(Combined effort of PATHFINDER GROUP Task Force)
Bombs Blasts/IEDs
Seven persons were injured in an explosion during a football match on April 13 at a sports ground in Hub area Karachi, reports Geo TV. According to Police, the final of a football tournament was taking place at a ground in Allahabad neighbourhood when the explosion occurred. The Police said an initial probe shows that a remote-controlled device was used to detonate the explosive that was hidden where spectators were seated.
Targetted Killings
A journalist, identified as Waseem Alam, the joint editor of local newspaper, Sada-e-lawaghir, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the evening of April 10 in the Batani Khel area of Karak District,reports Dawn.
Unidentified assailants shot dead a Policeman in Laghari area of Mamond tehsil (revenue unit) in Bajaur District on April 15, reports Dawn. Constable Farhad Khan (35) was walking outside his house after Iftar when unidentified gunmen opened fire on him, he succumbed to his injuries on the way to Hospital.
Three persons were injured in a grenade attack in the industrial town of Hub in Lasbela District on April 15, reports Dawn. Police said that unidentified motorcyclists hurled a grenade into a security check-point near a factory which went off. As a result, three persons, who were passing through the area, received injuries. The security personnel remained unhurt in the grenade attack.
Miscellaneous
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested four militants during a raid on a tip-off in Bhatta Chowk of Rawalpindi city on March 30 and recovered explosives from their possession, reports ARY News. The CTD spokesperson said that the raiding team recovered explosive material, mobile phones and detonators from their possession.
A religious scholar, Mufti Saleemullah, got injured in a gun attack near Manghopir road in Karachi on March 31, reports ARY News. The Police said unidentified assailants opened fire on his car as a result of which he sustained two bullet injuries.
Security Forces (SFs) on April 3, killed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant Ashraf Ullah alias Toofani during an Area Sanitization Operation in Boya, North Waziristan District, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement reports ARY News. According to ISPR, on the reported presence of militants SFs had conducted an Area Sanitization Operation in Boya and during the exchange of fire militant Ashraf Ullah, resident of Boya was killed. Ashraf Ullah was an active militant of TTP, and was involved in target killing, militant activities against SFs, extortion and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) the ISPR said.
One militant was killed and four others arrested during a raid by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Bakhtiarabad area of Sibi District on April 5, reports Samaa TV. Two Kalashnikovs and a rifle were recovered from possession of militants. The slain militant was wanted in different cases.
Security Forces (SFs) killed one Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant during an area ‘sanitisation operation’ in Dewagar area of North Waziristan District on April 4, reports Dawn. In a statement issued, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said during an intense exchange of fire a TTP militant, identified as Zahiduddin, a resident of Dewagar, was killed. The statement said the Zahiduddin was an active cadre of TTP in Dewagar and Kharseen areas. He actively involved in targeted killings, attacks on the SFs, extortion and planting IEDs.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on April 5 arrested a key terrorist of Muttahida Qaumi Movement London (MQM-L), identified as Asif Bhaaiya, during a raid at Manghopir road in Karachi, reports ARY News. Asif Bhaaiya involved in several heinous crimes and arrested along with arms and ammunition.
A local leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and his son were seriously injured in a shooting incident when unidentified assailants opened fire at their car near Waggan area of Larkana District on April 6, reports ARY News. JUI leader Abdul Qadir Sial and his son Abdul Aziz were en-route to Karachi from Ratodero when they were ambushed near Waggan.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant and recovered explosives from his possession during an intelligence tip-off conducted operation in Sukkur District on April 8, reports The Nation. According to CTD, the arrested militant Rahim joined TTP in 2009 and took part in many militant activities and after Swat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) operation fled to Sukkur.
Security Forces (SFs) killed a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Ladha area of South Waziristan District on April 12, reports Geo TV. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the slain militant was identified as Peer alias Asad. Peer was an active cadre of TTP since 2006. He had joined the TTP Baitullah Mehsud group and had actively taken part in terrorist activities against SFs. After the death of Hakimullah Mehsud, Peer joined the Shehryar Mehsud Group of the TTP.
Police arrested a wanted terrorist, identified as Jameel Ahmed, during a raid conducted in Saro Klay area of Charsadda on April 16, reports Samaa TV. According to Police, the arrested terrorist, a residence of Shabqadar, blew up a primary school in December 2013 and attacked a Police vehicle in the area. Senior journalist and former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Absar Alam, was shot at by unidentified assailants in Islamabad on April 20, reports Dawn. In a video shared by journalist Asad Toor, Alam can be heard saying he was shot at while walking outside his home. “I’ve been hit in my ribs,” he said, adding that he had not lost hope. “My message to those who did this is that I am not going to be scared by such tactics,” Alam said in the video.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan test fires A1 missile
Pakistan on Friday, March 26 conducted successful flight test of Shaheen-1A surface-to-surface ballistic missile having a range of 900 kilometers.
The test flight was aimed at re-validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system, including advanced navigation system, the ISPR said. Flight test was witnessed by Lt Gen Nadeem Zaki Manj, Director General Strategic Plans Division (SPD), Dr Raza Samar, Chairman NESCOM, Lt Gen Muhammad Ali, Commander Army Strategic Forces Command, and the scientists and engineers of strategic organizations.
Swat ATC judge along with three other family members killed in targeted attack in Peshawar
A judge of a Swat District Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), identified as Judge Aftab Afridi, was among four persons shot dead in an attack on his car near the Ambar Interchange in the jurisdiction of Chota Lahore Police Station in Peshawar, on April 4, reports Dawn. ATC Judge Aftab Afridi, his wife, grandson and daughter-in-law, were travelling from Peshawar to Islamabad via Swabi. Two security guards, who were part of the judge’s convoy were also injured in the attack. The assailants managed to escape the scene after the attack.
CTD arrests five Daesh militants from Lahore under terrorism funding charges
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on April 5 arrested five militants from Bhatta Chowk (roundabout) in Lahore for their involvement in collecting funds for terror activities, reports ARY News. A spokesman for the CTD said that “they belonged to Daesh and hate material was recovered from their possession”. The arrested militants were identified as Nazimullah, Ziaur Rehman, Ishtiaq, Abdul Rehman and Malik Kashif. The CTD spokesman said that the militants were spreading hate material among the public when they were apprehended. “They were also collecting funds in the name of Daesh,” he said adding that 40 books based on hate material and funds and receipts of the terror organization were also recovered from their possession.
Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau reveals nexus between terror outfits of Karachi, Balochistan
Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau has revealed that terrorist organisations of Karachi and Balochistan are working together in the largest province of the country, reports The Express Tribune on April 6. Minister Langau revealed to the media at Karachi Press Club on April 5, and said action has been initiated against them during which Security Forces (SFs) have killed and arrested several terrorists. During the presser, Minister Langau also claimed that current law and order situation in Balochistan is better than in the past.
TLP placed on NACTA’s list of banned organizations
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) on April 16 has placed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on the list of banned organizations, reports ARY News. The TLP has been given the 79th number on the list and has been banned from collecting any kind of donations. Giving donations to the TLP will now be considered as terror financing, the NACTA officials said.
Five persons, including a Police official, killed and 12 others injured in blast at Quetta’s Serena Hotel
At least five persons, including a Police official, were killed and 12 others sustained injuries when a bomb exploded in the parking lot of the Serena Hotel located on the Shahrah-e-Zarghun Road in Quetta in the night of April 21, reports Dawn. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Azhar Ikram said that the explosive device was apparently fitted in a vehicle, according to initial investigations. Addressing a press conference, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said that the Chinese ambassador being the apparent target of the attack. Langove said that the ambassador was not present at the hotel when the explosion occurred. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the blast, adds Samaa TV.
AFGHANISTAN INTERNAL DYNAMICS
23 Taliban militants Killed in Uruzgan Province
Afghan Ground and Air Forces targeted and killed 23 Taliban militants when militant convoys in parts of the Khas Uruzgan and Dehrawood Districts and the outskirts of Trenkot bazaar in Trenkot city, in Uruzgan Province on March 25, reports Bakhtar News Agency. Eight Taliban were injured in the incidents.
Three female polio vaccinators killed in separate incidents in Nangarhar Province
Three women working for the polio vaccination campaign were killed in two separate attacks in Jalalabad city, capital of Nangarhar Province on March 30, reports Bakhtar News Agency. One of the incidents happened at around 11:30 am local time in Majboor Abad area Jalalabad’s District 4 in which unidentified gunmen killed a woman worker of polio vaccination campion. In another similar incident less than one hour after the first attack, unidentified gunmen killed two other female workers of the campaign in Lal Qasim Agha area in Jalalabad’s PD7, sources said. According to hospital officials, the workers named Basira, Samina and Negina. Local officials have not commented on the incidents. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Taliban rocket hit US Military base in Khost Province
U.S. military base has been hit by missile strikes in the former airfield of Khost Province, Bakhtar News Agency reports on March 31. A security source in Khost confirmed the rocket attack on a US military base in the province. Taliban claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, but said they had targeted Afghan troops. So far, no casualties have been reported from the incident.
Six SFs killed in Herat Province
Six security Forces were killed in separate incidents in Herat province, reports Tolo News. One of the incidents was a car bomb attack close to a National Directorate of Security (NDS) facility followed by clashes with Security Forces in which four security force members were killed in Shindand District on March 31. Meanwhile, two SFs were killed and another was injured in a blast at a police outpost in Herat city on April 1.
305 Afghans killed in targeted attacks and explosions in past month, according to news report
Data collected by Tolo News shows that at least 305 Afghans were killed and 350 others were wounded in a series of explosions and targeted attacks in the past one month, reports Tolo News. There has been a 20 percent increase in the number of explosions and targeted attacks in the country in March 2021 compared to February 2021. These are the statistics which are shared with the media, however, according to the security sources, the casualties of war are much higher than this figure and each day there are about 20 to 30 fatalities among Afghan Security Forces. According to Tolo News data, most of the attacks are reported in Kabul, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Helmand, Balkh and Ghazni Provinces. “The Taliban are carrying out these attacks, they claim some of them and deny some others. Overall, the responsibility lies on the shoulders of the Taliban,” said Rahmatullah Andar a spokesman for the National Security Council.
47 Taliban militants killed in Kandahar Province
At least 47 Taliban militants have been killed in an airstrike in the Arghandab District of Kandahar Province in Afghanistan, reports The Khaama Press News Agency. Fawad Aman, Deputy Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense tweeted, 47 Taliban insurgents, including group’s 10 suicide bombers were killed and several others wounded in the attack. The Taliban militants were shot dead when the Afghan Air Force (AAF) targeted their hideouts and strongholds at around 1:52 am in the Arghandab District of Kandahar province. Aman indicated that the Taliban were preparing to plan operations against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSFs).
Nine Border Police killed in Herat Province
Taliban in two attacks killed nine Border Policemen in outposts in Kohsan and Ghorian Districts of Herat Province on April 8, reports The Khaama Press News Agency. Reports indicate the both Districts fell to the Taliban after heavy clashes with the Government Forces. At least 15 Border security members were also taken hostage by the Taliban militants.
US will complete withdrawal all American troops from Afghanistan over the by the 20th anniversary of the September 11, says President Joseph Biden
President Joseph R Biden said United States (US) will complete withdrawal all American troops from Afghanistan over the by the 20th anniversary of the September 11, reports The Khaama Press News Agency on April 14.
BANGLADESH INTERAL DYNAMICS
Five shot dead in Bangladesh demos against Modi visit
Five supporters of a hardline Islamist group were shot dead in Bangladesh on Friday, March 26 during violent demonstrations across the country against a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said.
Police said four bodies of members of Hefazat-e-Islam, a hardline Islamist group, were brought to Chittagong Medical College Hospital after violence erupted at Hathazari, a rural town where the group’s main leaders are based. At least four other demonstrators were critically injured but police did not say who opened fire.
Ruhul Amin, the government administrator of Hathazari town, said up to 1,500 supporters of Hefazat attacked a police station chanting anti-Modi slogans. “They attacked us all of a sudden,” he said, without confirming whether any protesters were killed.
Violence also spread at Jatrabari, a neighbourhood in the capital Dhaka, and in the eastern border district of Brahmanbaria with thousands of madrasa students demonstrating in the two places. At Brahmanbaria one person was killed during clashes with police, a police spokesman told AFP, adding officers “opened live fire” and lobbed tear gas at Islamists protesting Modi’s visit for the independence day celebrations.
Hefazat spokesman Jakaria Noman Foyezi told AFP the deceased was a supporter of the group. He added some 100,000 supporters of the group staged protests in at least 22 cities and towns across the country.
Five people killed as HeI activists and madrasa students clash with Police in many places
Five people were killed and 50 others were injured on March 26 after Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI) activists and madrasa students clashed with the Police in many places, reports Dhaka Tribune. In Chittagong District, Robiul Islam, Mirazul Islam, Mohamad Abdullah, Mohamad Jamil were killed during the clash. In Brahmanbaria District, the man killed during the mayhem’s was identified as Ashik. Meanwhile, in Dhaka District, at least 50 people, including several journalists, were injured after anti-Modi protesters clashed with Police outside Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after the Friday prayers.
Five people killed and scores of others injured on second day of HeI mayhem
Five people were killed and scores of others were injured on second day of Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI) mayhem on March 27, reports The Daily Star. In Brahmanbaria District, five people were killed and 16 others were injured in the clash between HeI supporters and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel took place around 5:30pm on the Cumilla-Sylhet highway. In Faridpur District, 250-300 people attacked Bhanga Police Station, injuring six Police personnel, including two Sub-Inspectors and an Assistant Sub-Inspector. In Chittagong District, the bastion of HeI, members of the outfit ran amok. They built a solid brick wall that blocked the Chattogram-Khagrachhari highway. All traffic movement on the road had remained halted since the night before. In Dhaka city, Islamist protesters brought out two processions. Around noon, HeI supporters demonstrated within the premises of Baitul Mukarram mosque, while supporters of Islami Andolon brought out a separate rally that started from the North gate of the mosque, and proceeded for half a kilometre before being suspended in front of Dainik Bangla intersection. The demands being placed by HeI include, the withdrawal of the officer-in-charge of Hathazari Police Station, a promise that no cases will be lodged against the students, and assurance that the Police who fired at the HeI supporters will be brought to justice.
Two JMB cades arrested in Dhaka city
Detectives on March 30 arrested two cadres of banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) from Tejturi Bazar area of Dhaka city in Dhaka District of Dhaka Division, reports The Daily Star. The arrested are Asifur Rahman (26) and Piash Sheikh (28). A pistol and two bullets were recovered from them.
Militant outfits are operating online business from behind bars to collect funds, say Investigators
Investigators on March 31 said that militant outfits are operating an online business from behind bars to collect funds, reports The Daily Star. Investigators claimed to have gleaned the information from two cadres of banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) arrested from Tejturi Bazar area of Dhaka city on March 30. Convicted leaders of the militant outfits launched the business allegedly with support from a section of jail staffers who earn BDT 100 to 200 for delivery of each product. The profit from the business is used to support the militants families and bear the costs of their legal battles.
Government sets up cyber tribunal in all eight Divisions of country to hold trials of cybercrimes-related cases
The Government on April 4 set up a cyber tribunal in each of the all eight Divisions of the country to hold trials of cybercrimes-related cases, including those filed under the controversial Digital Security Act (DSA), reports The Daily Star. Earlier, there was one cyber tribunal in Dhaka for holding trial of cases filed under the Information and Communication Technology Act. The Law Ministry issued a gazette notification to this effect saying that the cyber tribunals have been formed under the Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006. The names of the eight tribunals are Cyber Tribunal, Dhaka Cyber Tribunal, Chattogram Cyber Tribunal, Rajshahi Cyber Tribunal, Khulna Cyber Tribunal, Barishal Cyber Tribunal, Sylhet Cyber Tribunal, Rangpur, and Cyber Tribunal Mymensingh.
JMB in-charge arrested in Dhaka
The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP) arrested Rezaul Haque aka Reza aka Tanvir Mahmud aka Shihab aka Ahnaf (37), the Acting Amir of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), from the Badda area of capital city, Dhaka on April 10, reports Dhaka Tribune. DMP, Joint Commissioner of Police, M Elias Sharif, said, the Special Action Group Division of the CTTC unit conducted a special drive in the Badda area and arrested Rezaul, who is also the chief of the Da’wah and Baitulmal department of the militant outfit JMB. Rezaul, arrested for his involvement in a series of bomb attacks in the country in 2005, was conducting militant activities across the country as per the directives of top JMB leader Salahuddin Salehin. In 2017, he secured bail and became involved in the activities of JMB again. According to the CTTC Rezaul who is in charge of the current organizational structure of the JMB is the only Shura member of the JMB.
Will not allow Government to shut down madrasas under pretext of lockdown, says HeI chief Junaid Babunagari
Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI) chief Junaid Babunagari after an emergency meeting of HeI at Hathazari of Chattogram District on April 11 said they will not allow the Government to shut down madrasas under the pretext of lockdown and called for allowing people to pray at mosques during the month of fasting, reports Dhaka Tribune. He said “We won’t allow shutting down of madrasas on the pretext of lockdown to curb coronavirus and stopping prayers at mosques. Taraweeh, Jumma prayers and Etekaf will continue.” Babunagari further said that the recitation of the holy Quran and prayers during Ramadan will stop the spread of the coronavirus.
INDIA INTERNAL DYNAMICS
Maoists kill a zilla parishad member in Chhattisgarh
The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres hacked to death a zilla parishad (district level local self-Government institution) member identified as Budhram Kashyap (45) at Taalnar village under Mirtoor Police Station limits in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh on March 26, reports Outlook. “Kashyap was a member of Bijapur zilla panchayat. As per preliminary information, a group of armed Maoists stormed into his home and attacked him with sharp-edged weapons, killing him instantly. The ultras fled,” Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sundarraj P. said.
Policeman killed in militant attack on BJP leader’s house in Jammu and Kashmir
A Policeman was killed and his Ak-47 rifle snatched when militants attacked the guard post of a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Muhammad Anwar Khan at Aribagh area in Nowgam in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on April 1, reports Daily Excelsior. The slain Policeman was identified as Rameez Raja (30), a resident of Ara Khashipora in the Dialgam area of Anantnag had joined Jammu and Kashmir Police five years back. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said four Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants including two from Srinagar carried out the attack on the guard post of the house of senior BJP leader Muhammad Anwar Khan in Aribagh in Nowgam area. The IGP said two of the four militants involved in the act have been identified as Shahid Khursheed and Obaid Shafi. “Both belong to Lashkar-e-Toiba. The identity of two others is being ascertained who are also believed to be from Lashkar,” he said.
Maoist posters found in Kerala’
Several handwritten posters reportedly prepared by the Nadukani Dalam (armed squad) of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) urging the public to quit voting in the Assembly elections have been spotted at Muthappanpuzha near Thiruvambadi in Kozhikode District of Kerala on April 1, reports The Hindu. Local informants told the Police that the posters were brought to the spot by a gang of four, who expressed solidarity with farmers in their ongoing struggle. They made the surprise appearance at a time when the Police and commando forces were on alert in view of the polls. Criticising all major political fronts for their “anti-farmer policies and monopolistic administration”, the posters called for a protracted people’s war against the forces concerned for liberation. The posters also claimed that election was hardly a solution for liberating the State from corporate forces and Hindu fascism.
22 SF personnel killed in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh
At least 22 Security Force (SF) personnel were killed and 30 others injured in an encounter with Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) in a forest along the border between Bijapur and Sukma Districts in Chhattisgarh on April 3, reports CNBCTV18. The officials said that nine Naxals [Left Wing Extremism, LWE] including a woman Maoist were killed in the three hour long encounter, adds English Jagran. Following tip-off over the major movement of the Maoists, the planned anti-Maoist operations were undertaken by various parties of the forces along the Bijapur-Sukma border from three different directions in the conflict zone of Bastar on April 2 night. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), anti-Naxal operations, OP Pal said, the personnel belonging to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its elite unit CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Special Task Force (STF) were involved in the operation launched from five places Tarrem, Usoor and Pamed (Bijapur) and Minpa and Narsapuram (Sukma). The Maoists People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion was led by its ‘commander’ Hidma, with a total strength of nearly 250, and this group of Naxals was aided by Maoists associated with the Maoist platoons of Pamed, Konta, Jagargunda and Basaguda area committees. A group of 60-80 armed Maoists led by Chandranna was also spotted in Bijapur shortly before the attack.
Shift offices to Assam, hire local youths, ULFA-I warns tea company
Proscribed Independent faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA-I), on April 8, issued a warning to Amalgamated Plantations Pvt Ltd (APPL), the second largest tea producer in the country, to shift all its offices to Assam and hire indigenous youths of the State, failing which the outfit will take action “to prevent it from doing business in Assam”, reports East Mojo. In a statement signed by the member of publicity department of the outfit, Rumel Asom, the ULFA-I said that the company’s head office is outside the State of Assam where no “indigenous” people from Assam were recruited, despite the fact that the company was doing business in Assam and making profit. The statement said, “We are aware that you are recruiting your workers from outside Assam instead of the unemployed indigenous youths in Assam. This is contrary to the spirit of a ‘win-win’ relationship between a corporate and the locals.” The statement further read: “We are giving notice with this statement that, with immediately effect you relocate all your administrative offices to Assam and you will recruit only indigenous people of Assam (Thologiri) workers in various positions that open up in your company from now on, If you fail to comply with our just demand promptly, we shall take action to prevent your company from doing business in Assam,” the statement said, adding that no one connected with the company would be allowed to travel in the state in their business interest.
Monthly Fatalities
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period March 26, 2021 to April 25, 2021:
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Arunachal P | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
| Assam | 02 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
| Left Wing | 16 | 30 | 04 | 50 |
| Total | 19 | 30 | 06 | 55 |
NEPAL INTERNAL DYNAMICS
JSP will not join Government led by KP Sharma Oli ‘under any circumstance’, says JSP Chairman Upendra Yadav
Chairman of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), Upendra Yadav speaking with media persons in Butwal on March 26 said that his party will not join the Government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli ‘under any circumstance’, reports Republica. Yadav maintained that JSP will not join the Oli-led Government even if discussions regarding the release of the party’s lawmaker Resam Chaudhary and amendment to the constitution with the government are underway. “This government is against federalism, democracy and inclusiveness. JSP won’t join such a government under any circumstance,” he added. Yadav also claimed that PM Oli has brought political instability and confusion in the country.
NC asks CPN-Maoist Center and JSP-N to help form Government
Nepali Congress (NC), on April 9, held a meeting with the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-Maoist Center) and the Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal (JSP-N), seeking their support to form the next Government under its leadership, but the meeting ended inconclusively, reports The Himalayan Times. The JSP-N, which holds the key to form an alternative government, sought more time to discuss the NC’s proposal within the party.
New government in next few days, claims Pushpa Kamal Dahal
Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has claimed that an agreement to form a new Government will be reached within the next few days, reports My Republica. Addressing a function at Karnali Province Liaison Committee in Kathmandu on April 10, Chairman Dahal also announced that the political parties in the new coalition Government would forge an electoral alliance to reduce the Oli-led Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist–Leninist (CPN-UML) to the fourth largest party through the next election. Dahal also claimed that the meeting held among the top leaders of Nepali Congress (NC), Maoist Center and Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) at the residence of NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba on April 9 had ended on a positive note. “Since the Janata Samajbadi Party has agreed to give its decision within a day or two, I think a new government will be formed within the next few days,” Dahal said.
Country needs to hold a referendum to abolish parliamentary system, says CPN-Maoist-Chand Secretariat member Dharmendra Bastola
Secretariat member of Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-Maoist-Chand) Dharmendra Bastola while talking to media in Gorkha District on April 11 said the country needs to hold a referendum to abolish the parliamentary system, reports Khabar Hub. Claiming that the current parliamentary set up was undemocratic, Bastola urged all the political forces to move beyond the parliamentary system. “Undemocratic ways are witnessed in countries that follow parliamentary system of governance. Political parties here too are stuck in this system. I urge everyone to overcome it. If political parties cannot reach consensus to adopt progressive political system, then a referendum should be held to let the people make the ultimate decision,” Bastola said.
SRI LANKA INTERNAL DYNAMICS
Two persons arrested for promoting LTTE terrorism online in Jaffna District
The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) on March 29 arrested two persons including a woman on charges of promoting Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism in Navalar Street area of Jaffna District in the Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the suspects have been operating a website and a YouTube channel promoting the LTTE and related terrorism activities. The TID has also seized 5 computers, 5 laptops and other equipment at the scene.
Tamil diaspora groups banned
The Government has banned a number of Tamil diaspora groups, including some influential organizations based in the UK, reports Daily Mirror on March 29. Some of the groups were banned in 2014 but were de-listed by the Government in 2015. The Global Tamil Forum (GTF), British Tamil Forum (BTF), Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC), Australian Tamil Congress (ATC), National Council of Canadian Tamil, Tamil Youth Organisation and the World Tamil Coordinating Committee have been proscribed by the Ministry of Defence. The have been banned under Regulation 4(7) of the United Nations Regulations No.1 of 2012. The gazette notice issued to ban the organizations has been signed by Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne. The Government has also banned a number of individuals based in the UK, Germany, Italy, Malaysia and several other countries. The former Government had de-listed most groups considered as being moderate in their views, in an attempt to seek their support for the reconciliation process and development of the North. However, the current administration considers these groups as still being linked to terrorism and a threat to national security.
Four suspects arrested for spreading extremist ideologies and Wahabism in social media platforms
The officers of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) on March 31 arrested four suspects for spreading extremist ideologies and Wahabism in social media platforms, reports Daily Mirror. Two suspects, a 31-year-old man from Wellampitiya and a 32-year-old male from Thihariya returned from Qatar after working there for a couple of years. During their tenure in Qatar, they had created a WhatsApp group known as ‘One Umma’ and had circulated various ideologies connected to extremism and Wahabism among the Sri Lankans who were in their group. Investigations have brought to light that they had promoted Zahran Hashim’s ideology on extremism and Wahabism. Accordingly, the Sri Lankan authorities alerted the Qatar authorities about their activities through the social media group which they had created. Upon the investigations conducted by the Qatari authorities, the suspects had been deported. Following investigations by the TID, the suspects were arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Meanwhile, another two suspects have been arrested in Muthurtown of Trincomalee District in Eastern Province. The investigations said that the duo has conducted instructions and classes in 2018 for schoolchildren who had done their G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination. The classes were conducted by the followers of Zahran Hazim. The duo was also brought to the TID for further investigations.
Government announces Nawfer Moulavi as mastermind behind Easter Sunday attacks
The Government on April 6 officially announced that Nawfer Moulavi who is in remand custody has been identified as the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks that killed more than 270 innocent civilians on April 21, 2019, reports Daily News. According to Public Security Minister Dr. Sarath Weerasekera, Nawfer Moulavi who is in remand custody, has been involved in brainwashing Saharan Hashim’s team into following the Islamic State ideology. Addressing a press conference at the Information Department, Weerasekera said Nawfer Moulavi has started propagating ideologies of the Islamic State terrorists in 2014. The Minister said that the Government has nothing to hide over the investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks. 32 persons who are directly linked to the attacks have already been identified and the relevant evidence has been submitted for filing charges against them. 75 persons have been detained while 211 persons have been remanded in connection with the attacks, he said.
Two persons arrested for holding lectures on fundamentalist and extremist ideologies in Ampara District
The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) of Police on April 7 arrested two persons from Oluvil area in Ampara District of Eastern Province for holding lectures on fundamentalist and extremist ideologies for a group of students who have completed the GCE Ordinary Level Examination, reports Colombo Page. It is revealed that the two suspects had received guidance from Saharan Hashim, the main suicide bomber involved in the Easter Sunday attack. According to reports, the suspects had used video footage and other content, used by foreign extremist groups in their lectures to recruit new members. The classes were held in December 2018 in the Oluvil area and it has been revealed that the students who participated in the classes were given various physical exercises without their consent, the Police spokesman said.
Jaffna Mayor arrested for promoting LTTE ideology
The Mayor of the Jaffna Municipal Council Manivannan Visvalingam was arrested on April 9 (today) by the Police for promoting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its ideology in Jaffna District of Northern Province, reports Colombo Page. Police Media Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana said the Mayor was arrested for aiding and abetting the promotion of the defunct terrorist organization by deploying five persons in uniform similar to those worn by so-called LTTE police officers during the war for official duties in the vicinity of Jaffna. The Mayor is to be handed over to the Terrorism Investigation Division.
INTERNATIONAL
Myanmar activists call for protests
Myanmar activists have called for major anti-coup protests this weekend as the junta marks Armed Forces Day, after a firebomb attack on deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party headquarters. The country has been in turmoil since the military ousted the Nobel laureate in a lightning putsch on February 1, triggering an uprising demanding a return to democracy.
Nearly 3,000 people have been arrested since the coup, according to a local monitoring group, but the junta earlier this week released more than 600 from Yangon’s Insein prison.
Italy expels Russians after spies ‘caught red-handed’
Italy expelled two Russian officials on Wednesday, March 31 after an Italian navy captain was allegedly caught red-handed selling secret documents to a Russian military officer.
The Italian frigate captain was arrested on spying charges after a “clandestine meeting” with the Russian late on Tuesday in Rome, according to a police statement. Special operations police stopped both men but only the Italian was arrested. He is accused of passing on “confidential documents” in exchange for money.
The Russian, an embassy official, avoided custody thanks to diplomatic immunity, police said. Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio summoned Russia’s ambassador to Rome, Sergey Razov, to lodge a formal protest.
The Corriere della Sera newspaper said the captain was paid 5,000 euros ($5,860) in cash by the Russian. In London, Britain’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab expressed “solidarity” with Italy and condemned “Russia’s malign and destabilising activity that is designed to undermine our Nato ally”.
Moscow is embroiled in a series of rows with the West, most recently over the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a move that triggered EU sanctions against senior Russian officials.
Niger soldiers
Soldiers were arrested in Niger after an “attempted coup” early Wednesday, a security source said after gunfire broke out in the capital Niamey, adding “the situation is under control”.
Jordan press goes silent over ‘plot’ prince
Jordan’s Prince Hamzah, accused of plotting against the kingdom’s “security and stability”, disappeared from the local press on Wednesday, April 7 following a prosecutor’s order banning coverage of the kingdom’s worst crisis in decades.
Gone are reports of a “wicked plot” aimed at overthrowing King Abdullah II, and there is no news on the fate of those arrested in the affair. Amman prosecutor Hassan al-Abdallat on Tuesday banned the publication of any information about the alleged plot said to involve Prince Hamzah, the king’s half-brother, in order to keep the security services’ investigation secret.
Mustafa Al-Riyalat, editor-in-chief of semi-governmental newspaper Addustour, said the silence of the press was justified. “Thank God, things are back to normal,” he told AFP. “Jordanians all feel reassured because it’s as if nothing happened.”
He said the press would have to wait for official statements before publishing anything about those arrested. The government has accused Hamzah a former crown prince who was sidelined as heir to the throne in 2004 of involvement in a conspiracy to “destabilise the kingdom’s security” and also arrested at least 16 people.
But on Wednesday three main subjects made the front pages the visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Faysal Bin Farhan with a message from King Salman and developments in the coronavirus outbreak ravaging the country, as well as the prosecutor’s blackout order.
Hamzah had made extensive use of the media to lash out against his situation, accusing Jordan’s rulers of corruption, nepotism and ineptitude in a video message he sent to the BBC.
Turkey jails 32 ex-soldiers
A Turkish court on Wednesday, April 7 jailed 32 former soldiers for life in a mass trial involving nearly 500 military defendants implicated in a failed 2016 bid to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In one of the last mammoth trials stemming from a bloody night that turned Erdogan on a more authoritarian course and set off a wave of arrests that continue to this day, an Ankara court heard evidence against the presidential guard.
Gunmen kill 11 Nigerian troops
Gunmen killed 10 soldiers and an officer in the central Nigerian state of Benue, the army said on Friday, April 9. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack but Benue is part of Nigeria’s middle belt region, where gangs have taken up arms after years of communal clashes between herders and farmers.
“Nigerian Army troops operating in Benue State came under attack while on routine operational task,” army spokesman Mohammed Yerima said in a statement, which gave no details of the time of the incident.
The army said they were trying to track down the perpetrators. Benue’s state governor Samuel Ortom said in a statement that communal clashes between the two communities had prompted a military operation in the area. It was in that context that the troops were attacked by unknown gunmen who also stole weapons and ammunitions.
More than 80 killed in Myanmar crackdown
Reports emerged Saturday, April 10 of more than 80 killed in the latest bloodletting by Myanmar’s military, as the country’s own ambassador to the United Nations called for “strong action” against the junta.
Details of a brutal crackdown in the city of Bago, 65 kilometres northeast of Yangon, took a full day to emerge, as residents told AFP of continued violence by the army which forced them to flee to nearby villages. By Saturday evening, the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners a local monitoring group tracking deaths confirmed “over 80 anti-coup protesters were killed by security forces in Bago on Friday”.
AFP-verified footage shot early Friday showed protesters hiding behind sandbag barricades wielding homemade rifles, as explosions could be heard in the background.
Authorities had refused to let rescue workers near the bodies, said a resident. “They piled up all the dead bodies, loaded them into their army truck and drove it away,” he told AFP.
State-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper on Saturday blamed the crackdown on “rioters”, and reported only one dead.
The United Nations office in Myanmar tweeted late Saturday night that it was following the bloodshed in Bago, where medical treatment had been “denied’ to the injured. “We call on the security forces to allow medical teams to treat the wounded,” it said.
Bago’s violence will add to AAPP’s current death toll of 618 civilians killed since the coup.
70 dead as battle for Yemen’s Marib rages on three fronts
Fierce fighting for Yemen´s strategic Marib city has killed 70 pro-government and Huthi rebel fighters over the past 24 hours, with battles raging on three fronts, loyalist military officials said Sunday, April 11.
The Huthis have been trying to seize Marib, the capital of an oil-rich region and the government´s last significant pocket of territory in the north, since February. Two officials from pro-government forces told AFP that the rebels were mounting a concerted push that had left 26 loyalist soldiers dead as well as 44 from Huthi ranks. The rebels rarely disclose their losses.
The new toll adds to 53 killed on both sides in the previous 24 hours, according to loyalist military officials. One of the officials said Sunday that the rebels “are launching simultaneous attacks” in the areas of Kassara and Al-Mashjah, northwest of the city, and Jabal Murad in the south.
19 civilians killed in Niger attack
Nineteen civilians were killed when armed men raided a village in west Niger close to the border with Mali, a local official told AFP on Sunday, April 18 in the latest bloodshed in the troubled region.
“For the moment, the number of dead stands at 19 and two people have been wounded in an attack by armed men on motorbikes in the village of Gaigorou” in the Tillaberi region on Saturday evening, said the municipal official from Dessa.
An unknown number of unidentified assailants, known locally as bandits, initially attacked people attending a funeral at a cemetery, before going on to the village where they “shot at everyone they saw”, the official said.
The Tillaberi region is situated on the lawless “three-border” zone where the frontiers of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso converge and has regularly been the target of Jihadist groups affiliated to the Islamic State group.
