The state of freedom of speech in Hong Kong
Stand News in Hong Kong became the latest casualty of the new Security Law in Hong Kong. Stand News’ headquarters was raided by the National Security Policy; their computers were seized and assets frozen.
On November 29, Sedra, the daughter of a physician, Mohammad Dawod Rateb, was abducted in an area close to Balhika private school in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital city of Balkh Province. As reported on December 3, she was subsequently rescued by Taliban forces.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Under Increased Fire
On October 13, 2021, a Traffic Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Nauman Khan, was killed in an incident of targeted killing in Chamkani area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). ASI Khan was going to join his duties when he was targeted by two unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle.
Chhattisgarh: Narayanpur: Unbridled Distress
On October 8, 2021, an Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) trooper was injured after Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres fired at him in Kohkameta village in Narayanpur District. Sundarraj Pattilingam, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Bastar Range, disclosed that the incident took place at around 3 pm [IST] when the trooper belonging to ITBP's 53rd battalion was on duty at the mobile check post in front his unit's camp in Kohkameta village.
On September 23, 2021, at least 14 jan militia (people's militia) members of the Cherla [Bhadradri Kothagudem] ‘area committee’ of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) surrendered before the Security Forces (SFs) in the Bhadradri Kothagudem District. According to the Police, the 14 jan militia members, who were forced to join the outfit, decided to quit they were unable to bear the harassment by leaders, who forced them do things against their will. Recently, they were forced to attend a training programme in the Pesarlapadu, Puttapadu and Chanda areas in Chhattisgarh.
Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management
United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken on 28 July described attacks on civilians in Afghanistan by the Taliban as “deeply, deeply troubling” and averred that “An Afghanistan that commits atrocities against its own people would become a pariah State”.
NSCN-K-NS: Persisting Challenge
On July 20, 2021, the Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) issued a statement questioning Nikki Sumi on his intention "to give peace a chance." The statement of the Working Committee read,
On the fifth anniversary of PCA Ruling, South China Sea remains a dangerous flashpoint
July 2021 coincidentally happens to be landmark developments in relation to Communist China under the leadership of Xi Jinping, who has moulded himself in the frame of past Chinese Emperors by declaring himself President of the country for life and seeking regional, if not global, domination.
On June 26, 2021, four Districts were captured by the Taliban. These Districts include Shor Tapa in Balkh Province, Chak and Sayed Abad in Maidan Wardak Province, and Rustaq in Takhar Province.
On June 15, 2021, Security Forces (SFs) recovered explosives, including Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials, and a huge cache of arms, following an exchange of fire with Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres at a forest near Kulabeda village in Malkangiri District in Odisha. No casualty was reported.
World View: The Real Iranian Elections
Forget about the Iranian presidential elections on 18 June. Actually don’t completely dismiss them. They do have some importance. The key one being how many actually turn out to vote. If the figure is low—as expected—then the regime knows that it is in trouble.
NSCN-KYA: Collaborating to Survive
On May 31, 2021, a heavy gun battle broke out between Assam Rifles troopers and suspected militants of the Yung Aung faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-KYA) at Nogolo village in Tirap District. However, no casualty was reported in the incident.
India and Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement: What does it mean for India and Kashmir?
For a few months now, there is peace across the LOC as the guns have fallen silent from both sides of the divide. It is a reprieve time for those unfortunate ones who live within a radius of a few kilometres from LOC on both sides as they no longer need fear for their lives and properties. How short/ long lived will this scenario be? Why did Pakistan go in for a ceasefire? What can be expected of Pakistan in near and distant future, given its past misdemeanours? If an answer is to be sought for the stated questions then one needs to understand the psyche of Pakistan as a Nation, with regard to India.
Many layers of Israel-Hamas fighting
The violent conflict between Israel and Hamas has come to an end with a ceasefire, thanks to intense diplomatic efforts from Egypt, Qatar and a number of Western countries including the United States. In this latest episode of violent conflagration between the Israelis and the Palestinians, both sides have gained little, and lost much.