Tibetan rights activist attacked for daring to be “Tibetan in China-occupied Tibet”
Tibetan language advocate and former political prisoner Tashi Wangchuk was attacked on Saturday 19 August by a group of unidentified, masked men in Darlak county, China occupied Tibet. Wangchuk like many other Tibetan rights activists is one of those who continue to fight and defend Tibetan language and culture despite knowing the high risk involved like persecution or brutal torture by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) forces onTibetans. Wangchuk was in Darlak county to campaign for the protection of Tibetan language, the official language of China-occupied Tibet and raise awareness about the disappearance of the Tibetan language from schools in favour of Chinese dialects.
He filmed a video near Darlak County Nationality Middle School, which he posted on the Chinese social media platform Douyin before travelling to a hotel where he was hoping to stay.
At around 8 p.m., Tashi Wangchuk’s hotel room door was forced open and he was beaten and kicked by a group of men wearing masks for around 10 minutes. He believes he was followed to his hotel from the school. After complaining to the hotel owner, the police reached the spot and Wangchuk was taken for questioning to the police station.Tashi Wangchuk, is from Kyegudo in Yulshul (Chinese: Yushu) eastern Tibet. He came to international prominence after speaking to the New York Times in 2015 about his efforts to file a lawsuit against local authorities after local Tibetan classes were shut down in Tibet by the CCP authority.
Wangchuk had earlier been arrested in 2016 after which he was sent to a secret location where he was brutally tortured by the CCP forces. After spending two years in pre-trial detention, he was found guilty of “inciting separatism” and sentenced to five years in prison and was released in 2021. Wangchuk is known for peaceful language advocacy as Chinese authorities have imposed policies to marginalise or even eliminate the Tibetan language from the public sphere across occupied Tibet in a bid to promote Chinese language and dialects and history which wipes off Tibet’s actual standing.Tibetans have been experiencing tumultuous challenges under China. Till now, 169 Tibetans have self-immolated themselves for the just cause and freedom of Tibet. In 1950, Tibet was invaded by the newly established Chinese Communist regime and since then Tibet has been under their occupation. Tibetans in occupied Tibet suffer under the Chinese repressive rules. Tibetans who have fled from Tibet live as refugees mostly in the himalayan regions of India like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dharamshala and Sikkim and even southern parts of India.
Balochistan: Female Baloch students protest against lack of teachers in Barkhan college
Protest erupted in the Barkhan district of Balochistan. Female students from the government girls’ college carried out the protest against the inefficient functioning of the college.
According to the protesting girls, the college lacks basic educational facilities, with the absence of teaching staff being a prominent issue. It is reported that out of 10 positions, 9 are vacant, and no teaching staff have been recruited so far. As a result, students are compelled to abandon their chosen subjects.
The problem has continued since months. On August 16, 2023, the Deputy Commissioner of Barkhan visited the Government Girls Inter College. The students along with the principal raised the concern regarding the same. However, no measures has been taken so far. The college has become non-functional and is closed.
Students of the college have carried out a unique protest by organizing a sit-in protest in the darkness of the night. But the administration has not taken cognizance of the matter. This is simply because there are handful of people in Pakistan who know the importance of education. And fact of the matter is that the administration does not want them to study because they fear the educated Baloch.
After the night protest, the students carried out a peace walk to protest and demand the right of education from the authorities. The lack of staff and negligence over girl’s education highlights the similarities between Pakistan and Taliban, where also the girls education has been stopped by the terrorist regime.
British media pride hurt over India’s Chandrayaan-3 success
Britain is still living in the imperial past, or so it seems, else the island nation wouldn’t have dared to criticize India and ISRO’s space scientists on the spectacular success of Chandrayaan-3’s soft landing on moon’s south pole. This soft landing on the lunar south pole is a first in world, something that even the self-proclaimed space super powers US, China and Russia had failed to do after repeated attempts. Ironically, even Britain knows that ISRO’s achievement is too big, yet rather than applaud Britishers have resorted to nitpicking.
Patrick Christys, news anchor of Britain’s GB News stated in his program that “I would like to invite India to return £2.3 billion foreign aid money that we sent them between 2016-2021. Also said to give them £57 billion next year but I think that the British taxpayers should keep a hold of that. Don’t you? We should not be giving money to the countries that have space program as I rule, if you can afford to fire a rocket to the darker side of the moon, you shouldn’t be coming to us with your hands out.”
Similarly, the BBC that has a reputation of running anti-India propaganda campaigns tried to steer the narrative to fulfill its agenda. During a news show, a BBC anchor asked: “Should India which lacks in Infrastructure and has extreme poverty, should they be spending this much amount of money on a space program.”
This is how propaganda works. GB News journo raking up the issue of British aid is fabricated and false. The fact remains that this was being talked about in 2012 when the Indian government rejected British aid, calling it peanuts. After 2015, India is receiving no aid from Britain on the grounds of poverty alleviation. The funds that Patrick Christys is talking about are ‘developmental aid’. The funds were provided to support the 2030 UK-India roadmap objectives. Simply put the British government is spending these funds to facilitate its economic and geopolitical interests in the Indian subcontinent !
It’s worth noting that in 2017, the Indian government made it categorically clear that India is giving more aid to the countries across the world than what it is receiving. Probably the British journalists need to brush up their knowledge of current affairs.
Now coming to the question of poverty, it is well known that India was a rich country until the Britishers set foot. The Britishers plundered $48 trillion from India during their colonial rule. This monetary drain from India to UK degraded India’s economy. So, India’s poverty is a direct result of British Imperialism.
In fact, India’s poverty alleviation program has shown tremendous results. Recent reports suggest that around 13.5 crores (135 million) people have escaped multidimensional poverty during the five years between 2015-16 to 2019-21. Notably, this time period includes the devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
These facts can only be analysed when someone wants to do so. The British media platforms don’t even bother to take a glimpse on data and facts, probably because of their pseudo superiority complexes and jealousness. These racist bigots have time and again proven that they consider themselves superior to the entire human race. And this presumption comes from their imperialist mentality. It’s hard for Britishers to think of a developed India when their own economy is crumbling.
Also, the illogic behind such an argument raises questions about their cognitive abilities. Well, if India should not spend on space missions due to poverty, and if the sole responsibility of such missions lies with the developed countries then why has Britain never reached the moon? Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for the British media to ask this question from their own government? They won’t do it.
Further, the during Covid pandemic, when India’s 13.5 crore (135 million) people escaped poverty, UK’s economy was devastated. The situation is so worse that they Britain had to postpone the coronation ceremony of King Charles, while India has emerged as the fifth largest economy in the world.
There is a basic difference between the attitude of India and UK. India is an ancient civilization with an illustrious past and a bright future. Britain’s history is of plunder, loot and destruction. Despite this Britishers never give up on their false sense of pride. On the other hand, India is a country that remains polite even at the time of greatest achievement. This was visible after the success of Chandrayaan-3, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation. Modi clearly said that this achievement is not only India’s achievement rather it’s the achievement of humanity and the whole world, which is a single family.
It’s time for the British media to give up their superiority complex, wake up and smell the coffee! When Britain was an imperial power all she did was exploit every country’s natural resource which was the prime reason for her economic dominance. Alas this is not the case now. Britain’s former colony, India, is a free country that has control over her resources and if India chooses to enter the elite space program and succeed in soft landing on the lunar south pole then Britishers could ask for some guidance from the Indian scientists. India is known for her generosity!
Skyrocketing electricity prices create havoc in Pak-occupied J&K
In Rawalkot, angry citizens have been protesting against high electricity bills. They have even burned around 30,000 bills in protest.
Pakistan’s ongoing challenges have taken yet another distressing turn, as the public is now on the streets to express their anger about the rise of electricity bills. The sentiment echoes across the nation. Hapless public is accusing the government of misusing funds borrowed from entities like the IMF and other countries for personal gains, while pushing the citizens to the brink of starvation.
An incident has been reported where a citizen of Pakistan received an electricity bill of Rs 30,000, of which Rs 11,000 was attributed to taxes. This scenario has prompted questions about why the public is burdened with covering the government’s expenses.
Earlier, residents of 10 areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir held protests and sit-ins against the rising prices of flour and electricity.
Last month, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), Pakistan’s power regulator, sanctioned a Rs 4.96 per unit increase in the national average power tariff for the current fiscal year. This decision was in line with a condition stipulated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Now, the protests are the consequence of this move.
With the rise of inflation, political chaos and debt trapped by China, Pakistan is neck deep in instability. The rise in electricity taxes is an unfortunate but anticipated move. Pakistan’s instability is its own creation, the world as a spectator can only watch as it is slowly burning.
Manzoor Pashteen reveals how Pashtuns have been used as a tool in Pakistan’s proxy war
Manzoor Pashteen has issued a statement highlighting the dire state of affairs the Pashtun community has been subjected to. He recalled the nerve-wracking instance when the retired justice Javed Iqbal made a startling revelation. In 2018, Justice Iqbal alleged that Pakistan had sold around 4,000 Pashtun individuals who were reported missing to the United States during General Musharraf’s era.
Pashteen showed how in Pakistan, a former prime minister (Imraan Khan) could face imprisonment for something as seemingly trivial as selling watches, while another minister (Khawaja Asif) could be incarcerated for holding an Iqama. Yet there are no consequences of selling 4,000 Pashtun. The general doesn’t even receive a day in jail.
No one has ever been convicted of committing such a heinous crime. This stark contrast leads to a disturbing conclusion: the value of Pashtun lives in the eyes of the Pakistani state is significantly lower than that of a few thousand watches.
Manzoor highlighted the pattern of treatment towards different ethnic and regional groups within Pakistan. The tradition of punishing and tormenting leaders and workers of Pashtun, Baloch, Sindhi, Muhajir, Kashmiri, or Gilgit-Baltistan merely for delivering a mere speech to demand their rights has been inherited by the Army from the British, which is still ongoing. However, those who endorse cruelty should listen carefully. There is still time, otherwise, “tyranny and oppressors will perish again.”
The Pashtun nation (Pashtunistan) has been used as a tool in Pakistan’s proxy war. It has consistently been exploited by the ISI and the Pakistani military as a significant instrument of promoting Islamic extremism. The PTM has consistently raised its voice against the heinous actions perpetrated by the Pakistan Army. The Army has executed enforced disappearances, illegal detentions, victim torture, and imposing constraints on freedom of speech and movement. These issues have plagued the Pashtuns and Balochs since Pakistan forcefully annexed their homelands.
Why PTM’s Islamabad rally shook the Pakistan Army ?
The call of Pashtunistan is making waves across Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) headed by Manzoor Pashteen is making strides for the freedom of the region from the clutches of totalitarian Pakistan, that thrived on their land and resources and alienated them from their rights.
It must be noted that PTM, since its inception, has been a non-violent organization which has organized various jalsas from time to time. While mostly, these jalsas have been organized in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, this time a fierce call was made by Manzoor Pashteen to organize the jalsa in Islamabad. PTM called its members and supporters to reach Islamabad in larger numbers for the jalsa on August 18. Soon, the call was made, Pakistan authorities came in action and started to thwart the jalsa.
Pakistan Army along with the other law enforcement machinery made every attempt to stop people coming from across Pakistan. In Khyber -Pakhtunkhwa, the caravans were stopped at various places to make the jalsa unsuccessful. Thousands of participants were arrested by Pakistan Army across Pakistan. Evidently, this underscores Pakistan’s attitude towards people according to which it always tries to suppress the voice of oppressed.
Pashteen raised this concern and said, “Our struggle will continue. We have given the message for all caravans to gather at Tarnol Chowk.” After PTM’s Islamabad rally was successful, nervous Pakistan Army arrested the key leaders of the movement including, former law maker Ali Wazir and human right activists Imaan Mazari.
PTM’s Islamabad Rally Made Pak Army Nervous
Apparently, Pakistan Army was insecure with PTM rally in Islamabad because it holds a significance. First, Islamabad is the national capital of Pakistan. It is for the first time that PTM has come out of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and that too so aggressively with an unparalleled support base. This has shaken Pakistan’s false sense of pride. The Pashtuns were so highly motivated that despite every attempt to stop them, they reached Islamabad in lakhs. Prior to the rally, Islamabad was converted into a fort, every part of the city was barricaded and Section 144 was imposed. After failing to thwart the jalsa, Pakistan tried to portray the rally as unsuccessful and spread a false narrative that only 3000 people had gathered in the rally.
By breaking barriers, Pashtuns made it clear that their patience has a limit and Pakistan should detest from testing it. While addressing PTM’s Islamabad rally, Manzoor Pashteen said, “They (Pakistan) neither believe in Constitution nor Islam, all they believe is indulging in mischievous acts. So listen to Pashtun history and remember what Pashtuns have done to such trouble-makers.”
Secondly, PTM’s Islamabad rally is more important for the Pashtun Movement because Islamabad is in the proximity of Rawalpindi, which is the headquarters of the Pakistan Army. It is a well established fact that Pakistan is ruled by the Pak Army. Anything that happens in Pakistan follows the course defined by the Army. So, by organising jalsa in Islamabad, PTM has directly challenged the Pakistan Army. PTM has out rightly denied the existence of any nation called “Pakistan”. In his address he said, “There is no nation here, few mischievous, goon generals have created a gang through which they have illegally occupied territories. The puppet parliament is just a requisite of these goons.”
Firm Message To Pakistan Army
Pashteen’s statement clearly shows his disappointment regarding the attitude of Pakistan. Since its formation, PTM has always called for the non-violent protests. Its members and supporters have been brutally killed or disappeared by the Pakistan Army. Still it left no stone unturned to achieve its objective while resorting to protests. But, Pakistan Army which works with an imperial and autocratic mindset remained negligent. Consequently, Pashtuns have now become more profound in raising their voice. They are now ready to challenge the establishment. PTM has said that Pakistan is coercing them to incorporate violent practices, which they don’t want to pursue until the last resort is sought.
While warning the Pakistan Army, Manzoor Pasteen took the cognizance of Pakistan’s loss in 1971 war. He said, “Bengalis have pulled your (Pakistan Army) pants, we Pashtuns and Baloch will flay your skin.” He clearly indicated towards the atrocities against Bengalis in the then East Pakistan. During the 1971 war of liberation, Mukti Baahini along with Indian army fought against Pakistan and formed Bangladesh. His statement tends to draw parallel between the conditions of Bengalis with that of Baloch, Pashtuns. Pashteen’s statement is a stern message to Pakistan Army that PTM will now count on every resort which is needed for the freedoms of Pashtuns from the clutches of Pakistan.
They are aware that my arrest can trigger strong reactions from the public and Pashtun community: Manzoor Pashteen
The recent arrest of Ali Wazir and Imaan Mazari has sparked discussions about selective treatment within Pakistan’s legal system. Manzoor Pashteen has shared his thoughts on the matter.
“Ali was in jail in Karachi while I protested his arrest,” Pashtun explains, shedding light on his stance. He mentions that his name was included in the same legal report (FIR). “Although authorities claim they will consider all angles, they are (Paki establishment) aware that my arrest could trigger strong reactions from the public and Pashtun community,” Pashteen shares. He adds that the Pakistan Army understands the potential consequences of detaining him, which is likely why they haven’t done so.
Pashteen emphasizes the role of media for leaders in Pakistan. “Every leader here gains support through media. It’s the way to connect with people and spread messages,” he remarks. He raises concerns about the media blackout on his narrative.
Talking about limitations, Pashteen highlights the numerous areas where they face restrictions. “We’re not allowed to visit Balochistan, Kashmir, Sindh, and various places in Pashtunkhwa,” he points out. He questions the reasons behind these limitations and the instances of aggression they encounter.
Pashteen also acknowledges the power of social media. “Social media is now a strong tool targeting us,” he observes. He notes that opposing the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) often seems to please the Pakistan Army.
It should be noted that on 18 August, an immense rally took place in Islamabad, drawing thousands of Pashtuns and Balochs to challenge the very foundations of the Pakistan “establishment”. This event served as the back drop on which the Pakistan officials arrested the PTM leaders – Ali Wazir and Imaan Mazari.
Balochistan: Attacks by BLA on Pak Army in Khuzdar & Mastung
In a daring attack, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has targeted the occupying Pakistan Army and its agents in Mashtung and Khuzdar.
Khuzdar: On the evening of August 21, BLA freedom fighters executed a meticulously planned attack on two vehicles transporting Pakistani secretive agents in Khuzdar. The attack, carried out using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), resulted in the complete destruction of one vehicle, while causing casualties among the enemy agents. Preliminary reports indicate several agents were killed or wounded in the ambush.
Following the attack, the Pakistan military swiftly cordoned off the area in a possible attempt to conceal the extent of their losses.
Mastung: On August 22, a separate incident occurred in Mastung where BLA freedom fighters struck a vehicle belonging to occupying Pakistan forces at Major Chowk. The sarmaachars used a hand grenade in the targeted attack. The explosion led to casualties among the enemy forces.
In the statement issued by BLA, spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch has once again committed to continue such attacks till the liberation of Balochistan is not attained. Since decades, BLA has carried on an armed struggle against the Pakistan Army and its agents which has illegally occupied Balochistan. Since 27 March 1948, Pakistan Army is using different undemocratic tactics to oppress Baloch. On one hand, they are exploiting Baloch resources, plundering it and exporting it outside, while on the other, they are depriving Baloch out of their rights. In the process of subverting Baloch, Pakistan Army is profiling Baloch individuals. Any person having a potential to raise questions is either killed or abducted.
As a result, the cases of enforced disappearances are on the rise. In one such incident, a student named Ahmad Khan has been forcibly disappeared from his hometown, Turbat. Five other individuals have also been abducted along with him.
India makes history: Chandrayaan-3 becomes first to land on the moon’s South Pole
India has created history today by making a soft landing on the south pole of Moon through its Chandrayaan-3 mission. Chandranyan-3’s Vikram lander touched down the south pole of the moon and made India the only country to do so. Chandrayaan-3 has a rover and lander while its propulsion module acts as an orbiter.
After the last moment crash of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019, the Indian space aspirations got a serious setback. But with the strong determination of ISRO, within four years, India launched its Chandrayaan-3 mission on July14, with reinforced technology and higher efficiency. With just Rs. 615 crores, ISRO did what any space agency of world could not have thought of. The cost of Chandrayaan-3 is less than half of what is usually spent on making a Hollywood Sci-fi movie Interstellar.
At around 5:45 p.m. the power descent began, with lander’s altitude reducing from 7.4 KM to 6.3 KM. The Fine breaking phase began at 5:59 p.m. when the altitude was reduced to merely 3 KM. At 6:00 p.m., the lander entered the Vertical Descent phase and within a couple of minutes it landed successfully.
PM Modi was virtually present and witnessed the making of history from South Africa, as he attends the BRICS Summit. On successful landing, he waved the national flag in front of the screen. While making an address, PM Modi said, “we had taken a pledge on earth and it has been completed on the moon.”
ISRO chief S Somnath and P Veeramuthuvel, Project Director of Chandrayaan-3 Mission congratulated the country on becoming the first country to reach the moon’s south pole.
On the success of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO tweeted, “‘India, I reached my destination and you too!’ : Chandrayaan-3.”