India Ups Ante As China Strengthens Military And Infra Along LAC: Report

A Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter flying over the Himalayan ranges in Ladakh

Itanagar: Aware of China continuing to strengthen military positions and ramping up infrastructures, including developing airports along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tibet, India has upped its ante to keep a close eye on Chinese activities.

New Delhi’s alertness has intensified since Indo-China bilateral relations took a nose dive after Chinese People’s Liberation Army personnel intruded into Indian occupied territory in Leh on 05.06.20.

The threat perception involves Arunachal Pradesh, which shares 1,129-km of total 3,488-km of Indo-China border, while China dares to claim this Indian state, particularly Tawang as its territory as South Tibet.

Indian defence forces remain always alert to counter any misadventure of the neigbouring nation. The Indian Air Force (IAF) station or Salonibari Air Force Station at Tezpur is the best example. Spread in 22 acres, including its passenger terminal, it is a domestic airport and an Indian Air Force (IAF) station, located in Assam Valley on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in Salonibari, situated 8.5-km from the city centre.

The British had constructed the airfield between1942–43, but it was formed on 29.09.1959. Tezpur has been home to MiG-21s for over 30 years and currently the base for the MiG Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU). The No. 2 Squadron IAF with Sukhoi Su-30MKI is also based at Tezpur IAF station. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a two-seater, twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi and built under licence by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF.

The IAF base in Tezpur and other stations in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh showcase India’s Airpower to counter China in the East. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI jets during routine practices are seen often in pair flying over the Itanagar sky during day time. This clearly indicates that IAF always remains alert to thwart any possible intrusion by air force of the neighbouring country.

IAF station’s Air Officer Commanding Air Commodore V J Singh, in an interview to StratNews Global, spoke about operations of various aircrafts, particularly Sukhoi Su-30MKI frontline fighter sorties and air warriors on the base.

Giving overall perspective, Eastern Air Command Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (October 2021-September 2022) Air Marshal D.K. Patnaik, said that firstly, “All airfields east of the Chicken’s Neck, are at a distance of about 150 to 200-km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Secondly, Tezpur is the centre of this chain of airfields. Their role chiefly is to defend in case of any likely intrusions during peacetime. For other occasions, we have plans in place using all the airfields.” Thirdly, he added that “should the enemy decide to come, there are only a few places from where they will come. Fourthly, for a ground force, which wants to come, it’s not a cakewalk.

Lastly, the IAF has reached a stage where we’re not going to allow them a happy movement, he said with conviction.

(With Agency Inputs)

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China Underestimates India-Philippines, Treats Them As Inferior; This Has Brought Them Together

China must reconsider its perspective on India and Southeast Asia, viewing them not as mere pawns in the US strategy to contain China, but as sovereign countries with agency

by Sana Hashmi

The discourse on India’s deepening security engagement in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region often spotlights China’s assertive military posturing and strained ties between the two countries. While China’s activities along the LAC and in the South China Sea, coupled with its growing military presence in the Indian Ocean region, have indeed compelled India to adopt a more proactive security stance, New Delhi’s longstanding security and military engagements in Southeast Asia cannot be ignored. Southeast Asia’s increasing prominence necessitates a greater role in regional affairs, a trajectory evident since the launch of the Act East Policy in 2014.

China’s handling of its relations with India has prompted New Delhi to reassess its strategic priorities, driving it to aspire to play a more substantial role in regional dynamics, particularly as an effective counterbalance to China. A recent notable example of India’s pivotal role in maintaining regional stability occurred on 19 April, with the delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, to the Philippines as part of a 2022 agreement totalling US$ 375 million.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian responded by stating, “China always believes that defence and security cooperation between countries should not harm the interest of any third party and should not harm regional peace and stability.” China’s response to the India-Philippines defence cooperation was more subdued compared to its reaction to the US deploying mid-range missiles to the Philippines’ Luzon. Adopting a hardline stance then, Wu stated, “The US move severely threatens the security of regional countries and undermines regional peace and stability. China will take resolute countermeasures.”

The procurement of BrahMos missiles by the Philippines, nonetheless, signifies a substantial advancement in its coastal defence capabilities, presenting a significant deterrent against potential threats from China. Beyond this immediate benefit, it displays a noteworthy milestone in the deepening defence cooperation between India and the Philippines. During his visit to the Philippines in March 2024, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed “India’s support for the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty.” India is also deploying a defence attaché to its embassy in Manila.

The delivery of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines has bolstered India’s aspirations for a more assertive security role in the region, enhancing its credibility as a reliable security partner and potentially positioning it as a significant arms exporter amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The Russia-Ukraine conflict underscored India’s vulnerability due to reliance on Russia for arms supplies, particularly amid China-Russia proximity and ongoing border tensions. Such developments prompt India to reassess its traditional role as an arms importer and contemplate greater self-sufficiency in defence production.

India: A Reliable Security Provider

India’s reputation has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, shifting from being perceived as a weak link and an unreliable partner to actively positioning itself as a reliable security provider. This transformation is driven by two key factors: the need for collective responses to China’s assertiveness and the desire to be a responsible stakeholder on the global stage. Notable examples include the expansion of India-led Malabar exercises, active participation in the Quad, and deepening security and defence cooperation with regional countries.

Recognising China as a primary security threat has prompted a profound shift in India’s strategic priorities. This acknowledgment has not only reshaped India’s stance towards China but also influenced its broader regional perspective, positioning it as a responsible power in the Indo-Pacific and a key player globally. China’s assertive behaviour inadvertently reinforced India’s strategic posture, leading it to enhance defence capabilities and redefine its regional role and partnerships. Waning trust in China, fuelled by its revisionist policies, has created a vacuum in the regional security landscape.

While the US has traditionally been perceived as the primary security provider in the region, recent events such as the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East have cast doubt on its commitment to the Indo-Pacific. India’s significance in addressing these challenges cannot be overstated. Consequently, these developments have led the US and other stakeholders to increasingly turn to India for greater security engagement, coinciding with India’s growing recognition of its security responsibilities and willingness to fulfil them.

China Is A Binding Factor

It is intriguing how China, once regarded as a friendly country, has now emerged as a catalyst prompting India and the Philippines to cooperate in ensuring collective security. China’s miscalculation lies in underestimating the agency and capabilities of both countries, treating them as economically and militarily inferior, and inadvertently pushing them into forming coalitions where China finds itself at the centre.

China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and along the LAC has ignited a rapid arms race in the Indo-Pacific. However, it has also facilitated the formation of unprecedented partnerships where China is increasingly recognised as a disruptive force. This trend is irreversible now. China is to blame for turning Southeast Asia into a geopolitical theatre, as India and the Philippines have merely sought to safeguard their territorial integrity.

China must reconsider its perspective on India and Southeast Asia, viewing them not as mere pawns in the US strategy to contain China, but as sovereign countries with agency. Stability and peace in the region can only be achieved when China ceases its aggressive actions in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and the LAC.

Sana Hashmi is a fellow at the Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation

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To Counter China-Pakistan Threat In Indian Ocean: India Successfully Flight Tests Missile-Assisted Torpedo Release System

SMART is next generation missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system, designed and developed by DRDO to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedo

Balasore: In a significant milestone for India's defence capabilities, the country successfully conducted a flight test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, situated off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday. The test, conducted around 8:30 am, involved the launch of the SMART system from a ground mobile launcher.

The test validated several state-of-the-art mechanisms integral to the SMART system, including symmetric separation, ejection, and velocity control. These mechanisms are crucial for ensuring the precise and effective deployment of torpedoes in anti-submarine warfare scenarios.

SMART is next generation missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system, designed and developed by DRDO to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedo.

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) May 1, 2024

The SMART system represents a leap forward in India's defence technology and capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capability significantly.

Unlike conventional lightweight torpedoes, the SMART system boasts an extended range and utilizes missile-based delivery, providing the Indian Navy with enhanced operational flexibility and effectiveness in combating underwater threats.

With this successful test, India reaffirms its commitment to advancing indigenous defence technologies and strengthening its defence infrastructure. The SMART system's development and deployment mark a significant step forward in India's efforts to bolster its maritime security and protect its strategic interests in the region.

PIB

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India, US To Expand Naval Ship Repair Network

New Delhi: The US and India are auditing Kolkata port as they eye a new Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) that will allow US warships to access repair services at the port, according to persons aware of the matter.

This is part of attempts by New Delhi and Washington to make India a major hub for maintenance and repair of US Navy ships in the Indo-Pacific. The US navy signed MSRA deals with Larsen and Toubro as well as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd last year.

Just last month, Cochin Shipyard Ltd also signed a similar deal. These agreements provide the world’s most powerful navy access to Indian ports, including Cochin and Chennai’s Kattupalli. Talks are also on for an MSRA agreement with Goa Shipyard Ltd.

“MSRA qualifies a shipyard to compete for carrying out ship repair projects for US Navy. The MSRA includes clauses on security, payments, liabilities etc. The agreement is reviewed every five years, or as required. Undertaking repairs of these ships serves the commercial interest of Indian shipbuilders and will potentially lead to more such opportunities. An American Navy ship shall be berthed in an Indian shipyard for the duration of its repair," minister of state for defence Ajay Bhatt told the Lok Sabha in 2023.

Growing Network

The addition of Kolkata Port to this growing network will deepen India’s defence relationship with America. It could also potentially lead to increased interest from American allies abroad, like the UK, in using India as a hub for ship maintenance and repair.

In March this year, the UK's Royal Navy said two of its auxiliary ships would undergo repair and maintenance at Katupalli Shipyard in Chennai.

“President Biden and Prime Minister Modi also welcomed India’s emergence as a hub for maintenance and repair for forward deployed US Navy assets and the conclusion of Master Ship Repair Agreements with Indian shipyards. This will allow the US Navy to expedite the contracting process for mid-voyage and emergent repair. As envisaged in the Defence Industrial Roadmap, both countries agree to work together for the creation of logistic, repair, and maintenance infrastructure for aircrafts and vessels in India," the two countries said in a joint statement in June, during PM Narendra Modi’s state visit to America.

These agreements reflect the closer defence relationship between New Delhi and Washington, which has developed rapidly in the last two decades. The two countries hold a slew of military exercises, have signed a number of foundational defence agreements and have unveiled plans for cooperation between the defence industries in both countries, including plans for HAL and General Electric to co-produce the F-414 jet engine in India.

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India, Israel Conduct Joint Security Drill In Delhi

New Delhi: The Israeli embassy and Indian security forces conducted a joint security drill in New Delhi to assess the readiness of security forces for countering potential future threats, the Israeli embassy in India said in a press release.

While addressing the event, Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon emphasised the significance of the security drill.

"This joint security drill with Indian security forces marks a significant milestone. We extend our gratitude for their efforts. These collaborative exercises strengthen our nations' cooperation in security and defence and reinforce our shared commitment to global stability. We remain steadfast in our determination to foster continued collaboration for a safer world." he said.

The exercise witnessed the involvement of various agencies including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Delhi Police, the National Security Guard, and local emergency services such as the fire department and traffic police, the release stated.

Over day and night sessions held at the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, participants practised response strategies to potential terrorist incidents.

Elite units from the participating agencies were activated in simulated scenarios, while the Delhi Traffic Police managed traffic control in the vicinity.

"The exercise served as a platform for both Israeli and Indian forces to refine their coordination, communication, and operational procedures, thereby strengthening their joint efforts against terrorism," the release added.

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2 Indian Spies Expelled From Australia For Trying To 'Steal Secrets' In 2020: Australian Media

Australia expelled two Indian spies in 2020 for allegedly trying to "steal secrets" about sensitive defence projects and airport security, the Australian media reported on Tuesday.

While The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald said two Indian spies were booted out, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) did not mention any number.

There was no immediate comment from Indian officials on the Australian media reports.

"Indian spies were kicked out of Australia after being caught trying to steal secrets about sensitive defence projects and airport security, as well as classified information on Australia's trade relationships," the ABC report said.

The so-called foreign "nest of spies" disrupted by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 2020 was also accused of closely monitoring Indians living in Australia and developing close relationships with current and former politicians, it said.

The reports came a day after The Washington Post named an Indian RAW official for allegedly plotting to assassinate Sikh extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil last year.

India on Tuesday said The Washington Post report made "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" imputations on a serious matter.

The Washington Post report also said that two RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) officers were expelled from Australia in 2020.

The ABC said ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess first alluded to the spy ring in his annual threat assessment delivered in 2021, but he did not disclose which country was behind the activity.

"The spies developed targeted relationships with current and former politicians, a foreign embassy and a state police service," the report quoted Burgess as saying during his March 2021 speech inside ASIO's Canberra headquarters.

"They monitored their country's diaspora community. They tried to obtain classified information about Australia's trade relationships," he said.

Burgess also detailed how the "nest of spies" had successfully cultivated and recruited an Australian government security clearance holder who had access to "sensitive details of defence technology", the ABC report said.

(With Inputs From International Agencies)

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Seven Pakistani Policemen Injured In Terrorist Attack In Punjab's Taunsa

Islamabad: In the early hours of Wednesday, at least seven policemen sustained injuries as terrorists launched an assault on a police checkpost in Punjab's Taunsa Sharif district, ARY news reported.

The incident marks the second assault on the checkpoint within a two-month in the district.

According to police officials, terrorists attacked the Jhangi checkpost, situated in the Wahova area of Dera Ghazi Khan adjacent to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The assault resulted in the injury of six officers, one of whom is reported to be in critical condition, according to the officials, Samaa TV reported.

According to ARY News, seven wounded policemen were transferred to Taunsa Sharif THQ hospital for medical assistance.

The Punjab Police spokesperson has confirmed an attempted terrorist attack on the Jhangi checkpoint, which was successfully thwarted by a vigilant police team.

Around 20 terrorists armed with grenades, rocket launchers and laser-light guns attacked the checkpost," he said.

The spokesperson stated that the terrorists launched their assault from various directions under the cover of darkness, but retreated as they ran out of ammunition, as per ARY News.

He further said that terrorists wanted to capture the police checkpost and take the policemen as captives.

Upon receiving intelligence about the terrorist assault, law enforcement agencies promptly arrived at the scene and secured the area.

After the attack, the vicinity was sealed off, and a thorough search operation was launched to capture the terrorists.

Notably, Shakirullah Marwat, the district and sessions judge of South Waziristan was abducted by unidentified kidnappers on Dera Ismail Khan's Tank Road recently.

His captors released a video of him pleading for his freedom.The judge appealed to the government and judiciary to accept the demands of his abductors.

In a video message sent from an unknown location, Marwat said that, "Taliban brought me here. It is a jungle and a war is going on."

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Chief of Defence Staff Gen Chauhan Participates In US Indo-Pacific Command Meeting

New Delhi: India's senior-most military official, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, recently interacted with senior military leaders of 27 countries during the meeting of Chiefs of Defence hosted by US Indo-Pacific Command virtually.

The discussions were held on strengthening military-to-military relationships, common security issues and opportunities to foster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, in addition to reviewing the progress of agreed-upon objectives, according to Defence officials.

The meeting by Admiral John C Aquilino, US Commander of Indo-Pacific Command hosted the virtual Chiefs of Defence meeting at the USINDOPACOM headquarters in Hawaii to strengthen military-to-military relationships, discuss common security issues and foster regional cooperation on April 29, according to an official release of US-Indo Pacific Command.

During the meeting, Aquilino discussed the importance of deepening security cooperation opportunities and security challenges within the Indo-Pacific region with an emphasis that USINDOPACOM will continue to work closely with Allies and partners to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, the statement read.

USINDOPACOM hosts virtual CHOD meetings quarterly to provide a forum for open dialogue between military leaders and to discuss the regional security environment.

The next in-person CHOD conference will be in September 2024, he said.

At the meeting, Aquilino also introduced Adm. Samuel Paparo, who will become the USINDOPACOM commander upon completion of a change of command ceremony on May 3 this year.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Vice Admiral K Swaminathan Assumes Charge As Vice Chief of Navy

New Delhi: Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, known for his expertise in communication and electronic warfare, on Wednesday assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. He was serving as Chief of Personnel at the naval headquarters in his previous assignment.

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who took charge as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff on Tuesday, was serving as the Vice Chief of the force.

After taking charge as the Vice Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Swaminathan paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial.

In his illustrious career, he commanded missile vessels INS Vidyut and INS Vinash, the missile corvette INS Kulish, guided missile destroyer INS Mysore and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

The Vice Admiral was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987 and is a specialist in communication and electronic warfare.

He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, the UK, the College of Naval Warfare, Karanja and the US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island.

A recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, Vice Admiral Swaminathan has held several key operational, staff and training appointments.

On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as the Chief Staff Officer (training) at headquarters, Southern Naval Command, Kochi and played a key role in the conduct of training for the Navy.

He was also instrumental in raising the Indian Naval Safety team that oversees operational safety across all verticals of the Navy, the Navy said in a statement.

He then went on to head the work-up organisation of the Navy as the Flag Officer (sea training).

Following this, he was appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet.

On promotion to the rank of Vice Admiral, the Flag Officer was Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command and Controller of Personnel Services at the naval headquarters.

Vice Admiral Swaminathan's educational qualifications include a BSc degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; MSc in Telecommunications from Cochin University of Science and Technology and MA in Defence Studies from King's College, London; MPhil in Strategic Studies from Mumbai University; and PhD in International Studies from Mumbai University.

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China's Newest Aircraft Carrier Sets Out For Its First Sea Trials

Beijing: China's new aircraft carrier, the Fujian sets out from Shanghai on Wednesday for its first sea trials. It is the most advanced, and largest aircraft carrier in China, according to CNN.

According to Shanghai's Maritime Safety Administration, the naval assessment is expected to take place in the East China Sea.

The assessment of the vessel will take place about 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the Jiangnan Shipyard where the carrier has been under construction for over six years.

"The sea trials will primarily test the reliability and stability of the aircraft carrier's propulsion and electrical systems," CNN reported citing Xinhua news agency on Wednesday.

The warship was launched in 2022 and has "completed its mooring trials, outfitting work and equipment adjustments" working up to the latest sea trials, Xinhua said.

The battleship was launched in 2022 and has "completed its mooring trials, outfitting work, and equipment adjustments" leading up to the most recent sea trials.

The Fujian is the largest carrier in the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), with a displacement of 80,000 metric tonnes, surpassing the Shandong and Liaoning, which weigh 66,000 and 60,000 tonnes, respectively, according to CNN. The main feature of Fujian is an electromagnetic catapult technology, which allows it to launch larger and heavier aircraft than the Shandong and Liaoning, which employ a ski-jump launch mechanism.

Only the US Navy operates larger aircraft carriers than Fujian.

The Fujian's electromagnetic catapult system puts it on level with the US Navy's newest carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, which is the only active carrier in the world equipped with one.

The US Navy's ten older carriers, known as the Nimitz class, used steam-powered catapults to launch aircraft.

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125 Security Posts Set Up Deep Inside Naxal-Hit Areas In 4 Years

A good part of Naxal terrorists are women

A total of 125 security posts, including 18 in 2024, have been set up by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in states affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in the last four years, providing a significant advantage to the security forces in the fight against the Naxals, officials said on Wednesday. Most of the posts, known as forward operating bases (FOBs), were set up deep inside forest areas, which were out of bound for government officials and security forces till their establishment.

The CRPF has set up 18 FOBs so far in 2024. Thirty-one such posts were established in 2023, 48 in 2022 and 28 in 2021, an official said.

With the establishment of these posts, the security forces fighting the Naxals have got a significant advantage, the official added.

More than 90 Naxals were killed, over 125 arrested and 150 have surrendered so far this year in Chhattisgarh alone, another official said.

According to the data of the Ministry of Home Affairs, LWE-related violence has declined by 52 per cent in the country and the number of deaths by 69 per cent, from 6,035 to 1,868, in the period between 2014 and 2023 as compared to the period from 2004 to 2014.

Following a detailed review of the security situation in the Naxal-affected states late last year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had directed security forces to proactively carry out operations against the Maoists.

Shah's direction soon translated into the formation of a high-powered committee, which had the state directors general of police (DGPs), the directors general (DG) of the CRPF, Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other officers of the anti-Maoist grid as its members.

The results of proactive action against the Naxals are visible now on the ground, an official said.

In the biggest encounter ever in Chhattisgarh, security personnel gunned down 29 Naxalites, including some senior cadre, in Kanker district last month.

This was the highest number of fatalities suffered by Maoists in a single encounter in the history of the state's fight against LWE.

According to the home ministry's data, the number of LWE incidents has gone down from 14,862 to 7,128 in 2014-23 as compared to 2004-14.

The number of deaths of security personnel due to LWE has declined by 72 per cent, from 1,750 in 2004-14 to 485 in 2014-23, and the number of civilian deaths declined by 68 per cent, from 4,285 to 1,383.

The number of districts hit by such violence was 96 in 2010, which declined by 53 per cent to 45 in 2022. Along with this, the number of police stations reporting such violence decreased from 465 in 2010 to 176 in 2022.

In the last five years, more than 5,000 post offices were set up in 90 districts that have Naxal presence or where the ultras were present in the past.

As many as 1,298 bank branches were opened and 1,348 ATMs made operational in the 30 most-affected districts, officials said.

A total of 4,885 mobile towers were constructed at a cost of Rs 2,690 crore in the Naxal-hit areas and 9,356 km roads laid at a cost of Rs 10,718 crore.

Local youngsters are being engaged by setting up 121 Eklavya residential schools, 43 ITIs and 38 skill-development centres, officials said.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Over 2000 Afghan Migrants Expelled From Pakistan, Iran

Islamabad: Over 2000 Afghan migrants re-entered the nation after being expelled by Pakistan and Iran, TOLOnews reported citing the Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation.

As per the ministry, 260 Afghan migrants returned to Kabul from Pakistan after being expelled by the country's police on Monday.

Meanwhile, 2,368 Afghan migrants also re-entered Afghanistan from Iran on the same day, reported Khaama Press.

The migrants returned to the country through the Torkham border crossing in Nangarhar province.

The officials claim the returnees entered Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat province.

The Taliban's Ministry of Refugees announced the repatriation of migrants from Iran at a time when the expulsion of Afghan migrants from Iran, particularly from Pakistan, has intensified in recent months.

Earlier, Amnesty International called for the immediate cancellation of the plan to expel Afghan migrants from Pakistan, stressing that this plan is contrary to international human rights laws and refugee laws.

Meanwhile, the Taliban's acting minister of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs had urged Pakistan to resolve the Afghan migrants' issue within the framework of bilateral understanding.

The first phase of expelling undocumented Afghan migrants from Pakistan began in November 2023.

Human rights organisations and the Taliban have criticised Pakistan's action. However, the Pakistani government insisted that it was not directed at any one ethnic community.

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Pakistani Hindu Senator Danesh Palyani Raises Alarm Over Forced Conversions In Sindh

Islamabad: Pakistani Hindu leader and member of the Senate, Danesh Kumar Palyani on Tuesday raised concern over the grave human rights crisis in the Sindh province of the country and said that the girls of the Hindu community are being forcibly converted to Islam.

"You see in Sindh, bandits are forcefully converting our Hindu girls to Islam. Bandits in mud forts areas kidnap people but Bandits in settled areas are forcing girls to convert their religion. However, Pakistan gives us the right that no one should force anyone else to convert," the leader in the ongoing 337th session of the Pakistan Senate.

"Even in Quran, it says 'La ikraha fiddin', [there be no compulsion in religion], where in 'Surah Al-Kafirun', it says Your religion for you and mine for me. These oppressive people dont even believe in Pakistan's constitution nor in Quran sharif. They are forcibly changing religion of Hindu women," it added.

The Pakistani leader also shared his speech on his social media account X, saying, "The daughters of Hindus are not a booty that someone should forcibly change their religion, Hindu girls are being forcibly converted to the religion in Sindh. It has been two years since innocent Priya Kumari was abducted."

"The government does not take action against these influential people. Senator Danesh Kumar's address in the Senate session. A few dirty eggs and robbers have defamed our beloved mother land Pakistan. The law/Constitution of Pakistan does not allow forced religious conversion and neither does the Holy Quran," he added.

On April 11, UN experts expressed dismay at the continuing lack of protection for young women and girls belonging to minority communities in Pakistan.

"Christian and Hindu girls remain particularly vulnerable to forced religious conversion, abduction, trafficking, child, early and forced marriage, domestic servitude and sexual violence," the experts said. "The exposure of young women and girls belonging to religious minority communities to such heinous human rights violations and the impunity of such crimes can no longer be tolerated or justified."

The experts expressed concern that forced marriages and religious conversions of girls from religious minorities which have been coerced are validated by the courts, often invoking religious law to justify keeping victims with their abductors rather than allowing them to return them to their parents. "Perpetrators often escape accountability, with police dismissing crimes under the guise of 'love marriages'," they said.

The experts stressed that child, early and forced marriage cannot be justified on religious or cultural grounds. They underlined that, under international law, consent is irrelevant when the victim is a child under the age of 18.

"A woman's right to choose a spouse and freely enter into marriage is central to her life, dignity and equality as a human being and must be protected and upheld by law," the experts said. They stressed the need for provisions to invalidate, annul or dissolve marriages contracted under duress, with due consideration for the women and girls concerned, and to ensure access to justice, remedy, protection and adequate assistance for victims.

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Baloch National Movement Condemns Pakistan's Fencing of Gwadar City

Quetta: In the wake of the Pakistan government's decision to fence the Gwadar city of Balochistan, the Baloch National Movement has condemned the act and said that the action is similar to the tactics in the colonized regions.

In the statement, BNM stated "This tactic mirrors the historical pattern seen in colonized regions, where the colonizers fear local inhabitants' rightful claim to land, coastlines, and resources. Discontent with imposed authority and decisions prevails among the local populace".

The organisation claimed in its statement that this fencing has been an act of marginalizing and displacing residents of Balochistan and the Baloch community and introducing special entry cards, fencing is an attack on the freedom of the Baloch community. Calling upon the Baloch people, BNM said that people must reject these impositions and unite in organized resistance against such encroachments on their rights.

Meanwhile, the BNM also organized a rally in Busan city of South Korea, raising awareness over the atrocities inflicted by the Pakistani administration on the Baloch community. BNM members not only distributed pamphlets but Speakers such as Hafsa Baloch, Sameer Baloch, Agha Faiz, and Bakhtawar Baloch addressed the gathered participants.

The forcefully occupied province of Balochistan frequently faces several other problems at the hands of the Pakistani administration. As of now the most crucial problem for the Baloch community is the issue of enforced disappearance, resulting in people being kidnapped allegedly by the defence and intelligence agencies.

Prominent Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch recently raised the same issue while participating in the Asma Jahangir conference in Lahore. While raising the matter of enforced disappearances Mahrang Baloch stated "The cases of enforced disappearances have been a curse for the people of Balochistan. It is not a mere crime against humanity, but it is a tool utilized by the state to suppress the Baloch people and to loot their resources. For more than 20 years Baloch women in the form of mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives have been struggling for the safe return of their loved ones. Women are often given corporal punishments like and are harassed sexually and physically."

"Several places in Balochistan Awaran, Bolan, and Kohlu have prisons for women who participate in protests against the Pakistani Administration demanding the safe return of their loved ones. Women in these prisons are often exposed to severe punishments. There are also cases where women are kidnapped for merely pressuring these protestors. They are often given to soldier and death squad camps where they are sexually and physically abused. We have also come across cases where young girls are married to death squad members forcibly," she pointed out.

Asma Jahangir was a prominent human rights lawyer from Pakistan and was also a UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran during her life she also received the prestigious UN Human Rights Prize. The prize was awarded posthumously to Jahangir who died earlier in 2018 in her home country of Pakistan at the age of 66 a report by United Nations Human Rights Council stated.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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Two Injured In Fight Between Maldivians And Indians Near Male

Police said the clashes broke out between a group of Maldivians and Indians inside the park

Two people were injured during an altercation between a group of Maldivians and Indians near Male.

The fight between the two groups broke out near Central Park in Hulhumale, about 7 km northeast of Male, at around 9:00 pm on Monday.

According to news portal Adhadhu, one Maldivian has been taken into custody by the police. The police, however, have not disclosed the nationality of those injured.

Police said the clashes broke out between a group of Maldivians and Indians inside the park and that further investigations were underway, reported PTI.

The two people who sustained serious injuries were taken to the Hulhumale Hospital. They were later released after treatment.

India-Maldives Ties

The relations between India and the Maldives have soured ever since Mohamed Muizzu, who is considered close to China, assumed office last year. One of the first pledges he took after coming to power was to evict Indian security personnel deployed in the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime border.

The ties between the two countries worsened in January this year after a controversy over some Maldivian ministers, including the deputy minister, making racist remarks against PM Modi.

Last month, Mohamed Muizzu stepped up his anti-India rhetoric and reportedly set a deadline for May 10 for all the Indian military personnel to leave the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Muizzu has sought to move the Maldives away from dependence on India in crucial sectors such as food security and defence following his victory in last year’s presidential election. Besides finalising arrangements with Sri Lanka for medical evacuation services, Muizzu’s government has signed an agreement with Turkiye for drones to be used for maritime surveillance, and another with China for supply of non-lethal military equipment and training.

He has also accused his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of operating on the orders of a “foreign ambassador”.

(With Agency Inputs)

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