Photo : Arab News
The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #90, 13 September 2023, Wednesday
The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #90, 13 September 2023, Wednesday
Immaculine Joy Paul C, Melvin George, Dhriti Mukherjee, and Lakshmi Parimala. H
NEPAL
Nepal plans to produce nearly 30,000MW of electricity by 2035, says Basnet
On 12 September, the Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, said that the government plans to develop electricity in the range of 25,000MW - 30,000MW by 2035. He further stated that Nepal’s electricity demand is expected to increase to 15,000MW. Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the 216MW Upper Trishuli Hydropower Project, he praised South Korean investment in the project. Upper Trishuli-1 is the third hydropower project to be financed by South Korea, after Chmeliya and Modi Kohla projects. (Prithvi Man Shrestha, “Nepal plans to generate 30,000MW of power by 2035,” The Kathmandu Post, 13 September 2023)
The Socialist Front of Nepal demands name change of Province No. 1
On 13 September, The Kathmandu Post reported that the leaders of the Socialist Front of Nepal put forth their demand to change the name of Province No. 1- the Koshi Province- to one that would reflect its ethnic identity. On 1 March, Province No. 1 was named Koshi, after being approved by a majority in the assembly. This gave rise to protests by the indigenous groups of the province, including the Rai and Limbu, who demanded that the province be named reflecting the identity of the indigenous communities residing in it. As a result of this, the CPN-UML, Nepali Congress, and CPN (Maoist Centre), who had endorsed the name Koshi, withdrew assent. (Tika R Pradhan, “Socialist Front wants Koshi name changed,” The Kathmandu Post, 13 September 2023)
BANGLADESH
The Cyber Security Bill passed in the parliament
On 13 September, the parliament passed the Cyber Security Bill. It was introduced in the parliament on 5 September, and was sent to the parliamentary standing committee, which later submitted its report to the parliament. The controversial Digital Security Act was renamed the Cyber Security Act, after making a few changes. The draft was published on 9 August, seeking the views of the stakeholders. The Act received criticism for lacking any major changes except for a reduction in punishment and making a few sections bailable. (“Parliament passes Cyber Security Bill,” The Daily Star, 13 September 2023)
MYANMAR
Tin Maung Swe shall simultaneously serve as ambassador to North Korea and China: Foreign affairs ministry
On 11 September, the junta regime’s foreign affairs ministry said that Myanmar's ambassador to China, Tin Maung Swe, will also serve as ambassador to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). On 13 September, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un extended his full and unconditional support to Myanmar's core ally, Russia. This bilateral tie is regarded with suspicion by the west as it may lead to military cooperation and nuclear technology sharing. (“Myanmar junta appoints new ambassador to North Korea,” The Irrawaddy, 13 September 2023)
The hunger strike in Monywa prison ends
On 13 September, The Irrawaddy reported that the hunger strike by political prisoners started on 8 September in Monywa prison had ended. The Monywa People’s Strike Committee said: “All of their demands were met today, so they stopped the hunger strike in the afternoon.” More than 50 other political prisoners, including the pro-democracy activists, joined the strike against the prison administration that seized possessions, along with 14 prisoners. The 14 inmates fell unconscious and now are more likely to get medical support. The committee said: “The apparatus under the junta has subjugated [political] prisoners. However, they fought back without kneeling and by [drawing on] the strength of their convictions. We want to say thank you to the people who supported them.” (“Hunger strike in Myanmar ends after dissidents refuse to kneel,” The Irrawaddy, 13 September 2023)
Junta plans to conduct pilot census in Sagaing region
On 13 September, The Irrawaddy reported the regime would be holding a pilot census in two town wards and eight villages in the Monywa Township of the Sagaing Region in October 2023. Junta’s regional chief minister Myat Kyaw said that this is a trial run for the national census in October 2024. An anti-regime protest committee in Monywa, Ko Khat Wai Phyo said: “Numerous villagers have been displaced by the regime. If it wants to do it for show, it will only conduct it in some places in the town. There is no chance that a study can be conducted across Sagaing. Most of the region is controlled by revolutionary forces.” The committee also said the regime would deploy a huge number of troops to conduct pilot census in the small area. Another resistance group, Golden Eagle Force said: “They are trying to hold a poll to establish their administration. They are doing their job and we will do ours.” (“Myanmar junta prepares pilot census in resistance stronghold,” The Irrawaddy, 13 September 2023)
Junta regime seeks support of Shan state’s militias amid troop shortages
On 10 September, seven militia leaders in Shan State, including the junta’s border guard force, had a meeting in Northeastern Command headquarters in Lashio, with Min Aung Hlaing and the air force and naval chiefs. Hlaing has sought the help of militias in the northern Shan state, as the regime faces troop shortages since Shan-based units are fighting in the Kayah state. While praising the patriotism of the militias, he said: “The people’s militia in northern Shan State need to cooperate with the government, Tatmadaw [military], and the people in efforts for regional peace and stability, the rule of law and socio-economic progress…the state and Tatmadaw will assist.” (“Myanmar junta chief woos Shan militias amid troop shortages,” The Irrawaddy, 13 September 2023)
THAILAND
Srettha to meet German president to discuss submarine engines
On 13 September, the Bangkok Post reported that Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is planning to meet German President Frank Walter Steinmeier, to seek permission for German-made engines to be installed in the submarines assembled in China. They will be meeting at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in the upcoming week. Germany rejected the request of the Royal Thai Navy to sell its MTU 396 diesel engine to be assembled in the S26T Yuan-class submarine of Chinese Shipbuilding & Offshore Co (CSOC), as it is a military-defence item. The delivery which was supposed to be done in September 2023 was later postponed to April 2024. (“PM aims to discuss subs with German president,” Bangkok Post, 31 August 2023)
IRAN
US will be able to freeze the funds again if it needs to, says the State Department
On 12 September, the US Department of State Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, replied to criticism by Republicans against the prisoner swap deal. He stated that they had to make “tough choices,” emphasising that Iran would not release the American citizens out of goodness. While Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi claimed that Iran will spend the money “wherever” it wants, Miller highlighted that the US can freeze the funds again if it needs to. Iran and the US, longtime adversaries, signed a deal in August, mediated by Qatar, under which Iran agreed to release five detained US citizens, in return for the US allowing the transfer of frozen funds worth $6 billion in South Korea, along with the release of few Iranians detained in the US. The use of the funds is restricted to humanitarian purchases, which will be monitored by Qatar. (“US defends prisoner swap deal with Iran against Republican attacks,” Al Jazeera, 12 September 2023)
“The Swedish national has been lawfully imprisoned,” confirms Iran’s judiciary
On 12 September, the spokesperson of Iran’s judiciary, Masoud Setayeshi, confirmed that the Swedish citizen working for the EU “has been lawfully imprisoned,” further stating that the details of the case will be sent to a competent court in the coming days. Johan Floderus, a native of Sweden, has held several positions in the European Union’s institutions, also featuring in advertising campaigns to attract young Swedes to EU careers. He is reported to have been imprisoned in Iran for more than 500 days. He was detained last on 17 April 2022, when he was leaving Tehran after a private trip. Iran announced the apprehension in July, citing espionage as the reason. (“Iran confirms detention of Swedish EU worker,” Reuters, 12 September 2023)
A street intersection in Los Angeles to be named in memory of Mahsa Amini
On 12 September, the Los Angeles City Council voted to name a street intersection in the memory of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman who died in police custody, arrested for not following the hijab rule. The intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue is set to be renamed Women Life Freedom Square. Los Angeles is home to an Iranian community of nearly 138,000 people. (“Los Angeles names intersection in memory of woman who sparked Iran protests,” Reuters, 13 September 2023)
AFGHANISTAN
Over 150 Afghan immigrants detained in Pakistan
On 13 September, TOLOnews reported that according to the Afghan Immigrant Council in Pakistan, over 150 Afghan immigrants were detained by Pakistani authorities in a single day, with maximum detentions occurring in Sindh. This move comes as part of a broader effort to address immigration issues, as more than 250 undocumented Afghan immigrants have been detained in Pakistan over the past two days. In response, the Islamic Emirate, which now governs Afghanistan, has stated its commitment to providing facilities for Afghan immigrants in Pakistan while urging neighbouring countries to treat Afghan citizens with compassion and Islamic brotherhood. (“Over 150 Afghan Immigrants Detained in Pakistan in One Day,” TOLOnews, 13 September 2023)
Taliban kills eight Islamic state leaders, U.S. envoy reveals
On 12 September, the US special representative for Afghanistan, Tom West, disclosed that the Taliban had launched an aggressive offensive against the Islamic State’s branch in Afghanistan, known as IS-Khorasan (ISKP), resulting in the alleged killing of eight ISKP leaders. West also noted a significant degradation in ISKP’s capabilities, with some of the eliminated leaders responsible for external plotting. He further highlighted a “steady decrease” in attacks on Afghan civilians since the Taliban’s actions against ISKP. However, West warned that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) poses a significant threat to regional stability. TTP attacks on Pakistan have escalated since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. (“Taliban kill 8 Islamic State leaders in Afghanistan,” Afghanistan Times, 13 September 2023)
China appoints first Ambassador to Afghanistan since Taliban takeover
On 13 September, China named its first full-time Ambassador to Afghanistan, becoming the first country to establish diplomatic representation since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. The newly appointed Ambassador presented credentials to Taliban Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund, formalising diplomatic ties. China’s engagement in Afghanistan is linked to its strategic plans for business investments and the expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into the country. This move could pave the way for essential infrastructure projects, including railways and bridges. (“China appoints ambassador to Afghanistan,” Afghanistan Times, 13 September 2023)
PAKISTAN
Nawaz Sharif to end exile and return to Pakistan on 21 October
On 12 September, Pakistan's former Prime Minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif's return from his roughly four-year exile in the UK was announced by his younger brother and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif in London. Shehbaz confirmed that the decision for Nawaz's return on 21 October had been carefully deliberated upon by the party leadership. The eagerly anticipated return follows a series of announcements and postponements. He stated that his brother was convicted in a “false case through conspiracy,” emphasising the nation’s expectation that Pakistan's progress would resume from where it left off in 2017. However, there is still uncertainty over Nawaz’s potential arrest upon landing as he continues to face legal hurdles. (Rizwan Shehzad, “Nawaz decides to end London exile,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2023)
Pakistan government fears oil crisis amidst reports of dry retail outlets
On 12 September, the Pakistani government expressed concerns about a potential oil crisis as retail outlets of some oil marketing companies (OMCs) were found to be empty at various locations across the country. In response to this situation, the Petroleum Division has called upon the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) chairman to take regulatory action against these OMCs. The government is particularly worried about the possibility of hoarding petroleum products, as prices have reached record highs and further increases are anticipated. The government's crackdown on OMCs aims to ensure stability in the petroleum product market and protect consumers from escalating oil prices. Currently, the country has sufficient stocks of petrol and high-speed diesel, but OMCs failing to maintain the mandatory inventory may face regulatory action. (Zafar Bhutta, “Oil crisis brews as depots run dry,” The Express Tribune, 13 September 2023)