Photo : Business Standard
The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #88, 11 September 2023, Monday
The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #88, 11 September 2023, Monday
Immaculine Joy Paul C, Melvin George, Dhriti Mukherjee, and Lakshmi Parimala. H
NEPAL
Ahead of PM Dahal’s visit to China, suggestions pour in on issues and approach
On 11 September, The Kathmandu Post reported on a meeting of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Dahal to China. During the meeting, the leaders suggested to Dahal to “focus on assessing the implementation status of past agreements with China, emphasise bilateral interests, including Chinese security concerns, and expressed their confidence in Nepal's non-aligned foreign policy.” The Rastriya Swatrantrata Party (RSP) urged the him to deliver concerns over the new map of China. Replying to the suggestions, Dahal stated that all the suggestions were very important, saying “We have made maximum effort to make the visit successful and it will be.” (Tika R Pradha, “Party leaders stress balanced relations as PM set for China visit,” The Kathmandu Post, 11 September 2023)
BANGLADESH
Macron proposes a “third way” in a region facing “new imperialism”
On 11 September, Al Jazeera reported on French President, Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Bangladesh. Macron arrived at Dhaka on 11 September, after attending the G20 summit in India. His visit aims to consolidate the Indo-Pacific strategy of France and simultaneously counterbalance “new imperialism” in the region. During his talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he proposed a “third way,” suggesting France as an alternative to the two competing powers in the region, the US and China. Macron informed about Bangladesh’s commitment to ordering ten aircraft from Airbus, marking a shift from its Boeing-dominated fleet. (“Macron visits Bangladesh to ‘consolidate’ France’s Indo-Pacific push,” Al Jazeera, 11 September 2023)
MYANMAR
KNU calls UN and international community to put an end to junta’s atrocities on civilians
On 11 September, the Karen Nation Union (KNU) appealed to the United Nations and the international community to put an end to the war crimes in Myanmar by the junta regime. On 7 September, in the Papun Township of Karen State, three children and a teacher were killed in a series of airstrikes that targeted three villages. Five children aged 9 to 16 and another teacher were injured. 13 civilian buildings, including a school and two churches, were destroyed in two other airstrikes. This incident took place two days after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members condemned the violence of the junta regime. KNU said: “We urge the UN, its member countries and international justice mechanisms as well as ASEAN and international human rights organizations to take action for more effective sanctions against the military council.” (“Calls for Myanmar Junta Air Force to Face Tougher International Action,” Irrawaddy News, 11 September 2023)
THAILAND
MFP slams government's policy statement calling vague
On 11 September, Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul criticised Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s policy statement, by saying she was disappointed with it. She said the policy statement is unclear, and does not have goals, indicators, and stipulated time frames. Tansakul said: “This policy statement is no different from a document released earlier. It does not elaborate. There are only broad words but no indicators... If it was a GPS signal, the country would be lost.” She also said the government has to ensure whether the treasury has enough money for the implementation of the 560 billion baht digital money policy or it will create inflation and affect businesses. (“Move Forward Party slams vague Srettha policy statement,” Bangkok Post, 11 September 2023)
DMH and NHSO to spread awareness on suicide prevention
On 10 September, in view of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Department of Mental Health and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) took steps to address the growing suicide rates in Thailand. According to a DMH report, 4800 Thais committed suicide in 2022. The suicide rate increased from 6.3 per 100,000 in 2018 to 7.97 in 2022. Relationship issues are blamed for 50 per cent, health and mental issues cause 20-30 per cent, and alcohol addiction and financial situations account for the rest. There is an increase in suicides due to workplace-related stress among the age of 20 to 59 that increased from 3,585 (2021) to 3,650 (2022). (“Spotlight cast on growing suicide problem,” Bangkok Post, 11 September 2023)
AFGHANISTAN
Pakistan accused the Taliban of unlawful structure and indiscriminate firing
On 11 September, Afghanistan Times reported that Pakistan has voiced its concerns over the Taliban administration’s construction of an alleged “unlawful structure” within Pakistani territory, leading to heightened tensions between the two countries. The situation escalated when the Taliban’s border forces were accused of “indiscriminate firing” leading to the closure of the Torkham border crossing on the 6th of September. Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson cited this border closure as a direct violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and urged for a peaceful resolution. The closure of the Torkham border crossing has stranded travellers and goods, underscoring the gravity of the situation. (“Pakistan accuses Taliban of encroaching on Pakistan territory,” Afghanistan Times, 11 September 2023)
PAKISTAN
Elections in Karabakh are deemed unlawful by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry
On 10 September, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Karabakh was deemed as Azerbaijan's sovereign territory and that any attempt to hold elections there by the unlawfully imposed regime would be both morally and legally repugnant. The ministry's spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, responded to a question by stating that the conduct of elections in the Caucasus was "a grave violation of the UN Charter and principles of established international law." (“Pakistan calls elections in Karabakh illegal,” Dawn, 11 September 2023)
Torkham border issue negotiations at a standstill
On 10 September, talks between the two nations to restore the Torkham border failed to yield any positive outcomes. The primary crossing point between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for a fifth day. After a firefight between border security personnel from Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Torkham border crossing was closed on 6 September. The building of a new post by the Afghan Taliban near the border catalysed the fighting. This construction is viewed as a breach of the two countries' agreement by Pakistan. According to the Afghan Taliban, the gunfight claimed the lives of at least two of its border guards. Since then, the border has been closed. (Kamran Yousaf, “No headway in talks on Torkham issue,” The Express Tribune, 11 September 2023)