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South Asia
Statement:2019
Read more...
Date
Incidents
January - 1 
Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been extended for six more month in Nagaland, reports Northeast Today on January 1. According to Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) notification, Government of India (GoI) is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of State of Nagaland is in s
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Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been extended for six more month in Nagaland, reports Northeast Today on January 1. According to Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) notification, Government of India (GoI) is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of State of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civilian power is necessary. A ministry official said the decision to continue the declaration of Nagaland as “disturbed area” has been taken as killings, loot and extortion have been going on in various parts of the State which necessitated the action for the convenience of the security forces operating there.
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January - 1 
The Year 2019 will be challenging for the Odisha Police as many important events including the General Elections are scheduled to be held, said Director General of Police (DGP), Rajendra Prasad Sharma on January 1, reports Pragativadi News.DGP Sharma said that anti-Naxal[Left Wing Extremist, LWE] op
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The Year 2019 will be challenging for the Odisha Police as many important events including the General Elections are scheduled to be held, said Director General of Police (DGP), Rajendra Prasad Sharma on January 1, reports Pragativadi News.DGP Sharma said that anti-Naxal[Left Wing Extremist, LWE] operations will be also intensified in the insurgent-hit areas of the State. The Police personnel will be imparted special training in this regard.
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January - 1 
The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan has confirmed that a delegation of the group has visited Tehran and met with the Iranian officials, reports Khaama Press on January 1. Taliban group ‘spokesman’ Zabiullah Mujahid, in a statement, said the delegation has been sent to Tehran to hold talks reg
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The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan has confirmed that a delegation of the group has visited Tehran and met with the Iranian officials, reports Khaama Press on January 1. Taliban group ‘spokesman’ Zabiullah Mujahid, in a statement, said the delegation has been sent to Tehran to hold talks regarding the situation of Afghanistan post the coalition forces withdrawal, maintaining peace and security in Afghanistan and the region. The statement further added that the delegation of the group occasionally visits the regional countries to attract the political and moral support of the regional countries to end the occupation and bring peace in Afghanistan.
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January - 2 
Altogether 140 terrorists were killed by Security Forces (SFs) in Jammu and Kashmir between June and December 2018 during which 426 stone pelting incidents were also reported in the State, Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said on January 2, reports Daily Excelsior. Replying to a written question
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Altogether 140 terrorists were killed by Security Forces (SFs) in Jammu and Kashmir between June and December 2018 during which 426 stone pelting incidents were also reported in the State, Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said on January 2, reports Daily Excelsior. Replying to a written question in Rajya Sabha, he said 140 terrorists were killed from June 25 to December 5, 2018 in the State, where 119 terrorist violence took place during the period. The Minister said 426 stone pelting incidents took place in Jammu and Kashmir in the said period in which 34 civilians were injured. As many as 171 SFs personnel were martyred while combating with terrorists in Kashmir and other parts of the country, guarding borders or serving their duty in 2016, 167 troops were martyred in 2017 and 163 personnel in 2018 (till November).
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January - 2 
Informing the Rajya Sabha [the Upper House of the Parliament] on January 2, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir has said that in the recent grenade attack on a Nirankari mission in Amritsar, the involvement of the Khalistan Liberation Force [KLF], and the International Sikh You
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Informing the Rajya Sabha [the Upper House of the Parliament] on January 2, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir has said that in the recent grenade attack on a Nirankari mission in Amritsar, the involvement of the Khalistan Liberation Force [KLF], and the International Sikh Youth Federation [ISYF] has emerged; and in last two years, 18 Khalistan-inspired outfits were busted with arrests of 95 Khalistan operatives, reports Economic Times.
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January - 2 
The presence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Kashmir is not ‘that big’ but attempts are being made by anti-national elements to radicalise a section of the youth with the global terror group’s ideology, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said on January 2, reports Daily Excelsior. The DGP’
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The presence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Kashmir is not ‘that big’ but attempts are being made by anti-national elements to radicalise a section of the youth with the global terror group’s ideology, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said on January 2, reports Daily Excelsior. The DGP’s remark came days after a group of youngsters, carrying ISIS flags, forcibly entered the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar and created a ruckus. “A very serious attempt on part of anti-social and anti-national elements is on to radicalise a section of the youth to the extent possible. “The presence (of ISIS) is not that big but the fact that people are being radicalised along those lines cannot be denied,” the Jammu and Kashmir DGP said.
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January - 2 
The Union Minister of Home Affairs [UMHA] on January 2 informed the Parliament that Pakistan-based terrorist organisations are training their operatives for underwater strike capabilities for ‘samudri jihad’ [Sea-borne Jihad] for infiltration into India by Sea to carry out terrorist attacks, report
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The Union Minister of Home Affairs [UMHA] on January 2 informed the Parliament that Pakistan-based terrorist organisations are training their operatives for underwater strike capabilities for ‘samudri jihad’ [Sea-borne Jihad] for infiltration into India by Sea to carry out terrorist attacks, report The Times of India. Earlier [date unspecified], the Intelligence Bureau [IB] had informed the State Police agencies and the government that Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba [LeT] and Jaish-e-Mohammad [JeM] are giving specialized underwater training to their operatives, informed UMHA. However, as per the available information, there are no specific inputs that any terrorist group planning a 26/11 type Mumbai terror attack on ports, cargo ships and oil tankers in the high Seas, said the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs [UMoSHA] Hansraj Ahir in the Parliament.
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January - 2 
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on January 2 said that the law-enforcement agencies have been asked to remain alert against militancy and its network as the Awami League-led grand alliance is celebrating landslide victory in the national election, reports Daily Star. The nationwide anti-militancy dri
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Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on January 2 said that the law-enforcement agencies have been asked to remain alert against militancy and its network as the Awami League-led grand alliance is celebrating landslide victory in the national election, reports Daily Star. The nationwide anti-militancy drive will be strengthened further in line with the government's election pledges as well as “zero tolerance policy” against any sort of terrorism, he said.
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January - 3 
A three-member Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) delegation, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, yesterday met United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller and discussed various issues relating to the recently held national election, reports Daily Star. A BNP leader cl
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A three-member Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) delegation, led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, yesterday met United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller and discussed various issues relating to the recently held national election, reports Daily Star. A BNP leader close to Fakhrul said the BNP delegation informed the US envoy about their party's observations over the election and various “irregularities”. He said the BNP team also provided Miller with documents, including paper cuttings and video clips, on “election irregularities and vote fraud”.
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January - 3 
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia on January 3 said she would not say anything about December 30, 2018 national election, reports Daily Star.
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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia on January 3 said she would not say anything about December 30, 2018 national election, reports Daily Star.
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January - 3 
Government of India (GoI) clarified that there is no plans to extend Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) to other parts of the country, reports Assam Tribune on January 3. Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said that the NRC of 1951 in Assam
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Government of India (GoI) clarified that there is no plans to extend Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) to other parts of the country, reports Assam Tribune on January 3. Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said that the NRC of 1951 in Assam is being updated under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the applications for preparation of the NRC in Assam were invited in May-August, 2015.Ahir said the complete draft NRC was published on July 30 last year after necessary scrutiny and verification. He said the claims and objections on the draft NRC were invited till December 31 and after the disposal of claims and objections, the NRC is to be finalised as per the timelines approved by the Supreme Court. Additionally, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Government will set up a high-level committee to look into the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord which “envisaged that appropriate constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people, reports Indian Express on January 3. The Minister also stated that it was very important from the perspective of Assam. The composition and terms of reference of the committee, which will also look at issues related to the Bodo community, will be announced later. Singh also added that the committee “will hold discussions with all stakeholders and assess the required quantum of reservation of seats in the Assam Assembly and local bodies for Assamese people”. It will also look at measures to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam, reservation in state government jobs, and other steps to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of Assamese people.
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January - 3 
Pakistan on January 3 abolished the long-standing facility of on-arrival visas for Afghan nationals, authorities said, citing security risks amid a spike in terror attacks, reports The Express Tribune. Earlier, Afghan nationals were granted a 30-day visa on arrival at the entry points but nowvthey w
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Pakistan on January 3 abolished the long-standing facility of on-arrival visas for Afghan nationals, authorities said, citing security risks amid a spike in terror attacks, reports The Express Tribune. Earlier, Afghan nationals were granted a 30-day visa on arrival at the entry points but nowvthey will be required to apply for a visa from Pakistani missions in Afghanistan, Federal Investigation Agency's Director Immigration Ismatullah Junejo was quoted as saying by.
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January - 3 
Locals of Tikapur have expressed deep dissatisfaction after lawmaker-elect of Madhes-based Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) from Kailali constituency-1, Resham Chaudhary, the main accused in the Tikapur carnage, was sworn in as a Member of Parliament on January 3, reports My Republica.The victims
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Locals of Tikapur have expressed deep dissatisfaction after lawmaker-elect of Madhes-based Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) from Kailali constituency-1, Resham Chaudhary, the main accused in the Tikapur carnage, was sworn in as a Member of Parliament on January 3, reports My Republica.The victims criticized the oath-taking ceremony and the preparations for Chaudhary’s release from Dillibazar jail prior to the court verdict in the case, calling it a serious violation of the law. Eight people including a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and a two-year-old toddler were killed after agitating Tharuhat activists clashed with Police while attempting to breach a prohibited zone in Tikapur Municipality on August 24, 2015.
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January - 3 
The Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Maldives—Major General [Retd] B.R.W.M.R.A.B Thoradeniya, on January 3 discussed the measures on strengthening the commercial ties between two nations, reports The Edition. Sri Lanka remains one of the strongest part
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The Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Maldives—Major General [Retd] B.R.W.M.R.A.B Thoradeniya, on January 3 discussed the measures on strengthening the commercial ties between two nations, reports The Edition. Sri Lanka remains one of the strongest partners in the development of Maldives. The Maldives appreciates the friendly ties between the two South Asian neighbours since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 54 years ago, said President Solih.
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January - 4 
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on January 4 stated that Government of India (GoI) government is committed to passing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and assured that no genuine Indian citizen will be left out of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC), reports Indian Expres
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Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on January 4 stated that Government of India (GoI) government is committed to passing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and assured that no genuine Indian citizen will be left out of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC), reports Indian Express.
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January - 4 
Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman HM Ershad on January 4 announced that his party will serve as the main opposition in the 11th National Parliament, reports Dhaka Tribune. The release read: “As the chairman of the Jatiya Party, I want to inform all leaders, activists, and supporters—and the people of Ban
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Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman HM Ershad on January 4 announced that his party will serve as the main opposition in the 11th National Parliament, reports Dhaka Tribune. The release read: “As the chairman of the Jatiya Party, I want to inform all leaders, activists, and supporters—and the people of Bangladesh—that JaPa will serve as the main opposition party in the 11th National Parliament.“I [HM Ershad] will serve as the leader of the main opposition party, because of my rank as the president of JaPa. Meanwhile, Co-Chairman Golam Mohammed Quader will act as the deputy leader. No Jatiya Party lawmakers will be part of the new cabinet.”
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January - 4 
Seventy-one militants were killed and 49 others injured and five suspected individuals had been arrested in Security Forces (SFs) operations in different provinces, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on January 4, reports Pajhwok.The casualties inflicted to the insurgents in ground operations and ai
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Seventy-one militants were killed and 49 others injured and five suspected individuals had been arrested in Security Forces (SFs) operations in different provinces, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on January 4, reports Pajhwok.The casualties inflicted to the insurgents in ground operations and airstrikes which happened in Nangarhar, Kapisa, Paktia, Paktika, Ghazni, Kandahar, Daikundi, Farah, Badghis, Faryab and Helmand provinces in the past 24 hours, a statement from the MoD said.
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January - 5 
As long as Sri Lanka remains divided on lines of race, religion, caste, language, regions, poor and rich, the country will be devoid of the ‘balance’ to forge ahead, said Sivaraja Rashasingham, PLOTE’s (People’s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam) coordinator based in Norway, reports The Island
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As long as Sri Lanka remains divided on lines of race, religion, caste, language, regions, poor and rich, the country will be devoid of the ‘balance’ to forge ahead, said Sivaraja Rashasingham, PLOTE’s (People’s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam) coordinator based in Norway, reports The Island on January 5."The ‘imbalance’ could open the door to outside forces to take control. It is left to us to decide whether to allow such forces to triumph or to take ‘control’ ourselves without being slaves to external elements, who will have their way, if they succeed", he said in an interview during a visit to Colombo, last week.PLOTE, a one-time militant group, later worked with the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) to crush the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). After entering the political firmament, PLOTE contested parliamentary polls. The group’s leader, DharmalingamSiddarthan, is a Member of Parliament (MP).
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January - 5 
All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) welcomed Government of India’s decision to amend list of scheduled tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, reports Times of India on January 5. AAPSU General Secretary stated that ‘The amendment, if duly approved, will be beneficial, especially for the numerous indi
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All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) welcomed Government of India’s decision to amend list of scheduled tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, reports Times of India on January 5. AAPSU General Secretary stated that ‘The amendment, if duly approved, will be beneficial, especially for the numerous indigenous tribes of eastern districts of Arunachal Pradesh who were until today classified under the vague and ambiguous terminology of 'Any Other Naga-Tribes'. Such improper classification of these tribes was a historical blunder which resulted in numerous hardships and a sort of identity crisis for them.’ GoI had amended the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2018 to amend the the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order of 1950. The bill seeks revision in the list of scheduled tribes of Arunachal Pradesh - it proposes the inclusion of Nocte, Tangsa, Tutsa, Wancho in lieu of 'Any Naga Tribes'. It also calls for the deletion of 'Abor', replacing Khampti by Tai Khamti, inclusion of Mishmi-Kaman (Miju Mishmi), Idu (Mishmi) and Taraon (Digaru Mishmi), and inclusion of Monpa, Memba, Sartang and Sajolong (Miji) in lieu of Momba. Arunachal Pradesh government had earlier sent a proposal to the Centre to amend the list of scheduled tribes. The state had proposed doing away with the category of 'any Naga tribe' and replacing it with Nocte, Tangsa, Tutsa and Wancho.
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January - 5 
Ruling coalition partner Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN), on January 5, drew the attention of Prime Minister (PM) K P Oli in initiating the constitution amendment process as demanded by the Madhes-based political parties, reports My Republica. Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav took such move
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Ruling coalition partner Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN), on January 5, drew the attention of Prime Minister (PM) K P Oli in initiating the constitution amendment process as demanded by the Madhes-based political parties, reports My Republica. Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav took such move after mounting pressure from another Madhes-based party - Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) - and the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) drawing the Government’s attention on the issue.Submitting an 11-point memorandum to the PM at his official residence in Baluwatar, FSFN Chairperson Yadav demanded endorsement of the constitution amendment bill from the ongoing parliament session. Reminding the prime minister that the Government has a comfortable position in parliament with two-thirds majority for statute amendment, the party has sought Oli’s initiative to push forward the amendment process. “The formation of a progressive government in Nepal was itself an achievement,” reads the memorandum submitted to the prime minister. The second point of the 11-point memorandum has demanded immediate homework for the constitution amendment and its endorsement within the ongoing House session to institutionalize the political achievements including federalism, democracy, republic and proportional inclusion. “The prime minister was positive toward our demands and he also assured us of amending the constitution if it is necessary,” said FSFN General Secretary Ram Sahaya Yadav.
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January - 6 
Failure to curb infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) and putting a check on local recruitment of youths in terror groups remain a constant source of worry for security agencies in militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on January 6.Analyzing the trends of 2018, it has been see
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Failure to curb infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) and putting a check on local recruitment of youths in terror groups remain a constant source of worry for security agencies in militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on January 6.Analyzing the trends of 2018, it has been seen that infiltration figures continue to remain unchanged as around 140 terrorists successfully sneaked into the Kashmir Valley, majority of whom are believed to be of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group, they said.Although around 110 terrorists were killed during infiltration, the successful number of cross overs continues to worry the security agencies. During recent meetings of Army and BSF officials, it has been brought to the notice that the counter infiltration grid needs to be further strengthened as militants may try and sneak in during the peak winters as well.“It is not only the Line of Control, which stretches from Poonch in Jammu to Kupwara in Kashmir, but also international border, which has been exploited by the terror groups,” said a senior security official.
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January - 6 
Peshawar Corps commander Lieutenant General Shaheen Mazhar Mehmood said on January 6 that the Pakistan Army does not support any jihadist group or faction and has always desired sustainable peace and stability in the region, reports The Express Tribune.“Security forces will be withdrawn from erstwhi
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Peshawar Corps commander Lieutenant General Shaheen Mazhar Mehmood said on January 6 that the Pakistan Army does not support any jihadist group or faction and has always desired sustainable peace and stability in the region, reports The Express Tribune.“Security forces will be withdrawn from erstwhile Fata within two years but a limited number of troops will be stationed there to maintain peace and border vigilance,” said Lieutenant General Shaheen Mazhar Mehmood while addressing the media in erstwhile FATA.“Troops withdrawal is conditional as it largely depends on peace and stability on the western border,” the corps commander added.
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January - 6 
Taliban representatives from Afghanistan arrived in Tehran on January 6 and started peace negotiations with Iran, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said,reports Tolo News.The talks are designed to set parameters for negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan Government, Iranian m
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Taliban representatives from Afghanistan arrived in Tehran on January 6 and started peace negotiations with Iran, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said,reports Tolo News.The talks are designed to set parameters for negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan Government, Iranian media reported.“A Taliban delegation was in Tehran yesterday (Sunday). They had comprehensive negotiations with the Iranian deputy foreign minister,” Ghasemi said in a news conference aired live on state television.Taliban has not confirmed the meeting so far.This comes after Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on December 28 that Iranian officials have met with the Taliban and that its details were shared with the Afghan Government in Shamkhani’s trip to Kabul last week.
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January - 6 
Former President Abdulla Yameen is accused of laundering stolen money and lying to the anti-corruption watchdog, Maldives Police said on January 6, after the opposition leader was questioned at the police headquarters in Maléin Kaafu Atoll in North Central Province for more than four hours, reports
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Former President Abdulla Yameen is accused of laundering stolen money and lying to the anti-corruption watchdog, Maldives Police said on January 6, after the opposition leader was questioned at the police headquarters in Maléin Kaafu Atoll in North Central Province for more than four hours, reports Maldives Times.He was questioned about giving false testimony to the Anti-Corruption Commission during its investigation into the unprecedented theft of US$90 million from a state-owned tourism company, a Police spokesman said.Yameen’s bank accounts were frozen with more than MVR100 million (US$6.5 million) in US dollars and local currency last month as police launched a probe into campaign contributions and US$1 million transferred from a company linked to the corruption scandal under his watch.
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January - 7 
Mizoram Chief Minister (CM) Zoramthanga on January 7 said the state government is strongly against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and extended support to the region wide shutdown, reports The Telegraph. He stated that ‘We extend support to Northeast Students Organisation (NESO) and its memb
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Mizoram Chief Minister (CM) Zoramthanga on January 7 said the state government is strongly against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and extended support to the region wide shutdown, reports The Telegraph. He stated that ‘We extend support to Northeast Students Organisation (NESO) and its members including the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) for calling a 12-hour strike in the Northeast on Tuesday to protest against the Centre decision to get the bill passed in Parliament.’ Addressing an inaugural programme of the party office, he stated that the CM stated that MNF had been opposing the bill from the very beginning. He said the bill is an attempt to make illegal migrants eligible for Indian citizenship on the basis of religion. The Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizoram’s largest civil society organisation, also extended support to the MZP on the statewide total shutdown.
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January - 7 
The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) will not be sending a member to be part of the panel notified by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) to work towards implementation of Clause 6 of the 1985 Assam Accord, reports Indian Express on January 7. Panel is headed by M P Bezbarauah. It also include
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The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) will not be sending a member to be part of the panel notified by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) to work towards implementation of Clause 6 of the 1985 Assam Accord, reports Indian Express on January 7. Panel is headed by M P Bezbarauah. It also includes aMHA joint secretary and has one position for an AASU representative. But AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya stated that it was “meaningless” to send a representative because the Government “is violating Clause 5 of Assam Accord” by bringing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. ‘They will dump illegal Bangladeshis by violating Clause 5, and they announce implementation of Clause 6. Protect Clause 5 first.’
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January - 7 
United Naga Council (UNC) stated that that a solution to the protracted political dialogue going on between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) would not do any harm to the Meitei-Naga relation, reports The Sangai Express on January 7. Kho John th
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United Naga Council (UNC) stated that that a solution to the protracted political dialogue going on between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) would not do any harm to the Meitei-Naga relation, reports The Sangai Express on January 7. Kho John the newly elected President of UNC stated that Meitei’s apprehension of a possible doomsday as and when a final solution is worked out to the political dialogue is misplaced. When asked if Naga people’s faith for a solution is not waning as the dialogue process has been going on for too long, the UNC president said that the Government of India has been extending the peace dialogue again and again on the excuse that the Governments of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have been continuously raising objections. He also alleged that Government of India has been exploring a solution, it has been trying to weaken the movement by resorting to delaying tactics. He stated that ‘The BJP-led NDA Government has not translated its assurance into action. Nonetheless, we have been watching patiently and closely what it would do before its term expires’.
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January - 7 
Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina had replaced 34 of the 47 Ministers to induct 27 new faces and four former Ministers in the 47-member council of Ministers set to take oath on January 7 (today), reports Daily Star.The prominent Ministers not included this time include Awami League bigwigs Amir Hoss
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Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina had replaced 34 of the 47 Ministers to induct 27 new faces and four former Ministers in the 47-member council of Ministers set to take oath on January 7 (today), reports Daily Star.The prominent Ministers not included this time include Awami League bigwigs Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed, Mohammed Nasim and Matia Chowdhury. None of the allies got any ministerial berth. President Abdul Hamid on January 6 appointed Hasina as the PM, and upon her advice appointed 46 ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam said.
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January - 8 
Former Tourism Secretary M.P. Bezbaruah, who was named to head a High Level Committee on how to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, has withdrawn his consent to head the committee, reports The Hindu on January 12.Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while moving the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Lok
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Former Tourism Secretary M.P. Bezbaruah, who was named to head a High Level Committee on how to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, has withdrawn his consent to head the committee, reports The Hindu on January 12.Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while moving the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on January 8, had informed that the nine-member High Level Committee would look at ways of safeguarding the interests of ethnic Assamese.
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January - 8 
In a written reply to Lok Sabha(Lower house of Indian Parliament), the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on January 8 said that around 300 terrorists were active in Jammu and Kashmir and were receiving help from locals, reports India Today.The UMHA said there have been 1,213 incidents of terrori
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In a written reply to Lok Sabha(Lower house of Indian Parliament), the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on January 8 said that around 300 terrorists were active in Jammu and Kashmir and were receiving help from locals, reports India Today.The UMHA said there have been 1,213 incidents of terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir since 2014 till December 21, 2018. It said 183 civilians lost their lives and 838 terrorists were neutralized during this time.The UMHA said that six terror incidents were reported during this period in other parts of the country in which 11 civilians lost their lives and 7 terrorists were killed. UMHA data shows terror attacks have decreased post demonetisation. UMHA said the number of terror incidents for 2017 and 2018 were 1558 and 1622 respectively as compared to the corresponding figures of 2015 and 2016 which are 1872 and 1855. UMHA said the number of infiltration attempts from across the border into Jammu and Kashmir during 2017 and 2018 were 419 and 302 respectively.
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January - 8 
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), as a constituent of North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), has extended support to the umbrella students’ platform-sponsored shutdown on January 8 (today), reports Nagaland Post. In a statement issued by its president Kesosul Christopher Ltu and general secretary
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Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), as a constituent of North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), has extended support to the umbrella students’ platform-sponsored shutdown on January 8 (today), reports Nagaland Post. In a statement issued by its president Kesosul Christopher Ltu and general secretary ImtiyapangImsong, NSF announced that it would impose the bandh within its jurisdiction from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. to show its deepest resentment against announcement to table the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in the Parliament. Heeding to the call of NSF, Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has extended support to NESO shutdown. CSU appealed to the district administration, law enforcing agencies, business establishments and all school and colleges to remain closed that day as the Bill posed a threat to rights of indigenous people. NESO the umbrella student body representing all the states — has also called for the bandh across seven northeastern states, which is being supported by the AGP, the Congress and 30 other ethnic organisations from Assam, reports Indian Express on January 8. The main grouse of the opposers is that they fear the Bill — which seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 by granting citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians and Parsis from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan — will destroy Assam, which has been grappling with the issue of ‘illegal immigration’ for decades now. The Bill effectively allows anyone belonging to the above-mentioned groups to seek citizenship in India, as long as they have entered Indian before December 31, 2014. The opposers also feel this contradicts the ongoing update of the National Registry of Citizens (NRC) which takes into consideration March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for citizenship in Assam. In May 2018, a Joint Parliamentary Committee was sent to Assam to take stock of the opposition and support to the Bill.
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January - 8 
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, says 31,313 people will be immediate beneficiaries once the bill becomes an act, reports The Telegraph on January 8. The committee had asked the Government about the number of people belonging to these communities who wil
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The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, says 31,313 people will be immediate beneficiaries once the bill becomes an act, reports The Telegraph on January 8. The committee had asked the Government about the number of people belonging to these communities who will benefit if the bill is passed by Parliament. In response, Intelligence Bureau (IB) stated that ‘As per our records, there are 31,313 persons belonging to minority communities (Hindus- 25447, Sikhs- 5807, Christians- 55, Buddhists- 2 and Parsis- 2) who have been given long-term visa on the basis of their claim of religious persecution in their respective countries and want Indian citizenship. Hence, these persons will be immediate beneficiaries. IB informed the JPC that, if required, help of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) will be taken to ascertain claims of other people who will apply for Indian citizenship on the basis of religious persecution, but did not declare so at the time of their arrival in India. IB also added that For others to apply for Indian citizenship under this category, they will have to prove that they came to India due to religious persecution. If they had not declared so at the time of their arrival in India, it would be difficult for them to make such a claim now. Any future claim will be inquired into, including through RAW, before a decision is taken’. The IB added there will be many others who might have come and already taken citizenship by “various means”. It also stated that ‘So, for all practical purposes, they are already citizens of this country. Tribunals are already there to identify if any of them has obtained it by fraudulent means. That is a different issue altogether. The bill is for those who have applied and who have claimed that they have been persecuted in their respective countries.’
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January - 8 
ULFA-Pro Talk Faction (ULFA-PTF) ‘chairman’ Anup Chetia warned that the demand for sovereign Assam can again gain strength if Citizenship Amendment Bill is not withdrawn, reports Deccan Herald on January 9. In an interview he stated that ‘The bill is destructive for the indigenous Assamese as it see
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ULFA-Pro Talk Faction (ULFA-PTF) ‘chairman’ Anup Chetia warned that the demand for sovereign Assam can again gain strength if Citizenship Amendment Bill is not withdrawn, reports Deccan Herald on January 9. In an interview he stated that ‘The bill is destructive for the indigenous Assamese as it seeks to offer citizenship to Hinduillegal migrants. We all must unite, come to the streets, protest and force the government towithdraw it.’
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January - 8 
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh stated in the Parliament that a bill will be introduced in Parliament soon to give Scheduled Tribe status to six communities in Assam, reports Morung Express on January 9. Speaking on the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament)
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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh stated in the Parliament that a bill will be introduced in Parliament soon to give Scheduled Tribe status to six communities in Assam, reports Morung Express on January 9. Speaking on the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament), the Minister said the proposal has been accepted by the government. The communities that are proposed to be included in the ST category include Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak and tea tribes of the state. He said that the Assam government had been making recommendations concerning these communities since 1980 and the Home Ministry had formed a committee in 2016 which gave its recommendations in December last year. He also added that the Government of India (GoI) will take steps to grant ST status to Bodo Kacharis living in the Hill districts of Assam and Karbis in the plains.
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January - 8 
Union Minister for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on January 8 stated in Parliament that Government has no plans to repeal Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, reports Morung Express. Replying to a written question he stated that AFSPA was operational in the entire states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur
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Union Minister for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on January 8 stated in Parliament that Government has no plans to repeal Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, reports Morung Express. Replying to a written question he stated that AFSPA was operational in the entire states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur (except the Imphal municipal area), three districts namely Tirap, Changlang and Longding of Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of eight police stations in the districts of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam. ‘The notifications declaring Manipur and Assam as ‘Disturbed Areas’ have been issued by the state governments. State government of Nagaland has not supported extension of notification declaring Nagaland as ‘Disturbed Area’ under AFSPA, 1958’.
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January - 8 
United Bodo People’s Organization (UBPO) has hailed the move to create autonomous council for the Bodos and other tribal people living outside Bodoland Tribal Council (BTC) for their economic, social and education development, reports Sentinel Assam on January 9. UBPO President Jarimin Basumatary sa
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United Bodo People’s Organization (UBPO) has hailed the move to create autonomous council for the Bodos and other tribal people living outside Bodoland Tribal Council (BTC) for their economic, social and education development, reports Sentinel Assam on January 9. UBPO President Jarimin Basumatary said the organization had been demanding the creation of an autonomous council for the Bodos and other tribes outside BTC and the previous government also decided the same in the cabinet. He said that State Finance Minister Dr.HimantaBiswaSarma during his speech in Kokrajhar recently assured that the present State Government would discuss the issue in the cabinet for the socio-economic development of the Bodos living outside BTC. Hailing the initiative of the State Government, Basumatary said that the UBPO was hopeful of creation of autonomous council as early as possible.
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January - 8 
According to Middle East Eye (MEE), a London-based news portal covering events in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is going to deport scores of detained Rohingyas, to Bangladesh, reports Daily Star on January 8.Many Rohingyas locked up in the Shumaisi detention centre went to Saudi Arabia on Bangladesh
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According to Middle East Eye (MEE), a London-based news portal covering events in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is going to deport scores of detained Rohingyas, to Bangladesh, reports Daily Star on January 8.Many Rohingyas locked up in the Shumaisi detention centre went to Saudi Arabia on Bangladeshi passports, obtained via fake documents.Meanwhile, Mujibur Rahman, counsellor at Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah, said that they did not issue travel pass to any Rohingya.Mujibur Rahman said, “We issue outpass [travel pass] to those whose Bangladeshi citizenship could be verified. So, there is no question of Saudi Arabia deporting Rohingya,”
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January - 8 
Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder on January 8 reiterated that participatory polls does not necessarily equate to a fair election, reports Daily Star. “On December 17, 2018, I said a participatory election means all political parties participate in the polls. That has no connection with a free a
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Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder on January 8 reiterated that participatory polls does not necessarily equate to a fair election, reports Daily Star. “On December 17, 2018, I said a participatory election means all political parties participate in the polls. That has no connection with a free and fair election. A participatory election is a primary achievement. The main concern is whether the election is held acceptably and credibly,” Mahbub said.“If the election is not held in an acceptable and credible manner, there will be no benefit even if it is participatory,” Mahbub added.He made the remarks in a written statement to clear his stance regarding “confusion” over his comments at a programme organised to thank Election Commission (EC) officials on January 3.At the programme, Mahbub said that the EC has held a participatory election and that created confusion.
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January - 8 
Justice Minister Abdul Baseer Anwar said on January 8 that he sees no significant shortcomings in Afghanistan’s Constitution which would impact the peace process or impede the Taliban from engaging in peace talks with the Afghan Government to end the conflicts in the country,reports Tolo News.His re
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Justice Minister Abdul Baseer Anwar said on January 8 that he sees no significant shortcomings in Afghanistan’s Constitution which would impact the peace process or impede the Taliban from engaging in peace talks with the Afghan Government to end the conflicts in the country,reports Tolo News.His remarks come a day after the disclosure of a detailed document that has been prepared as a potential peace agreement between the United States (US), the Taliban and the Afghan Government.According to the document, the new political arrangements within Afghanistan will include adoption of a new constitution within the 18-month transitional period.The leaked paper has also predicted the establishment of a transitional government in the aftermath of a possible peace accord between the parties to the conflict.The transitional Government is to be led by a rotating chairman and several vice chairmen, the document suggests.But the Justice Minister said it is the Afghan Government which will make the final decision about a potential constitutional amendment.All provisions reflected in the Constitution are not creating any hurdles for peace talks or for the Taliban to join Government, Anwar added.
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January - 8 
Pakistan on January 8 promised all-out efforts for the earliest possible end to bloodshed in Afghanistan and help the neighbour enter a new phase of peace and prosperity, reports Pajhwok. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held out the commitment at a meeting Afghan President's Special E
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Pakistan on January 8 promised all-out efforts for the earliest possible end to bloodshed in Afghanistan and help the neighbour enter a new phase of peace and prosperity, reports Pajhwok. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held out the commitment at a meeting Afghan President's Special Envoy on Afghan Reconciliation Omer Daudzai in Islamabad.“Pakistan will continue to play its vigorous role in bringing lasting peace to Afghanistan, where stability is in Pakistan’s own best national interest and necessary for economic development of the region,” Qureshi said.
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January - 8 
The Taliban said on January 8 they had called off peace talks with United States (US) officials in Qatar this week due to an “agenda disagreement”, especially over the involvement of Afghan officials as well as a possible ceasefire and prisoner exchange, reports Daily Times.Two days of peace talks h
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The Taliban said on January 8 they had called off peace talks with United States (US) officials in Qatar this week due to an “agenda disagreement”, especially over the involvement of Afghan officials as well as a possible ceasefire and prisoner exchange, reports Daily Times.Two days of peace talks had been set to start on January 9, Taliban officials said earlier, but the Taliban had refused to allow “puppet” Afghan officials to join.“The U.S. officials insisted that the Taliban should meet the Afghan authorities in Qatar and both sides were in disagreement over declaring a ceasefire in 2019,” a Taliban source said.Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said earlier the two sides were still working on the technical details and were not clear on the agenda for the talks.The US Embassy in Kabul did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the cancellation.The talks, which would have been the fourth round with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, would have involved a US withdrawal, prisoner exchange and the lifting of a ban on movement of Taliban leaders, a Taliban leader had told Reuters.
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January - 9 
Army chief General Bipin Rawat on January 9 voiced concern over radicalization of youth in Jammu and Kashmir due to misinformation and falsehood being spread about religion to them through social media and asserted that terrorism has been becoming a new form of warfare and it will keep growing till
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Army chief General Bipin Rawat on January 9 voiced concern over radicalization of youth in Jammu and Kashmir due to misinformation and falsehood being spread about religion to them through social media and asserted that terrorism has been becoming a new form of warfare and it will keep growing till nations continue to use it as State policy, reports Daily Excelsior. He batted for some control over social media to contain spread of terror funding and radicalization as he identified social media as a platform to spread radicalization and generate financial resources for terrorism. The Army chief said a ‘weaker nation’ has been using terrorists as a proxy to put pressure on other nations to come to terms with them. He was clearly mentioning about Pakistan aiding and abetting terrorism in the form of proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir, where security forces have killed over 250 militants during the last year. Cautioning against tolerating such a policy of the neighbour, Gen Rawat said: “If this is going to happen, then there will be States that will be funding the terrorists and allowing them to move around in the manner in which they want to move”. “Terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare and it will keep growing like a `multi-headed monster’ till nations continue to use it as a State policy, Gen Rawat said.
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January - 9 
Asian Age on January 9 reports that Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on January 9 supported the talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan, but said it should be without any preconditions. He stated that ‘Yes, there should be talks with the Taliban so long as they do not come out with any preconditions an
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Asian Age on January 9 reports that Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on January 9 supported the talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan, but said it should be without any preconditions. He stated that ‘Yes, there should be talks with the Taliban so long as they do not come out with any preconditions and so long as they are looking at a lasting peace in Afghanistan to bring about stability in that country’. Additionally, he also identified the social media as a platform to spread radicalism and generate financial resources for terrorism. The Army Chief said the time has come for some control over it. ‘We see a different kind of radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir. My take is that terrorism is here to stay so long as there are nations which are going to continue to sponsor terrorism as state policy. We are seeing it happen in Jammu and Kashmir’. He also added that ‘I think we have a lot to do with the media and the social media, which must be controlled. For this, if one particular nation starts controlling a particular media, it will be taken as media rights are being curbed... Therefore, I think the international community must get together in ensuring that the source of the social media is prevented from spreading false information and disinformation because a lot of funds are coming from people who are getting radicalised’. He said radicalisation through social media was also helping in fundraising by terrorist organisations. They are being convinced about the acts of terrorists and the radicalised people are also helping terror outfits generate funds.
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January - 9 
Asserting that terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on January 9 that the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as statescontinue to use it as a state policy, reports Times of India. He stated that ‘"Terro
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Asserting that terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on January 9 that the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as statescontinue to use it as a state policy, reports Times of India. He stated that ‘"Terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare. A weaker nation is using terrorists as proxy to put pressure on another nation to come to terms with it’. The Army Chief also added that there was a need to control socialmedia as it was becoming a source of spreading radicalisation. He said a different kind of radicalisation was being witnessed in India and in Jammu and Kashmir, the youth weregetting radicalised due to a lot of misinformation, disinformation, and a lot of falsehoods on religion being fed tothem.
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January - 9 
Former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti on January 9 wondered why the Government of India was not initiating a dialogue with the separatists in Jammu and Kashmir if Army chief General Bipin Rawat could bat for holding talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan, reports Daily Excelsior. “W
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Former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti on January 9 wondered why the Government of India was not initiating a dialogue with the separatists in Jammu and Kashmir if Army chief General Bipin Rawat could bat for holding talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan, reports Daily Excelsior. “We bat for talks with Taliban, autonomy for Tibet and Tamil areas of Sri Lanka yet we are unwilling to look at engagement or political initiatives in J&K. Why is our policy all about “do as we say, don’t do as we do”? Engagement for Taliban, Operation All-Out for Kashmir,” Abdullah tweeted. “If the Army Chief can advocate for talks with (the) Taliban then why different standards when it comes to our own people?” Mehbooba asked in a tweet. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president said the Centre should accept the offer of talks by Pakistan and also start a dialogue process with the Hurriyat Conference to end the cycle of violence in the State. “Accept peace offer from Pakistan, initiate dialogue with (the) Hurriyat and other stakeholders put an end to the vicious cycle of violence in J&K,” she added.
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January - 9 
Government of India (GoI) has stated that India would not engage the Afghan insurgents directly, and had not changed its position on the issue, reports The Hindu on January 10. Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (Retd) V.K. Singh said India’s position on direct talks with the Taliban remaine
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Government of India (GoI) has stated that India would not engage the Afghan insurgents directly, and had not changed its position on the issue, reports The Hindu on January 10. Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (Retd) V.K. Singh said India’s position on direct talks with the Taliban remained the same. Earlier Indian Army Chief of Staff Bipin Rawat had reportedly stated that he supported the talks with the Taliban in Afghanistanwithout any pre-conditions. A senior government official also said India’s traditional position on a purely “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned” dialogue had not altered, despite a number of countries including U.S., Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan and Uzbekistan beginning talks with the Taliban. General Rawat had stated that ‘Does India have an interest in Afghanistan? Is answer is yes, then we can’t be out of the bandwagon… Our thinking is that yes, we have interest in Afghanistan. If we have an interest and other people want to talk to Taliban, then should we in some way be involved, either directly or indirectly? But we should not be left out’. The issue over talks with the Taliban has dominated much of the conversation during the Raisina Dialogue this year, with Russian officials promoting direct talks with the Taliban, and Iranian officials offering to facilitate a dialogue between India and the Taliban.
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January - 9 
Manipur Chief Minister (CM) Biren Singh stated on January 9 that ‘State government will not follow every instructions of the Centre, we have a stance of the State Assembly as per the interest of the public’, reports Imphal Free Press. He also added that ‘The Indian Constitution has provided a big ro
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Manipur Chief Minister (CM) Biren Singh stated on January 9 that ‘State government will not follow every instructions of the Centre, we have a stance of the State Assembly as per the interest of the public’, reports Imphal Free Press. He also added that ‘The Indian Constitution has provided a big room to protect the minority peoples. Anyhow, we will not let outsiders become citizens of the State’. He also went on to say that State government will hold a cabinet meeting on January 10 (today) tomorrow and will give a strong pressure to the Centre on the January 12 National Conference to assent the Manipur People Protection Bill, 2018 before the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 is turned into an Act, he apprised the public not to be apprehensive and expose anxiety regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. He also claimed that the State Government is working at its best level to stop the influx of illegal migrants in the State by deploying security forces in border areas, installation of check-posts, identifying and sending back of Rohingyas.
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January - 9 
Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana on January 9 stated that the new Government would prioritise security enhancement at the border areas, reports Morung Express. In a meeting he stated that ‘Border security would be one of the top agendas of the Mizo National Front (MNF) government, while necessary
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Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana on January 9 stated that the new Government would prioritise security enhancement at the border areas, reports Morung Express. In a meeting he stated that ‘Border security would be one of the top agendas of the Mizo National Front (MNF) government, while necessary efforts would also be made to control crimes in the state’. The land-locked state shares 722-km-long border with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
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January - 9 
Superintendent of Police (SP), Bokaro, Kartik S, at Gomia,on January 9, said the Security Forces (SFs) will fight the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)to the finish in Jhumraforest in Bokaro District, where they have surrounded around 50 Maoists, including some top-ranking ones, reports T
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Superintendent of Police (SP), Bokaro, Kartik S, at Gomia,on January 9, said the Security Forces (SFs) will fight the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)to the finish in Jhumraforest in Bokaro District, where they have surrounded around 50 Maoists, including some top-ranking ones, reports The Pioneer.SP, Kartik, said, “They should either surrender or face the bullets. They can't escape as we have deployed troops at all the possible exit points." The SFs have been engaged in a fierce battle with the Maoists in Gomiaforest for the last one week. There has been recently close encounter on January 2, 2019 at Rajberwa forest area and Police have claimed to have injured few of the Maoist cadres. The Police, however, have denied that they suffered any casualty.“Intercepted communication among the rebels also show that many of them have suffered serious injuries," said the SP, adding, “Geographical have made our task difficult, but we are determined and not going to leave the area.”
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January - 9 
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has agreed to discuss the demands of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), an apex body of six Naga tribes, asking for a separate state under the Constitution, reports Indian Express on January 9. Officials stated that A tripartite dialogue was held
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Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has agreed to discuss the demands of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), an apex body of six Naga tribes, asking for a separate state under the Constitution, reports Indian Express on January 9. Officials stated that A tripartite dialogue was held between the ENPO, Nagaland government and UMHA under the chairmanship of special secretary (internal security) in December. After more than four years and several rounds of talks, the Centre is yet to come up with a peace accord in Nagaland. UMHA officials said that they had only agreed to “discuss the demands” of ENPO and no final decision has been taken while sources said the move may lead to division of State as the ENPO demands a “Frontier Nagaland”. Former ENPO President Khoiwang Konyak said, “Our demands and political issues are different from other Naga groups, including NSCN-IM, and are primarily concerned with six tribes namely Chang, Konyak, Khiamniungan, Phom, Sangtam and Yimchunger.” UMHA officials said that ENPO during the tripartite meeting cited provisions of Article 371-A (2) of the Constitution to stress that the eastern districts have a historical background, are comparatively less developed and required immediate attention. The ENPO’s original demand is for a separate state other than a separate assembly, administration, High Court and capital. Naga framework agreement, signed in 2015, is yet to be formalised, six tribes from eastern Nagaland under the aegis of ENPO have stepped up the long-pending demand for separate statehood under the Constitution. The peace accord that was to be finalised with Naga groups will now have to wait with the Centre agreeing to discuss ENPO’s demand for a separate state. In September ENPO rejected the Centre’s development package, cleared by the MHA, saying that it cannot be accepted in lieu of the demand for “Frontier Nagaland”. ENPO recently held three rounds of bilateral discussions with the state government while multiple rounds of talks have been held between the Centre, State and ENPO. ENPO has been demanding the creation of a separate state comprising the four eastern districts of Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire for over a decade now. The organisation had first submitted a memorandum to then PM Manmohan Singh on November 25, 2010 which was referred by the Centre to the state government for its views. Officials familiar with the development at MHA said that the demand for a separate state may not be feasible but the government may consider giving them autonomous council authority.
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January - 9 
United Liberation Front of Asom-Pro Talk Faction (ULFA-PTF) leader Anup Chetia on January 9 stated that he was not afraid of going to jail for supporting the stir against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, reports Business Standard. He alleged that ‘We are always with the people of Assam because if the
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United Liberation Front of Asom-Pro Talk Faction (ULFA-PTF) leader Anup Chetia on January 9 stated that he was not afraid of going to jail for supporting the stir against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, reports Business Standard. He alleged that ‘We are always with the people of Assam because if the people exist, we exist. We will continue to speak against the bill as it is a conspiracy to make the Assamese community extinct’. He also added that ‘If for speaking against it (bill) I have to go to jail... I will. I have served jail time for 18 years in foreign land. So, I am not afraid to go to jail’. Chetia as the ‘general secretary’ of ULFA was incarcerated in a jail in Bangladesh from 1997 and handed over to India by Bangladesh government in November 2015.
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January - 9 
Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, in a press statement, refuted Myanmar’s allegation of presence of Rakhine militants in its soil and termed the allegation as fake, reports Daily Star. Foreign Ministry protested and termed such “baseless and provocative accusations”. Based on some media reports, it said
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Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, in a press statement, refuted Myanmar’s allegation of presence of Rakhine militants in its soil and termed the allegation as fake, reports Daily Star. Foreign Ministry protested and termed such “baseless and provocative accusations”. Based on some media reports, it said the spokesperson for Myanmar President's Office on January 7 had alleged that there was an existence of two Arakan Army (AA) bases and three Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) bases in Bangladesh. The statement futher claimed, “Bangladesh, on several instances, proposed Myanmar [to] conduct joint operations in addressing claimed terrorist activities along the border area. But unfortunately, not much enthusiasm was received from the Myanmar side.”
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January - 9 
Law Minister Anisul Huq on January 9 said the government would take an initiative to amend the relevant law again to try and punish Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) as an organisation for committing war crimes during the Liberation War, reports Daily Star. In its previous term, government had taken a step to a
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Law Minister Anisul Huq on January 9 said the government would take an initiative to amend the relevant law again to try and punish Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) as an organisation for committing war crimes during the Liberation War, reports Daily Star. In its previous term, government had taken a step to amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act-1973 for holding the trial and punishing JeI as an organisation, but the process was not completed.
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January - 9 
United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has claimed responsibility for a grenade blast on January 4 in Imphal, reports Imphal Free Press. The blast had taken place near the gate of an individual identified as YumnamBasanta alias Tomba at Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai in Imphal West District. In a press
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United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has claimed responsibility for a grenade blast on January 4 in Imphal, reports Imphal Free Press. The blast had taken place near the gate of an individual identified as YumnamBasanta alias Tomba at Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai in Imphal West District. In a press release by ‘director’ information and publicity’ M. Sak-hen UNLF claimed that that it was served as a final warning to Basanta who had taken possession of the organisation’s funds and had gone into hiding from the organisation for the past three years.
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January - 10 
All Assam Manipuri Youths Association (AAMIYA) has expressed strong condemnations and its opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 which was passed in parliament, reports Imphal Free Press on January 10. During a press conference in Silchar in Assam the General Secretary of AAMIYA. JiranAng
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All Assam Manipuri Youths Association (AAMIYA) has expressed strong condemnations and its opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 which was passed in parliament, reports Imphal Free Press on January 10. During a press conference in Silchar in Assam the General Secretary of AAMIYA. JiranAngom expressed its opposition to the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 in parliament adding that various forms of agitations in a democratic manner will be launched. He also added that ‘If there is no positive response even after the agitations, there might even be an ‘armed struggle’ from the association’. While reiterating that if the Citizenship Amendment bill is implemented, the entire indigenous populations of the northeast especially the Manipuri community will be the most vulnerable, chief advisor of AAMIYA,Ksh. Kundal Singha also informed that movement for political autonomy for the Meitei Community in Assam, which is under the Indian Constitution, will be initiated. ‘The movement will be held in a democratic manner, but if there are no positive responses, there will be more intense agitations in the manner’.
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January - 10 
Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group Marxist Centre (KCP-PWG Marxist Centre) stated that mission schools under Catholic Educational Society, Manipur will be banned from January 15, reports Imphal Free Press on January 11. A release signed by ‘secretary’, ‘central media coordinator’, Lenin M
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Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group Marxist Centre (KCP-PWG Marxist Centre) stated that mission schools under Catholic Educational Society, Manipur will be banned from January 15, reports Imphal Free Press on January 11. A release signed by ‘secretary’, ‘central media coordinator’, Lenin Meitei stated that those running the schools should leave their respective educational institutions otherwise actions will be taken against them.
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January - 10 
National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found a Kashmir link of Islamic State (IS) inspired Amroha module - Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam’, reports Times of India on January 10. The module was led by Mufti Mohammad Suhail alias Hazrath. One of the cadre, identified as Saqib Iftekar claiming that he had tra
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National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found a Kashmir link of Islamic State (IS) inspired Amroha module - Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam’, reports Times of India on January 10. The module was led by Mufti Mohammad Suhail alias Hazrath. One of the cadre, identified as Saqib Iftekar claiming that he had travelled to Tral, Rajouri and Bandipora twice in 2018 and had sought arms training by a Pakistani trained “Mujahideen”. Saqib who worked as an Imam at Jama Masjid in Baksar, Uttar Pradesh, and helped module procure weapons for their plan to carry out fidayeen attacks in North India on politicians and government establishments. Saqib, sources say, has disclosed that he along with another person, who has been identified but yet to be arrested, travelled to South Kashmir first in May and then in August last year. They had several meetings there for religious purposes in Rajouri and Bandipora. Later, Saqib and his accomplice met a Maulvi in Tral, asking him to arrange a meeting with a ‘Mujahideen’. According to an official, Saqib told this Kashmiri Mufti about his plans to get training from a Kashmiri Mujahid as they are trained in arms, bombs and attack government officials. The Kashmiri Mufti informed him that he knows such person. Another member of Amroha module – Zubair Malik (20), a resident of Jaffrabad in Delhi and a student of BA third year at Delhi university, has told NIA officials that he was tasked to buy similar mobile phones for the group. “They bought similar smart phones with detachable batteries and everytime they made a call or had a chat, they were asked to remove the batteries so that their phones cannot be tracked,” said the officer. Anas Yunus (24), another member in the group, has disclosed that he used to create a new Telegram group everyday on which they discussed their plans and then he deleted it in the night. Their leader Mufti Suhail is still being questioned by NIA sleuths about his online handler – identified as Abu Malik Peshawari. The agency has arrested 11 persons in the case so far. Indian Express further adds that core group allegedly had four membersSuhail; Mohammed Anas, a civil engineering student from Amity University; Zubair and Zaid, all of them residents of Jaffarabad in Delhi. On instructions from their handler they had decided to form the group to carry out IS activities.
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January - 10 
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) alleged that there has been a significant escalation of anti-India activity throughout the world orchestrated by Pakistan’s spy agency Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed office, reports Asian Age on January
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The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) alleged that there has been a significant escalation of anti-India activity throughout the world orchestrated by Pakistan’s spy agency Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed office, reports Asian Age on January 11. According to Government officials, developments being monitored closely by New Delhi indicate that the ISI is masterminding anti-India protests by vested interests in various parts of the world and that an escalation in such activities has been observed after Mr Imran Khan assumed office.
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January - 10 
ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I) ‘chief’ Paresh Baruah stated that if Chief Minister Sonowal does not refrain away from such anti-Assamese acts, he will have to face dreadful consequences, reports Northeast Now on January 10. He also condemned the Government’s move to charge sedition charge on Scholar and
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ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I) ‘chief’ Paresh Baruah stated that if Chief Minister Sonowal does not refrain away from such anti-Assamese acts, he will have to face dreadful consequences, reports Northeast Now on January 10. He also condemned the Government’s move to charge sedition charge on Scholar and intellectual Hiren Gohain. Assam Police had on January 10 registered a case of sedition against Hiren Gohain and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) chief Akhil Gogoi and activist and journalist Manjit Mahanta. Gohain had stated that if the central government does pay any heed to the demands of the people of Assam, demand for independent Assam will crop up.
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January - 10 
United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) ‘chairman’ Abhijit Asom on January 10 claimed that there has been widespread change in the thought process of the people of Assam, reports Sentinel Assam. ‘The indigenous people of Assam have come out in protest against the Central and State Gover
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United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) ‘chairman’ Abhijit Asom on January 10 claimed that there has been widespread change in the thought process of the people of Assam, reports Sentinel Assam. ‘The indigenous people of Assam have come out in protest against the Central and State Government in order to safeguard the state’. He also added that ‘The idea of revolution for ‘Sovereign Asom’ against the Government has sparked up among various sections of the indigenous communities in the state, thus, there has been a widespread protest by various section of the communities against both the Governments in the last few days’
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January - 10 
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saidcon January 10 that Islamabad wants the Afghan Taliban to give up their refusal to talk to the Afghanistan Government so that a political settlement of the 17-year-old conflict could be negotiated, reports Dawn. “We want them to sit together. It is for Afgha
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Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saidcon January 10 that Islamabad wants the Afghan Taliban to give up their refusal to talk to the Afghanistan Government so that a political settlement of the 17-year-old conflict could be negotiated, reports Dawn. “We want them to sit together. It is for Afghans to sort out their problems and as long as they do not sit down and talk to each other, outsiders can do little to help them,” Qureshi said.Qureshi said “outsiders can do little to help Afghans overcome war if they do not sit together”.The remarks come as the Afghan President’s Special Envoy Umer Daudzai is in a four-day visit to Islamabad to hold talks with Pakistani officials as well as political and religious leaders to discuss the Afghan peace.
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January - 10 
Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said on January 10 that Sri Lanka has today become a center of drug smuggling, mainly due to politicians harbouring drug smugglers, reports Daily Mirror. Rajapaksa said it was time for the parents to take action to safeguard their children from drugs without waiti
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Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said on January 10 that Sri Lanka has today become a center of drug smuggling, mainly due to politicians harbouring drug smugglers, reports Daily Mirror. Rajapaksa said it was time for the parents to take action to safeguard their children from drugs without waiting for the government to do so.“A strong system based on religious places of worship should be made to eradicate the drug menace. The police and other security forces should take legal action against drug smugglers without giving into political influences," he said.
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January - 10 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian M.A Sumanthiran told Parliament on January 10 that he is ready to admit that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) committed war crimes, reports Colombo Gazette. He said that all international reports very clearly say that both the military and the
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian M.A Sumanthiran told Parliament on January 10 that he is ready to admit that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) committed war crimes, reports Colombo Gazette. He said that all international reports very clearly say that both the military and the LTTE committed war crimes.Sumanthiran said that he will come under fire from his community for saying the LTTE committed war crimes.However, he said he is prepared to admit that the LTTE did commit war crimes during the war.“All parties committed (war crimes),” he added
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January - 11 
Army chief General Bipin Rawat on January 11 pitched for incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data into the armed forces' system reports Times of India on January 11. He also stated that many countries, including "some of our adversaries", are spending "huge money" on this aspect of te
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Army chief General Bipin Rawat on January 11 pitched for incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data into the armed forces' system reports Times of India on January 11. He also stated that many countries, including "some of our adversaries", are spending "huge money" on this aspect of technology. Addressing the Army Technology Seminar New Delhi he stated that it will be "too late" if we don't start work on AI and big data. He also added that ‘We have identified technologies that need to be incorporated (into our system).’ Furthermore he also said that But, we also need to address, how can we incorporate AI and big data into our system. We can't just leave them to be in military glossary’. The Army chief said the next revolution in military affairs will be defined by technology and innovations in technology. Minster of state for defence Shubhash Bhamre further added that ‘Technology development has both challenges and opportunities, and it is is heralding a possibility of quantum leap in the nature of waging of war. Potential adversaries are seeking asymmetric capabilities to exploit vulnerabilities and upset our current advantages. So, we need to strengthen capabilities from human to cyberspace Bhamre also said Big data analytics, Internet of Things and AI will have major impact on way wars wills be fought in future.
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January - 11 
Legal trouble for Bengali Hindu migrants, who have taken shelter in India, may not be over, with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) recommending that those seeking citizenship will have to first prove that they are victims of religious persecution while applying for citizenship, reports Assam
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Legal trouble for Bengali Hindu migrants, who have taken shelter in India, may not be over, with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) recommending that those seeking citizenship will have to first prove that they are victims of religious persecution while applying for citizenship, reports Assam Tribune on January 11. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, was passed by the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament) early this week and is now pending passage in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Indian Parliament). Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) told Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) stated that If they had not declared so at that time of their arrival in India, it would be difficult for them to make such a claim now. JPC report said that when asked to state the fate of other people belonging to minority communities who have come to India from the three countries (Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan) under reference due to religious persecution but have not declared so at the time of their arrival in India, the Intelligence Bureau submitted that any future claim would be enquired into, including through Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) before a decision is taken. So far only 31,313 people have formally declared that they came to India due to religious persecution. The IB Director deposed: “Yes, because they have claimed, they have applied. There will be many others who might have come and they might have already taken citizenship by various means. They might have obtained passport, ration card. All other documents they might have obtained and they might have already registered themselves in the voters list. So, for all practical purposes, they are already citizens of this country. Tribunals are already there to identify if any of them has obtained it by fraudulent means. The Bill is for those who have applied and who have claimed that they have been persecuted in their respective country.” The Committee then enquired whether all those who had applied would be granted citizenship once the Bill was passed or further verifications would be carried out. In response, the IB Director submitted: “Sir, as and when the Bill is passed, one thing can be thought of is that all those who have applied, who are here for a number of years, we can make one more verification whether during their stay in India if anything adverse has come to the notice of the security agencies whether it is IB, local police, local intelligence and those who have come for any activities or there is notice of any activities which is prejudicial of the nation, their case can be scrutinised. But that we will examine separately.” When the Committee desired to hear the views of RAW, its Joint Secretary deposed in evidence: “... our only concern has been that the agencies, which are inimical to us should not have a legal framework within which they can exploit our situation and infiltrate their own people into our own country. That is a matter of great concern for us.”The Committee enquired whether it was absolutely necessary to confer citizenship on the migrants as conferring political rights had larger implications and whether it would be prudent to accord refugee or temporary resident status to the migrants.In reply, the MHA submitted as under: “Conferment of citizenship to foreign migrants living in India with valid documents ensures more facilities and power to exercise franchise and feel their responsibilities towards the nation. Since India is not a signatory to the UN Convention, 1951 or its Protocol of 1967, it may not be prudent to treat them as refugees if rules permit that they could be allowed to acquire Indian citizenship.”On the same issue, the Legislative Department submitted: “The proposed Bill does not directly confer citizenship on these persons, it merely provides these persons the opportunity to be considered for the grant of certificate of naturalisation. It has become necessary to exempt these persons from being treated as ‘illegal migrants’ in order to ensure that they may avail of the opportunity to be considered for naturalisation under Section 6 read with the Third Schedule to the said Act.”In response to another related query, the MHA apprised as under: “As of now, illegal migrants have not been conferred with Indian Citizenship. However, after enactment of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, it will enable illegal migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh to apply for Indian Citizenship under Section 5 (1) (a) (Registration) and 6 (Naturalisation) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Application is required to be submitted through the District Authorities.”
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January - 11 
MEA also denied the Pakistani allegations that it was involved in the Chinese Embassy attacks in Karachi in November 2018, reports Times of India on January 12. MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar stated that ‘Instead of maliciously pointing fingers at others for such terrorist incidents, Pakistan needs
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MEA also denied the Pakistani allegations that it was involved in the Chinese Embassy attacks in Karachi in November 2018, reports Times of India on January 12. MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar stated that ‘Instead of maliciously pointing fingers at others for such terrorist incidents, Pakistan needs to look inwards and undertake credible action againstsupport to terrorism and terror infrastructure in its territories.’ Earlier on January 10, Karachi Police Chief had stated that attack on the Chinese consulate in November 2018 was planned in Afghanistan with the help of Indian intelligence. The attack, by three armed terrorists, was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army. It killed two police officers and two visa applicants at the mission.
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January - 11 
One National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Reformation (NSCN-R) militant was wounded in an encounter at Khalakbasti under Namtok Police Station in Chaglang District on January 11, reports Sentinel Assam. One .32mm Pistol and 3 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the militant. The wounded m
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One National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Reformation (NSCN-R) militant was wounded in an encounter at Khalakbasti under Namtok Police Station in Chaglang District on January 11, reports Sentinel Assam. One .32mm Pistol and 3 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the militant. The wounded militant has been identified as ‘lance corporal’ Roni Kungkho . On questioning ‘corporal’ Roni Kungkho revealed that he along with eight armed insurgents of NSCN-R including ‘captain’ Tika were moving in general area Kenon Basti where a firefight took place. Four more militants were arrested later by Security Forces (SFs).
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January - 11 
United Liberation Front of Asom-Pro talk faction (ULFA-PTF) has threatened to pull out of the 'peace talks' with the Government of India (GoI) if the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB)is passed, reports Times of India on January 13. ULFA-PTF leader Mrinal Hazarika on January 11 stated that if GoImoved
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United Liberation Front of Asom-Pro talk faction (ULFA-PTF) has threatened to pull out of the 'peace talks' with the Government of India (GoI) if the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB)is passed, reports Times of India on January 13. ULFA-PTF leader Mrinal Hazarika on January 11 stated that if GoImoved ahead with the Bill, the ongoing peace talks would be impacted. ‘There iswidespread resentment among the people of Assam against the Bill. In such a situation, it will be difficult to continue with the peace talks if the Centremoves ahead with the passage of the bill’. The dialogue between ULFA-PTF and GoI started in 2011. Hazarika said that the bill, which threatens the identity of the state, would render the talks meaningless if passed.
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January - 11 
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohsin Butt on January 11 said that A total of 119 people — including 15 police personnel — were killed and 114 injured in terrorism-related incidents in Balochistan during 2018, reports Dawn. Twenty-five terrorists were also killed in encounters and 55 arrested in
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Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohsin Butt on January 11 said that A total of 119 people — including 15 police personnel — were killed and 114 injured in terrorism-related incidents in Balochistan during 2018, reports Dawn. Twenty-five terrorists were also killed in encounters and 55 arrested in 1,245 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the province. Inspector General of Police Mohsin Butt said. He said that 1,245 IBOs and 1,869 combing operations were conducted under the National Action Plan across Balochistan in 2018 in which 55 terrorists were killed and 4,188 absconders and 5,449 accused were arrested. They belonged to 22 militant groups. IGP Butt said that another 898 suspects had been arrested during IBO operations. IGP Butt further said that 21,103 weapons, 2,536kgs of narcotics were recovered. He added that a total of 8,755 incidents of crimes — including 42 sabotage activities, 34 targeted killings and 11 sectarian killings — were reported in 2018 as compared to 9,490 in 2017.
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January - 11 
Hefajat-e Islam (HeI) Chief Shah Ahmed Shafi on January 11 made parents promise that they won't send their daughters to school, reports Daily Star. Addressing a rally the Islamist leader said girls should not receive schooling beyond grade IV or V because education would make them disobedient. Shah
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Hefajat-e Islam (HeI) Chief Shah Ahmed Shafi on January 11 made parents promise that they won't send their daughters to school, reports Daily Star. Addressing a rally the Islamist leader said girls should not receive schooling beyond grade IV or V because education would make them disobedient. Shah Ahmed Shafi said this while addressing a gathering at Darul-Ulum Moinul Islam Madrasa in Hathazari upazila (sub District) of Chattogram.
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January - 11 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 11 emphasized that no room will be left for any proposal to divide the country and the foremost place would be given to Buddhism in the new Constitution, reports Colombo Page.Presenting report of experts on drafting a new Constitution on Janu
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 11 emphasized that no room will be left for any proposal to divide the country and the foremost place would be given to Buddhism in the new Constitution, reports Colombo Page.Presenting report of experts on drafting a new Constitution on January 11, the Prime Minister stressed that the proposed new Constitution will not have any negative implications on the priority granted to Buddhism and the unitary state of the country.Rejecting allegations by the Opposition, Prime Minister said the divisions within a country were not a concern and politically destitute people are trying to make such claims as today they have no other topic to talk about.He added that it is unlikely that there is anyone who wants to change the 9th Article regarding Buddhism was included in the 1972 Constitution by the committee led by Former Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake The Prime Minister on January 11 presented the report prepared by the Panel of Experts for the Steering Committee, which is based on the Interim report, six sub-committee reports and representations made by political parties on drafting a new Constitution to the Constitutional Assembly.
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January - 11 
Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed gratitude for the invaluable assistance extended by China over the years towards his country’s socio-economic development, the President’s Office said in a statement on January 11, reports Maldives Times. The president, in a meeting with China‘
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Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed gratitude for the invaluable assistance extended by China over the years towards his country’s socio-economic development, the President’s Office said in a statement on January 11, reports Maldives Times. The president, in a meeting with China‘s Ambassador to the Maldives Zhang Lizhong, assured that the new Maldivian Government is committed to maintaining good relations with China.The two sides expressed optimism that in the coming years, the ties between China and the Maldives will witness strengthened corporation on the issues of mutual interest and importance.President Solih and Ambassador Zhang also discussed the progress of Chinese commercial ventures and economic projects in the Maldives and further cooperation on increasing Chinese tourists to visit the Maldives.
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January - 12 
On January 12, the Assam Government in a statement in the Legislative Assembly said eight militant groups, including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), Jewel faction of the Dima Halim Daogah (DHD), All Adivasi National Liberation Arm
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On January 12, the Assam Government in a statement in the Legislative Assembly said eight militant groups, including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), Jewel faction of the Dima Halim Daogah (DHD), All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA), Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam (MULTA) and Hmar People’s Convention-Democracy (HPC-D), are active in the State. Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain said that both the ULFA and NDFB are carrying out subversive activities in Assam under the influence of foreign powers and top leaders of the outfit are staying abroad. He further said that in 2008, 124 militants belonging to various outfits were killed and over 1300 were arrested. The Security Forces also recovered 203 bombs and 202 grenades from the militants.
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January - 12 
Jatiya Oikyafront Convener Dr Kamal Hossain on January 12 said that there has been a mistake in taking part in the December 30 national election with Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) contesting under the alliance banner, reports Daily Star. He also said they would put pressure on the BNP to sever its ties with
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Jatiya Oikyafront Convener Dr Kamal Hossain on January 12 said that there has been a mistake in taking part in the December 30 national election with Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) contesting under the alliance banner, reports Daily Star. He also said they would put pressure on the BNP to sever its ties with JeI in order to keep the unity of the Oikyafront intact and strong.
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January - 12 
Indian Coast Guard Ship “Samarth” on January 12 arrived in the Maldives to conduct a joint surveillance patrol, Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) said on January 12, reports Maldives Times. According to report, “Samarth” is scheduled to return after concluding the joint surveillance patrol to e
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Indian Coast Guard Ship “Samarth” on January 12 arrived in the Maldives to conduct a joint surveillance patrol, Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) said on January 12, reports Maldives Times. According to report, “Samarth” is scheduled to return after concluding the joint surveillance patrol to ensure that there are no illegal activities being carried out in the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), on January 17.The joint surveillance patrol has been conducted serially since 2009.ICGS Samarth had previously held training programs in Vietnam and Indonesia as well.This comes at a time officers of both Maldives and India are jointly conducting training programs under the name “Exercise Dosti” annually.
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January - 13 
North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has called upon all political parties to unitedly stand against the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Indian Parliament), reports Assam Tribune on January 13. NESO chairman, Samuel B Jyrwa stated that ‘We urg
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North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has called upon all political parties to unitedly stand against the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Indian Parliament), reports Assam Tribune on January 13. NESO chairman, Samuel B Jyrwa stated that ‘We urge upon different political parties who are against this Bill to stand up and be counted in the Rajya Sabha so that this draconian Bill cannot be passed’. CAB, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to people from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, was passed in the Lok Sabha few days ago amid widespread protests in the North East. A ‘Black Day’ was observed across north-east region on January 11 following a general shutdown called by NESO, reports Indian Express. Sporadic demonstrations continued in parts of Assam and a shutdown was observed in Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Black flags were raised by student bodies across the region, including at the headquarters of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in Guwahati.Additionally, in Tripura, Upendra Debbarma, advisor to Twipra Students’ Federation and vice-chairman of NESO, said, “Today has been peaceful and a highly successful strike.” In Assam’s Silchar, authorities at Assam University on Saturday imposed restrictions on protests on campus without prior approval. This come a day after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pradip Dutta threatened Assamese-speaking students of Barak Valley to bar their admission in the university.
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January - 13 
Jatiya Oikyafront Convener Dr Kamal Hossain on January 13 appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's decision to hold fresh talks with political parties, saying it was a positive step, reports Daily Star.Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said Hasina would hold fresh dialogue with the pol
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Jatiya Oikyafront Convener Dr Kamal Hossain on January 13 appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's decision to hold fresh talks with political parties, saying it was a positive step, reports Daily Star.Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said Hasina would hold fresh dialogue with the political parties that joined talks at the Gono Bhaban before the December 30 election.“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had invited all the political parties, including BNP, Jatiya Oikyafront and Jukto Front, for dialogues before the polls…she will invite them again for exchanging views with them. The dialogues will be held at the Gono Bhaban,” he said.
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January - 13 
The Government on January 13 announced a revised pay structure for the garment sector, with a slight increase in both basic and gross wages in six of the seven grades, reports Daily Star.The meeting of the 20-member committee, which has representation of workers, owners as well as the government, ap
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The Government on January 13 announced a revised pay structure for the garment sector, with a slight increase in both basic and gross wages in six of the seven grades, reports Daily Star.The meeting of the 20-member committee, which has representation of workers, owners as well as the government, approved wage increase in grade 1-6.Government announcement comes after eight days of labour unrest andfollowing directives from the Prime Minister. Amirul Haque Amin, president of the National Garment Workers Federation, said, “We welcome the revision and the new wage structure.”He was speaking on behalf of the trade union leaders who are on the tripartite committee.
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January - 13 
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on January 13 said that some groups are attempting to postpone the provincial elections that need to be held soon by creating various stories about a presidential election, reports Colombo Page.Pointing out that by now, activities of six provincial councils
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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on January 13 said that some groups are attempting to postpone the provincial elections that need to be held soon by creating various stories about a presidential election, reports Colombo Page.Pointing out that by now, activities of six provincial councils have been stalled, the President said it is not favorable for the democracy and also against the objectives of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution."Therefore, those who are talking about a presidential election should be ready for a provincial council election before the presidential election," the President said adding that he had already discussed the matter with the Elections Commission Chairman.Speaking further, the President said that it was necessary to hold elections in the provinces and give people the right to vote.
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January - 13 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 13 said that he will conduct discussions with the Maha Sangha on improving Buddhism within the country, reports Colombo Page. He said that steps will be taken with the participation of Education, Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs ministries
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 13 said that he will conduct discussions with the Maha Sangha on improving Buddhism within the country, reports Colombo Page. He said that steps will be taken with the participation of Education, Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs ministries to promote cooperation and harmony among all religions in the country.
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January - 13 
The National Security Adviser (NSA) of Afghanistan Hamdullah Mohib has travelled to Saudi Arabia to discuss Afghan peace talks and bilateral cooperation between Kabul and Riyadh, reports The KhaamaPress. The Office of the National Security Council (NSC) in a statement said National Security Adviser
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The National Security Adviser (NSA) of Afghanistan Hamdullah Mohib has travelled to Saudi Arabia to discuss Afghan peace talks and bilateral cooperation between Kabul and Riyadh, reports The KhaamaPress. The Office of the National Security Council (NSC) in a statement said National Security Adviser Dr. Hamdullah Mohib has travelled to Saudi Arabia after concluding an official visit to China.The statement further added that Dr. Mohib also met with the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad in Dubai and his UAE counterpart in Abu Dhabi before departing for Saudi Arabia.
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January - 13 
The United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Qatar Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on January 13 said Doha and Washington will work together on the Afghanistan peace process and addressing regional security challenges, reports Tolo News. Pompeo said Washington
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The United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Qatar Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on January 13 said Doha and Washington will work together on the Afghanistan peace process and addressing regional security challenges, reports Tolo News. Pompeo said Washington will work alongside Doha to address a number of security challenges in the region, including Afghanistan. Qatar Foreign Minister meanwhile said Doha will work jointly with Washington on Afghan peace, adding that the Taliban’s political office in Qatar is an example of Qatar’s efforts over the Afghan peace process. Al-Thani and Pompeo made the remarks at the 'Second Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue' held in Doha. “The United States and Qatar are working together to address a number of regional security challenges including in Afghanistan and in Iraq,” said Pompeo.
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January - 13 
Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina on January 13 said she wanted to sit with all the political parties who were invited to the Gono Bhaban for pre-polls dialogues, reports Daily Star.The PM said she wanted to meet the parties as she sought to run the country in consultation with all, said meeting sou
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Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina on January 13 said she wanted to sit with all the political parties who were invited to the Gono Bhaban for pre-polls dialogues, reports Daily Star.The PM said she wanted to meet the parties as she sought to run the country in consultation with all, said meeting sources. “I will invite them some day and take recommendations from them,” an AL central leader quoted her as saying. PM Sheikh Hasina also urged the BNP MPs-elect to join parliament for the sake of democracy and to utilise the opportunity for their “return to constructive politics”.
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January - 14 
Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the influential civil society group in Nagaland has stated that Nagas “are not optimistic about a breakthrough in the peace process”, reports Indian Express on January 14. But the Centre’s interlocutor for Naga talks and Deputy National Security Advisor, R N Ravi
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Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the influential civil society group in Nagaland has stated that Nagas “are not optimistic about a breakthrough in the peace process”, reports Indian Express on January 14. But the Centre’s interlocutor for Naga talks and Deputy National Security Advisor, R N Ravi, denies that the talks have reached a dead-end. FNR also gave a call to “re-imagine the Indo-Naga Peace Process,” a call for a complete overhaul which signals a dead-end for the ongoing peace process. In a statement issued on January 14, FNR stated that Based on the current political narrative being articulated, the people at home — in Naga-Land (not to be confused with the Indian State of Nagaland) are not optimistic about a breakthrough in the peace process. The omission of the people at this crucial stage is short-sighted. It has contributed to this distrustful narrative’. However, RN Ravi stated that it is not a dead-end and progress is being made in these talks”. Sources said Ravi met representatives of both Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), comprising representatives of six influential Naga rebel groups, and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (-sak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) in Delhi last week.Seen as perhaps the most influential group in Nagaland, FNR was formed in principle on February 24, 2008 as one of the outcomes of the Naga Peace Convention organised by the Naga Shisha Hoho in Dimapur. It was christened on March 25, 2008 at Kohima with the support of 39 Naga frontal organisations, including the Council of Naga Baptist Churches (CNBC), and with the support of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Nagaland Christian Forum (NCF). Reverend Dr Wati Aier, a Christian priest, is the convenor of FNR. According to reports talks between the Centre and Naga groups had not made any progress for nearly a year due to an intransigent position taken by the Naga side on ‘symbolic’ issues, such as a separate flag. The Centre believes ‘substantive’ issues have been resolved but the political narrative being propounded by certain Naga groups is responsible for the deadlock.
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January - 14 
Intelligence agencies and Police are now studying the alarming rise in the number of educated people joining terrorism in India, reports India Today on January 14. According to an official, ‘education institutions - colleges and universities - are being targeted to radicalise and recruit bright youn
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Intelligence agencies and Police are now studying the alarming rise in the number of educated people joining terrorism in India, reports India Today on January 14. According to an official, ‘education institutions - colleges and universities - are being targeted to radicalise and recruit bright young men studying there’. In November, Delhi Police Special Cell, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, arrested three youngsters who allegedly owe allegiance to the Islamic State of Jammu and Kashmir (ISJK). Ehtisham Bilal (20), a native of Khanyar in old Srinagar who joined Sharda University (Noida) in 2017, is a case in point. Bilal, who had reportedly joined ISJK, returned home on December 2 last year. Senior officers in the Special Cell also claimed that in October, they arrested two youths in south Kashmir. One of them, Parvez Rashid, was studying BTech in Amroha in western Uttar Pradesh. Not just students, trained engineers are also among the educated people who join the terror outfits. A senior official stated that ‘While recruiting, terrorist groups give first preference to the engineers because they are the ones who have technical expertise and would help in high profile operations and also upgrading the outfit’. The official further said due to these technologies being used by the terror outfit, it becomes impossible for any agency to pick up any clue of the operation. According to the antiterror agencies, at least 62 per cent of the Islamic terrorists are educated. An official also added that ‘information is so easy to get today and it is splashed all over the web. Speeches of Anwar Al Awlaki are most popular. Groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and the Al-Qaeda (AQ) have managed to put up a lot of information on their websites which is easily accessible and with time they have managed to get enough number of readership’.To make matters worse, these groups have intentionally put out misleading material online. What is worrying is that unlike WhatsApp which can be intercepted, Telegram and Signal are next to impossible to be tracked. Islamic State in India keeps doing talent hunt online.
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January - 14 
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on January 14 called upon the militants to shun the path of violence and join national mainstream saying the administration will take all steps for their rehabilitation but maintained that if terrorists fired or lobbed explosive devices at security forces,
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Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on January 14 called upon the militants to shun the path of violence and join national mainstream saying the administration will take all steps for their rehabilitation but maintained that if terrorists fired or lobbed explosive devices at security forces, they won’t retaliate with flowers or bouquets, reports Daily Excelsior. Malik said the militants will achieve nothing by indulging in violence and it was better for them to leave this path and come to the mainstream, where the administration will take steps for their rehabilitation. Asserting that there was nothing like ‘Operation All Out’ and some people were using this wrong term, the Governor said the Government wants these children (militants) to come back to national mainstream after surrender and we are ready to do what we can do for them”.
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January - 14 
Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by Pakistan, Union Home Minister (UHM) Rajnath Singh said on January 14, reports Daily Excelsior. “Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by neighbouring Pakistan. However, the Army, the CRPF, the J&K Police and Intel
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Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by Pakistan, Union Home Minister (UHM) Rajnath Singh said on January 14, reports Daily Excelsior. “Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by neighbouring Pakistan. However, the Army, the CRPF, the J&K Police and Intelligence Bureau men are acting in better coordination,” he said.
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January - 14 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 14 requested all parties to not to spread misinformation on the new constitution raising false alarms to mislead the masses and create panic in the country, reports Colombo Page. The Prime Minister said currently, there is an attempt to sprea
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 14 requested all parties to not to spread misinformation on the new constitution raising false alarms to mislead the masses and create panic in the country, reports Colombo Page. The Prime Minister said currently, there is an attempt to spread racism by propagating false information on the new constitution and certain politicians meet with the chief prelates and spread false rumors that the government will bring in a new constitution that will divide the country and take away the foremost place given to Buddhism. He urged the relevant parties not to ‘set fire to the country’ by sowing communalism and making the new constitution a ‘bogeyman’.
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January - 14 
Four persons were killed and 90 others injured in the truck bomb explosion in PD9 area of Kabul city, the national capital on January 14, reports Tolo News. Interior Ministry says many houses have been damaged in the truck bomb explosion. Interior ministry's Najib Danish said among those killed, thr
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Four persons were killed and 90 others injured in the truck bomb explosion in PD9 area of Kabul city, the national capital on January 14, reports Tolo News. Interior Ministry says many houses have been damaged in the truck bomb explosion. Interior ministry's Najib Danish said among those killed, three are soldiers and one is a civilian. Among those injured, 23 are children and 12 are women.
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January - 15 
Army chief General Bipin Rawat on January 15 said that India will not hesitate in taking strong action against its neighbour, Pakistan, if it indulged in any ‘misadventures’ on the border and declared that the Indian Army has inflicted heavy losses, both in terms of lives and infrastructure, on Paki
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Army chief General Bipin Rawat on January 15 said that India will not hesitate in taking strong action against its neighbour, Pakistan, if it indulged in any ‘misadventures’ on the border and declared that the Indian Army has inflicted heavy losses, both in terms of lives and infrastructure, on Pakistan in retaliatory firing on the Line of Control (LoC), reports Daily Excelsior. “If our neighbour doesn’t mend its ways, we will not hesitate from taking strong retaliatory action to thwart the inimical moves of the western neighbour aimed against India,” General Rawat said without naming Pakistan in his address to the Army jawans on the occasion of Army Day on January 15 in which he declared that the Army was committed to crush militancy in the Kashmir valley.
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January - 15 
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on January 15 reached out to the Kashmiri separatist leaders urging them to apprise him directly of the cases of ‘atrocity and injustice’ to common people that they may come across, reports Greater Kashmir. Malik made the offer with an appeal that the Hurri
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Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on January 15 reached out to the Kashmiri separatist leaders urging them to apprise him directly of the cases of ‘atrocity and injustice’ to common people that they may come across, reports Greater Kashmir. Malik made the offer with an appeal that the Hurriyat Conference leaders should not treat him as ‘an alien’. “I have a message for Hurriyat that they should not consider me as an alien”, Malik told Press Trust of India in an interview. “As far as Hurriyat is concerned, I have respect for them, even though their ideology is different from mine. They have a different ideology and I have a different one,” the Governor added. Promising to treat Hurriyat leaders’ complaints “with due urgency”, the governor said, “If they (Hurriyat) feel there is any atrocity (by troops or police), they can contact me on phone or send a person to me”. “I will treat them (and their complaints) the way I am treating the rest of the people,” said the governor, maintaining that he has opened up the Raj Bhawan for all. In his first-ever statement aimed at building bridges between Hurriyat leaders and the Raj Bhawan, Malik also expressed hope that “at some level, there will be talks too with them at some time”.
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January - 15 
National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet before a special court in Ahmedabad in connection with a Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) racket being operated in Gujarat, reports Ahmedabad Mirror on January 16. A spokesperson of NIA stated that a charge sheet was filed against two accused
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National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet before a special court in Ahmedabad in connection with a Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) racket being operated in Gujarat, reports Ahmedabad Mirror on January 16. A spokesperson of NIA stated that a charge sheet was filed against two accused, SanjaykumarMohanbhaiDevadiya alias SanjaykumarMohanbhaiDevaliya and SureshbhaiMavajibhaiLathidadiya alias Guruji and Chakor. The case was first registered by Ahmedabad Anti-Terrorist Squad, on inputs provided by the NIA, when it intercepted Devadiya, a resident of Junagadh, and seized 53 FICN’s in the denomination of INR 2000 and 92 FICN’s in the denomination of INR 500. The total face value of the fake notes seized from him was INR 1,52,000. NIA spokersprson also stated that NIA, subsequently, registered a fresh FIR in the instance. Investigation revealed that Devadiya purchased fake currency from wanted accused Tahir Saikh alias Kaliyo on the directions of Lathidadiya, who is presently lodged in Presidency Correctional Home in West Bengal's Alipore in another NIA case. He added that Devadiya subsequently "brought" the fake currency from New Farakka in West Bengal "for circulation in crowded areas and in markets of Junagadh (in Gujarat). The investigation has also revealed inter-state and international linkages pointing towards supply of FICN received from across the border. Further investigation is in progress.
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January - 15 
Officials stated on January 15 that foodgrain and other relief supplies for the Reang tribals sheltered in Tripura for over 21 years, have been extended for another two-and-a-half- months , reports Nagaland Post. Kanchanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Abeda Nanda Baidya stated that ‘Home Ministry has
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Officials stated on January 15 that foodgrain and other relief supplies for the Reang tribals sheltered in Tripura for over 21 years, have been extended for another two-and-a-half- months , reports Nagaland Post. Kanchanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Abeda Nanda Baidya stated that ‘Home Ministry has extended the deadline for repatriation of tribal refugees from Tripura to Mizoram till March 31. The assistance to the refugees in the form of foodgrain and cash doles will also be continued till March 31’.Over 35,000 Reang tribals, comprising 5,907 families, fled from Mizoram and have been staying in seven relief camps in northern Tripura’s Kanchanpur and Panisagar sub-divisions.
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January - 15 
Umbrella organisation of the 35,000 odd Bru refugees living in Tripura on January 15 appealed to new Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga to take initiative for solving the 22-year-old problem of the displaced people, reports Assam Tribune on January 15. In a letter to Zoramthanga, Mizoram Bru Displa
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Umbrella organisation of the 35,000 odd Bru refugees living in Tripura on January 15 appealed to new Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga to take initiative for solving the 22-year-old problem of the displaced people, reports Assam Tribune on January 15. In a letter to Zoramthanga, Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF) general secretary Bruno Msha asked the chief minister to give audience to the MBDPF leaders on the issue in Delhi or Aizawl. During the latest repatriation process between August 25 to September 25 last year, only 150 refugees of 42 families returned to Mizoram.
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January - 15 
Pakistan on January 15, released, Hafiz Mohibullah, member of a Taliban political commission, who was taken into custody from Peshawar, provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) a few days ago, Taliban sources said, reports Daily Times. Hafiz Mohibullah has taken part in several rounds of peace
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Pakistan on January 15, released, Hafiz Mohibullah, member of a Taliban political commission, who was taken into custody from Peshawar, provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) a few days ago, Taliban sources said, reports Daily Times. Hafiz Mohibullah has taken part in several rounds of peace talks. Taliban officials said they do not know as to why he was arrested at a time when Taliban and the US were engaged in talks to find out a political solution to the Afghan conflict. Meanwhile, Afghan Taliban warned on January 15, that they would be forced to stall all talks and negotiations if US refused to discuss withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. A Taliban statement said the US is ‘backing away’ from the agenda and is unilaterally adding new subjects besides using pressure tactics. The Taliban said they have kept all channels open for a political solution and designated political office in Doha for all contacts. “Every country seeking to lend a hand in finding a peaceful solution to the Afghan issue can contact the political office and are welcomed by the Islamic Emirate. This issue can neither be solved through pressure or tactical maneuvering of anyone nor is it acceptable for anyone to use the issue of Afghanistan for strengthening ties or furthering their own interests,” the statement said.
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January - 15 
Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina's Political Affairs Advisor HT Imam said the PM would invite all political parties for “talks”, just a day after Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said Hasina would invite the parties to “exchange post-election greetings”, reports Daily Star on January 1
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Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina's Political Affairs Advisor HT Imam said the PM would invite all political parties for “talks”, just a day after Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said Hasina would invite the parties to “exchange post-election greetings”, reports Daily Star on January 16.
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January - 16 
A Salafi group preacher identified as Zakkariya Swalahi blamed Jamaat-e-Islami and Popular Front of India (PFI) for growth of extremism in Kerala, reports Times of India on January 16. He alleged that seeds of Islamic State (IS) was sowed by PFI and Jamaat. Incidentally, the Salafi group is facing t
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A Salafi group preacher identified as Zakkariya Swalahi blamed Jamaat-e-Islami and Popular Front of India (PFI) for growth of extremism in Kerala, reports Times of India on January 16. He alleged that seeds of Islamic State (IS) was sowed by PFI and Jamaat. Incidentally, the Salafi group is facing the allegation that it was responsible for the spread of extremist ideology among Muslims in the state. Abdul Rashid Abdulla, the leader of the IS who is believed to be in Afghanistan, has sent an audio clip recently in which he alleged that the extreme Salafi group was the launching pad for the youth who had migrated to Syria and Afghanistan.
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January - 16 
At least five Pakistani army personnel were killed and three others injured and their seven posts and bunkers destroyed in heavy retaliatory firing by the Indian troops across Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector in Poonch District on January 16, reports Daily Excelsior. Sources said that massive
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At least five Pakistani army personnel were killed and three others injured and their seven posts and bunkers destroyed in heavy retaliatory firing by the Indian troops across Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector in Poonch District on January 16, reports Daily Excelsior. Sources said that massive retaliation by the Indian troops was given the same day when Army Chief General Bipin Rawat announced that the Army won’t hesitate from taking strong action against inimical designs of Pakistan on the LoC. Sources said at least five Pakistan army personnel were killed and three others were seriously injured when the Indian troops undertook major retaliatory action to silence the enemy guns on the LoC, which had been targeting forward posts of Army and civilian areas in twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. “Death toll on Pakistan side could rise as all three injured jawans (troopers) were in critical condition,” they said, adding that seven posts and bunkers of Pakistan army have been destroyed in retaliation by the Indian side overnight.
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January - 16 
Finance Minister Asad Umar said on January 16, that talks are continuing with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan is seeking aid from the friendly countries for the last time, reports The News International. He further said the government is working on long-term and short-term strateg
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Finance Minister Asad Umar said on January 16, that talks are continuing with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan is seeking aid from the friendly countries for the last time, reports The News International. He further said the government is working on long-term and short-term strategy. Umar said Pakistan and China gave space to a third country to participate in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan. He said the CPEC is important for the region and the third partner can participate in investment. The minister said in April, 2019 a trade framework contract will be made with Turkey and it will promote trade with Iran and Europe. Earlier this week, Asad Umar said the country is not solely relying on the IMF for economic relief as it has also made alternative systems. The minister said the IMF has not placed any non-financial conditions and it is just an option to revive the economy.
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January - 16 
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on January 16, advocated for strengthening the unity between Jatiya Oikya Front and the 20-party Alliance further to defeat the current regime, giving a hint at not leaving Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) as per Gono Forum's des
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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, on January 16, advocated for strengthening the unity between Jatiya Oikya Front and the 20-party Alliance further to defeat the current regime, giving a hint at not leaving Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) as per Gono Forum's desire, reports Dhaka Tribune.Speaking at the National Press Club, Secretary General, Alamgir, stated, "I would like to say it clearly that there is no alternative to unity, no matter who thinks what... BNP has created a bridge between the Jatiya Oikya Front and the 20-party Alliance for the cause of a historical necessity. It is still necessary to maintain, and we think now a greater unity is essential." He further said, "We do not accept the election. As political parties, it is our duty to consciously cement the national unity, and remain alert so that frustration does not grow among us."On January 12, Gono Forum President Kamal Hossain said it was a mistake of his party to join the 11th National Election, held on December 30, 2018, with JeI under the banner of Jatiya Oikya Front, which he leads.He also said that they would mount pressure on BNP to drop JeI from its coalition to keep the Jatiya Oikya Frontintact and make it stronger.
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January - 16 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe agreed to introduce a mechanism to ensure a ‘formal say’ for the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in the execution of development activities in predominantly Tamil areas in the North and the East, Jaffna District TNA MP (Member of Parliament) Dharmalingam Sithathdan
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe agreed to introduce a mechanism to ensure a ‘formal say’ for the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in the execution of development activities in predominantly Tamil areas in the North and the East, Jaffna District TNA MP (Member of Parliament) Dharmalingam Sithathdan said on January 16, reports Daily Mirror. Dharmalingam Sithathdan said the TNA parliamentary group met with the premier last week to discuss the matter. He said the Prime Minister agreed to work out a mechanism for it to be involved in development activities in the North and the East. “We informed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that we wanted a formal say in the process. Afterwards, we discussed as to how a mechanism could be worked out. The premier agreed with us,” he said.
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January - 16 
Skeletal remains of 300 people and human bones have been unearthed as of January 16 from the mass grave found in Mannar in Mannar District of Northern Province after the grave area has been expanded for a second time since the excavations began on May 28, 2018, Senior Judicial Medical Officer Shamin
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Skeletal remains of 300 people and human bones have been unearthed as of January 16 from the mass grave found in Mannar in Mannar District of Northern Province after the grave area has been expanded for a second time since the excavations began on May 28, 2018, Senior Judicial Medical Officer Shaminda Rajapaksa said, reports Colombo Page. The excavations at the mass grave resumed on January 16 after temporarily suspending the activities on January 11. Until January 16 excavations have been carried out for 130 days and skeletal remains belonging to 300 individuals have been unearthed from the mass grave at the old Sathosa building site, the official said. Out of this total, skeletal remains of 294 individuals have been systematically removed and currently sealed and placed in a special chamber at the Mannar Magistrate's Court complex, Dr. Rajapaksa said. Remains of 23 bodies believed to be children's have been separated.
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January - 16 
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesman Sebghat Ahmadi on January 16, insisted that there will be no threat to any country from Afghan soil, as he explained the country’s stance on a recent precautionary measure taken by Turkmenistan Defense Ministry, reports tolonews.com. Reports
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Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesman Sebghat Ahmadi on January 16, insisted that there will be no threat to any country from Afghan soil, as he explained the country’s stance on a recent precautionary measure taken by Turkmenistan Defense Ministry, reports tolonews.com. Reports indicate that Turkmenistan Defense Ministry has started recruiting new cadets for its army to prevent a possible threat to its borders by militants in Afghanistan. “We assure all neighboring countries that no country will be threatened from Afghanistan’s territory. Our (Afghan) forces are fighting terrorism in Afghanistan and terrorism is being defeated,” Ahmadi explained.
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January - 16 
On January 16, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalizad has reacted to the threats by Taliban group regarding the suspension of peace talks, reports khamma.com. “If the Talibs want to talk, we can talk. If they want to fight, we can fight. We hope tha
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On January 16, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalizad has reacted to the threats by Taliban group regarding the suspension of peace talks, reports khamma.com. “If the Talibs want to talk, we can talk. If they want to fight, we can fight. We hope that the Talibs want to make peace,” Ambassador Khalilzad has said. Ambassador Khalilzad has further added “But if they (Taliban) do not choose to come to the table, if they choose to continue fighting, the United States will stand with the Afghan people and the Afghan government and support them. We in the coalition are proud of our support to Afghan security forces. Afghan security forces and military pressure are important in this phase.” This comes as Taliban had earlier issued a statement threatening that the group would suspend talks if Washington refuses the inclusion of troops withdrawal in the agenda of the talks. The group issued a statement late on January 15, claiming that “the Unites States agreed during Doha meeting in the month of November 2018 about discussing the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan and preventing Afghanistan from being used against other countries in the upcoming meeting.”
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January - 16 
The Special Forces have released a video which purportedly shows an airstrike on a Taliban gathering in Afghanistan, khamma.com reports on January 16. It is yet not clear if the airstrike has been carried out by the Afghan Air Force or the coalition forces based in Afghanistan as both the Afghan and
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The Special Forces have released a video which purportedly shows an airstrike on a Taliban gathering in Afghanistan, khamma.com reports on January 16. It is yet not clear if the airstrike has been carried out by the Afghan Air Force or the coalition forces based in Afghanistan as both the Afghan and coalition forces conduct regular airstrikes against the high profile targets of anti-government armed elements. The Special Operations Corps of the Afghan Military in a statement has said that the Taliban militants and their leaders will no more remain hidden from the sight of the National Defense and Security Forces.
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January - 16 
India on January 16 summoned an official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the death of an ‘innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation’ by Pakistani forces in Sunderbani area of Rajouri District on January 11, reports Daily Excelsior. The Ministry of External
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India on January 16 summoned an official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the death of an ‘innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation’ by Pakistani forces in Sunderbani area of Rajouri District on January 11, reports Daily Excelsior. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India also protested Pakistan’s continued support to infiltration of terrorists into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces.
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January - 16 
Manipur Chief Minister (CM) on January 16 stated that the Government will oppose the CAB Bill , if there is no clause to protect the indigenous peoples of the North East (NE) region in general, and Manipur in particular, reports The Hindu. The CM said he and some Ministers had submitted a memorandum
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Manipur Chief Minister (CM) on January 16 stated that the Government will oppose the CAB Bill , if there is no clause to protect the indigenous peoples of the North East (NE) region in general, and Manipur in particular, reports The Hindu. The CM said he and some Ministers had submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to give President's assent to the Manipur Peoples (Protection) Bill, 2018. “It will protect the interests of people of the State,” he said. Rajnath Singh reportedly assured the team from Manipur that nothing will be done to hurt the interests of the people.
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January - 16 
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 16 said that there is no question of talks with Pakistan over any issue till they stop cross border terrorism, reports Daily Excelsior. “Terror and talks cannot go together,” she said while stressing that it is the policy of the country that till Pa
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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 16 said that there is no question of talks with Pakistan over any issue till they stop cross border terrorism, reports Daily Excelsior. “Terror and talks cannot go together,” she said while stressing that it is the policy of the country that till Pakistan stop cross border terrorism there would be no talks.
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January - 17 
Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), which is spearheading the protests against CAB, on January 17, claimed that around two million Hindu Bangladeshis would become Indian Citizens if the Bill is passes, reports The Shillong Times. KMSS Advisor Akhil Gogoi stated that ‘The BJP and Himanta Biswa Sarma
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Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), which is spearheading the protests against CAB, on January 17, claimed that around two million Hindu Bangladeshis would become Indian Citizens if the Bill is passes, reports The Shillong Times. KMSS Advisor Akhil Gogoi stated that ‘The BJP and Himanta Biswa Sarma is saying that only eight lakh Hindu Bangladeshis, who are already staying here, will get citizenship. But ourassessment is that 20 lakh people are present in Assam at this moment and they will get citizenship as soon as the Bill is passed. He further claimed that as per Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, there are around 17 million Hindus, which is 10.7 per cent of that country’s totalpopulation. He added that ‘If the Bill is passed, this will pave the ways for these 1.7 crore people in Bangladesh to come to Assam and get Indian nationality as there isno cut-off date in the Bill. So, there is a possibility that a total of 1.9 crore people are likely to get Indian citizenship in coming years’
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January - 17 
Northern Command Chief Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, on January 17, said the Army was replying befittingly to the Pakistani aggression. Pakistani troops resorted to firing and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu region of the State for 13 days of this month, the officials said.T
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Northern Command Chief Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, on January 17, said the Army was replying befittingly to the Pakistani aggression. Pakistani troops resorted to firing and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu region of the State for 13 days of this month, the officials said.The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number — 2936 — of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years along the India-Pakistan border.
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January - 17 
The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) have now started recruiting girl students in their team, as per a woman Maoist arrested in Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh, reports DBpost.com on January 17. Maoist Anita Piyam was arrested after a bus was set on fire on January 16. She revealed th
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The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) have now started recruiting girl students in their team, as per a woman Maoist arrested in Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh, reports DBpost.com on January 17. Maoist Anita Piyam was arrested after a bus was set on fire on January 16. She revealed that Maoists are eyeing all the girls studying in schools and staying in hostels, ashrams etc. Piyam disclosed that the girls studying at the ashrams and hostels are giving up studies and joining their outfits. Piyam, a member of the Bhairamgarh Area Committee and resident of Belnar, said that she has studied till Class 4 at the Nelasnar Kanya Ashram. After she quit her studies, she started working in a brick kiln along with her parents and came in contact with Maoist ‘commander’ Sonaru. He included her in the Maoist group. She has been working for the Maoist organisation for the last one year. Piyam further said four-five other girls of the ashram had joined the CPI-Maoist. All of them are working for the Maoists after quitting the studies. Piyam said, not only Nelasnar, but girls of other hostels and ashrams are being lured to join the Maoists. Some of these girls are receiving weapon and firearm training.
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January - 17 
A delegation led Khalilzad and including US Commander for Afghanistan General Austin Scott Miller met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Matters pertaining to regional
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A delegation led Khalilzad and including US Commander for Afghanistan General Austin Scott Miller met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Matters pertaining to regional security and the Afghan peace and reconciliation process were discussed between the two sides. The US delegation appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards the peace process, said the military’s media wing.
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January - 17 
There are currently over 63,000 illegal migrant workers living in the Maldives, Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Ahmed Hussain (Hanafee) said on January 17, reports Maldives Times. Speaking during a press conference Mohamed Ahmed Hussain said that 144,607 migrants are in the Maldives on a
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There are currently over 63,000 illegal migrant workers living in the Maldives, Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Ahmed Hussain (Hanafee) said on January 17, reports Maldives Times. Speaking during a press conference Mohamed Ahmed Hussain said that 144,607 migrants are in the Maldives on a work visa. “Out of them, more than 63,000 are estimated to be living as illegal immigrant workers. An extra quota of 100 migrant workers has been allowed to cafes against regulations. And extra quota of 80 to guesthouses. This has been done without any regard to regulations,” said Hanafee, who was appointed Controller General of Immigration on December 23. He stressed the large population of illegal migrant workers in the Maldives and asked for assistance from the public in order to curtail the practice. Hanafee said that 112 migrant workers were deported for violation of immigration regulations and arrest on a myriad of criminal charges including drug abuse and robbery. Maldives Immigration identified 2,734 runaway migrant workers in 2018. Hanafee also announced Maldives Immigration has launched a special operation, Operation Stingray, to curtail the illegal migrant population.
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January - 18 
A senior Police official stated that Mobile Task Force (MTF) of Tripura Police has detected 2,245 illegal immigrants in the State in 2018, reports Hindustan Times on January 18. The official stated that ‘We have detected 2,245 illegal immigrants in Tripura last year among them 2,058 are male and 187
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A senior Police official stated that Mobile Task Force (MTF) of Tripura Police has detected 2,245 illegal immigrants in the State in 2018, reports Hindustan Times on January 18. The official stated that ‘We have detected 2,245 illegal immigrants in Tripura last year among them 2,058 are male and 187 are female. Most of the illegal migrants are from neighbouring Bangladesh. Altogether 2,127 Bangladeshis were deported last year’. He also added that ‘Many Bangladeshis enter into Indian territory for treatment, to attend marriage ceremony or other programmes without passports. In case any immigrant carries contraband or arms, we register cases against them and move courts for legal actions. Those who are found not involved in any crime are deported’.
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January - 18 
Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres are only at the tri junction of Lohardaga, Latehar and Garhwa Districts of Jharkhand, states Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Palamu, Vipul Shukla, reports The Pioneer on January 19. The Maoists have now a shrunken contingent where their t
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Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres are only at the tri junction of Lohardaga, Latehar and Garhwa Districts of Jharkhand, states Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Palamu, Vipul Shukla, reports The Pioneer on January 19. The Maoists have now a shrunken contingent where their top cades are moving since there is no recruitment in their fold since common people have seen their real face.Burha Pahar is now empty of the Maoists and Police need just one more picket to set up at Behra Toli in Jharkhand area to further dominate the hill as Chhattisgarh’s Pundaag starts after the Behra Toli, added the DIG.He further said that 11 Police pickets-- four in Latehar District, four in Garhwa District and three in Palamu District in 2018 --have contained and curbed the free passage of the Maoists.On Naxal [Left Wing Extremists, LWEs] violence DIG said there is a considerable decline but there is no room for any complacency.
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January - 18 
Meghalaya Chief Minister (CM), Conrad K. Sangma on January 18 urged Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to reconsider the passing of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), 2016, reports Morung Express. The CM stated that ‘We have expressed our concerns about the Citizenship Amendment Bill. All the coalitio
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Meghalaya Chief Minister (CM), Conrad K. Sangma on January 18 urged Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to reconsider the passing of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), 2016, reports Morung Express. The CM stated that ‘We have expressed our concerns about the Citizenship Amendment Bill. All the coalition partners of the Meghalaya Government as well as Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga have expressed dissatisfaction over the Bill. So, we have asked the Government to reconsider the Bill’. When asked about the stance of his Government, the CM stated that ‘we will take a call when the time comes. We are still in discussion with them. I don’t think it is correct time to comment on that. The Bill will affect the North-East to a large extent. It is against the aspirations of the people and can have serious repercussions on the region’s law and order’.
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January - 18 
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Major General Asif Ghafoor on January 18, said the military courts have not been set up on the Army’s wish but were needed by the nation and approved by the Parliament following a national and political consensus, reports Daily Times.“There wa
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Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Major General Asif Ghafoor on January 18, said the military courts have not been set up on the Army’s wish but were needed by the nation and approved by the Parliament following a national and political consensus, reports Daily Times.“There was a wave of terrorism in the country. After the 2008 military operations gained momentum, many terrorists were arrested. Criminal justice system at that time was not quite effective in dealing with the terrorism cases, hence the military courts were established after a unanimous approval from the Parliament. It was decided through national consensus that military courts should be established and death penalty be revived,” Gafoor said. He also said 717 cases were referred to the military courts in the last four years, 646 of which have already been disposed of. He said there is a transparent system through which the cases are transferred to the military courts. “The accused are also provided an opportunity to defend themselves” he revealed. “These cases have no link with the missing persons,” he asserted. The ISPR Chief said terrorism incidents have decreased after the establishment of the military courts which have also created a sense of fear among the terrorists. “Military courts have sent a clear message to the terror outfits, militants and their handlers that they will be punished,” he said.
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January - 18 
Pakistan Government has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) regarding appointment of former Army Chief (retired) General Raheel Sharif as head of a Saudi Arabia-led military alliance comprising personnel from 41 Muslim countries, Dawn reports on January 19.The NOC has been issued in view of an a
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Pakistan Government has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) regarding appointment of former Army Chief (retired) General Raheel Sharif as head of a Saudi Arabia-led military alliance comprising personnel from 41 Muslim countries, Dawn reports on January 19.The NOC has been issued in view of an approval that was granted by the Federal Cabinet during its meeting held on January 10, according to a source. Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on January 18, confirmed that the NOC had indeed been issued after approval by the federal cabinet.“The issue was not on the normal agenda of the federal cabinet’s meeting but it was approved through circulation,” he stated. General Sharif retired in November 2016 and joined the Muslim countries’ counterterrorism coalition in April 2017. The military coalition was reportedly envisaged to serve as a platform for security cooperation, including a provision for training and equipping of troops, and involvement of religious scholars for dealing with extremism.
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January - 18 
Senior Taliban leaders said some regional powers, including Pakistan, had approached them and wanted them to meet with the US delegation in Islamabad and also include the Afghan Government in the peace process.The Taliban leaders said they had outright rejected this approach. The Taliban said they h
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Senior Taliban leaders said some regional powers, including Pakistan, had approached them and wanted them to meet with the US delegation in Islamabad and also include the Afghan Government in the peace process.The Taliban leaders said they had outright rejected this approach. The Taliban said they had repeatedly explained that they would never hold any meeting with the Afghan Government, saying they had not changed their stance. “As we know that the Afghan government doesn’t have the power to make decisions, then why should we waste our time by talking to them,” said one senior Taliban leader.
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January - 18 
The Afghan Taliban officially announced on January 18, that they would not hold any meeting with the US Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad, reports The News.“We want to make it clear that we will not hold any meeting with Zalmay Khalilzad inIslamabad,” Taliban 'spokesman' Z
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The Afghan Taliban officially announced on January 18, that they would not hold any meeting with the US Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad, reports The News.“We want to make it clear that we will not hold any meeting with Zalmay Khalilzad inIslamabad,” Taliban 'spokesman' Zabihullah Mujahid said in a brief statement released to the media. Senior US officials, including Zalmay Khalilzad, former US Ambassador and their representative for Afghanistan, are presently in Pakistan for the past two days and want Pakistan to arrange their meeting with the Afghan Taliban in Islamabad. There has been a deadlock in peace talks after the two sides reportedly developed differences over agenda of the meeting. The Taliban representatives claimed that they had initiated peace talks with the US to discuss and resolve some of the basic issues first. However, they claimed that in the last meeting that took place in Abu Dhabi in December 2018, the US asked them to announce a two-month ceasefire and also include the Afghan Government in peace talks.According to the Taliban sources, it was decided to hold another meeting in the second week of January 2018 in the Saudi capital city of Riyadh. The Taliban claimed thatthey had chosen their representatives for meeting in Saudi Arabia but then all of a sudden, Saudi Arabia made it conditional that the Taliban leadership would need to announce a two-month ceasefire, which they rejected and announced their boycott of peace talks there.
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January - 18 
United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 18, reports Daily Times. Khalilzad, told Qureshi that the US leadership values Pakistan’s efforts for peace and reconciliation
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United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 18, reports Daily Times. Khalilzad, told Qureshi that the US leadership values Pakistan’s efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.Qureshi assured Khalilzad that Pakistan will continue its efforts to facilitate the Afghan reconciliation process to bring peace and stability to the region. “We have a shared responsibility to work towards bringing peace in Afghanistan,” the minister said.
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January - 18 
Awami League (AL) General Secretary, Obaidul Quader, on January 18, said that Jatiya Oikyafront, the opposition alliance, cannot last as ties between communal and non-communal forces cannot continue, report Daily Star. “Elements of split are there [within the Oikyafront], so it cannot exist,” he sai
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Awami League (AL) General Secretary, Obaidul Quader, on January 18, said that Jatiya Oikyafront, the opposition alliance, cannot last as ties between communal and non-communal forces cannot continue, report Daily Star. “Elements of split are there [within the Oikyafront], so it cannot exist,” he said, adding, “We spotted the splitting factors in the Oikyafront from the beginning.” Further, Obaidul Quader in his reply to a question whether the ruling party would take any step to bring the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)in the upcoming upazila (sub-District) election to be held in March, said, “We didn't call the BNP to participate in the parliamentary election. We will not ask them to join the upazila parishad polls.”
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January - 18 
Twenty five (25) Taliban militants including two key 'commanders' have been killed during separate operations conducted in northern Baghlan and Sar-e-Pul provinces of Afghanistan, Khaama Press reports on January 18. The 209th Shaheen Corps of the Afghan Military in the North in a statement said a
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Twenty five (25) Taliban militants including two key 'commanders' have been killed during separate operations conducted in northern Baghlan and Sar-e-Pul provinces of Afghanistan, Khaama Press reports on January 18. The 209th Shaheen Corps of the Afghan Military in the North in a statement said at least 19 Taliban militants including two of their key‘commanders’ were killed during the operations in Sayad District of Sar-e-Pul Province during the past two weeks.The statement further added that the two key Taliban ‘commanders’ killed during the operations have been identified as Qari Karim and Mawlavi Yaqoub. The 209th Shaheen Corps in a separate statement said at least six Taliban militants have been killed and four others have sustained injuries since the launch of Pamir-10 operations in Baghlan Province.Three Ford Ranger type vehicles have also been confiscated during the operations and two depots containing clothes and weapons have also been destroyed, the 209th Shaheen Corps added.
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January - 19 
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani stated that the government would talk with Pakistan if the Taliban group is being represented by Pakistan or any other regional country, reports Khaama Press on January 20. The President stated that ‘Taliban have two options; to be represented Pakistan and other regio
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President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani stated that the government would talk with Pakistan if the Taliban group is being represented by Pakistan or any other regional country, reports Khaama Press on January 20. The President stated that ‘Taliban have two options; to be represented Pakistan and other regional countries, or they should represent themselves as Afghans’. The latest remarks by President Ghani come amid ongoing efforts to launch direct peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban group. However, the Taliban group has so far refused to participate in direct talks with the government emphasizing that the group prefers direct negotiations with the United States mainly focusing on complete withdrawal of the foreign forces.
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January - 20 
Nagaland Chief Minister (CM) Neiphiu Rio on January 20 stated the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) is not applicable to Nagaland, as the state stands protected under the provisions of Article 371(A) and the Inner Line Permit, reports The Shillong Times. He said the state cabinet which met on January
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Nagaland Chief Minister (CM) Neiphiu Rio on January 20 stated the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) is not applicable to Nagaland, as the state stands protected under the provisions of Article 371(A) and the Inner Line Permit, reports The Shillong Times. He said the state cabinet which met on January 18 discussed the Bill and re-iterated the earlier decisions adopted by the Cabinet on June 5, 2018 and January 7, 2019. ‘The cabinet was of the unequivocal view that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not applicable to Nagaland and we stand protected under the provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873, armed under Clause 16 of the 16 Point Agreement’. He also said that the Cabinet decided to adopt a resolution re-arming all provisions of Article 371(A) and to strengthen the implementation of the ILP as per the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 that will also be taken up in the upcoming Nagaland Assembly session.
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January - 20 
The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik said on January 20 that the United Nations (UN) must play its role in resolving the Kashmir dispute, reports Greater Kashmir. In a meeting at Geelani’s Hyderpora residence, the JRL urged t
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The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik said on January 20 that the United Nations (UN) must play its role in resolving the Kashmir dispute, reports Greater Kashmir. In a meeting at Geelani’s Hyderpora residence, the JRL urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to implement its report on human rights situation in Kashmir that the UN secretary-general keeps referring to. “It is incumbent upon the secretary-general not only to urgently take steps to mitigate the grave human rights abuses perpetuated by New Delhi in Jammu and Kashmir (which the UN report elaborates), but also ensure that the commitment made by the august body to the people of entire J&K of resolving the Kashmir dispute is upheld by implementing the relevant UN resolutions,” a statement issued by the JRL said. “The (Kashmir) dispute continues to remain hanging for the past more than 70 years and it is long overdue that the UN plays its role in resolving one of world’s oldest disputes,” the statement read.
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January - 20 
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on January 20 said that peace in Afghanistan is vital for regional peace, reports Daily Times. The Army’s media wing said a US delegation; led by Commander US CENTCOM General Joseph L Votel called on the Army chief. During the meeting, geo-strateg
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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on January 20 said that peace in Afghanistan is vital for regional peace, reports Daily Times. The Army’s media wing said a US delegation; led by Commander US CENTCOM General Joseph L Votel called on the Army chief. During the meeting, geo-strategic environment, regional security and Afghanistan peace and reconciliation process were discussed. The visiting delegation appreciated Pakistan Army’s efforts for regional peace and stability. The COAS said that despite constraints Pakistan has contributed to regional peace and would continue to do so.
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January - 20 
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on January 20 said that India should not worry about the China-led One Belt One Road (OBOR); rather it can join the initiative for the economic benefit of all countries, reports Daily Star on January 23. "Being such a big country and big economy, India should not worry a
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on January 20 said that India should not worry about the China-led One Belt One Road (OBOR); rather it can join the initiative for the economic benefit of all countries, reports Daily Star on January 23. "Being such a big country and big economy, India should not worry about it [OBOR]. Rather, they can also join so that all the countries can benefit economically," she said in an interview with Indian news channel CNN-News18. "The world has become a global village. For economic development, you need connectivity. It is very, very important," PM Sheikh Hasina added.
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January - 21 
The fate of 31 Rohingya Muslims stranded on the international border between Tripura and Bangladesh continues to hang in balance as both Indian and Bangladesh authorities have refused to accept them, reports Indian Express on January 21. According to Border Security Force (BSF) officials in Delhi th
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The fate of 31 Rohingya Muslims stranded on the international border between Tripura and Bangladesh continues to hang in balance as both Indian and Bangladesh authorities have refused to accept them, reports Indian Express on January 21. According to Border Security Force (BSF) officials in Delhi there was no question of India accepting them as Bangladesh authorities have not yet provided any evidence of the Rohingya having crossed over from India. A Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) official stated that ‘It is definitely not a case of BSF pushing Rohingya across the border as no one would push 31 people together. However, how and from where they reached where they are at the moment is a matter of investigation. Unless it is proven that they crossed over from India, there is no reason why we should accept them’.
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January - 21 
Afghan Taliban said that the United States has agreed to discuss the withdrawal of the troops that led to the resumption of talks in Qatar after the deadlock of nearly a month in the peace process, reports The News. “Following US acceptance of the agenda of ending invasion of Afghanistan and prevent
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Afghan Taliban said that the United States has agreed to discuss the withdrawal of the troops that led to the resumption of talks in Qatar after the deadlock of nearly a month in the peace process, reports The News. “Following US acceptance of the agenda of ending invasion of Afghanistan and preventing Afghanistan from being used against other countries in the future, talks with American representatives took place today (January 21) in Doha, the capital of Qatar,” Taliban ‘spokesman’ Zabihullah Mujahid said, adding that the session will also continue on January 22. The formal talks began after the two sides agreed on a two-point agenda. “The two-point agenda says US-led foreign forces would end the ‘occupation’ of Afghanistan, and b.) Afghan soil would not be used in future to harm any country,” Mujahid said in the statement.
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January - 21 
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on January 21 said that the Prime Minister will also discuss reconciliation in Afghanistan during the visit, reports The News. “Qatar has played its role in Afghan reconciliation. The Afghan Taliban had opened their political office there and they have been play
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Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on January 21 said that the Prime Minister will also discuss reconciliation in Afghanistan during the visit, reports The News. “Qatar has played its role in Afghan reconciliation. The Afghan Taliban had opened their political office there and they have been playing their role. We will hold consultations on the peace process as to how can we jointly work on the initiative for peace and reconciliation to make the region peaceful and stable,” Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in a departure statement.
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January - 21 
Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured the people that strict action will be taken against the culprits responsible for the Sahiwal tragedy as he returns from Qatar, reports The News on January 22. “The grief & anger of the people of Pakistan on Sahiwal incident is understandable and justified. I ass
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Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured the people that strict action will be taken against the culprits responsible for the Sahiwal tragedy as he returns from Qatar, reports The News on January 22. “The grief & anger of the people of Pakistan on Sahiwal incident is understandable and justified. I assure the nation that when I return from Qatar not only will the guilty be given exemplary punishment but I will review the entire structure of Punjab Police and start process of reforming it,” Prime Minister Imran khan had tweeted.
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January - 21 
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar promised to provide justice to the victims of Sahiwal incident once the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report is submitted to him, reports The News on January 22.
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Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar promised to provide justice to the victims of Sahiwal incident once the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report is submitted to him, reports The News on January 22.
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January - 21 
On January 21, Pallab Bhattacharya, Director General of Police (DGP) special Branch stated that United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) could target Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in the state, reports Hindustan Times. He stated that ‘We are a bit apprehensive after the Citizenshi
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On January 21, Pallab Bhattacharya, Director General of Police (DGP) special Branch stated that United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) could target Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in the state, reports Hindustan Times. He stated that ‘We are a bit apprehensive after the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha and the ensuing agitation in the state. The situation is fragile. In this surcharged atmosphere vulnerable groups like Hindi speakers, Bengali Hindus and BJP workers could be the likely target of ULFA-I’.
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January - 22 
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on January 22 stated that under the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill- CAB, nobody would be granted Indian citizenship without the consent of the respective state government, reports Northeast Today. UMHA spokesperson Ashok Prasad stated, "Without the state gove
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The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on January 22 stated that under the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill- CAB, nobody would be granted Indian citizenship without the consent of the respective state government, reports Northeast Today. UMHA spokesperson Ashok Prasad stated, "Without the state government’s recommendations, no one will be given Indian citizenship’. He also added that ‘Each and every individual application for Indian citizenship will have to be inquired into by the District Magistrate (DM), who will analyse each case and give recommendations to the state government. The state government also has to do its inquiry through its agencies". UMHA sources also stated that Government is mulling to incentivise people seeking citizenship for settling anywhere in India except for North East.
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January - 22 
Tripura United Indigenous People’s Council (TUIPC), a joint body of 48 returnee insurgent organisations on January 22, announced a series of joint movements with all Tripura-based tribal parties and organisations from January 26 against Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), reports Indian Express. Forme
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Tripura United Indigenous People’s Council (TUIPC), a joint body of 48 returnee insurgent organisations on January 22, announced a series of joint movements with all Tripura-based tribal parties and organisations from January 26 against Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), reports Indian Express. Former All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) leader Ranjit Debbarma who is the leader of TUIPC stated that ‘We have formed a joint forum called TUIPC with 48 returnee insurgent forums. We vehemently oppose the citizenship bill. This bill violates the conditions agreed in the 1993 ATTF Peace Accord. We seek the Central Government and State Government to respect the peace accord’. He also claimed that all tribal wings of national political parties like Bharatiya Janata Party, (BJP) Janajati Morcha, Congress ST Department, Tripura Upajati Gana Mukti Parishad – Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) tribal frontal organization have assured to join them in the agitations. Besides, Tripura’s ruling tribal ally Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) would join the movement as well.
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January - 22 
An anti-terrorism court on January 22, sent Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) ‘chief’ Khadim Rizvi and ‘patron-in-chief’ Pir Afzal Qadri along with four others to prison on a 14-day judicial remand, reports Daily Times. The court heard a case related to nationwide protests and hate speeches against s
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An anti-terrorism court on January 22, sent Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) ‘chief’ Khadim Rizvi and ‘patron-in-chief’ Pir Afzal Qadri along with four others to prison on a 14-day judicial remand, reports Daily Times. The court heard a case related to nationwide protests and hate speeches against state institutions following the acquittal of blasphemy accused Aasia Bibi by Supreme Court.
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January - 22 
Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad, Yao Jing on January 22, said that his country will “pick Afghan Taliban as a political force” in the backdrop of their participation in the ongoing peace talks with the US and at other forums, reports Dawn. Yao Jing said, “China will pick them (Taliban) as a politica
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Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad, Yao Jing on January 22, said that his country will “pick Afghan Taliban as a political force” in the backdrop of their participation in the ongoing peace talks with the US and at other forums, reports Dawn. Yao Jing said, “China will pick them (Taliban) as a political force because they are now part of the Afghan political process and they have some political concerns. They have to be allowed to play a legitimate role in the future political settlement. ” Yao Jing further said that Beijing supported Pakistan’s fresh initiatives for facilitating efforts for political settlement of the Afghan conflict and confidence-building measures in relations with Kabul.
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January - 22 
Prime Minister Imran Khan on January 22, described bad governance as the only problem in Pakistan and that his Government would steer the country out of difficulties, reports Daily Times. “The only problem is of governance. If there is bad governance, the rich countries can turn into poor ones,” Kha
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Prime Minister Imran Khan on January 22, described bad governance as the only problem in Pakistan and that his Government would steer the country out of difficulties, reports Daily Times. “The only problem is of governance. If there is bad governance, the rich countries can turn into poor ones,” Khan asserted. The PM had said that the devaluation of PKR was also due to money laundering as it caused shortage of dollars in the country that also created the balance of payment problem in Pakistan. Khan addressing the expatriates said, “This country will turn into one where you will not be required to look for jobs abroad. Allah Almighty created this country on 27th of Ramadan and bestowed it with His special blessings,” he said, and added that Pakistan was blessed with a lot of natural resources and opportunities.
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January - 22 
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on January 22, said regional connectivity will be a major instrument in promoting economic development in the South Asian region, and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative for motor vehicle movement can play crucial role in enhancing trade and commerce a
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Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on January 22, said regional connectivity will be a major instrument in promoting economic development in the South Asian region, and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative for motor vehicle movement can play crucial role in enhancing trade and commerce among the four countries, reports Daily Star. Momen stated, “We have made substantial progress in cross-border energy cooperation with India and it helps us address the problem of energy deficiency".
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January - 22 
Sri Lanka's Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) said that it will reject any attempt to formulate a new Constitution, claiming that the proposals which have been announced so far fall short of an acceptable solution for the Tamils in terms of the devolution of power, reports The Week on Janua
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Sri Lanka's Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) said that it will reject any attempt to formulate a new Constitution, claiming that the proposals which have been announced so far fall short of an acceptable solution for the Tamils in terms of the devolution of power, reports The Week on January 22. The TELO, a constituent of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), in a statement said that the party stood for a federal solution based on the concept of fully-fledged self-determination for the Tamils in the north and east, but the current proposals are aimed at preserving the unitary character of the island.
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January - 22 
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on January 22 outlined the Afghan Government’s vision for peace and reconciliation with the Taliban before world leaders at the sidelines World Economic Forum (WEF) 2019 summit, reports Tolo News. The CEO, however, also clarified that a wider segment o
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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on January 22 outlined the Afghan Government’s vision for peace and reconciliation with the Taliban before world leaders at the sidelines World Economic Forum (WEF) 2019 summit, reports Tolo News. The CEO, however, also clarified that a wider segment of society, the Afghan people in general, were not in support of the Taliban’s perception of Governance or to see them back in power. “Taliban are asking for Islamic Emirate which is a different type of ruling, like the religious scholars are getting together and appointing an Amir (Emire) so everybody could be obedient to that type of system while we embarked upon a different system,” Abdullah told a panel of world leaders at Davos. Abdullah Abdullah was attending the WEF 2019 summit at the ski resort of Davos in Switzerland.
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January - 22 
National Directorate of Security (NDS), the Afghan Intelligence service, has confirmed that 36 security personnel embraced martyrdom and 58 others were wounded in a coordinated attack on a Security Base in Maidan Wardak Province, reports Tolo News. The NDS in a statement said the suicide bomber mana
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National Directorate of Security (NDS), the Afghan Intelligence service, has confirmed that 36 security personnel embraced martyrdom and 58 others were wounded in a coordinated attack on a Security Base in Maidan Wardak Province, reports Tolo News. The NDS in a statement said the suicide bomber managed to breach the security barrier by driving a Humvee armored personnel carrier packed with explosives and detonate it near the main building of the base. The statement further added that three other militants, who were looking to detonate another Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) and carry out shooting spree after the first explosion, were shot dead and the car bomb was defused.
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January - 22 
The United States (US) confirmed that its envoy is meeting in Doha (Qatar) with the Taliban, seeking to negotiate an end to the Afghanistan war despite a new major attack claimed by the insurgents on January 22, reports The News. The State Department said that the US special representative on Afghan
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The United States (US) confirmed that its envoy is meeting in Doha (Qatar) with the Taliban, seeking to negotiate an end to the Afghanistan war despite a new major attack claimed by the insurgents on January 22, reports The News. The State Department said that the US special representative on Afghan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, met with Taliban representatives in Doha on January 22. "We can confirm that Special Representative Khalilzad and an interagency team are in Doha today talking with representatives of the Taliban," a State Department spokeswoman said, adding that the talks were taking place over two days.
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January - 23 
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has extended its support to 70 organisations that are opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, reports Nagaland Post on January 22. The AGP President, Atul Bora stated, "We are for a unified movement against the citizenship bill. Everyone is committed to stop the bill
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Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has extended its support to 70 organisations that are opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, reports Nagaland Post on January 22. The AGP President, Atul Bora stated, "We are for a unified movement against the citizenship bill. Everyone is committed to stop the bill from being ratified". Bora had also extended his party’s support to AASU anti-bill rally on January 23.
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January - 23 
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on January 23 voiced his protest against Pakistan’s proposal to allow only Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, reports The Hindu on January 24. The Chief Minister has urged the Union Government to take up the issue with Pakistan when the latter sends its d
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Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on January 23 voiced his protest against Pakistan’s proposal to allow only Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, reports The Hindu on January 24. The Chief Minister has urged the Union Government to take up the issue with Pakistan when the latter sends its draft agreement for regulating entry into its territory through the Kartarpur Corridor.
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January - 23 
Director General of Police (DGP) Akhil Kumar Shukla stated on January 23, that Border Security Force (BSF) and state Police have increased vigilance along India-Bangladesh border to check the movement of Rohingyas, reports Assam Tribune on January 23. Earlier, on January 20, 2019, 30 Rohingyas were
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Director General of Police (DGP) Akhil Kumar Shukla stated on January 23, that Border Security Force (BSF) and state Police have increased vigilance along India-Bangladesh border to check the movement of Rohingyas, reports Assam Tribune on January 23. Earlier, on January 20, 2019, 30 Rohingyas were arrested from the state in North Tripura District.
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January - 23 
Government of India (GoI) on January 23 cleared amendment to Article 280 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, reports Assam Tribune. The move envisages improving the financial resources and administrative powers of the Autonomous District Councils (ADC) of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripur
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Government of India (GoI) on January 23 cleared amendment to Article 280 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, reports Assam Tribune. The move envisages improving the financial resources and administrative powers of the Autonomous District Councils (ADC) of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. The amendment also paves the way for constitution of State Finance Commissions in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad stated that a cabinet meeting approved the landmark amendment that will significantly increase financial resources and powers of the Autonomous Districts Councils in the four North-eastern states. The amendment proposes to rename the existing autonomous councils as Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC), Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council (DHATC), Garo Hills Autonomous Territorial Council (GHATC), Khasi Hills Autonomous Territorial Council (KHATC), Jaintia Hills Autonomous Territorial Council (JHATC) and Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous Territorial Council (TTAATC) as the present jurisdiction of these councils extends to more than one District. The amendment also provides for transfer of additional 30 subjects, including public works department, forest, public health engineering, health and family welfare, urban development, and food and civil supply to KAATC and DHATC in Assam. The Union Minister also added that amendment will fulfil the commitments made under Memoranda of Settlement (MoS) signed by the Government of India, state governments of Assam and Meghalaya, United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) and A’chik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC).
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January - 23 
Mizoram’s NGO Coordination Committee, an umbrella organisation of civil societies and students’ bodies, has called for a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations in protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), reports The Shillong Times on January 23. In a press statement issued by Chairman
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Mizoram’s NGO Coordination Committee, an umbrella organisation of civil societies and students’ bodies, has called for a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations in protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), reports The Shillong Times on January 23. In a press statement issued by Chairman Vanlalruata it stated that ‘The bill necessitates stronger protest’. The press statement also added that All Government employees, students and general public would stay away from functions organised on Republic Day on January 26. Earlier, on January 23, at least 30,000 people had taken part in protests across the State against the Amendment Bill, reports Indian Express.
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January - 23 
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, said that Pakistan Army takes it as its responsibility to extend full assistance to the Royal Saudi Army for their capacity building on January 23, reports The News. Geo strategic environment and matters related to bilateral defence cooperat
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Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, said that Pakistan Army takes it as its responsibility to extend full assistance to the Royal Saudi Army for their capacity building on January 23, reports The News. Geo strategic environment and matters related to bilateral defence cooperation were discussed, during his meeting with Royal Saudi Army led by Chief of General Staff (CGS) General Faiyad Bin Hamed Al Rowali
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January - 23 
National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a suspected militant for his role in the 2006 Kozhikode twin blasts case on his arrival from Saudi Arabia at Delhi Airport on January 23, reports The Hindu. The arrestee has been identified as Mohammed Ashar. NIA in a statement said ‘The cases pertain to
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National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a suspected militant for his role in the 2006 Kozhikode twin blasts case on his arrival from Saudi Arabia at Delhi Airport on January 23, reports The Hindu. The arrestee has been identified as Mohammed Ashar. NIA in a statement said ‘The cases pertain to the twin IED blasts that had occurred at the Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Mofussil Bus Stands in Calicut (Kozhikode) City on March 3, 2006, causing injuries to two persons and damage to property. NIA had taken over the investigation of the cases on December 18, 2009 and had filed a chargesheet against eight accused persons, including Ashar’. Trial in this case against four available accused persons was completed in August, 2011 and two of the accused identified as T. Naseer and Sagas were sentenced to life imprisonment. Indian Express further adds that NIA Inspector General (IG) stated that ‘Investigation by NIA had revealed that Mohammed Ashar besides the other absconding accused P P Yusuf were parties to the criminal conspiracy hatched by the prime accused T Naseer, Safas (both convicted) and others to carry out Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts in Kozhikode city in protest over the denial of bail to Muslim accused persons involved in the Marad communal riots of 2003 at Kozhikode District. Mohammed Ashar, along with P P Yusuf, had assisted T Naseer in preparing the IEDs and had planted the explosive devices at the bus stands in Kozhikode city. Accused Mohd Ashar had gone to Saudi Arabia in 2007 itself, to evade his arrest’.
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January - 23 
Six militant groups Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) and People's Democratic Council of Karbi-Longri (PDCK) have called for a ban on Repu
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Six militant groups Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) and People's Democratic Council of Karbi-Longri (PDCK) have called for a ban on Republic Day (January 26) celebrations in ‘Western South East Asia (WESEA)’ region, reports E-Pao on January 23. A statement released by Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK), which is signed by leaders of all the militant groups said, “to effectuate the ban we call a total shut-down for 12 hours, from 6 am to 6 pm, on the 26th January, 2019, in the entire WESEA region.’
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January - 23 
Three Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants, identified as Shoaib Akhoon, Mosin Mushtaq and Nissar Darzi (all local residents) were killed in an encounter at Binner village of Baramulla District on January 23, reports Daily Excelsior. “Incriminating material including arms and ammunition was recovered fro
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Three Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants, identified as Shoaib Akhoon, Mosin Mushtaq and Nissar Darzi (all local residents) were killed in an encounter at Binner village of Baramulla District on January 23, reports Daily Excelsior. “Incriminating material including arms and ammunition was recovered from the site of encounter. Police have registered a case and initiated investigation in the matter,” a Police Spokesman said. All the three militants were active in Baramulla and Sopore areas and had a long history of militancy. DNA adds that following the killing of three last surviving militants of the Baramulla District on January 23, the Police Spokesman stated that "Baramulla has become the first district of Kashmir with no surviving militant as on date. J&K Police extends its thanks to the local population for all their support in providing a better security environment in the district”. Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbag Singh complimented Police personnel for their successes. He said that he expected further consolidation of peace building efforts together by Police and public.
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January - 23 
The Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) in Sindh, during a meeting on law and order situation of the province, informed that they have identified an unnamed terror outfit’s sleeper cell in Sukkur City, reports The Express Tribune. In his briefing, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Counter Terrorism Departme
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The Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) in Sindh, during a meeting on law and order situation of the province, informed that they have identified an unnamed terror outfit’s sleeper cell in Sukkur City, reports The Express Tribune. In his briefing, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on January 23, informed Sindh Chief Minister (CM), Murad Ali Shah that the Force was vigilantly monitoring movement at the Sindh-Balochistan provincial border. He said some militant elements had established hideouts in the province. “They will be taken to task with the help of intelligence agencies,” he added.
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January - 23 
Sri Lankan human rights activists, lawmakers and relatives of slain and disappeared journalists held a vigil over their abductions, killings and disappearances and demanded the Government expedite investigations, reports Colombo Page on January 24. Freddie Gamage, an organizer of the vigil, said des
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Sri Lankan human rights activists, lawmakers and relatives of slain and disappeared journalists held a vigil over their abductions, killings and disappearances and demanded the Government expedite investigations, reports Colombo Page on January 24. Freddie Gamage, an organizer of the vigil, said despite being in power for four years, the current government "has miserably failed to fulfil its promise to punish those responsible for attacks on journalists.
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January - 24 
Government of India (GoI) reconstituted a tribunal to adjudicate matters related to extension of ban imposed on eight insurgent groups in Manipur for five more years on January 24, reports Northeast today. In a notification, Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) said the tribunal has been set up und
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Government of India (GoI) reconstituted a tribunal to adjudicate matters related to extension of ban imposed on eight insurgent groups in Manipur for five more years on January 24, reports Northeast today. In a notification, Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) said the tribunal has been set up under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and will be headed by Delhi High Court judge Justice G S Sistani. The organisations which were banned include Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing Manipur Peoples’ Army (MPA), Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing ‘Red Army’. The others are Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its armed wing, also called Red Army; Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL); the Coordination Committee (CorCom) and Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK).
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January - 24 
Union Home Minister (UHM) Rajnath Singh, on January 24, said that violence in Jammu and Kashmir could not be contained till Pakistan is involved in the cross-border terrorism, but claimed that the NDA regime at the Centre, led by Prime Minister (PM), Narendra Modi, has seen almost the end of insurge
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Union Home Minister (UHM) Rajnath Singh, on January 24, said that violence in Jammu and Kashmir could not be contained till Pakistan is involved in the cross-border terrorism, but claimed that the NDA regime at the Centre, led by Prime Minister (PM), Narendra Modi, has seen almost the end of insurgency in North-Eastern (NE) States and breaking of backbone of the Naxalites [Left-Wing Extremists, LWEs], besides declining of terrorism-related incidents, reports Daily Excelsior. “We have got a major achievement in almost ending the insurgency in NE, while the Naxalite activities have also come down by at least 50 per cent,” he said. UHM, Singh said the situation is Kashmir is concerning, but till Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism, it is hard to create peace there. “Though the Government in Pakistan talks about peace and harmony, but everyone knows that ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) has total control over the Government hence, nothing can be achieved,” he added. Singh said that now terrorism too is on decline and their anti-national acts have come down, but still near the Indo-Pakistan border, regular encounters are taking place.
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January - 24 
Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions including the United Nations (UN) have urged the Government to clarify to the public regarding its plans to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019, reports My Republica.In a press release on January 24, Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions of Austral
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Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions including the United Nations (UN) have urged the Government to clarify to the public regarding its plans to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019, reports My Republica.In a press release on January 24, Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions of Australia, Germany, European Union, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, and United Nations said "Noting the looming expiration of the mandates of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP), as well as the upcoming fourth anniversary of the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed certain requirements for transitional justice processes, we encourage the government to clarify to the public its plans to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019." Further, saying that they support a number of principles for transitional justice in Nepal, the diplomatic missions stated "We support a Nepali-designed, Nepali-led process that is consistent with the 2007 and 2015 judgements of Nepal’s Supreme Court and the country’s obligations under international law."The international community have also stressed on the broad public trust in the transitional justice process. "Nepal will not be able to bring closure to the wounds and grievances that persist from the conflict era, nor be able to complete the peace process," the release said. The international community also urged the government to engage in broad-based, meaningful consultation with conflict victims, civil society and wider stakeholders that allows space and time to discuss and address issues raised before action is taken, and helps shape a course of further action that reflects the will of the people."These members of the international community are also united in the view that any solution should have the needs of victims at its heart," the release said.The diplomatic missions, in their release, are of the view that only the peace process move forward on a strong foundation if the needs of the victims are properly addressed."Supporting Nepal in establishing a credible transitional justice process and ensuring the stability and prosperity of Nepal remain priorities for the international community. We are committed to working with the Government of Nepal and all other stakeholders to advance a transitional justice process that engenders broad public confidence," the release stated.
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January - 24 
Members of the international community,on January 24, urged the Nepal Government to make public its plan to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019, reports The Himalayan Times. In a joint statement, they said they supported a Nepali-designed, Nepali-led process that was consistent wit
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Members of the international community,on January 24, urged the Nepal Government to make public its plan to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019, reports The Himalayan Times. In a joint statement, they said they supported a Nepali-designed, Nepali-led process that was consistent with the 2007 and 2015 judgments of the Supreme Court and the country’s obligations under international law.“We are united in the view that without broad public trust in the process, Nepal will neither be able to bring closure to the wounds and grievances that persist from the conflict era, nor will it be able to complete the peace process,” read the statement undersigned by the embassies of Australia, Germany, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United Stated (US), delegation of the European Union and the United Nations (UN) in Nepal.“To achieve this, we encourage the government to engage in meaningful consultation with conflict victims, civil society and other stakeholders that helps shape a course of further action that reflects the will of the people.” the international community said.
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January - 24 
The Nepali Congress (NC),on January 24, termed the decisions made by the Constitutional Council (CC) in absence of main opposition party leader ‘anti-democratic’ after the council recommended names of five individuals for chairperson posts in constitutional commissions in NC President Sher Bahadur D
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The Nepali Congress (NC),on January 24, termed the decisions made by the Constitutional Council (CC) in absence of main opposition party leader ‘anti-democratic’ after the council recommended names of five individuals for chairperson posts in constitutional commissions in NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s absence, reports The Himalayan Times. According to NC Spokesperson Biswo Prakash Sharma, as an opposition party leader is statutory member of the council, decisions made in absence of main opposition leader breach the established procedure and culture. Likewise, the agenda of expiry of the extended tenure of incumbent working committee of its student wing, Nepal Student Union (NSU), was also discussed in a working committee meeting held by the party on January 24.
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January - 24 
Asadullah, a militant of Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), on January 24, confessed his involvement in the murders of United States Agency for Agency for International Development (USAID) staffer and Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) activist Xulhaz Mannan, and his friend in 2016, reports Dail
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Asadullah, a militant of Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), on January 24, confessed his involvement in the murders of United States Agency for Agency for International Development (USAID) staffer and Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) activist Xulhaz Mannan, and his friend in 2016, reports Daily Star. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mainul Islam recorded the confessional statement of Asadullah for over three hours at his chamber.
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January - 24 
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, one of the co-founders of the Taliban, was appointed as the leader of its ‘political office’ in Qatar to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States on January 24, reports Dawn. “This step has been taken to strengthen and properly handle the ongoing negotia
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Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, one of the co-founders of the Taliban, was appointed as the leader of its ‘political office’ in Qatar to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States on January 24, reports Dawn. “This step has been taken to strengthen and properly handle the ongoing negotiations process with the United States,” the Taliban said in statement. Further, a senior Taliban official said, “Baradar will soon fly to Qatar. He has been given the new position because the US wanted senior Taliban leadership to participate in peace talks”.
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January - 24 
President Ashraf Ghani, on January 24, said the function of the office of Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States Special Representatives for Afghanistan Reconciliation, was to facilitate direct talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, reports Tolo News. “The function of Ambassador Khalilzad
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President Ashraf Ghani, on January 24, said the function of the office of Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States Special Representatives for Afghanistan Reconciliation, was to facilitate direct talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, reports Tolo News. “The function of Ambassador Khalilzad’s office is to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with Afghan Government. We need regional and international consensus to achieve peace,” Ghani said. Ashraf Ghani further said that Afghanistan will be the greatest asset for Pakistan’s prosperity in terms of energy if Islamabad changes its attitude towards Afghanistan and addresses the common issue of terrorism.
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January - 25 
A top leader of the CPI-Maoist, Ramana, denied the outfits involvement in the recent damage to the iron ore slurry pipeline of Essar Steel near Digha Janbai village in Ralegada Panchayat in the ‘cut-off areas’ of Chitrakonda Block (administrative sub-division) in Malkangiri District, reports Odisha
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A top leader of the CPI-Maoist, Ramana, denied the outfits involvement in the recent damage to the iron ore slurry pipeline of Essar Steel near Digha Janbai village in Ralegada Panchayat in the ‘cut-off areas’ of Chitrakonda Block (administrative sub-division) in Malkangiri District, reports Odisha Bytes on January 26. According to earlier reports, a group of suspected Maoists had damaged to the iron ore slurry pipeline of Essar Steel near Digha Janbai village on January 20.
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January - 25 
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said that over 45,000 Afghan forces have lost their lives since he assumed office as the President of the country in 2014, reports Khaama Press on January 26. “Thirdly, since I have become president, a hundred thousand troops left. Over 45,000 Afghan security personne
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President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said that over 45,000 Afghan forces have lost their lives since he assumed office as the President of the country in 2014, reports Khaama Press on January 26. “Thirdly, since I have become president, a hundred thousand troops left. Over 45,000 Afghan security personnel have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” President Ghani said during a discussion with journalist Fareed Zakaria on the sidelines of World Economic Forum in Davos in Switzerland. He said “The number of international casualties is less than 72. So, it shows you who is doing the fighting and the support is mutual. We need to get a stable Afghanistan as an entity that can ensure security of America and Europe and others on the one hand, but more fundamentally our own democratic rights and institutions and our right to live in peace and harmony.” President Ghani had earlier said around 28,000 Afghan soldiers have lost their lives until the start of 2019. The latest revelation by President Ghani comes as the Taliban militants have increased their attacks against the Security Forces (SFs) during the recent years.
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January - 25 
Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi on January 25 said that India has always been there to help the Maldives and so the nation’s government doesn’t see any reason for military cooperation with any other country, reports Maldives Times. “So far as we are concerned we are very comfortable in h
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Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi on January 25 said that India has always been there to help the Maldives and so the nation’s government doesn’t see any reason for military cooperation with any other country, reports Maldives Times. “So far as we are concerned we are very comfortable in having India as our very close friend because they always came to our rescue in 1988 [to thwart an attempted coup] or the tsunami or the recent water crisis,” Ms. Didi said. “Our closest neighbour has been India and they have always been there to help so there is absolutely no need to have any other sort of military cooperation with any country as such,” she asserted. Observing that the Maldives does not want the Indian Ocean to become an area of contestation for great powers, Ms. Didi said, “There is this mutual understanding between us and as we have mentioned before, we are very much bent on keeping the Indian Ocean a safe, protected zone where the bigger powers don’t engage in a way that could perhaps be detrimental to the interests of our nation.” Talking of defence cooperation, Ms Didi welcomed the presence of Indian helicopters that were there for humanitarian assistance especially as the Maldives had a lot of islands and extreme weather in which helicopters were often the only mode of viable transport.
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January - 26 
Governor Satya Pal Malik on January 26 said that Jammu and Kashmir was passing through critical phase and youth of the State wanted success, happiness and satisfaction but some of them including professionally educated youth have taken to the guns, increasing problems of the people of Kashmir, repor
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Governor Satya Pal Malik on January 26 said that Jammu and Kashmir was passing through critical phase and youth of the State wanted success, happiness and satisfaction but some of them including professionally educated youth have taken to the guns, increasing problems of the people of Kashmir, reports Daily Excelsior. In his address on Republic Day Parade at Jammu University Ground, Malik sent out a strong message to the militants and separatists that mindless violence was no solution to any problem and it has already taken lots of lives. “Jammu and Kashmir has been passing through crucial phase. Youth in the State want to have success, happiness and satisfaction but it’s sad that some of them including professionally educated youth have taken to gun, resulting into problems for the people of the Valley,’’ Malik said in an apparent reference to a scholar, engineer and brother of an IPS officer, who was also pursuing medical studies, joining militancy and getting killed during gun battles with security forces. Asserting that many lives have been lost to the mindless violence, he squarely blamed Pakistan, albeit without naming the neighbouring country saying the neighbour was aiding and abetting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir but the armed forces were engaged in giving befitting reply to the enemy, both on the borders as well as hinterland.
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January - 26 
Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu speaking at the 70th Republic Day on January 26,stated that the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) activities have reduced to 19 districts of the State, reports Devdiscourse News. Governor Draupadi Murmu lauded the State's security measures, saying: "The J
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Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu speaking at the 70th Republic Day on January 26,stated that the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) activities have reduced to 19 districts of the State, reports Devdiscourse News. Governor Draupadi Murmu lauded the State's security measures, saying: "The Jharkhand government is constructing roads in Maoist hit areas. Maoist activities have reduced from 21 to 19 districts."
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January - 26 
The Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on January 26 said that three-decade long militancy in the State was in its last phase as youth of Kashmir have become aware of the self-centric agenda of the elements hostile to peace, reports Daily Excelsior. “Through his act of supreme sacrifice while fighting
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The Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on January 26 said that three-decade long militancy in the State was in its last phase as youth of Kashmir have become aware of the self-centric agenda of the elements hostile to peace, reports Daily Excelsior. “Through his act of supreme sacrifice while fighting against terrorists and defending his colleague soldiers, Nazir Ahmad Wani has given a clear message to all Kashmir is that the time has come to realize it is better to die as a military than a militant,” Jitendra Singh said.
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January - 26 
The arrested JMB militant Shariful Islam alias Khaled, sent Bangladeshi Taka worth 39 milion to JMB leader Sarwar Jahan to fund the café attack, reports Daily Star on January 27. “The money came from the Middle East,” Mufti Mahmud Khan, Director (legal and media) of RAB, said at a press briefing at
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The arrested JMB militant Shariful Islam alias Khaled, sent Bangladeshi Taka worth 39 milion to JMB leader Sarwar Jahan to fund the café attack, reports Daily Star on January 27. “The money came from the Middle East,” Mufti Mahmud Khan, Director (legal and media) of RAB, said at a press briefing at the RAB Media Centre in Dhaka on January 26.
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January - 26 
United States President Donald Trump has wished Sheikh Hasina a successful third term as Bangladesh's Prime Minister, reports Daily Star on January 26. In a letter, he also said, “On behalf of the American people, I commend tens of millions of Bangladeshis who voted, demonstrating their democratic a
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United States President Donald Trump has wished Sheikh Hasina a successful third term as Bangladesh's Prime Minister, reports Daily Star on January 26. In a letter, he also said, “On behalf of the American people, I commend tens of millions of Bangladeshis who voted, demonstrating their democratic aspirations for the country.”
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January - 26 
The Sri Lankan Government intends to complete construction of 4,750 houses within six months for the benefit of the people in the North under its plan to build 10,000 houses in stages, an official said on January 26, reports Daily Mirror. This project has been launched by the Ministry of National Po
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The Sri Lankan Government intends to complete construction of 4,750 houses within six months for the benefit of the people in the North under its plan to build 10,000 houses in stages, an official said on January 26, reports Daily Mirror. This project has been launched by the Ministry of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development, Vocational Training, Skills Development and Youth Affairs. Ministry Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy said that the priority would be given to internally displaced persons (IDPs), families in welfare camps and refugee returnees. There would be a special focus on women-led families, the disabled, landmine-affected families, families of missing persons, low income groups, families living in huts with children and families with elderly persons. "The first phase of 4,750 houses is being constructed through the vote on account allocation following the decision of a high-powered steering committee. The housing programme will be implemented through the district and divisional administration and based on the number of IDPs, families in the welfare camps and refugee returnees. Under the first phase 1,500 houses will be for Jaffna, 670 houses for Kilinochchi, 630 houses for Mullaitivu, 450 houses for Vavuniya, 350 houses for Mannar, 625 houses for Batticaloa, 400 houses Trincomalee and 125 houses for Ampara,” he said.
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January - 26 
The United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad has said that significant progress has been made on vital issues during the 6-day talks with Taliban ‘political leaders’ in Qatar, reports Khaama Press on January 27. “After six days in Doha, I’m head
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The United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad has said that significant progress has been made on vital issues during the 6-day talks with Taliban ‘political leaders’ in Qatar, reports Khaama Press on January 27. “After six days in Doha, I’m headed to Afghanistan for consultations. Meetings here were more productive than they have been in the past. We made significant progress on vital issues,” Khalilzad said in a Twitter post. However, he said a number of issues are still left to work out, emphasizing that he will build on the momentum and resume talks shortly. Ambassador Khalilzad also added that “Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, and “everything” must include an intra-Afghan dialogue and comprehensive ceasefire.”
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January - 27 
Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) adviser Akhil Gogoi on January 27 appealed to a 1,000-strong gathering in Tinsukia District to take to the streets and block railway tracks if the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Indian Parliament) passes the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) on January 31, reports The
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Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) adviser Akhil Gogoi on January 27 appealed to a 1,000-strong gathering in Tinsukia District to take to the streets and block railway tracks if the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Indian Parliament) passes the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) on January 31, reports The Telegraph. He added that ‘If the government goes ahead with the bill, we are ready to go to any extent. If needed, we are ready to say that Assam will not be a part of India. If India does not respect our identity, we will not remain with India’.
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January - 27 
On January 27, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) claimed responsibility for all the blasts. In a statement issued by the outfit’s ‘publicity and propaganda secretary’, Leibaakngakpa Luwang said the blasts were triggered by its’ Red Army’.
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On January 27, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) claimed responsibility for all the blasts. In a statement issued by the outfit’s ‘publicity and propaganda secretary’, Leibaakngakpa Luwang said the blasts were triggered by its’ Red Army’.
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January - 27 
Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on January 27 criticized the State Government over the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), reports Indian Express. He threatened that if the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government at the Centre tries to pass the Bill in Rajya Sabha (upper hou
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Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on January 27 criticized the State Government over the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), reports Indian Express. He threatened that if the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government at the Centre tries to pass the Bill in Rajya Sabha (upper house of Indian Parliament) or enforce it through an ordinance, it will have consequences. He stated, ‘If they try to pass it in the Rajya Sabha or enforce it with an ordinance, we shall show them that we might be a small state but we are less than no one else. People of Tripura would stand with “the country” against politics’. He was speaking at a protest organised by Tripura United Indigenous People’s Council (TUIPC), a joint body of 48 returnee insurgent organisations, organised the protest against CAB bill.
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January - 27 
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani on January 27 said that his Government was taking measures for the recovery of missing persons, reports Dawn. The issue had been haunting Balochistan for a long time and his government was cooperating with the families of missing persons, he added.
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Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani on January 27 said that his Government was taking measures for the recovery of missing persons, reports Dawn. The issue had been haunting Balochistan for a long time and his government was cooperating with the families of missing persons, he added.
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January - 27 
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor on January 27 said that a peace deal in Afghanistan will also push the Pakistani Taliban to opt for a reconciliatory path, reports Daily Times. “Following the settlement, the terror elements having backing of inimica
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Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor on January 27 said that a peace deal in Afghanistan will also push the Pakistani Taliban to opt for a reconciliatory path, reports Daily Times. “Following the settlement, the terror elements having backing of inimical forces in Afghanistan, like the TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), will have to opt for some reconciliatory path as they will be left with no other choice,” Major General Asif Ghafoor said.
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January - 27 
Major General Asif Ghafoor said work on about 900 kilometer (km) long fence along Pakistan-Afghanistan border has been completed, reports Daily Times. Major General Asif Ghafoor said the work on erection of fence along about 1200 km chunk, the most sensitive portion out of the total 2600-km-long bor
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Major General Asif Ghafoor said work on about 900 kilometer (km) long fence along Pakistan-Afghanistan border has been completed, reports Daily Times. Major General Asif Ghafoor said the work on erection of fence along about 1200 km chunk, the most sensitive portion out of the total 2600-km-long border with the neighbouring country, had commenced last year. He said the project would cost about Pakistan Rupee 70 billion, which also includes the cost of gadgets and surveillance equipment to keep strict vigil on the illicit movement from across the border. He said the fence had amply helped check the movement of terrorists from across the border and it would further assist after completion of the project which was expected next year. Further, Major General Asif Ghafoor said 95 percent of the tribal people in North Waziristan displaced by military operations against militants had returned to their homes in the region, reports Daily Times.
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January - 27 
Police on January 27 claimed to have busted a gang of robbers who were involved in carrying out burglary in several localities of Karachi, reports Dawn on January 27. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East, Azfar Mahesar at a press conference said three robbers ,Samiullah, Abdul Manan and Juma K
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Police on January 27 claimed to have busted a gang of robbers who were involved in carrying out burglary in several localities of Karachi, reports Dawn on January 27. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East, Azfar Mahesar at a press conference said three robbers ,Samiullah, Abdul Manan and Juma Khan, from the six-member "Afghan gang" were arrested with the help of technology and Police teams have been formed to apprehend the three others. The three suspects "confessed" to committing house robberies in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Ferozabad, Bahadurabad, Aziz Bhatti and New Town areas of the city.
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January - 27 
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on January 27 said his party is laying the foundation of a true democratic system in the country in which every ruler will be held accountable by the public and nobody will have the luxury to fritter away the public money for personal gains, reports Daily Times. PM Imr
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Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on January 27 said his party is laying the foundation of a true democratic system in the country in which every ruler will be held accountable by the public and nobody will have the luxury to fritter away the public money for personal gains, reports Daily Times. PM Imran khan compared the despotic regimes with that of the democratic system and said the West progressed due to continuity of the democratic system which had merits. He said Pakistan was created under an objective and that was to follow the principles of Riasat-e-Madina and the ideals of its founders Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal.
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January - 27 
Angered by the decision of the ruling coalition parties to endorse the disputed National Medical Education Bill by force in Parliament amid its objection, the NC, has decided to intensify protests against the Government across the country, reports My Republica on January 28.A Central Working Committ
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Angered by the decision of the ruling coalition parties to endorse the disputed National Medical Education Bill by force in Parliament amid its objection, the NC, has decided to intensify protests against the Government across the country, reports My Republica on January 28.A Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of the party on January 27, decided to hold protests in all district headquarters on February 4. The meeting decided to take such a step against the Government’s move to endorse the disputed medical education bill with force and for going back on the agreements reached in the past with medical reforms crusader Govinda KC. The CWC meeting denounced the Government move to endorse the bill with force, “undermining the voice of the main opposition party in parliament.”“While taking serious note of the move of endorsing the bill on Friday (January 25) against established parliamentary practices and norms using marshals, the meeting strongly denounces such step,” said a press statement issued by the party after the meeting.
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January - 27 
Taliban leader Mullah Mutasim Agha Jan on January 27 said that both sides, United States (US) and Taliban, had agreed on "some most important issues", reports Tolo News. Mutasim Agha Jan said that the talks between US and Taliban last week had reached a very sensitive point and both sides agreed on
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Taliban leader Mullah Mutasim Agha Jan on January 27 said that both sides, United States (US) and Taliban, had agreed on "some most important issues", reports Tolo News. Mutasim Agha Jan said that the talks between US and Taliban last week had reached a very sensitive point and both sides agreed on important issues or are close to reaching agreements and will share the developments with their leaders. Mullah Mutasim Aga Jan was the Finance Minister in the Taliban regime from 1996 to 2001.
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January - 27 
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) on January 27 said it has decided to extend the basic military training period for members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) from ten weeks to 12 weeks in the hope of lowering the high death toll among soldiers, reports Tolo News. “The training period has been increased
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The Ministry of Defense (MoD) on January 27 said it has decided to extend the basic military training period for members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) from ten weeks to 12 weeks in the hope of lowering the high death toll among soldiers, reports Tolo News. “The training period has been increased from 10 weeks to 12 weeks. All plans have been reassessed. Old plans will be replaced with new ones; the plans which are needed in the battlefields,” said Mohammad Amin Wahidi, the commander of Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC).
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January - 28 
Eight persons accused in the blast of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Bodh Gaya Temple complex, Bihar, in January 2018 had travelled to Hyderabad, Chennai and other southern cities and hatched the conspiracy, reports The Hindu on January 28. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its supple
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Eight persons accused in the blast of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Bodh Gaya Temple complex, Bihar, in January 2018 had travelled to Hyderabad, Chennai and other southern cities and hatched the conspiracy, reports The Hindu on January 28. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its supplementary chargesheet said, “The accused also committed several dacoities in Bengaluru to raise funds for their criminal activities. With regards to the conspiracy, NIA further added that ‘In furtherance of the conspiracy, the accused contacted and assembled at various places, took hideouts at Jehanabad [in Jehanabad District] and Masaurhi [in Patna District], recceed Bodh Gaya temple, procured the explosives and material for fabrication of the IEDs’. Furthermore, Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) militants arrested by NIA in relation to Bodh Gaya blast had spend 15 days in Hyderabad, reports Times of India adds that. During subsequent probe, the NIA had arrested eight JMB operatives, including main accused Jahidul Islam alias Kausar, a Bangladeshi leading JMB network in India who was arrested from Bengaluru International Airport. The accused used fake and assumed names for travel and renting hideouts. They introduced themselves to the house owners in Hyderabad and Bengaluru as garment sellers.
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January - 28 
Investigation officers of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) stated that the recently arrested 10 Islamic State (IS) linked crossed paths with their handler while being radicalised on the Internet, reports The Hindu on January 28. According to ATS sources, around six months ago, the accused star
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Investigation officers of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) stated that the recently arrested 10 Islamic State (IS) linked crossed paths with their handler while being radicalised on the Internet, reports The Hindu on January 28. According to ATS sources, around six months ago, the accused starting reading IS-related literature online. They then began interacting with other, like-minded individuals on various discussion forums. An officer stated that ‘While the exact sequence of events is being verified, inquiries indicate some of the accused, in the course of these discussions, started interacting with their handler. After several such conversations, during which they were further radicalised, the handler put them in touch with each other. We believe this handler is the common link between the Aurangabad module and the Mumbra module’. The officer said this was the genesis of the Ummat-e-Mohammadiya, the second alleged IS sleeper cell to be busted in the State. The accused discussed the plan to procure chemicals and poison food or water. In 2016 15 IS inspired Junood-e-Khalifa-e-Hind (the Army of the Caliphate in India) operatives were arrested.
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January - 28 
Gonoforum party still sticks to its decision of not joining even as two Member of Parliament (MP-elect), Sultan Mohammad Mansur and Mokabbir Khan, have expressed willingness to join the newly elected Jatiya Sangsad (parliament), reports Daily Star on January 29. “The Gonoforum decided not to join pa
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Gonoforum party still sticks to its decision of not joining even as two Member of Parliament (MP-elect), Sultan Mohammad Mansur and Mokabbir Khan, have expressed willingness to join the newly elected Jatiya Sangsad (parliament), reports Daily Star on January 29. “The Gonoforum decided not to join parliament. The decision of its lawmakers' about not joining the House is still valid,” party's General Secretary Mostafa Mohsin Montu said in a press statement on January 28. Gonoforum is a part of Jatiya Oikyafront, an alliance of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and some other parties, announced that its MPs-elect would not take oath.
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January - 28 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has not yet accepted the concept of a Unitary State, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila said on January 28, reports Daily Mirror. “Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said recently that there was no draft Constitution and that the TNA had accepted
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has not yet accepted the concept of a Unitary State, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila said on January 28, reports Daily Mirror. “Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said recently that there was no draft Constitution and that the TNA had accepted the concept of a Unitary State. Unfortunately, the PM still attempts to deceive the nation. We pointed out that the phrase 'this Constitution' can be found in the first page of the document tabled by him in the Constitutional Assembly,” he said. He also said TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran was the author of the draft and that he admitted that the document was a draft Constitution. “Having a TV debate with us, he further said they were not ready to accept the concept of a Unitary State. They accept ‘Aekiya Rajyaya’ after assigning their own definition. Hence, nobody can claim that the TNA has accepted the concept of a Unitary State. We must be thankful for MPs Sampanthan and Sumanthiran for accepting the fact that the draft Constitution is full of federal features,” he said.
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January - 28 
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on January 28 urged the Taliban group leaders to start direct negotiations with the Afghan government regarding peace and reconciliation process, reports Khaama Press. President Ghani said Taliban have two options, to join hands with the Afghan nation or to remain an
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President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on January 28 urged the Taliban group leaders to start direct negotiations with the Afghan government regarding peace and reconciliation process, reports Khaama Press. President Ghani said Taliban have two options, to join hands with the Afghan nation or to remain an instrument of the outsiders and implement their objectives. He said the continuation of war prevents the formation of a strong government which is one of the main objectives of the enemies of country.
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January - 28 
The Commandos of the Afghan National Army (ANA) have rescued at least 38 people from a Taliban-run prison in Aab Band District of Ghazni Province, reports Khaama Press on January 29. The Commander of the Special Operations Corps of the Afghan Military, General Bismillah Waziri stated that nine ANA s
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The Commandos of the Afghan National Army (ANA) have rescued at least 38 people from a Taliban-run prison in Aab Band District of Ghazni Province, reports Khaama Press on January 29. The Commander of the Special Operations Corps of the Afghan Military, General Bismillah Waziri stated that nine ANA soldiers and number of Afghan National Police soldiers were also rescued during the operations. He said the militants had also abducted a number of security personnel of a parliamentary candidate as well as members of the public uprising forces.
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January - 28 
The North Atlantic Treaty Organistaion (NATO), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance will continue to stay with the United States (US) in Afghanistan, reports Khaama Press on January 29. Stoltenberg, stated, “We continue to stay with the United States in Afghanistan. We welcome t
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organistaion (NATO), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance will continue to stay with the United States (US) in Afghanistan, reports Khaama Press on January 29. Stoltenberg, stated, “We continue to stay with the United States in Afghanistan. We welcome the talks with Taliban.” Jens Stoltenberg added, “Ambassador Khalilzad briefed all allies a few weeks ago, and the reason why NATO is in Afghanistan is to create a condition for peaceful solution to make sure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for international terrorists and to send a message to Taliban that they will not win on the battlefield, so they have to sit down at the negotiating table, and therefore we are encouraged by what we see now, the progress and talks with Taliban.”
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January - 29 
Alleging that Kashmir mainstream political parties have vested interests in continuation of militancy in the State, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on January 29 said that much hyped Surrender Policy in 2010 was failed by none but the then National Conference (NC)-Congress regime, reports Daily Excels
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Alleging that Kashmir mainstream political parties have vested interests in continuation of militancy in the State, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on January 29 said that much hyped Surrender Policy in 2010 was failed by none but the then National Conference (NC)-Congress regime, reports Daily Excelsior. “Kashmir based mainstream parties have developed vested interests in continuation of the ongoing militancy, which helped them for surviving and thriving in an atmosphere where no other parties come forward for participation in the democratic process because of ongoing turmoil, ” he said. Dr Jitendra Singh further alleged that the much-hyped Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy for the return of Kashmiri youth from Pakistan, who had gone there for arms training, was derailed by none but the same NC-Congress coalition regime, which had formulated the scheme in 2010. “For the return and rehabilitation of these Kashmiri youth, there were certain terms and conditions laid down in the Surrender Policy, which were violated by then NC-Congress regime for political motives,” he alleged adding that the routes for return from Pakistan were defined but those at the helm of affairs in State Government at that time, illegally intruded these people from Nepal border.
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January - 29 
Eight organisations of the Chakma community on January 29 submitted a memorandum to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) seeking the inclusion of Chin refugees in India by further amending the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2019, reports The Hindu. The Joint Parliamentary Committee that submi
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Eight organisations of the Chakma community on January 29 submitted a memorandum to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) seeking the inclusion of Chin refugees in India by further amending the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2019, reports The Hindu. The Joint Parliamentary Committee that submitted its recommendations to the Centre after a series of discussions with stakeholders had rejected suggestions to include minorities from Myanmar and Sri Lanka. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW) report there is an estimated 100,000 Chins in Mizoram, which is 20 per cent of the total Chin population in Myanmar. According to All India Chakma Students Union President, Dilip Kanti Chakma, ‘The number of Chin refugees in India is at least 120,000. In November 2017, about 1,600 Chins, many of whom were women and children, fled to Lawngtlai District of Mizoram following a military offensive against the Arakan Army militants in that country’s Chin State. While some went back, around 1,440 refugees have reportedly refused to return due to insecurity.’
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January - 29 
Khango Konyak led National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) faction on January 29 resolved to “partner and participate” in the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue alongside Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), reports Nagaland Post. With the addition of NSCN-K faction NNPG now has
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Khango Konyak led National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) faction on January 29 resolved to “partner and participate” in the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue alongside Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), reports Nagaland Post. With the addition of NSCN-K faction NNPG now has seven members. NSCN-K stated that Khango Konyak and ‘general secretary’, ‘colonel (retired) Isak Sumi decided to join the Working Committee (WC) of NNPGs, maintaining its identity and as partner in the ongoing political negotiations with the Government of India. The decision to this effect was made on January 29, after which a ‘deed agreement’ was jointly signed by ‘convenor’ and four ‘co-conveners’ of WC NNPGs, and NSCN-K ‘president’ Khango Konyak. Meanwhile, the grouping further resolved that all the signatories of the agreement should mandatorily enforce the ‘anti-defection agreement’, reports Nagaland Post. Defections among NNPGs were identified as one of the reason of reverses to the ‘Naga cause’. Importantly, as per the ‘deed agreement’, the members resolved to offer 10 days (with effect from January 29) to all defectors to return to their parent organizations, failing which, the NNPGs WC shall jointly decide on the course of action deemed necessary adds the report.
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January - 29 
Prime Minister Imran Khan on January 29 approved draft legislation to criminalize enforced disappearance and the process of introducing necessary amendments in Pakistan Penal Code would be completed soon, reports Express Tribune on January 30. Imran Khan reiterated that the government was firmly com
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Prime Minister Imran Khan on January 29 approved draft legislation to criminalize enforced disappearance and the process of introducing necessary amendments in Pakistan Penal Code would be completed soon, reports Express Tribune on January 30. Imran Khan reiterated that the government was firmly committed to protecting human rights and promotion of rights of minorities and marginalized sections of society adds Daily Times.
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January - 29 
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli speaking on the occasion of 18th Armed Police Force Day, said that the meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 28, had declared 2,807 security personnel of Nepali Army, Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal Police and National Investigation Department ‘martyrs’, re
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Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli speaking on the occasion of 18th Armed Police Force Day, said that the meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 28, had declared 2,807 security personnel of Nepali Army, Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal Police and National Investigation Department ‘martyrs’, reports The Himalayan Times. The PM said that the Cabinet decision of declaring Police personnel martyrs has developed the culture of respecting all and also the culture of reconciliation as well as given priority to the need to respect and provide relief to martyrs’ families. Praising the progress made by APF in a short period, the PM said, that since some issues of the peace process were still to be resolved, it was high time the wounds of conflict were healed, and “Activities that disrupt peace, spread violence in society, terrorise people and hamper national integrity would not be allowed.”
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January - 29 
Qatar has pledged to host further talks in support of the reconciliation process in Afghanistan, reports The Khaama Press on January 30. The Office of High Peace Council of Afghanistan in a statement said the Special Envoy of the Foreign Ministry of Qatar Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani met with the Afg
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Qatar has pledged to host further talks in support of the reconciliation process in Afghanistan, reports The Khaama Press on January 30. The Office of High Peace Council of Afghanistan in a statement said the Special Envoy of the Foreign Ministry of Qatar Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani met with the Afghan High Peace Council Chief Karim Khalili in Kabul on January 29, during which he reaffirmed his country’s interest to further support peace process in Afghanistan. The statement further added that Mr. Al-Qahtani reassured that Doha is prepared to host further talks in sequence of the previous talks in support of Afghan reconciliation process.
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January - 30 
Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, on January 30, reviewed the security situation in the Kashmir valley, reports Daily Excelsior. “Lt General Singh arrived in the Valley on January 30 to review the prevailing security situation in the region,” an Army official said. The Army Co
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Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, on January 30, reviewed the security situation in the Kashmir valley, reports Daily Excelsior. “Lt General Singh arrived in the Valley on January 30 to review the prevailing security situation in the region,” an Army official said. The Army Commander was briefed by Chinar Corps Commander Lieutenant General A K Bhatt at Badami Bagh Cantonment on the major operational, informational, logistical and administrative aspects pertaining to the Corps and about the current situation, including recent counter terrorist operations. He lauded the exemplary synergy amongst all security forces and complimented the troops for their relentless efforts and selfless service in bringing peace and tranquility in the Valley.
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January - 30 
Spokesman for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial Government Ajmal Wazir, on January 30, said the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) will be shifted from Bakakhel Camp to their homes in North Waziristan tribal District within two months, reports Dawn. Addressing a news conference in Peshawar, the spok
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Spokesman for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial Government Ajmal Wazir, on January 30, said the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) will be shifted from Bakakhel Camp to their homes in North Waziristan tribal District within two months, reports Dawn. Addressing a news conference in Peshawar, the spokesman said Chief Minister Mahmood Khan had directed authorities to address issues of IDPs and ensure provision of basic facilities in the camp.
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January - 30 
After Ranjan Daimary of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) was sentenced to life imprisonment, security agencies are keeping a close watch on the cadres of NDFB, reports Assam Tribune on January 31. Despite the arrest, officials stated that the Government did not oppose the bail plea of Ra
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After Ranjan Daimary of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) was sentenced to life imprisonment, security agencies are keeping a close watch on the cadres of NDFB, reports Assam Tribune on January 31. Despite the arrest, officials stated that the Government did not oppose the bail plea of Ranjan Daimary as his presence was required for ongoing peace talks with NDFB. He was awarded the life imprisonment for his role in the 2008 serial blasts in Assam. According to sources, Ranjan Daimary and a few of his close associates, who were in Bangladesh planned the blasts.
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