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The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #91, 14 September 2023, Thursday
The NIAS Neighbourhood Reader Daily Brief #91, 14 September 2023, Thursday
Immaculine Joy Paul C, Melvin George, Dhriti Mukherjee, and Lakshmi Parimala. H
NEPAL
The CIB reports transnational and political ties in the gold smuggling case
On 13 September, the Central Investigation Bureau in an investigation report submitted to the District Attorney Office reported that the 60kg gold seized in July had links with Chinese nationals. The scheme included smuggling gold from China to Nepal, with plans for onward movement to India, with the transactions facilitated by cryptocurrency and digital wallets. Recommendations for prosecution were made for 25 individuals arrested, with four at large. (Prithvi Man Shrestha, “Police reveal transnational and political ties in gold smuggling,” The Kathmandu Post, 14 September 2023)
Kathmandu Mayor listed as one of TIME 100 emerging leaders for 2023
On 14 September, The Kathmandu Post reported that TIME magazine has listed the Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah as one of the “2023 TIME 100 Next emerging leaders shaping the world.” It made a mention of the “Balen effect,” which analysts used to refer to Balen’s electoral campaign, through which he also influenced a lot of young people, leading to the triumph 385 independent candidates over veteran politicians. Shah's platform focused on improving waste management, sanitation, clean water, roads, and preserving cultural heritage in earthquake-affected Kathmandu. (“Kathmandu Mayor Shah listed in 2023 TIME100 Next emerging leaders,” The Kathmandu Post, 14 September 2023)
BANGLADESH
The European Parliament expresses concerns over human rights situation in Bangladesh
On 14 September, The European Parliament adopted a resolution, expressing their concern over the human rights situation in Bangladesh, further calling on the government to restore a safe environment for NGOs, human rights defenders, activists, and religious minorities. The resolution underscored the importance of respecting international commitments, particularly those outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It further condemned the recent sentencing of two Odhikar leaders and called on the government to overturn the verdict. Additionally, the resolution expressed apprehensions regarding Bangladesh's trade privileges under the Everything but Arms (EBA) program with the European Union, and encouraged collaboration with the United Nations to investigate cases of enforced disappearances. (“European Parliament: Deeply concerned over rights situation in Bangladesh,” The Daily Star, 15 September 2023)
MYANMAR
If Suu Kyi’s health is impaired and her life endangered, the junta is solely responsible: NLD
On 14 September, the National League for Democracy (NLD) issued a statement expressing concern about the health of jailed state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The statement came as a response to the reports that said Suu Kyi was not receiving proper medical care and healthy food to keep her alive. NLD said: “If her health is impaired and her life endangered, the junta is solely responsible.” As per the VOA Burma report, Suu Kyi’s request to consult a dentist was denied by the authorities but she received some medication. Her son Kim Aris recently said that he is worried about his mother’s health after hearing about her situation. Kim said to Reuters: “She is not as robust as she once was. If she is unable to eat, then things are not looking very hopeful.” NLD requested the United Nations, ASEAN, and resistance forces to take steps for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners. (“NLD Alarmed at Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Health Woes,” The Irrawaddy, 14 September 2023)
Junta’s foreign minister visits Moscow
On 12 September, Junta Foreign Minister Than Swe took a flight to Moscow and will be visiting Russia till 17 September. He was invited by his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and Belarusian foreign minister Sergei Aleinik. He will also be visiting the Belarusian foreign minister. The Irrawaddy reported that he is the fifth junta minister to visit Russia within a week. The exact reasons for the visit are still unknown. (“Myanmar Junta Foreign Minister Visits Moscow for Talks With Sergei Lavrov,” The Irrawaddy, 14 September 2023)
Five ASEAN members skips Air Force summit
On 13 September, Malaysia and Indonesia ignored the Myanmar chaired 20th ASEAN Air Forces’ Cooperation for Sustainable Environment, while Singapore and the Philippines sent video messages instead of attending. In the meeting that happened in Naypyitaw, five countries - Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam - including Myanmar attended. The Junta Air Force chief Tun Aung handed over the chairmanship to Cambodia. The chief held separate talks with their counterparts but details are unknown. Tun Aung is sanctioned by the US and UK for killing civilians, including children, and torching villages and establishments through airstrikes in Pazi Gyi and Let Yet Kone in the Kachin State. (“Four ASEAN Members Snub Myanmar Junta Summit,” The Irrawaddy, 14 September 2023)
THAILAND
14 per cent rise in revised fiscal deficit
On 13 September, a statement released by the cabinet approved the expenditure of 3.48 trillion baht for the fiscal year 2024 starting on 1 October. This increased the budget deficit of 693 billion baht. This deficit is 14 per cent higher than the previous government. The Pheu Thai-led coalition government seeks to stimulate the dull economy through various schemes like the 10,000- baht digital wallet programme. According to the statement, the public debt would rise to 64 per cent of the GDP by the end of 2024 fiscal year, which is above the 60 per cent limit followed for years. The GDP growth expected for the next year is 3.2 per cent. Srettha Thavisin said earlier that there would be a five per cent GDP digital wallet impacting the lives of the people. (“Revised fiscal deficit 14% higher than before,” The Irrawaddy, 14 September 2023)
THE MALDIVES
Govt explains relations with India to JP in presidential election bid
On 14 Sep, Sunmv reported that the government is engaging in discussions with the Jumhooree Party (JP) leaders to secure their support for the second round of the upcoming presidential election. Qasim Ibrahim, who secured two per cent of the vote in the first round, has yet to endorse any party. The PPM-PNC coalition and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih are also vying for Qasim’s support. The central point of contention for JP leaders is the Maldives’ relationship with India, particularly the presence of Indian troops. The government is now working to clarify its stance on this issue, which may have contributed to its poor performance in the first round. The Maldivian National Party (MNP) has formed a coalition with PPM-PNC for the second round, further intensifying the political landscape, JP, a member of the government coalition, has postponed its decision on support. (“Govt. explains India relations as it seeks JP’s support,” Sun.mv, 14 Sep 2023)
IRAN
“Ronaldo doesn’t deserve more rights and services than Iranians in their own country,” says a journalist as Iran plans to give unrestricted internet access to foreign players
On 13 September, Al Jazeera reported that Iran intends to give Cristiano Ronaldo and other foreign football players traveling to Tehran a special SIM card with unrestricted access to the internet. This move has been criticized by Iranians, who viewed it as an insult and as discrimination against the citizens of the country. The internet restrictions in Iran increased during September last year, with the rise of protests across the country after the death of Mahsa Amini on 16 September. With Iran and Saudi Arabia reconciling their relations, mediated by China, the two countries have agreed to resume home-and-away football matches, which were previously held on a neutral ground. (Maziar Motamedi, “Iran wants to give Ronaldo a special SIM card to access unblocked internet,” Al Jazeera, 13 September 2023)
PAKISTAN
Caretaker prime minister on the arrest of Nawaz Sharif
On 13 September, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar stated that the decision to handcuff PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif upon his return to Pakistan is within the authority of law enforcement agencies (LEAs). He emphasized, “The law enforcement agencies (LEAs) will decide this matter in light of the law.” Kakar also discussed the upcoming general elections and mentioned that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has the primary responsibility for setting the election date. He anticipates the ECP will announce the election date soon, depending on the smooth progress of the delimitation process. Kakar assured that with “preparations more or less complete,” the caretaker government stands “completely ready” to support the electoral process. (“Decision to handcuff Nawaz upon return rests with law enforcers: PM Kakar,” Dawn, 13 September 2023)
Imran Khan's judicial remand extended until 26 September in cipher case
On 13 September, the Daily Pakistan reported that Imran Khan will remain in custody until 26 September, as a special court extended his judicial remand in the cipher case. Khan, who faces over 150 cases, including charges of blasphemy and terrorism, has been in Attock Jail despite the suspension of a three-year jail term in the Toshakhana case. The court proceedings were conducted inside the jail due to security reasons, with a team of Khan's counsel and investigators present. He applied for bail in the case earlier but the proceedings were inconclusive due to the judge's absence. (“Imran Khan to stay in jail for another 2 weeks as court extends judicial remand in cipher case,” Daily Pakistan, 13 September 2023)
IMF urges Pakistan’s caretaker government to improve power generation, withdraw gas subsidy
On 14 September, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called on Pakistan’s caretaker government to enhance its power generation system to alleviate the burden on consumers. This demand was made during its talks with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Power. It has also demanded the withdrawal of the subsidy provided on gas supplied to captive power plants (CPPs). IMF’s request is in the backdrop of Pakistani consumers bearing the grunt of a substantial rise in power bills since July 2023. The IMF has outlined five conditions that need to be met before granting permission for providing relief to power consumers. The Ministry of Finance has requested time to implement these conditions, while Pakistan awaits the IMF's approval to announce relief measures. (“IMF sets conditions for power bill relief,” Dawn, 14 September 2023)