Audio Overview of South Asia Issues, MONDAY, 25 March 2019

Bhargav Reddy – APAC Assistance Operations Assistant

Major Issues In SOUTH ASIA

Monday, 25 March 2019

 

INDIA

Security tightened in Kashmir.  Security in Kashmir has been tightened and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the state after the pro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front was banned by the government. Tensions in the valley have been rising since last week after the death of a school teacher in police custody which sparked widespread protest in the region. The ban on the organization is part of the wider operation to crackdown on the separatist groups in the state.  Clients are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Kashmir and be aware of the frequent armed encounters and protests in the state.

 

BANGLADESH

Protests continue in Bangladesh. Students in the northern city of Sylhet and other cities across the country continued their protest yesterday. The protest was triggered by the death of a student last week by a speeding bus. The protests have continued last week but they have remained low profile. Meanwhile, the local elections across Bangladesh at the sub-district level have been marred by sporadic violence resulting in low voter turnout. In 117 subdistrict, voting at 89 polling stations had to be suspended due to allegations of vote rigging and ballot stuffing. Security in Dhaka has been increased in preparation for the Independence Day tomorrow. Police will be setting up security checkpoints and road black to control traffic. Clients are advised to avoid traveling to smaller districts and villages of Bangladesh. Avoid all political and religious events.

 

NEPAL

Government warns against cooperation with the CPN. The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned the general public, businesses and all organizations against extending any support or assistance, including donation, to the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal (CPN).  The ministry in a press statement said any person or organization found acting contrary to the government appeal and assisting the CPN will be treated on par with the outlawed group and brought to book under the prevailing laws. The Ministry has requested everyone to report to police if any threat or extortion demand is made by the group. The government has heightened the security level and crackdown on the Chand-led communist party following the decision to ban its activities on March 12. The decision followed a blast outside Ncell office on February 22 which killed one person and injured two. The Chand-led CPN had claimed responsibility for the bombing. Nepal Police has stepped up action against the CPN and its leaders and cadres who were banned from organizing programs or participating in rallies and assemblies. Nepal Police claimed to have confiscated two loaded pistols, explosives, ammunition and communication devices from Hemanta Prakash Oli, a standing committee member and in-charge of the mid-region command of the CPN, and eight cadres of the outfit arrested from Kavre district yesterday. Clients are advised to be aware of the growing tensions between the government and the CPN. Avoid traveling to rural areas known to strongholds of the CPN and alerts the relevant authorities if an extortion call is made by the party.

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