Suicide Bombings
Two soldiers and as many children sustained injuries when a suicide bomber struck a vehicle of the Security Forces (SFs) parked at a checkpost in Dosali area of Razmak subdivision in North Waziristan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on May 30, reports Dawn. Officials said that the vehicle was parked near a checkpost in the Dosali area when the suicide bomber riding a motorcycle rammed his two-wheeler into it. As a result, two soldiers were injured. Two children playing nearby also suffered injuries in the incident.
Bomb/IED Blasts
Two persons were killed in a landmine explosion in the Harnai District of Balochistan on May 31, reports Samaa TV. According to the Levies Force officials, the incident occurred near Khost where a water-carrier trolley accidentally came in contact with a landmine on an unconstructed road and detonated it. The dead persons identified as two brothers, Salahuddin and Nizamuddin, died in the explosion.
Targetted Killings
One Traffic Police constable was killed and two others, including a Policeman, were injured when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on them in Dabarra area of Tank District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on June 16, reports Dawn. The Police personnel were on duty in the Dabarra area when unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on them as a result, Traffic Police constable Mohsin was martyred on the spot, while another one identified as Raees was seriously injured. A passer-by was also injured in the incident. The attackers managed to escape after the incident.
Two labourers from Sindh were shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Hoshab area of Kech District on June 20, reports Dawn. According to Levies, four assailants riding motorcycles opened fire on the office of a road construction company in the zero-point area of Hoshab. Two labourers, identified as Mohammad Imran, a resident of Mirpur Khas and Hanif, a resident of Nausheroferoz, were killed on the spot. They were working on an under-construction road that would link Turbat with Hoshab.
Separately, the tehsildar of Dobandi tehsil (revenue unit) in Killa Abdullah District, Abdul Sattar Mashwani, was shot dead when unidentified assailants opened fire on his vehicle in Musa Colony area of Sariab road in Quetta on June 19, reports The Express Tribune. Levies official Sarwar Bangulzai narrowly escaped the attack. The assailants managed to escape.
Miscellaneous
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on May 31 arrested one Ghazi Force militant, identified as Saddam, during a raid in Sahiwal town (Sahiwal District) of Punjab, reports ARY News. The CTD spokesperson said that two hand grenades and weaponry were recovered from his possession. The officials also seized other material which could be used for carrying out a militant attack.
An Army soldier was killed during an exchange of fire with terrorists who attacked a military post in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on June 2, reports Dawn. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Army troops “initiated a prompt response and effectively engaged the terrorists location” after the attack on the military post. During an “intense exchange of fire” with the terrorist, 28-year-old Sepoy Hamid Ali, a resident of Sargodha, embraced martyrdom after fighting “gallantly”, the ISPR said.
Five terrorists killed in an intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Jani Khel area of Bannu District on June 5, reports ARY News. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the possession of slain terrorists.
Separately, two terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Hassan Khel area on June 5, reports ARY News. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the possession of slain terrorists.
Two Balochistan Republican Army (BRA) cadres, identified as Nadeem and Shahzad Alam, were killed during a targeted operation carried by the Security Forces (SFs) in Parodh Mountains of Nushki District in Balochistan on June 7, reports The Express Tribune. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the possession of the dead cadres.
Two terrorists were killed on June 6 during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) by Security Forces (SFs) in Hasan Khel of North Waziristan District, reports Samaa TV. During the operation, weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists’ hideout.
Three labourers were killed and as many wounded in an armed attack on a camp of labourers in Chaper left area of Harnai District of Balochistan in the night of June 17, reports Dawn. “The terrorists set fire to the camp, leaving it completely gutted. A number of vehicles were also set on fire by the armed men”, the Sibi division’s commissioner said. No group or outfit claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
A soldier and one terrorist was killed during an exchange of fire between Security Forces (SFs) and terrorists in Miranshah area of North Waziristan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on June 18, reports Dawn. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the dead soldier was identified as 32-year-old Naik Zahid Ahmed, a resident of Charsada District. The terrorist was identified as Ziaullah. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the possession of the slain terrorist.
Security Forces (SFs) on June 19 killed six Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) cadres during a search operation in Paroom area of Panjgur District in Balochistan, reports Dawn. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the SFs conducted an operation on a tip-off regarding the presence of terrorists in Zamran Range near Paroom. “Once the troops started a clearance operation in the area, terrorists tried to escape from their hideout and opened fire on security forces,” the statement said. The BLF terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire, statement added. A cache of arms and ammunition recovered from the terrorist’s hideout.
Five labourers, working at a road construction site of Ziaratmor – Kach Harnai – Sanjavi road project in the Harnai District, were kidnapped by terrorists in the night of June 17, reports The Express Tribune. Before escaping, the attackers torched two trucks at the site. During the search operation, two injured labourers – Hameedullah and Mussa Khan were found lying on the ground some distance from the construction site.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on June 19 arrested a “most wanted” Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist, identified as Muhammad Ilyas, during an operation near the Naurus Chowrangi in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, reports Dawn. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from his possession. Muhammad Ilyas had been hiding in Saudi Arabia. “During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he, along with his accomplices, killed Sher Ahmed Khan in the SITE area in 2013”, CTD statement said.
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on June 21 arrested a terrorist, identified as Luqman, near Bypass West in Sahiwal town (Sahiwal District) of Punjab, reports ARY News. According to details, the CTD Sahiwal region conducted the operation on a tip-off near Bypass West and arrested Luqman. A CTD spokesperson has said that the arrested terrorist hailed from Bajaur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Three hand grenades, electric detonators and pistols were recovered from his possession.
PAKISTAN
Government and TTP agree on indefinite ceasefire amid continuation of negotiations
The Government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on May 3 agreed to extend the ceasefire indefinitely and continue negotiations, reports Dawn. The extension in ceasefire, which was to come to an end on May 30, indicates significant progress in talks between the two sides in the Afghanistan capital Kabul, sources familiar with the development said. Sources told Dawn that the two sides had agreed to extend the ceasefire and continue peace talks following separate meetings with Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, Acting Prime Minister of the ‘Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)’ at his office the other day. These sources said that in his meetings with the two sides, the soft-spoken septuagenarian leader expressed his desire that the talks and ceasefire should be allowed to continue without any cut-off date. No official statement has been issued so far regarding the indefinite extension in ceasefire but Dawn has been able to get confirmation of this significant development.
TTP formally announce ceasefire
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on June 2 announced an “indefinite ceasefire” with the Government, following two days of intense talks with a grand tribal jirga in Kabul, reports Dawn. A statement issued by the TTP ‘spokesman’, Muhammad Khurasani, said that substantive progress had been made in talks with the grand jirga of “Pashtun nation, particularly tribal elders and Ulema”. The 57-member Government-sponsored jirga left for the Afghan capital on June 1 to continue negotiations with the TTP, mediated by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and supervised by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting Afghan interior minister. A member of the jirga told Dawn there had been heated discussions between the two sides, and the sticking point was the TTP’s demand for the reversal of FATA’s merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Overall, talks have been goods which continued till late into the night. We are hopeful”, the jirga member said from Kabul. But sources said there was a deadlock over the merger issue and there was no breakthrough yet.
Afghanistan – Internal Dynamics
27 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir Province
On May 26, 27 Taliban fighters were killed due heavy clashes with the National Resistance Front (NRF) in Shatl, Anaba, and Rukha Districts of Panjshir Province, reports Hasht-e-Subh.
Supreme Council of Resistance for the Salvation Afghanistan rejects the Taliban’s invitation to return
The members of the Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan issued a statement on May 27, calling the Taliban’s recent actions, including convening the Loya Jirga and forming the Return and Communications with Former Afghan Officials and Political Figures Commission, a “ploy” that they “firmly reject”, reports The Khaama Press. While the Taliban lacks national and international legitimacy, the council claimed that the Taliban had made “desperate efforts” to gain support from the Afghan people and the international community, as well as to rule the “oppressed” people for a period of time. The council said in a statement that the Taliban were staging a “sinister plot” by hosting a “show”, referring to the meeting of the “Great Assembly of Afghans” at the behest of a pre-determined plan. The National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan, according to the statement, denies both Taliban attempts, calling them “an insult to the collective consciousness of the people, a disdain to political figures and their complicity in the Taliban’s crimes, and a play on the international community’s thoughts. The Taliban must understand that no conscientious political figure, no committed and diligent scholar, and no brave and patriotic woman is willing turn a blind eye on the blood of Afghanistan’s oppressed people and their just demands and partake in the group’s crime,” the statement stated.
Dushanbe meeting calls for inclusive Afghan Government
Participants at the Regional Security Summit on Afghanistan, which was hosted in Dushanbe, Tajikistan issued a joint statement on May 28 calling for the formation of an inclusive Government, respect for human rights, and a fight against terrorist groups and narcotics in Afghanistan, reports Tolo News. National security advisers or their representatives from eight countries who attended the meeting expressed concerns over the current situation in Afghanistan. “Participants in the meeting expressed the concerns of the countries in the region regarding the current situation in Afghanistan and stressed that they should not interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan. These countries expressed hope that the internal political, economic and social situation in Afghanistan would improve. They also emphasized the role of all ethnic groups in the Afghan government,” the statement reads.
11 persons killed in Baghlan Province
Nine Taliban fighters and two National Resistance Front (NRF) fighters were killed in an ongoing clash in Nahrin District of Baghlan Province on the morning of June 1, reports Hasht-e-Subh.
EU Special Representatives and Envoys meet over ‘deteriorating’ human rights situation in Afghanistan
On June 11, Special Envoy of the European Union (EU) for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson in tweet stated that special envoys and representatives of the EU member states met over ‘deteriorating’ human rights situation in Afghanistan, reports The Khaama Press News Agency. The meeting which was held in Brussels concentrated on recent issues involving women and girls, the ‘deteriorating human rights situation’, the absence of policy and public engagement, and the difficulty to implement coherent policies compliant with the international universal principles that also serve the people of Afghanistan. This meeting comes at a time when the Human Rights Watch have accused the Taliban of war crimes in Panjshir and called on the international community to impose a travel ban on senior Taliban officials in a separate report.
Eight IS-KP militants killed in Takhar Province
On June 11, Taliban forces during a special operation killed eight Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) militants, including commander Younes Uzbekistani, in Police District 4 of Taloqan, the provincial capital of Takhar, reports Khamma News Agency.
One person killed in explosion at mosque in Kunduz Province
One person was killed and eight others injured in an explosion at a mosque during Friday Prayers in the city of Imam Sahib in Kunduz Province, reports Mehr News Agency. The explosion was a result of a planted bomb in the mosque.
Grenade explosions in Kabul Province
Several explosions triggered in Kabul city in what appears to be an attack on a Hindu and Sikh temple in Kart-e-Parwan area in Kabul Province early on June 18 morning (today), reports Ariana News. The first explosion happened at about 6.30am. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) confirmed the blasts and said a group of armed insurgents, whose identity is not yet known, entered a Hindu and Sikh Gurdwara in Kart-e-Parwan area. “Before entering, the enemy attacked the guards with a grenade, which caused a fire, and two of our Hindu compatriots, who were injured in the attack, were evacuated and taken to hospital for treatment,” read an MoI statement. According to the statement, a car bomb was also detonated by insurgents Saturday morning before it reached its target. “The enemies of religion and country wanted to detonate a car bomb in a crowded place. Fortunately, they did not reach their target and detonated a car bomb before reaching the target,” the statement said. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) claims to have arrested ‘Amir’ of Harkat-ul-Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B), Mufti Abdul Hye, during a drive in the Fatulla area of Narayanganj District, reports Prothom Alo. The militant is a death row convict in a case filed over a murder attempt on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Kotalipara in Gopalganj in 2000.Also, a death row convict in the 2001 Ramna Batamul attack case.
Editor arrested under DSA in Chittagong
On June 7, the Police arrested an editor of local daily Dainik Parbatto Chattogram, a Rangamati-based local daily over a case filed under the Digital Security Act (DSA), reports The Daily Star.
ABT militant arrested in Nilphamari District
On June 9, The Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) unit of Police has arrested an Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) militant, Md Raihan Ali, (19), from Jaldhaka Upazila (sub district) of Nilphamari District, reports Prothom Alo.
Rohingya leader killed in Cox’s Bazar District
On June 9, unidentified men hacked to death a Rohingya leader of the Balukhali refugee camp’s M/9 sub-block of block B, Md Azimuddin (48), in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar District, reports Prothom Alo.
ARSA militant killed in Cox’s Bazar
On June 15, the Criminals of the Munna gang shot dead an Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) militant, Md Selim, (30), in Kutupalong camp in Ukhiya upazila (sub-district) of Cox’s Bazar District, reports Daily Star.
India – Internal Dynamics
Maoist presence in Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh
The inviolate core zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR) situated in Madhya Pradesh has come under the control of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres, reports Hindustan Times on May 26. The presence and regular movements of armed Maoists in four of the six zones of the KTR have been confirmed, said S.K. Singh, the Reserve’s Field Director. Two tiger reserves, Indravati in Chhattisgarh and Palamu in Jharkhand, are already under Maoist control. To spread their influence to Amarkantak in Anuppur District of Madhya Pradesh through KTR is the plan of CPI-Maoist cadres. Three Police outposts and four battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been planned to deploy in the KTR, said Balaghat, Superintendent of Police (SP), Sameer Saurabh.
One civilian killed and four injured in IED explosion in Manipur
On May 30, a construction worker identified as Pankaj Mohato was killed in a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast inside the Community Hall at Sapam Mayai Leikai of Khongjom in Thoubal District of Manipur, reports Hindustan Times. Four other construction workers who were staying at the community hall and involved in the construction of a water supply tank were also injured in the explosion. The four injured workers were identified as Aroop Mandal, Apoorva Mandal, Rajesh Ramaanik, and Souvik Patra. Though the reason behind the explosion is yet to be known, Police have registered a case and begun the investigation.
SFJ threatens Punjabi singers after Sidhu Moosewala’s Murder and asks Support for Khalistan
Hours after the murder of Punjabi singer and Congress leader Sidhu Moosewala, Canada-based banned separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has now issued a threat letter, in which in a threat aimed at Punjabi singers, urged them to support the Khalistan movement, reports republicworld.com. The SFJ threat came after the Directorate General of Police (DGP) of Punjab Viresh Kumar Bhawra acknowledged that the murder of Moosewala was a result of inter-gang rivalry. Following the killing of Sidhu Moosewala, Pannun, in a threat letter directed to Punjabi singers, stated that “death is imminent” and now is the time to support the “Khalistan Referendum” for the liberation of Punjab from India.
Maoists kill deputy Sarpanch in Jharkhand
Communist Party of India–Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres killed Aslam Ansari alias Guddu (30), a former deputy Sarpanch (head of the Panchayat, village level local self-Government institution) of Teliya Bahiyar Panchayat under Dumri Police Station limits in Giridih District of Jharkhand on May 31, reports livehindustan.com. Four Maoists killed Aslam accusing him as a Police informer. Four shells including live cartridges of Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) assault rifle and AK-47 rifle were recovered from the spot, said, Pirtand, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Manoj Kumar.
Pro-Khalistan posters found in Punjab ahead of Operation Blue Star Anniversary
Pro-Khalistan posters have been spotted at a flyover in Mansa District of Punjab on June 3, reports republicworld.com. The posters have surfaced ahead of the anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6. The posters spotted at the flyover mention the banned Pro-Khalistan group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The anti-India posters spotted on the Punjab flyover provoke people to stop the trains in Punjab and Haryana. The posters that mention SFJ, find significance as it has been spotted ahead of the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. It is pertinent to note that SFJ’s founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had announced earlier in May that the voting date of a ‘Khalistan referendum’ will be declared at the Akal Takht (the highest temporal seat of Sikhism) on June 6, marking the 38th anniversary of Operation Blue Star.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Operation Blue Star anniversary on June 6, Khalistani posters have been found in Kalanaur area in Gurdaspur District of Punjab, reports punjabi.abplive.com on June 4. In the posters slogans of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ are written, and on the other hand, Amritsar bandh (general shut down strike) has been declared on June 6 by some extremist groups. Posters have also been pasted on the walls and shutters of shops. It is learned that some unidentified persons have put up these posters at some places in Kalanaur. Along with Bhindranwale’s name on the poster it is written that the real rightful owner of Punjab is Khalistan and Hindustan Murdabad.
Assam Police finds evidence of PFI’s close ties with Bangladesh based terror group ABT
Assam Police Special Branch ADGP Hiren Nath on June 4, said Police have also found evidence that Popular Front of India (PFI) has closed ties with Bangladesh-based terror group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), reports nenow.in. Assam Police has registered 16 cases against PFI and two cases against its student wing Campus Front of India (CFI). Also, a charge sheet has been filed in 12 cases while the investigation is underway for the remaining cases. “On April 15, we registered a case in Barpeta district in which some (16) ABT activists were arrested. One of them was Maqibul Hussain. During the interrogation, Hussain acknowledged that he was the president of PFI of Barpeta district,” Nath said. “Before joining Ansarullah Bangla Team he was actively working for PFI in the lower Assam, but later resigned to join the said group where he was trained by Mehdi Hasan,” he said. Ansarullah Bangla Team is a terror outfit, inspired by Al-Qaeda, and based in Bangladesh.
AQIS threatens to carry out terror attacks in India
Terror outfit Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) on June 7, threatened terror attacks in Delhi, Bombay, UP and Gujarat following controversial comments made by former BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammad, reports Indiablooms.com. “We say with the help of Allah the Almighty, the Saffron terrorists should now await their end in Delhi and Bombay and in UP and Gujarat. They shall find refuge neither in their homes nor in their fortified army cantonments. May our mothers be bereaved of us, if we do not avenge our beloved Prophet,” the threat issued by Al-Qaeda read. AQIS further said that the offenders of the Prophet Muhammad shall find no amnesty or clemency and that “this matter shall not close with any words of condemnation or sorrow.” The statement added, “We war every audacious and impudent foul mouth of the world, especially the Hindutva terrorists occupying India that we shall fight for the dignity of out Prophet, we shall urge others to fight and die for the honour of our Prophet, we shall kill those who affront our Prophet and we shall bind explosives with our bodies and the bodies of our children to blow away the ranks of those who dare to dishonour our Prophet”. The terrorist outfit has threatened to kill every person in suicide attacks who speaks against the Prophet.
Maoists threaten to stop being ‘Police informer’ in Jharkhand
The ‘Southern Zonal Committee’ of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) outfits issued a press statement, on June 14, threatening to punish the ‘Police Informers’ in Chaibasa area under West Singhbhum District of Jharkhand, reports jagran.com. Through a poster, ‘Southern Zonal Committee’ also took the responsibility of the killing of Danser Surin. Earlier, Danser, a native of Jojohatu village in Mufassil Police Station limits in Chaibasa area under West Singhbhum District, was shot dead in Pasubeda village of Barkela Panchayat (village level local self-Government institution), on June 10, 2022, in suspicion of being ‘Police informer’. Maoists also threatened to punish those villagers and Police officers, who are joining as ‘Police informers’ or Special Police Officers (SPOs) or recruiting SPOs by giving money to the gullible public.
Three CRPF personnel killed in Maoist ambush in Odisha
Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in a Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) attack in Patadhara Reserve Forest in Bheden Block (administrative division) in Nuapada District of Odisha on June 21, reports oneindia.com. The incident happened when the CRPF personnel were going from one camp to another, and it is suspected that the Maoists had prior information regarding the movement of the forces, a Police officer said. All of a sudden, they opened fire on the forces, he said. The dead include Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Shishu Pal Singh, ASI Shiv Lal, and Constable Dharmendra Kumar Singh the CRPF, officials said. Combing operations have been intensified in the area, and more teams of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and CRPF are moving to the site. The operations would continue till the Maoists are flushed out, State Director General of Police (DGP), SK Bansal said.
Monthly Fatalities:
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period May 25, 2022 to June 26, 2022:
| Civilian | Indian Security | Militant | Total | |
| Manipur | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
| Left Wing | 06 | 00 | 02 | 08 |
| Total | 08 | 00 | 02 | 10 |
Nepal – Internal Dynamics
Government decides to withdraw from SPP
The Nepal Government in a cabinet meeting held, on June 20, has decided to inform the United States that it would withdraw from the US’ State Partnership Program (SPP), reports Khabar Hub. The Nepali Army had written twice to the US Embassy, in Nepal in 2015 and 2017, requesting for participation in the SPP. The US Embassy in Kathmandu earlier said that the Nepali Army’s request was accepted in 2019. The cabinet decision comes amid widespread protest against SPP, saying the program is part of US military strategy. Following the decision, the formal process for withdrawing the SPP will now begin.
Sri Lanka – Internal Dynamics
Two persons arrested for assaulting MP Kumara Welgama
Police, on May 27, arrested two persons, identified as 37-year-old restaurant owner and a resident in Makumbura and a 30-year-old assistant health worker in Horana, for allegedly assaulting Member of Parliament (MP) Kumara Welgama and his driver, reports Colombo Page. Police spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nihal Thalduwa said two suspects were arrested in the Kottawa area by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the attack on Welgama and his driver on May 09. A group of people has stopped MP Kumara Welgama’s vehicle at the Kottawa entrance of the Southern Expressway on the evening of the 9th May and assaulted the MP, his driver and a Police Sergeant.
CPN-Maoist Center imparting training to elected people’s representatives
The Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-Maoist Center) is imparting a two-day training to the people’s representatives that were elected in the last May 13 local level election from June 1 (today) onward, reports Khabar Hub. The objective is to contribute to prepare the base of socialism from grassroots level. Thematic experts would provide training to the representatives on local government operation, service delivery, development works, good governance, health, education, budget and law-making in Kathmandu on June 1-2. The mayors/ chairpersons of local level who made encouraging performance in earlier tenure would also share their experience on the occasion. CPN-Maoist Centre’s central office chief secretary Shreeram Dhakal shared that as many as 260 people’s representatives, including chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of rural municipality, mayors and deputy mayors of rural municipalities and some independent candidates are taking part in the training. Top leaders of the party, including Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Narayan Kaji Shrestha are also delivering training contents along with the thematic experts.
Police fired tear gas to disperse Galle Face protesters
Sri Lanka Police used tear gas and high-pressure water cannons to disperse thousands of protesters marching in the capital Colombo, on May 28, to mark the 50-day anniversary since the beginning of the ‘People’s Struggle’ against the government, reports Colombo Page. Police fired tear gas and water cannons when the protesters trying to enter Bank Mawatha near the World Trade Center to reach the protest site at the Galle Face Green removed barricades and clashed with the Police. Police detained three protesters but released them a short while later.
Another 21 suspects arrested in connection with May 9 violent incidents
Police Headquarters, on June 12, say during Police raids in the last 24 hours 21 suspects have been arrested in connection with the May 9 violent incidents, reports Colombo Page. The Police carry out daily operations to arrest suspects engaged in riots and violent incidents. Accordingly, 21 suspects were arrested within the 24-hour period ending this morning (June 12). Meanwhile, 22 suspects arrested earlier were released on bail yesterday and the court ordered the remand of 8 suspects. According to the Police 2,725 suspects have been arrested in connection with 857 incidents reported so far and 1,083 of them have been remanded.
General election could be held if no other option remains, says SJB MP, Harsha De Silva
A general election could be held if that is the only option available to bring political stability, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament (MP), Harsha De Silva said on June 19, reports Daily Mirror. MP Harsha came out with this idea at a press conference in response to a questioned raised by journalists on holding a general election in March next year. “We are not insisting that an election should be held but it should be considered if that is the only option available,” Harsha said. “Some people hold a wrong idea about finding funds for a general election. However, Vérité Research Pvt Ltd has revealed that only Rs. 5.7 billion has been spent for the 2020 general election even with the COVID 19 safety protocol. However, a sum of Rs. 19.1 billion has been allocated for ministry of defence construction projects in 2022 while Rs.12 billion is allocated for Defense Headquarters in 2022. These funds could be used if an election is held,” he added. “We propose forming of a proper multi party government for a short period and then one could hold a general election. International and local trust could be built this way,” he stressed.
Cabinet approves 21st Amendment
The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting, on June 20 night, has approved the introduction of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament, reports Colombo Page. The relevant proposal was presented to the Cabinet by the Minister of Justice, Prison Reforms and Constitutional Affairs, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, and accordingly, the Cabinet has decided to present the relevant draft Bill to Parliament expeditiously. The 21st Amendment is expected to annul the 20A which gave unlimited powers to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after abolishing the 19th Amendment. The new bill will enforce the 19th Amendment and remove the unfavorable clauses of the 20th Amendment.
Court suspends pardon for Rajapaksa loyalist
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court suspended a presidential pardon for a murderer associated with the ruling Rajapaksa family on June 01 ordering his immediate return to jail in a landmark decision.
A three-judge bench asked the police to arrest Duminda Silva, who was facing the death penalty for a 2011 murder but was freed in June after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa granted him an amnesty.
“The court fixed a further hearing for September 1, but wanted the police to carry out the interim order of arresting Duminda Silva and return him to jail,” a court official said. He said the decision was given following an unprecedented challenge to the presidential pardon.
Hirunika Premachandra, the daughter of former legislator Bharatha Lakshman — who was shot dead by Silva and his associates — filed the petition saying his release was illegal. “This decision of the Supreme Court is historic,” Premachandra said.
INTERNATIONAL
Israeli officials visit Saudi Arabia as ties warm up
A number of senior Israeli officials have visited Saudi Arabia in recent years, including Defence Minister Benny Gantz and the past two heads of Mossad, amid growing speculation that Jerusalem and Riyadh are readying small steps toward normalising relations, newspaper Israel Hayom revealed on Sunday.
Gantz made a visit to Saudi Arabia when he served as chief of staff of the IDF from 2012 to 2016. Other officials who visited Saudi Arabia include former Mossad chiefs Yossi Cohen and Tamir Pardo.
Gantz visited Washington earlier this month for meetings with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The meetings came less than a day after Sullivan and Austin met with Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman.
The timing of both meetings led to speculation that Israel was coordinating its next moves on Iran with the US and Saudi Arabia. Israel’s ties with Saudi Arabia have received growing media attention in recent weeks ahead of a possible visit by US President Joe Biden to Saudi Arabia while he visits the Middle East in late June, a trip that will include a stop in Jerusalem.
The United States is secretly brokering talks between Saudi Arabia, Israel and Egypt over the transfer of two strategic Red Sea islands to Riyadh. The US is eyeing possible deal involving the islands of Tiran and Sanafi on the edge of the Gulf of Aqaba – otherwise known as the Strait of Tehran – that could lower oil prices in the US and push forward normalization of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Egypt, which has had possession of the islands, has already agreed to transfer them to Saudi Arabia, however, both Jerusalem and Washington have to sign off on the deal. Israel captured the islands from Egypt during the Six Day War. They were part of the territory it ceded to Egypt in its 1979 peace deal in exchange for an international peacekeeping force backed by the US.
Saudi Arabia has historically refused to set up diplomatic ties with Israel before a just resolution is found for Palestinians. Saudi Arabia has long claimed ownership of the islands and said Egypt controlled them since 1950 for protection at the request of Riyadh.
In 2018, Egypt’s Supreme Court approved a deal between the two countries that ceded the islands to Saudi Arabia despite public anger against the move.
Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile 18 times over 2015 deal limit: IAEA
The UN nuclear watchdog said on Monday, May 30 that it estimated Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium had grown to more than 18 times the limit laid down in Tehran’s 2015 deal with world powers.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said in its latest report on Iran’s nuclear programme that it “estimated that, as of May 15, 2022, Iran’s total enriched stockpile was 3,809.3 kilograms.”
The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 300 kg of a specific compound, the equivalent of 202.8 kg of uranium. The report also says that Iran is continuing its enrichment of uranium to levels higher than the 3.67 percent limit in the deal.
The stockpile of uranium enriched up to 20 percent is now estimated to be 238.4 kg, up 56.3 kg since the last report in March, while the amount enriched to 60 percent stands at 43.1 kg, an increase of 9.9 kg.
Enrichment levels of around 90 percent are required for use in a nuclear weapon. Iran has always insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful. The latest report comes as talks to revive the landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers remain deadlocked after stalling in March.
The Vienna talks between the Iranian delegation and the delegations of the P4 + 1 (Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany) with the indirect involvement of the United States, which is not a JCPOA participant anymore after its illegal withdrawal from the deal in May 2018 were paused on March 11 at the request of the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell amid the US refusal to lift the illegitimate anti-Iran sanctions. The US Treasury Department recently announced new sanctions on IRGC Quds Force in yet another sign of continued animosity towards the Iranian nation despite its claims of willingness to lift the Trump-era sanctions earlier today.
Tehran has insisted that it will come back to full abidance by the JCPOA only if the United States removes the sanctions it has imposed after its illegitimate pull out of the JCPOA in 2018 amid the indifference of the European participants in the deal to the violation of the deal by Washington.
31 die at Nigeria church event
At least 31 people were killed on Saturday, May 28 when a stampede broke out in south Nigeria during a church charity event where food was being distributed, police said.
The disaster happened in Port Harcourt city in Nigeria’s Rivers state, local police spokeswoman Grace Iringe-Koko said, confirming a death toll of 31 people.
Local Nigerian media reported the event organised by the King’s Assembly church was offering food and gifts for the poor at a sports field.
Bosnia swamped with fake bomb alerts
Courts in Sarajevo and a leading Bosnian hospital were evacuated on Thursday, June 2 due to fake bomb alerts, the latest in more than 500 false alarms that have also targeted hundreds of schools.
Hundreds of patients and staff were evacuated after the university hospital in the northern town of Banja Luka received an email warning that a bomb had been planted, its head Vlado Djajic said. After searching the premises, police confirmed it was a false alarm. In Sarajevo, several courts and the national electoral commission were also evacuated for the same reason, police said.
19 dead in Yemen during truce: UN
Nineteen civilians have been killed in Yemen during a recently renewed two-month truce, mostly by landmines or improvised explosive devices or unexploded ordnance, the UN said on Friday, June 3. The toll recorded between April 2 and June 1 “underscores the threat these devices pose to civilians, often over long periods of time, causing death or serious injury”, said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Gunmen kill ‘many’ worshippers in Nigeria church attack
Gunmen with explosives stormed a Catholic church in southwest Nigeria’s Ondo state on Sunday, June 5killing “many” worshippers and wounding others, the government and police said.
Latvia bans all Russian TV channels
All Russia-based TV channels will be banned from broadcasting in any form in Latvia, the Baltic state’s broadcasting regulator said on Monday, June 6. The decision, which comes into effect on Thursday, will affect around 80 channels available in Latvia through certain cable or streaming operators. “TV or radio channels registered in a country that aggressively threatens the territorial integrity and independence of another country are not allowed to operate in Latvia,” Ivars Abolins, head of the National Electronic Mass Media Council, told AFP. The decision will remain in force until Russia withdraws from Ukrainian territory.
Gunmen kill 32 people in Nigeria
Gunmen killed 32 people and razed dozens of houses in the latest attacks in Nigeria’s volatile northwestern state of Kaduna, local authorities said on Thursday, June 9.
Heavily-armed criminal gangs known as bandits in northwest and central Nigeria have raided villages to kidnap or kill residents for years but have become increasingly brazen. In recent months, they have attacked a passenger train between the capital Abuja and Kaduna city and kidnapped dozens, massacred more than 100 villagers and killed a dozen members of vigilante groups.
On Sunday, “bandits attacked the villages of Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru local government area,” the state security commissioner Samuel Aruwan said in a statement.
He said they “stormed the area in large numbers on motorcycles, and proceeded to raze several houses, as they attacked and killed locals”. The gunmen attacked the first two locations and killed 31 citizens.
8 killed in Mali
An attack at a checkpoint in southeast Mali killed at least eight people including two customs officers and six civilians, local and military sources said Sunday, June 12.
Clashes in Sudan’s Darfur kill over 100
Clashes in Sudan’s Darfur between Arab and non-Arab groups have killed more than 100 people, adding to a toll of hundreds in the region over recent months.
The latest fighting broke out last week between the Arab Rizeigat and non-Arab Gimir tribes in the district of Kolbus, about 160-km from El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state. It started as a land dispute between two people, one from the Rizeigat and another from the Gimir, before morphing into broader violence involving other members from both tribes. “The fighting has so far killed 117 people and left 17 villages burnt,” including three on Monday, Ibrahim Hashem, a leader in the ethnic African Gimir tribe, told AFP by phone.
Armed men kill at least 20 civilians in Mali
Raiders in Mali have killed at least 20 civilians in attacks on villages near the northern town of Gao, while a UN peacekeeper died in a mine explosion in the troubled region.
“Criminal terrorists” on Saturday, June 18 killed at least 20 civilians in several hamlets in the commune Anchawadj, a few dozen kilometres north of Gao, said a senior police officer who asked to remain anonymous. A local official blamed the attacks on jihadists put the death toll at 24, saying the killings occurred at Ebak some 35-km north of Gao and neighbouring hamlets.
The official, in Gao the main town in the region, described a “general panic” in the area. The situation in Anchawadj as “very concerning,” and civilians were fleeing the area fearing further violence, he added.
Following Saturday’s bloodshed, a mine killed a UN peacekeeper Sunday as he was out on patrol in the north of the country, the head of the UN’s MINUSMA Mali force El Ghassim Wane tweeted.
Syria ambush kills 15 pro-regime fighters
An ambush claimed by jihadists on a bus in remote eastern Syria left at least 15 pro-government fighters dead on Monday, June 20 the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
The war monitoring group said it was not immediately clear if those killed were from the regular army or allied militia. The attack claimed by the Islamic State group took place on the road linking the city of Raqa, which used to be a major IS hub and is under Kurdish control, to the government-controlled city of Homs.
IS claimed the attack in a statement released by its Amaq propaganda wing, saying its fighters shot dead 13 people on board the bus before burning it.
‘Shocking level’ of indiscriminate violence in Ukraine: MSF
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said medical data and patient accounts to its staff in Ukraine show a shocking lack of effort to spare and protect civilians caught up in hostilities.
“The war in Ukraine is being conducted with an outrageous lack of care to distinguish and protect civilians,” MSF said in a statement, pointing out that more than 40 percent of the wounded on the train were elderly people and children.
They came in with blast wounds, traumatic amputations, shrapnel and gunshot wounds, it said. “This points to a lack of respect for civilian protection which is a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”
Between March 31 and June 6, MSF said it had medically evacuated 653 patients by train from war-affected areas in eastern Ukraine to hospitals in safer parts of the country. During the 20- to 30-hour journey, many of the patients shared their experiences with the staff.
Current Threat Levels:
City/Region Threat Level
Islamabad Level 2 **
Karachi Level 2 **
Lahore Level 2 **
Punjab Level 2 **
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Level 3 **
Peshawar Level 2 **
Quetta Level 2 ***
Upper Balochistan Level 3 ***
Lower Balochistan Level 2 **
Upper / Rural Sindh Level 2 **
Gilgit and Northern areas Level 3 **
Tribal areas, close
to Afghan border Level 3 ***
Index to Threat Level References
Threat Level 1 *
No threat to foreigners although there may be isolated incidents involving petty crime. No security precautions are required.
Threat Level 2 **
No specific threat to foreigners, however because of the overall general law & order situation, some security precautions are advised, especially if traveling.
Threat Level 3 ***
Indicates that law and order situation is cause for concern and travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Foreigners should rehearse plans for evacuation.
Threat Level 4 ****
Indicates complete breakdown of civil administration and law and order leading to possible anarchy. All foreigners to remain indoors and confined to their own city. Families and staff not required to be evacuated retaining only a skeleton staff.
Threat Level 5 *****
Indicates complete breakdown of law and order, enemy action/hostilities, invasion/ occupation by enemy.
