Hard-line leader in Indian state defends ‘strict’ action to quell protests

Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, addresses the audience after inaugurating power projects in Allahabad, India, June 4, 2017. (Reuters/ File Photo)
Short Url
Updated 28 December 2019
Follow

Hard-line leader in Indian state defends ‘strict’ action to quell protests

  • Of the 25 people killed since protests began this month, 19 were in Uttar Pradesh
  • Clashes in the state have eased over the past week, though small demonstrations continue

LUCKNOW, India: The chief minister of India’s Uttar Pradesh state has rebuffed accusations from rights groups of police abuses during protests against a new citizenship law, crediting his tough stand with restoring calm to the streets.
The northern state has seen the most violent turmoil over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s citizenship law, which activists say is discriminatory toward the Muslim community, which makes up some 14% of India’s population.

Out of at least 25 people who have been killed since the protests began this month, 19 were in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India’s most populous state.

The clashes in the state appear to have eased over the past week, however, though small-scale demonstrations continue.

The state’s chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, a hard-line Hindu priest who belongs to Modi’s Hindu nationalist party, said his tough policies had ended the trouble.

“Every rioter is shocked. Every troublemaker is astonished. Looking at the strictness of the Yogi government, everyone is silent,” one of Adityanath’s verified official accounts on Twitter said late on Friday.

“Do whatever you want to, but the damages will be paid by those who cause damages,” it added.

Last week, his government said it was demanding millions of rupees from more than 200 people, threatening to confiscate their property to pay for damage during the protests.
‘EXCESSIVE FORCE’
Rights groups have decried what they say have been mass detentions and excessive force in the state, where officers have arrested more than 1,000 people.

The citizenship legislation makes it easier for members of religious minorities from India’s Muslim-majority neighbors — Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan — who settled in India before 2015 get citizenship but does not offer the same concession to Muslims.

Critics say the law — and plans for a national citizenship register — discriminate against Muslims and are an attack on the secular constitution by Modi’s government.

The government has said no citizen will be affected and there is no imminent plan for a register.

Later on Saturday, the general secretary of the opposition Congress party, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, added to criticism of UP police.

Vadra told reporters she was in a group driving to the home of a former police officer arrested in connection with the protests when a police vehicle blocked the way, so Vadra decided to continue on foot.

“(Police officers) encircled me, strangulated me, grabbed me ... and pushed me. I fell,” Vadra said. “I took a two-wheeler. They stopped me again and then I came here by walking.”

Lucknow’s Senior Superintendent of Police Kalanidhi Naithani later released a video saying an officer involved in the incident had submitted a report denying Vadra’s allegations.

A video circulating on social media is likely to compound the concerns of those worried about the plight of Muslims. It shows a senior UP police officer telling a demonstrator to “go to Pakistan if you don’t want to live here”.
The official, Akhilesh Narayan Singh, told Reuters that some protesters had been shouting pro-Pakistan slogans. “It is in this situation I told them to go to Pakistan,” he said.

Congress party officials led protests on Saturday under the slogan “Save Constitution-Save India”.

Meanwhile, Hindu activists linked to Modi’s party conducted workshops in slums in an effort to ease public discontent.


Amid militancy surge, sale of toy guns, firecrackers banned in Peshawar ahead of Eid 

Updated 55 min 8 sec ago
Follow

Amid militancy surge, sale of toy guns, firecrackers banned in Peshawar ahead of Eid 

  • Peshawar district administration imposes ban for 30 days, warns violators will face legal action 
  • Peshawar district administration imposes ban for 30 days, warns violators will face legal action 

ISLAMABAD: The administration in Pakistan’s northwestern Peshawar district recently banned the sale of toy guns and firecrackers for a period of 30 days to discourage “militant tendency” among children and foster a peaceful atmosphere ahead of Eid-Al-Fitr 2025, an official notification said. 

Children playing with toy guns and firecrackers on public holidays such as Eid is a common sight in Pakistan. The district administration in Peshawar bans traders from selling toy guns every year before Eid holidays to discourage gun culture in the country.

In a notification dated Mar. 15, Peshawar’s Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Saleem Akram announced he was imposing a ban on the sale of toy guns and firecrackers effectively immediately for 30 days under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 

“I, deputy commissioner Peshawar, in exercise of powers conferred on me u/s 144 Cr.PC, do hereby order and impose ban on sale of toy guns and fire crackers etc within the limits of district Peshawar,” the notification said. 

“And whereas, to discourage nurturing of militant tendency and to maintain peaceful atmosphere of the district during Eid-Al-Fitr 2025, it is imperative to curb the menace.”

The notification said authorities would take action against anyone violating the ban, including shopkeepers and customers. 

The development takes place as Pakistan witnesses a surge in militant attacks in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan, especially the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Islamabad accuses the government in Kabul of sheltering militants and facilitating cross-border attacks, a claim Afghanistan strongly denies. 


Pakistan revives Rajian-11 heavy oil well with advanced artificial lift technology

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Pakistan revives Rajian-11 heavy oil well with advanced artificial lift technology

  • Rajian-11 was suspended since 2020 due to formation challenges, expected to produce 1,000 barrels of oil a day
  • ESP systems are common and efficient way to lift oil and gas from wells that are too deep, have low pressure for natural flow

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has revived production at heavy oil well Rajian-11 by installing an advanced air lift system, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said on Monday.

Extending to 3,774 meters, work at Rajian-11 had been suspended since 2020 due to formation challenges, the company’s filing on PSX said last week. 

The oil field is located in District Chakwal and fully owned and operated by OGDCL under Gujar Khan E.L. It was discovered in August 1994 and has remained a key asset in the company’s portfolio.

Crude oil production in Pakistan increased to 64 BBL/D/1K (barrels of crude oil per day per 1,000) in November 2024 from 62 BBL/D/1K in October of 2024. Crude oil production in Pakistan averaged 68.67 BBL/D/1K from 1993 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 97.00 BBL/D/1K in December of 2016 and a record low of 50.00 BBL/D/1K in April of 1999, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

“OGDCL has started oil production from the Rajian-11 heavy oil well located in Chakwal district,” Radio Pakistan reported. 

“Rajian-11 heavy oil well had been inactive since 2020 but it has been reactivated with the help of an advanced artificial lift system,” the broadcaster added, referring to the installation of an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP).

The well is expected to produce one thousand barrels of oil per day.

ESP systems are a common and efficient way to lift oil and gas from wells that are too deep or have low pressure for natural flow. A submersible electric motor is placed at the bottom of the well, and it drives a multistage centrifugal pump that lifts the fluids. ESPs are suitable for wells with low bottomhole pressure, low gas/oil ratio, high water cut, and low API gravity fluids.

“This achievement underscores OGDCL’s commitment to maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and operational efficiency, reinforcing its position as a leader in Pakistan’s energy sector,” OGDCL’s PSX filing said. 

“The Company successfully completed the well with an ESP in Tobra, Jutana, and Sakesar formations, restoring production to 1,000 barrels per day (BPD) of oil.”


Every attempt for peace with Pakistan met with ‘hostility, betrayal,’ says Modi

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Every attempt for peace with Pakistan met with ‘hostility, betrayal,’ says Modi

  • In podcast with American computer scientist Lex Fridman, Modi hopes Pakistan chooses “path of peace“
  • Indian premier praises US President Trump, says he seems “far more prepared than before” in second term

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said US President Donald Trump was ‘far more prepared’ for his second term, furnished with a clear roadmap, speaking in a podcast interview weeks ahead of reciprocal tariffs planned by Washington.
India is among the trading partners set to face the tariffs from April, which threaten to cause distress to its exporters in industries from automobiles to agriculture.
After Modi and Trump met last month, the two nations agreed to resolve tariff rows and work on the first segment of a deal by the fall of 2025, aiming to reach two-way trade of $500 billion by 2030.
“This time, he seems far more prepared than before,” Modi said in a podcast with American computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman released on Sunday, referring to Trump’s second term, which began in January.
“He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals,” he added.
During the discussion, which ran more than three hours, Modi spoke on issues from diplomacy and artificial intelligence to his early life, in a conversation Fridman called one of the most “powerful” of his life.
Modi praised Trump for his graciousness and humility, underscoring a strong bond between the leaders.
“His (Trump’s) reflection showed his ‘America First’ spirit, just as I believe in nation first. I stand for India first, and that’s why we connect so well,” Modi said.

INDIA’S NEIGHBOURS

India’s relations with neighbor China improved last year after striking a milestone pact to lower military tension on their Himalayan border following talks between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia.
“Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy will return,” Modi said during the podcast, as the two countries work to restore relations to their state before a military border skirmish in 2020.
“But of course, it will take some time, since there’s been a five-year gap,” he said, adding that the focus of the two nations was to ensure their differences “do not turn into disputes.”
On ties with archfoe Pakistan, Modi expressed hope for peaceful relations.
“Every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal,” he said, adding, “we sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace.”
The foreign ministries of China and Pakistan did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
 


Pakistan approves joint venture between state logistics corporation, UAE ports giant DP World

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Pakistan approves joint venture between state logistics corporation, UAE ports giant DP World

  • State-owned NLC to hold 60% equity stake in venture with DP World holding remaining 40%, says state media 
  • Venture aims to enhance Pakistan’s road freight logistics sector by leveraging NLC’s expertise, DP World’s supply chain solutions

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) recently approved a pre-merger application to establish a joint venture between the state-owned National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and the United Arab Emirates’ DP World to enhance and modernize the South Asian country’s logistics sector, state-run media reported. 

DP World, which operates in over 75 countries and specializes in port operations, terminal management and logistics services, is involved heavily in improving Pakistan’s logistics sector. As per an agreement signed in January 2024, DP World will carry out infrastructure improvement at Qasim International Container Terminal, Pakistan’s leading trade gateway.

It is also involved in the Karachi Freight Corridor, an infrastructure project in Pakistan aimed at improving the movement of freight from the port city to various parts of the country.

“The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the pre-merger application for the establishment of a joint venture between National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and DP World Logistics FZE (DWLF),” state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Sunday. 

It said that the investment, facilitated by Pakistan’s top investment body Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), aims to enhance the country’s logistics and freight industry while ensuring fair competition in the market.

The state-run media said the transaction involves NLC acquiring a 60 percent equity stake in the joint venture and DWLF holding the remaining 40 percent.

“The venture aims to enhance Pakistan’s road freight logistics sector by leveraging NLC’s domestic expertise and DP World’s global supply chain solutions,” APP said. 

The CCP determined that the transaction does not result in a “substantial lessening of competition” or the creation of a dominant market position, adding that its analysis concluded that the market remains competitive with multiple players ensuring continued competition despite the merger.

“The joint venture highlights Pakistan’s growing appeal for foreign investment in logistics,” APP said. “It is expected to improve infrastructure, lower transport costs, and boost Pakistan’s trade competitiveness in the region.”

The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE foreign ministry. It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates.

In January last year, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure.


Authorities impose curfew in two districts in Pakistan’s northwest over ‘security concerns’

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Authorities impose curfew in two districts in Pakistan’s northwest over ‘security concerns’

  • Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in its northwest since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban and Islamabad broke down in 2022
  • The Pakistani Taliban and other groups have frequently targeted security forces and law enforcers, besides kidnappings of government officials in the region

ISLAMABAD: The local administration has imposed a curfew in various areas of northwestern Pakistani districts of South Waziristan and Tank on Monday, March 17, the offices of the deputy commissioners in both districts said, citing “security concerns.”

Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in KP since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamabad broke down in November 2022. The TTP and other militant groups have frequently targeted security forces convoys and check-posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.

On the request of the law enforcement agencies, there will be a complete curfew from 6am to 6pm on the main road from Court Fort, Manzai, Khairgi, Kari Wam to Jandola, according to a notification issued from the Tank deputy commissioner’s office. However, the road from Court Fort, Gomal, Gardawi to Wana will remain open for all types of traffic.

Similarly, the South Waziristan deputy commissioner’s office said there will be a complete curfew from 6am to 6pm on the Zalai to Cadet College Wana road and Tanai to Sarokai-Jandola road. The Wana-Angoor Adda road and Wana-Tank road will remain open, it clarified.

“The general public is requested to cooperate with security forces during the curfew,” the South Waziristan deputy commissioner’s office said in a notification, without specifying the nature of security concerns in the region.

Earlier this month, a paramilitary troop and 12 militants were killed in a gunbattle in the Tank district after the militants carried out a suicide attack at the Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters, a police official with direct knowledge of the development said. The attack took place in the Jandola tehsil.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities suspected the Pakistani Taliban of involvement in it.

Similarly, the South Waziristan district, which borders Afghanistan, has also been site of increased militant activities. On March 14, a blast tore through a mosque in the district, injuring a religious party leader and three others, according to police.

Last month, Pakistani security forces killed 30 militants during an intelligence-based operation in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing, said, days after unidentified men kidnapped a traders’ union president and two Pakistan Customs officials in the district. South Waziristan district had been a stronghold of the TTP before successive military operations drove the militants out of the region more than a decade ago.

Pakistan says the takeover of Kabul by the Afghan Taliban in 2021 has emboldened the TTP as it is able to operate out of and launch attacks from safe havens in neighboring Afghanistan. Kabul denies the allegation.