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Manipur: A woman’s body cannot be the battle ground

News Intervention Bureau
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Manipur: A woman’s body cannot be the battle ground

Massive condemnation and outrage have swept across the nation after a distressing video emerged from Manipur, depicting the most heinous and unforgivable crime. The viral video showed two women from the Kuki-Zomy tribe being paraded naked by a violent mob during an ongoing community crisis in Manipur. Subsequently, the women were reportedly molested and subjected to brutal gang rape.

The tragedy, which occurred on 4 May as a result of an outbreak of violence, sent shockwaves throughout the country. The footage recently surfaced, sparking immediate reaction by concerned authorities and massive public outrage. Union Minister Smriti Z Irani quickly reached out to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, promising harsh punishment for the culprits.

According to senior police officials in Manipur, a Zero FIR was registered on 18 May at Kangpokpi Police Station, implicating the accused in this horrifying incident. The video showed two women, but the complaint reveals that several more women, including those in their 50s, were forced to disrobe in front of the mob. Among them, a young woman in her twenties was subjected to a brutal gang rape in broad daylight.

The victims’ complaint sheds light on the harrowing events that unfolded on that fateful day. After an attack on their village by a group of 800-1,000 individuals armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK Rifles, SLR, INSAS, and .303 Rifles, five villagers, including three women and two family members of the youngest woman, sought refuge in the forest. The police later rescued them, but they were intercepted by the violent mob while being taken to the police station. Tragically, the youngest woman’s father lost his life on the spot, and the three women endured a horrifying ordeal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep anguish and anger over the incident. Ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament, he assured the nation that no guilty party would be spared, and stringent actions would be taken in accordance with the law. He firmly stated, “What happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven.”

The opposition parties, including Congress and AAP, have strongly criticized both the state and central governments for their failure to effectively address the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Fifteen Members of Parliament have issued a notice to suspend all parliamentary business and prioritize discussions on the Manipur violence.

The Supreme Court has also taken suo moto cognizance of the gruesome act, warning the central government to act immediately, or else it will intervene. The court has scheduled the suo moto case for hearing on 28 July.

The appeal for justice is heard across the country, with officials demanded to take prompt and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice and secure the safety and dignity of all citizens, particularly vulnerable women who need protection in the violence-stricken state. Furthermore, the government has requested that the video be removed from Twitter in order to avoid its further distribution and re-victimization of the affected women, emphasising the importance of respecting their privacy and dignity during this difficult time.

As a nation, we stand united in our demand for justice, compassion, and dignity for the victims. We must remember that a woman’s body should never be treated as a battleground for violence and hatred. This tragic incident should serve as a reminder for us to come together and not allow this tragedy to be forgotten.

Chandy Oommen’s funeral honored with humility

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Chandy Oommen’s funeral honored with humility

Despite an earlier decision by the state cabinet to award all formal honours for the ceremony, the funeral of veteran Congress politician Chandy Oommen has been arranged as per his last desire. Chandy Oommen, who served as Kerala’s Chief Minister twice, died recently, leaving an everlasting effect on the state’s political scene.

In expressing his father’s final wish, Chandy’s son disclosed that before travelling for medical treatment in Germany, the late leader asked that his funeral not be accorded state honours. The family expressed this sentiment to the state administration, which finally respected and honoured the late leader’s decision.

The funeral procession began in Thiruvananthapuram and worked its way across the severely packed MC Road to Kottayam. Thousands of fans and well-wishers gathered on both sides of the road to pay their respects. People from all walks of life, including pregnant women, disabled people, and elderly men and women, gathered to pay their respects to Chandy Oommen, who was much regarded for his warm personality.

The travel to Kottayam took longer than expected due to the large number of mourners who wanted to say their final goodbyes to the revered leader. Displays of affection accompanied the funeral cortege, with some holding lit candles and others pouring flowers on the low-floor AC bus carrying Chandy Oommen.

Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, will officiate at the funeral rituals. A dedicated tomb within the church grounds has been constructed to create a monument honouring the beloved politician’s life and legacy. Chandy Oommen dedicated and committed himself to his state and its people, leaving an unforgettable mark on the hearts of those he served.

The shocking reality of Uyghur forced labor in China

News Intervention Bureau
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The shocking reality of Uyghur forced labor in China

In a shocking investigation conducted by Radio Free Asia (RFA), distressing details have emerged about a Chinese-run garment factory in Xinjiang, where approximately 90 Uyghur teenage girls are allegedly being subjected to forced labor, verbal and physical abuse. The factory, known as Wanhe Garment Co. Ltd. in Maralbeshi county, reportedly maintains a secret agreement with a nearby vocational school, forcing female students aged 16 to 18 to work against their will.

Sources, including a village chief and the factory’s security chief, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, shed light on the grim conditions endured by the workers. These young girls are forced to work arduous 14-hour shifts seven days a week, with little respite and are routinely mistreated. To add to the cruelty, local authorities have allegedly coerced parents into not objecting to sending their children to work at the factory.

The factory is managed by a Chinese husband-and-wife team who oversee a middle-aged Uyghur woman named Tursungul Memtimin, referred to as “teacher” by the workers. Memtimin is accused of wielding a bat to inflict harm on the workers and subjecting them to verbal abuse. Fear of retaliation has created an atmosphere where escape attempts are rare.

This grim revelation surfaces amidst growing evidence of Uyghur forced labor in Xinjiang, raising concerns about major companies’ supply chains. Companies like Inditex, the parent company of Zara clothing chain, Fast Retailing (parent company of Uniqlo), and car manufacturers Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW have come under increased scrutiny to ensure they are not using products manufactured with Uyghur forced labor.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in the United States, enacted in December 2021, mandates American companies importing goods from Xinjiang to prove that they are not involved in Uyghur forced labor at any stage of production.

Despite repeated attempts to seek an interview with Wanhe factory officials, RFA’s requests have been met with silence.

In the past, some workers managed to escape the factory compound, but their freedom was short-lived. The factory’s management reportedly went to great lengths to forcibly return them, threatening their parents with “re-education” camps if they failed to comply.

The factory, located in Kashgar province, employs workers from Maralbeshi, offering meager salaries of around 300 to 400 yuan (US$42 to US$56) per month for their long hours of labor. The region’s cotton industry has attracted investment, leading to the establishment of numerous textile and garment enterprises that benefit from cheap labor.

The situation at the Wanhe factory raises serious concerns about human rights abuses and highlights the urgent need for international companies to scrutinize their supply chains to ensure they are free from forced labor and exploitation.

Citizens suffer as prices of medicine skyrocket in Pakistan

Rajeev Pandey
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Citizens suffer as prices of medicine skyrocket in Pakistan

Extreme heatwaves and wildfires grip Europe amidst global climate crisis

News Intervention Bureau
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Extreme heatwaves and wildfires grip Europe amidst global climate crisis

As the sun relentlessly blazed over Europe, it seemed like the entire continent was holding its breath, bracing for the worst. On Tuesday, the fiery heat soared to an astonishing 46.3°C in Sicily, leaving people gasping for breath and seeking refuge from the scorching rays. But the real battle wasn’t just against the relentless heat; it was also against the furious wildfires that engulfed parts of Greece and the majestic Swiss Alps.

In Italy, the major cities were on high alert, and red flags of warning were raised, signifying that this extreme heatwave wasn’t just a threat to the vulnerable but to everyone. The heat is gripping the nation and pushing emergency crews to their limits. In the midst of this crisis, climate scientists spoke out the undeniable truth: our world was changing, and not for the better. Climate change had taken hold, making heatwaves longer, stronger, and more frequent.

From the soaring temperatures in the United States and China to the heavy rainfall devastating East Asia, extreme weather was unleashing its fury. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) raised a desperate cry for climate action, urging nations to unite and combat the looming crisis.

Amidst this climate chaos, Greece was waging its own battle, fighting multiple wildfires. It was a race against time, with flames devouring forests and threatening lives. In one heartbreaking moment, 1,200 children had to be evacuated from their summer camp.

In Switzerland, firefighters were confronting a wildfire that erupted suddenly spreading in the night. And on the Spanish island of La Palma, families saw their homes reduced to ashes. Red alerts flashed across the map, a warning of the impending danger in Italy, Spain, Greece, and parts of the Balkans. People were on edge, hoping for cooler nights and praying for the safety of their loved ones.

It wasn’t just Europe feeling the wrath of Mother Nature. The United States and China were grappling with their own heatwaves, setting records and pushing millions to the brink. Death Valley witnessed an almost unbearable 52°C, while Phoenix endured an unyielding stretch of scorching days. China provisionally recorded its all-time highest temperature in the Xinjiang region, adding to the global concern.

Even in Asia, Typhoon Talim raged, bringing torrents of rain and thousands of displaced families. Vietnam prepared for the worst, as the typhoon continued its path of destruction. The burning of fossil fuels is behind the rising temperatures, and if humanity didn’t act urgently, there would be irreversible consequences.

More than just numbers and statistics, this was a crisis with real faces—people whose lives were forever changed by these extreme weather events. Lives lost, homes destroyed, and futures uncertain—all pointing to the undeniable truth that we needed to unite and act now.

Pak Army abducts a young Baloch student

News Intervention Bureau
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Pak Army abducts a young Baloch student

A Baloch student has been forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army from Turbat.

In an ongoing series of enforced disappearances across Balochistan, a young Baloch student, Shahid, son of Char Shambey, studying in class 10 in Turbat, was abducted forcefully. Originally from Madag-e-Kalat in Dandar area of Kolwah, Kech, he had moved to Turbat in search of better educational facilities that his village lacked. Reports indicate that he was illegally detained by the Pakistan Forces at Kolwah Stop and has subsequently gone missing.

Enforced disappearances have been a grim reality in Pakistan for decades, but the abduction and illegal detention of students further exacerbate the situation. Since the illegal occupation of Balochistan in March 1948, Balochs have faced the worst physical and emotional torture, which has intensified with each passing day. Unfortunately, enforced disappearances not only subject victims to physical torment but also inflict emotional anguish upon their families. The uncompassionate Pakistan Army does not differentiate between men and women, adults and children, perpetuating a grave violation of human rights and international norms.

 It is disheartening to witness such barbaric acts of enforced disappearances persist, even in an age where human rights voices are raised worldwide.

Jammu & Kashmir: Pakistan’s proxy war and India’s strong message

Nilesh Kunwar
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Jammu & Kashmir: Pakistan’s proxy war and India’s strong message

Pakistan’s Lament

Islamabad has a perpetual grudge that it isn’t taken seriously by the global community. While this observation is undeniably true, international apathy towards Pakistan is not due to politicking or vested commercial interests [as it claims], but solely due to Islamabad’s unabashed duplicity. With the Pakistan Army brazenly following its morbid strategy of nurturing terrorist groups as ‘strategic assets’ for waging proxy wars against its neighbours, how can Islamabad expect to be taken seriously by the international community? 

Just one example of Pakistan’s perfidy- it keeps boasting about having conducted the world’s biggest anti-terrorist campaign [Operation Zarb-e-Azb] and emphasising that “We are going after terrorists of all hue and colour.” However, statistics don’t support its latter claim. Though the Pakistan Army claims to have neutralised as many as 3,500 terrorists during Operation Zarb-e-Azb, there’s not even a single terrorist belonging to the Haqqani network amongst the dead, which outrightly defies the laws of probability but is a mere happenstance for Rawalpindi!  

So, when Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that “Terrorism in all its forms and manifestation, including state terrorism, must be condemned in clear and unambiguous terms” while addressing the 23rd SCO meet, he had probably expected the international media to lap up his telltale. However, this didn’t happen and his brave words went largely unnoticed, because taking Islamabad’s comments at face value, especially when related to terrorism, can be very embarrassing for the media.

Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Pretense

A month before the 23rd SCO meet, Indian security forces and J&K police jointly thwarted up to five attempts by Pakistan trained terrorists to infiltrate across the Line of Control [LoC] in J&K. The fact that a total of 11 foreign intruders were killed in these operations leaves no room for doubt regarding the Pakistani establishment’s active involvement in sponsoring cross border terrorism. No wonder Sharif’s condemnation of terrorism wasn’t taken seriously by anyone.  

Barely two weeks have elapsed since the Pakistani prime minister used the SCO platform to condemn terrorism, and it’s business-as-usual as far as attempts at infiltration across the LoC are concerned. With the Indian security forces and J&K police thwarting two back-to-back major attempts by Pakistan based terrorists to infiltrate across the LoC in the Poonch sector, Pakistan’s double talk on terrorism has yet once again been exposed.

Prognosis

Some analysts believe that sooner or later, the realisation that adopting a confrontationist approach towards India comes at a prohibitive cost will compel Islamabad to mend fences with New Delhi. This eventuality is theoretically possible; but when a country claims that its people are prepared to eat grass or even stay hungry just in order to match its neighbour militarily, then any logic-driven rapprochement initiative becomes a distant dream.  

Ashley J. Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, specialising in international security and U.S. foreign and defence policy with a special focus on Asia and the Indian subcontinent has no illusions about Pakistan seriously considering dialogue with India to normalise relations. Au contraire, he is sanguine that “The international community’s routine call for continuous India-Pakistan dialogue is not only misguided but also counterproductive.”

Tellis points out that “This entreaty [for dialogue], which often follows major Pakistani-supported terrorist attacks in India, fails to recognize that the security competition between the two nations is not actually driven by discrete, negotiable differences.”

He goes on to explain that “… the discord is rooted in long-standing ideological, territorial, and power-political antagonisms that are fuelled by Pakistan’s irredentism, its army’s desire to subvert India’s ascendency as a great power and exact revenge for past Indian military victories, and its aspirations to be treated on par with India despite their huge differences in capabilities, achievements, and prospects.”

Pakistani politicians have realised that promoting anti-India sentiments amongst the population is a foolproof mechanism for diverting public opinion from its own humongous failings. Similarly, in order to exercise sweeping extra-constitutional powers and justify consuming a lion’s share of the national budget, Rawalpindi has demonised India as an existential threat and how the army is preventing New Delhi from embarking on its hegemonistic ambition to wipe out Pakistan’s very identity.

India’s Reaction

In view of the aforesaid, any hope of Pakistan smoking the peace pipe with India in the foreseeable future is nothing but a grand illusion- and the sooner India accepts this harsh reality, the better it would be for the country. With Pakistan Army’s no-holds-barred attempts to push-in terrorists into J&K, there’s definitely a need to ensure that the anti-infiltration grid established by Indian security forces has the intrinsic ability as well as requisite redundancy to decisively defeat Rawalpindi’s nefarious designs.

Use of advanced technology to detect infiltration and track down terrorists is a great force-multiplier, and hence must be fully exploited. However, since the thickly forested area and rugged terrain along the LoC favours infiltration, technology cannot replace the requirement of ensuring adequate ‘boots-on-ground’. It’s heartening to note that the Indian army has accorded this important issue the due attention it deserves by shelving plans to shift troops from J&K to Ladakh.

What India is facing in J&K isn’t mere terrorism- it’s a full blown proxy war and has to be viewed accordingly because misconstruing inactivity in terms of infiltration attempts and terror related incidents in a particular sector along the LoC as an indicator of normalcy could prove suicidal.  It doesn’t require rocket science to discern that such an abnormal state of affairs could well be a ploy to induce military commanders into shifting troops from a particular area to elsewhere and unwittingly creating a safe passage for use by infiltrators. 

Lastly, with former Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa declaring that “Pakistan Army firmly stands by the Kashmiris in their just struggle to the very end [and] we are prepared and shall go to any extent to fulfil our obligations…,” wouldn’t it be naïve to believe the balderdash that terrorism in J&K is being fuelled by non-state actors?   

Pak Army’s torture and murder of a Pashtun in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa sparks protests

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Pak Army’s torture and murder of a Pashtun in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa sparks protests

Tensions rose in the Shaktoi region when locals and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) activists gathered on the streets to protest the suspected extrajudicial killing of Muhammad Wali, a Shaktoi resident. Wali was arrested and detained by the Pak Army two days ago without any formal FIR or court proceedings. Instead, he was tortured by the military.

When the Army dumped Wali’s lifeless and tortured body back into the village, the situation took a tragic turn. The horrifying tragedy has spurred local community with anger and grief, driving them to gather in protest outside the military fort in Shaktoi.

PTM leaders have arrived to the spot to express solidarity with the deceased’s family and the outraged locals. The protest is still going on, and protesters are refusing to leave until their demands for justice and transparency are met.

The extrajudicial death has aroused severe concerns about security personnel’ behaviour and their regard for due process and human rights. The lack of an official inquiry into Wali’s detention and subsequent torture has only fueled public discontent and distrust of the authorities.

The Shaktoi incident sheds light on the broader issue of enforced disappearances and wrongful detentions in the region. Human rights organisations and activists are appealing for an immediate and impartial investigation into the facts behind Muhammad Wali’s death as the situation unfolds.

Trouble brews for China’s economy as challenges mount

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Trouble brews for China’s economy as challenges mount

On Monday, China announced that its GDP of the second quarter grew by 6.3% in comparison to previous year. The unemployment rate, on the other hand, increased by 21.3% in June among young people between the ages of 16-24. This has set a new record, proving Analysts at Reuters wrong, who had predicted a 7.3% increase in the second quarter GDP.

Fu Linghui, National Bureau of Statistics spokesperson, agreed that China is facing complex environment both geopolitically and economically, however, he added China can still achieve its target set for full-year, i.e., 5% growth for 2023.

China’s economic recovery in June showcased a mixed picture, with retail sales rising 3.1%, slightly below the expected 3.2% growth. The data revealed that catering, sports, entertainment products, alcohol, and tobacco sales experienced the most significant upswing. However, autos, office products, and daily use goods witnessed a decline in sales compared to the previous year.

Online sales of physical goods grew by 6.7% in June compared to the previous year. While still positive, this rate was slower than the growth seen in May, indicating a potential stabilization in the online retail sector.

Industrial production, on the other hand, saw a robust growth of 4.4% from a year ago, surpassing the earlier forecast of 2.7%. This indicates a rebound in manufacturing activities and reflects positive momentum in China’s industrial sector.

Fixed asset investment for the first half of the year recorded a growth rate of 3.8%, beating the predicted 3.5%. Investment in manufacturing continued at a steady pace, but growth in infrastructure investment experienced a slowdown. Notably, investment in real estate further declined in June compared to May, suggesting continued challenges for the struggling property market.

Despite signs of recovery in various sectors, the unemployment rate for urban residents in June remained at 5.2%. Concerns about youth unemployment were raised, with expectations that it might increase further before showing signs of improvement after August.

Looking ahead to the second half of the year, spokesperson Fu expressed expectations of low real estate investment in the near future. He also warned of the possibility of rising youth unemployment before eventual improvement. China lifted its Covid-19 controls in December, but the initial economic rebound has lost momentum. The real estate sector continues to face difficulties in recovery, and falling global demand has impacted exports negatively.

Medicine prices skyrocket by 700% in Pakistan flouting manufacturing norms

News Intervention Bureau
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Medicine prices skyrocket by 700% in Pakistan flouting manufacturing norms

Over the last five years, the prices of medicines have reportedly increased by approximately 700% in Pakistan. The majority of pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan use smuggled, sub-standard, and very cheap raw materials and other materials required for manufacturing medicines in the guise of Afghan transit trade. Companies also do not allow drug regulatory authority officials to inspect the actual prices of raw materials and other items used in medicines, whether they are purchased legally or obtained through bribes.

Similarly, the Ministry of Health and DRAP authorities do not even evaluate the quality of raw materials and other items used in the manufacture of medicines.

On the other hand, this pharmaceutical mafia requests an increase in prices day by day, justifying it by citing the rising cost of raw materials and other commodities due to the increase in the value of the dollar. It should also be noted that drugs made from smuggled raw materials are substandard and may be used for various other diseases. Even after purchasing the most expensive medicine in the region, the patient does not experience immediate recovery.

The DRAP authorities have failed to check whether the raw materials and other items used in the manufacture of medicines were purchased legally or not.

It is the responsibility of The FBR, especially the Customs authorities, to examine how many drugs are being manufactured annually by pharmaceutical companies and how much raw materials and other items are used in their production. They have to verify whether these materials are legally purchased or not and whether all government benefits and taxes have been paid or fudged.

NAB and FIA should also investigate whether the prices, which are being increased daily on the basis of raw materials and other necessary accessories required for pharmaceuticals, have been determined fairly. They should verify whether the items used in the preparation of medicines have been purchased legally.

It should be noted that in the last 5 years, the prices of medicines have increased by more or less 700%, while the value of the dollar has not increased even by 200%.

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