to pressure the government to hold a transparent inquiry into the Panama papers revelations, Imran Khan refused to relent and decided to go ahead with the planned rally. His campaign against the Sharifs received a shot in the arm after the Supreme Court overturned the decision of the Registrar to reject petitions for disqualification against the Sharifs. But there are fears that the rally might end up as a damp squib because of the infighting in the party which could affect the mobilisation of crowds. Imran however remains undaunted and is pressing on ahead relentlessly against the Sharifs. There are also reports that the army has leaned on some of the people – especially Tahirul Qadri – who were supposed to join Imran to distance themselves because of the deteriorating situation on the border with India.
Afghanistan
Peace Deal with Hekmatyar Sealed
In what is being seen as a landmark development and a possible template for future peace deals with other warring groups, including the Taliban, the Afghan government and the controversial warlord and chief of Hizb-i-Islami, Gulbadin Hekmatyar, entered into a peace deal which allows the latter to return to Afghanistan and participate in the political process. The deal which has gone through torturous negotiations and which has been viewed with suspicion by members of the erstwhile Northern Alliance, received a boost after Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah withdrew his opposition. Under the terms of the deal, Hekmatyar has got legal immunity against all charges of war crimes against him. The Afghan government has also agreed to get his name removed from the UN list which designates him as a global terrorist. Given that the US has welcomed the peace deal, obtaining relief for Hekmatyar from the UN list will not be very difficult for the Afghan government. Although the Hizb-i-Islami had lost much of its fighting capability and is seen as a bit player in the current violence in Afghanistan, and as such the peace deal is unlikely to make a very big difference to the fighting inside the country between government forces and the Taliban and their affiliated groups, the peace deal is seen as the first step in the reconciliation process. At the same time, there is resentment among many Afghans who see Hekmatyar, a man they hold responsible for some of the worst war crimes in Afghanistan, going scot free. There are also people who believe that President Ashraf Ghani has done the deal with Hekmatyar to bolster his own position and to an extent consolidate the Pashtun support base. This is of course something that is disquieting for the non-Pashtun elements inside Afghanistan. The Taliban in any case don’t seem impressed, much less attracted, by the peace deal and have been continuing their operations against the Afghan government and security forces. The Pakistanis, meanwhile, have welcomed the deal, but hardly anyone in Afghanistan believes that Pakistan is being sincere, even less so considering the hostile comments emanating against the Afghan government and President from senior ministers in Pakistan.
China
Change in the Hukou System
On 19 September 2016, Beijing province ended the distinction between urban and rural Hukou. system of household registration, which distinguishes between urban and rural population. Out of 31 provinces, Beijing is the 30th province to announce the plan to end the divide. Now only Tibet Autonomous Region retains this distinction.
Under the system, differential benefits are given to urban and rural citizens. It had become a way of life in China. In 2013, the central government had decided to abolish the six decade long distinction between agriculture and non-agricultural workers in the country’s household registration system. By ending the distinction, all Chinese citizens can access the same level of public services. This will enable free flow of labour and accelerate the process of urbanisation in China which aims to have 60 percent of its population living in cities by 2020. However, it will take some time to disperse the benefits of this change.
Premier Li Keqiang at UNGA
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang addressed the summit for refugees and migrants at the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly on 19 September 2016. On 21 September 2016, he delivered speech at the general debate, entitled “Towards Win-win Partnership for Sustainable development”. This year marks the 45th anniversary of restoration of China’s seat in the United Nations. His speech largely covered various aspect like the domestic economic situation of China, the issue of sustainable development and the larger geostrategic situation.
On the issue of economic growth, Keqiang highlighted that China will try to promote development by opening its economy to promote economic development. He also assured that China would not devalue its currency to boost exports and will pursue cooperation with all countries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence. On the issue of sustainable development, he advocated balanced growth that can bridge the gap between global North and South. He assured a sum of USD 300 million in humanitarian assistance to relevant countries and international organisations. On geo-strategic issues, he urged the parties in Syria to end the fighting. Without naming the South China Sea, he said, “Maritime territorial dispute should be resolved through compromise and negotiation”. He did not delve much on issue of the “Korean Peninsula” rather than calling it “North Korea” directly. Overall, his speech was non-contentious.
In the right to reply and in response to the Philippines, the representative of China said that his country has already made its position clear on the PCA ruling. “Its award were null and void and had no binding force. Territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea should not be affected by those awards, and China would never accept any claim or action based on them.”
On the sidelines of the conference, the Chinese Premier met with the UN Secretary –General Ban Ki-moon and held talks with leaders of the US, France, New Zealand and Pakistan. During his meeting with Pak PM Nawaz Sharif, he acknowledged that “Pakistan itself was a victim of terrorism”.
Li Keqiang’s Maiden Visit to Canada and Cuba
Making his maiden visit to Canada on 21 September 2016, Premier Li Keqiang became the first Chinese head of government to visit the country in 13 years. Li’s visit came within one month of PM Trudeau visit to China. Clearly, both sides are working to “renew and deepen” Sino-Canadian relations. The main objective of his visit was to give a boost to economic engagement between both the two countries. The first annual dialogue between the Chinese Premier and the Canadian PM Trudeau was held. Both sides acknowledged that there was a huge amount of untapped potential in their commercial relationship, and pledge to double bilateral trade by 2025. China is Canada’s second –largest trading partner after the US. 29 agreements were signed between the two countries. Both sides agreed to settle the trade dispute and decided to start exploratory talks for Free Trade Area (FTA). China is particularly keen to engage in FTA talks with Canada to press for the low end domestic enterprises to move up the ladder. An extradition treaty was signed between the two countries. China was interested in signing this so that it could press for the return of corrupt officials who had fled to Canada.
Premier Li also made his first visit to Cuba marking 56 years of China-Cuba relations. He is the first Chinese Premier to visit Cuba although President Xi Jinping visited in 2014. During the visit Premier Li assured to “inject a new dynamic in bilateral relations”. The two countries signed over 20 agreements and business contracts in various fields, including economic, technology, finance and information communications. China is the second largest trading partner of Cuba after Venezuela. Cuba is interested in China’s technology and investment to upgrade its economy. On the other hand, China wants Cuba to open the Latin American market. He also paid a visit to veteran leader Fidel Castro, wherein he exchanged views on bilateral ties, world peace, regional hotspot issues, food security and a wide range of other issues of common concern. He expressed hope that China could share knowledge with Cuba in modernisation of agriculture and achieve win-win cooperation in this field.
New Structures in the Taiping Island/ Itu Aba
The recently released Google earth map shows “four large three pronged structures” on the western coastline of the Taiping Island/ Itu Aba. The images show a circular structure with four Y-shaped attachments, projecting out to the sea on the island’s coast. These images were not there in January 2015 maps. Constructions of these structures are believed to have started sometimes around August 2015.
Defense minister of Taiwan said that in the interest of national security they have contacted Google to blur the satellite images as “the functions of these structures are classified”. Taiping development project was announced as early as in September 2012. In addition, last year, Taiwan inaugurated a solar-powered lighthouse, an expanded airstrip and a pier as part of efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities on the island.
The images were released at a very crucial times when there is growing tension in the region. Taiwan like China, has not accepted the PCA ruling by The Hague International Tribunal on 12 July 2016. Regardless of the fact, that the island is the largest natural feature in the Spartly Islands, the court gave it a status of “rock” and not “island”. As a result Taiwan cannot claim the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. The Taiping Island/ Itu Aba are very important geo-strategically and is also claimed by China, the Philippines and Vietnam. Taiwan is in possession of these island since 1856. At present, Taiwanese marines are stationed at the Island.
Nepal
Political Developments
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s Visit to India
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to India (Sept. 15-18) dominated political discourse in Nepal during the fortnight. Dahal arrived New Delhi on his first overseas trip since assumption of charge. He was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Sita Dahal, and a 100-strong delegation including ministers, MPs, government officials, businessmen and journalists. PM Dahal met with all the top leaders in Delhi including PM Narendra Modi, Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. He called on President Pranab Mukherjee and held separate meetings with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Congress leader Karan Singh and NCP MP DP Tripathi.
While a detailed report on Dahal’s visit including agreements signed and the 25-point Joint Communique has been separately uploaded on the VIF website, some of the major messages coming out of the visit were the fact that the Nepal PM, unlike in his short lived first tenure as PM in 2008 when he deliberately broke with the tradition of Delhi as the first port of call, decided to undo that and came to Delhi instead. Some eyebrows were naturally raised in Beijing but how this will play out in bilateral relations, remains to be seen. PM Modi expressed the hope that the visit would help further strengthen the age-old bonds of fraternal relations between the people of India and Nepal and expand the multi-dimensional cooperation between the two countries.
The two PMs stressed the importance of enhancing regional cooperation within the framework of the SAARC and the BIMSTEC. Addressing the media on his return, PM Dahal described his visit to India as successful, as it helped take bilateral ties to a new height. He said that Nepal-India relations would not, in anyway, affect Nepal’s relations with China, adding that strengthening relations with one side could not affect ties with other side. Nepal shares equally good ties with China. PM Dahal also said that he was committed to implementing the constitution by taking all sides on board. He confirmed this commitment subsequently at a function in Kathmandu marking the first anniversary of the promulgation of Nepal’s new constitution. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal stated that the constitution could mature only after timely amendments to cater to the needs of the people. PM said that the constitution must be open to amendments as the Madhes-based communities were still dissatisfied with the existing one.
However, Federal Alliance and United Democratic Madhesi Front observed the day as Black Day, holding demonstrations, protest programmes including rallies and protest meetings in various districts in the plains. CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, as expected, was quick to criticize the 25-point Joint Statement that, in his view, undermined the independence of Nepal as it just reflected India’s views. Standing Committee of the CPN-UML criticised the joint statement especially for the mention of the issues related to the constitution amounted to Indian intervention in the internal affairs of Nepal. Naya Shakti Party, Nepal has also condemned the joint statement and termed the provisions of ‘holding similar views on major international issues’ as a blunder. It also criticised the statement that that the Nepali side reiterated its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of UN Security Council. Chairman of Rashtriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) and former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the erstwhile KP Sharma Oli led government, Kamal Thapa not only termed the PM’s visit to India as “irrelevant and insignificant” but went on to say that the visit has “increased the risks and has disturbed the balance of India-Nepal relations”.
SAARC Chair Nepal Confirms Non-Participation in Summit
SAARC Chair Nepal Confirmed that it received letters from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India regarding their inability to attend the next South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit to be held in Islamabad in November. Officiating Foreign Secretary Jhabirdra Aryal said that as the Chair of the regional bloc, Nepal believed that SAARC process should move smoothly, and summit be held on time. A foreign ministry official said that it was up to the host country, Pakistan, whether to call off the summit now or to persuade the four member-states to hold the summit on schedule. He however, said that as per its charter, all the members have to attend summit, in which heads of state/government of all the eight countries take part. He further said that if any member is absent, the regional summit can’t take place.
Dahal Will Meet Chinese Prez at BRICS Summit
At a time when the planned visit of the Chinese President to Nepal in October is yet to be confirmed, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that he would be meeting with Xi Jinping during the upcoming BRICS Summit in Goa, India. Dahal informed a meeting of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Secretariat, on September 26, that Xi’s visit to Kathmandu would be fixed after Goa meeting.
Bhutan
Bhutan Condemns Uri Attack
The Government of Bhutan condemned the terrorist attack on the Uri Army base in Kashmir, on September 18. “Bhutan is deeply concerned by the despicable terrorist attack” the foreign ministry stated in a press release, on September 19. It added that in this hour of distress, the people and the Royal Government of Bhutan express their solidarity with the people and government of India. It further stated “we also extend our profound sympathies and prayers to the families who have lost their loved ones”
Bhutan to Boycott SAARC Summit
After India and Bangladesh, Bhutan also confirmed its inability to participate in the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Islamabad. Bhutan government, “while reaffirming Bhutan’s strong commitment to the SAARC process and strengthening of regional cooperation, it notes the concern of the Royal Government of Bhutan on the recent escalation of terrorism in the region, which has seriously compromised the environment for the successful holding of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016”.
Bangladesh
Political Developments
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Rules out Possibility of Mid-term Elections
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on September 22, ruled out the possibility of mid-term election in the country. Replying to a question at a press conference to brief the media about the outcome of 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly, she said that the BNP and some other parties were opposing government’s efforts on curbing terrorism and militancy.
Construction of Rampal Power Plant to Continue Despite Protests
The ruling Awami League, on September 26, said that the UNESCO report expressing concern over possible ecological impact of Rampal plant on world Heritage Sunderbans was influenced by demands raised by the activists leading movements against the project. The government will setup the coal-fired thermal power plant at Rampal taking all measures to save the Sunderbans, environment and nature, Rampal plant is a joint venture of Bangladesh and India.
Call to End Discrimination against Ethnic Minorities
Leaders of Ethnic minority peoples and some noted personalities, on September 26, demanded constitutional recognition of national minorities as indigenous people to end discrimination against them. They also urged the government to introduce an education system in the respective languages of the national minorities to reduce dropout rate among their Students. They also said that discriminatory measures, oppressing ethnic minorities and grabbing of their land were continuing.
Pakistan Political Parties Invited to Awami League National Council in October
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Muslim League (Nawaz), and several other Pakistani leaders will be invited to attend the Council meet of the Awami League to be held on October 22-23. Political leaders from 70 countries are expected to attend the council meet. The ruling party had originally decided not to invite any political party from Pakistan mainly because of their support to convicted war criminals. However, the change was made recently in a statement released by General Secretary, Syed Ashraful Islam. “Not all the people of Pakistan had opposed the liberation. So we are mulling over inviting some progressive party leaders”, Syed Ashraf had said.
IS Videos Not Uploaded from Bangladesh:
Maintaining the earlier position of the government, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that IS did not have any existence in Bangladesh. While making the remark in Dhaka, on September 25, the home minister said that videos under the banner of militant outfit Islamic State (IS) were being uploaded from other countries, not from Bangladesh. He said that IS had no base and organizational structure or even any leader in Bangladesh.
Weapons for Gulshan, Sholkia Attackers Came from Abroad via India
While briefing the media, on September 19, on the progress of investigation in Gulshan and Sholakia attacks, Additional Commissioner of Police, Monirul Islam, said that arms used in Gulshan and Sholakia attacks came through India. Since the name of the manufacturing country was not mentioned, so it was difficult to say which country manufactured them. As regards money, he said that the money came from outside. Investigations are on to find out whether a Bangladeshi sent it from abroad or the money was sent from inside Bangladesh and different routes were used to bring it back to avoid getting caught, he said. The money was received through hundi and the police knew the person who received it in Bangladesh, he added.
External Relations
Dhaka Stands with Delhi to Condemn Terror
Expressing deep shock at the terrorist attack on the army base at Uri in Kashmir, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that Bangladesh ‘firmly stands’ beside India at this difficult hour, according to the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka. “In line with the ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism and violent extremism, Bangladesh firmly stands beside India at this difficult hour”, she wrote to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Bangladesh strongly condemns terrorism and violent extremism in all forms and manifestations, the Prime Minister mentioned in her condolence message, on September 19, according to Foreign Ministry. On behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister extended to her Indian counterpart and through him to the bereaved families of soldiers who lost their precious lives their deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies, the prime minister added.
Bangladesh Boycotts SAARC Summit In Islamabad Amid India-Pakistan Row
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, on September 27, said that the Foreign Ministry had written to SAARC Secretariat and the current SAARC Chair conveying that Bangladesh can not attend the SAARC Summit due to domestic engagements. The decision was conveyed, on September 27, he added. Meanwhile, a senior official in Dhaka said that the prime minister had decided to skip the summit following Pakistan’s “repeated and shameless” interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs over the trial of war criminals.
Bangabandhu’s Killer Noor Choudhury’s Asylum Plea Rejected
The Federal Court of Canada has rejected the political asylum plea of Bangbandhu’s self-confessed killer Noor Choudhury. The Canadian Federal Court made it clear that Noor Choudhury has been living in Canada illegally and the Canadian government, if it wants, can extradite him any time. However, the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka is still unware of any such development as there has not been confirmation through official channel and is trying to verify the information.
China-Funded Roads Get Green Light
The cabinet committee on economic affairs, on September 21, approved the Roads and Highways Department’s proposals allowing China Harbour Engineering company to build two mega-roads for about Tk 38,000 crore. The project will be carried out with Chinese soft loans and without any competitive bidding. One of the projects involves expanding 226 Km Dhaka-Sylhet road to a four-lane highway. The Roads and Highways Department last year signed a non-binding preliminary agreement with China Harbour, under which a feasibility study and a detailed design have been prepared.
Sri Lanka
‘Eluga Thamil’ Protest in Jaffna
A demonstration called ‘Eluga Thamil’ (Let Tamils Rise! / Tamil Spring) was organised in Jaffna on September 24 by the Tamil People’s Council (TPC) and was led by Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran. The objective of the demonstrations were enlisted as follows-
- Achieving a political solution for the problems faced by the people living in the North and the East,
- Stressing the need to merge the Northern and the Eastern Provinces
- Bringing about an end to the perceived ‘Sinhalese colonisation’ and building of Buddhist temples in the North and the East.
CM Wigneswaran demanded that the construction of Buddhist temples in the area should stop as it impacts the culture of the Tamil people living in the region and federal system with Police, land and finance powers. Similarly, questions relating the delay in release of political prisoners and steps taken by the government in respect of war crimes were raised.
PLOTE and EPRLF leaders attended the Eluga Thamil rally. However, none of the TNA leaders were present. A senior TNA leaders clarified that TNA had nothing to do with Jaffna protest march.
Government in its response made it clear that it will not agree to remove Army camps in the Northern Province and will not leave opponents to pose a threat to national security and peace that has been established in the country.
Sri Lanka Pulls out of SAARC Summit:
In the wake of four member-countries including India pulling out of the 19th SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on November 9 and 10, Sri Lanka said the atmosphere in the South Asian region was not conducive for the holding of the Summit. It is a welcome move on the part of Sri Lanka to show its solidarity with India. But this decision received flack from some of the MR loyalists as they may want to sideline India for supporting present government. .Former Minister of Foreign Affairs G. L. Peiris said that Sri Lanka being a founding member of SAARC should not have pulled out, and without naming Pakistan, he maintained that Lanka attaches the greatest value to friendship with countries which stood by it consistently during struggle against terrorism. Sri Lankan government has refrained to make any comment on this.
Maldives
Maldives Seek SAARC Summit at an Early Date:
The Maldives has urged SAARC members to create an environment conducive to holding the 19th summit at an early date. The appeal comes after some SAARC countries expressed their inability to attend the summit scheduled for November 9 and 10 in Islamabad because of terrorism and threats to regional and international peace. A statement from the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said: “The Maldives condemns international terrorism, especially those originating from outside.” The exiled leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed has lauded India for its “continued restraint and measured response” and expressed profound sadness by the loss of Indian soldiers in the recent terror attack.
Given the current state of political instability within this country and fact that it shares a warm and friendly relationship with Pakistan, it was obvious for Maldives not to take any firm step on the issue. As expected, they have preferred beating around the bush and not to antagonize Pakistan, who happens to be one of the three supporters (other two being China and Saudi Arabia) of the present regime.
Commonwealth Ministerial Report on Maldives is Critical of the Country:
A high level of fear and political intimidation prevails in The Maldives according to a briefing note submitted recently to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG). The report is prepared by the Commonwealth Secretary General's special envoy to The Maldives and former chief justice of Kenya, Dr. Willy Mutunga, after undertaking two visits to the island nation between July and September (July 31 to August 5 and September 3 to September 9), and based on interactions with people at various levels. The briefing note of 14 points paints an abysmal and alarming picture of the situation that exists in The Maldives, especially in capital Male, confirming that there is a breakdown of the political and constitutional administration, and a complete absence of acceptable standards of law and order. The island nation is cautioned that if it continues on this path of coercion of opposition and intimidation there could be international consequences.
Myanmar
Suu Kyi Addresses the UN
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivered her maiden speech on 21st September at the UN General Assembly after the new government took over. She declared that the new government was “standing firm against the forces of prejudice and intolerance.” We are committed to a sustainable solution that will lead to peace, stability and development for all communities within the state.” She emphasized that the recent appointment of a commission led by former UN chief Kofi Annan will address humanitarian, development, basic rights and security issues. She also stressed that achieving national reconciliation in the country was her government’s highest priority. In this context she explained the efforts being made by the government to address the concerns about discrimination against Rohingyas in Rakhine State and the problems of the ethnic minorities.
Suu Kyi Indisposed after Long Visit Abroad
Aung San Suu Kyi’s health seems to be indisposed after a two weeks visit to US and UK. Some of the scheduled meetings and engagements were postponed. The official statement averred that “She is also suffering a gastric problem as she didn’t have meals at regular times during the trip and is suffering from arthritis in her neck. But her health is not in a state of concern and she just needs to rest for a while”.
Myanmar Offensive against Kachin Independence Army Continues
The Myanmar Army carried out airstrikes (Sept. 22) in Kachin State’s Waingmaw Township, as part of a weeklong offensive against the Kachin Independence Army’s (KIA) 2nd, 3rd and 5th Brigades. According to reports, army also used 120 mm and 105 mm artillery in the attack. Fighting renewed in June 2011—after a 17-year ceasefire between the former military government and the KIA. The KIA has not yet signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), which is a necessary step to take part in the national political dialogue at the decision-making level. However, leaders from the KIA’s political wing, the Kachin Independence Organization, joined the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference held in end August. Analysts opine that the offensive could have been designed to put pressure on KIA to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.
Opposition to Construction of Dams
Kachin civil groups have opposed the planned hydropower project to be built over the May Kha River and Ngaw Chan Kha Creek in Kachin State. They have written to President U Htin Kyaw calling for a halt to the projects on the ground that at least 68 villages with a total population of over 30,000 stand to be affected as traditionally they have carried out terraced farming on the nearby mountainsides. Engineers from China had visited the site in end- 2015 but left after strong opposition from locals.
In another development, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) has urged the government to be transparent and to ensure accountability regarding large hydropower dam projects proposed on the Salween River in eastern Myanmar. Six large hydropower dams are planned to be built along the river in Shan, Karenni and Karen states, which would collectively generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity, mostly for export to neighboring countries. The SNLD also backs the demands of Shan civil society organizations (CSOs) and environmentalists to halt the dam projects, because of the non-transparent environmental and social impact assessment conducted last month without public consultation. With a plan to export up to 90 percent of the electricity from the hydropower dams to China, environmentalists and CSOs have continually protested the projects since their initial proposals, citing the harm that could be inflicted on local environments and livelihoods.
