Stories about South Asia from September, 2006
India: Flashing on a flight
Sakshi appears to have had a horrible journey out from Heathrow. Looks like even our flights are not too safe for women.
Sri Lanka: LTTE and Funds in the UK
Lankawatch reports on fund drives in the UK by LTTE. “Intimidation and threats are being made to ensure the Tamil community to donate funds for the final war plus the entertainment of their leaders and their families”
Pakistan: Khyber Pass Railway
The Khyber Pass is the stuff of colonial stories and legend. Light Within on the Khyber Pass Railway. “Construction restarts in 1920 and the section from Jamrud to Landi Kotal, opens on November 3, 1925. Next day on November 4, Mrs. Victor Bailey, wife of the British engineer entrusted with...
Nepal: The relevance of Democracy
Maila Baje reacts to survey findings on perceptions of democracy in Nepal. “:On the other hand, were the survey participants skewed – deliberately or otherwise – heavily in favor of the palace on account of class, ethnicity or outlook?”
India: Away from home
Being away from home during festivals can be particularly hard. The Great Bong on being away from Calcutta during the wonderful Durga Puja.
India: On Tipu Sultan
The revision of History as it's taught in schools can have both an academic and political agenda. Indian Muslims on the character of Tipu Sultan and the revision of how he is perceived.
Nepal: Status of 174 disclosed
What of the people who died or went missing during the insurgency in Nepal. Bahas on the current issue of the status of 174 people disclosed. “The Home Ministry Friday made public the status of 174 people among 776 allegedly disappeared by the state during ten years of insurgency.”
India: Pictures from Kargil
Sajith has wonderful photographs from Kargil. “While being driven down to the town, our driver had also pointed us towards the barren Tiger Hills, where the big artillery battle of 1999 had happened. All of a sudden the nothingness starts to remind of body bags being sent home and teary...
Pakistan: On Ramadan
Shirazi on observing the month of Ramadan. “What is particularly troubling is that often the very people who demand tolerance for themselves end up ridiculing and denouncing those who choose to determine the beginning of the month through some other means.”
Bangladesh blog buzz
The latest happenings in Bangladeshi blogs around the world: * Education: Tanvir of Journal of a Disturbed Mind blog criticizes the new grading system of school final examination -S.S.C. (Grade 10) in Bangladesh. Students in some regions are getting the top GPA 5 grade in greater numbers; however they are...
India: Youth and rebellion
Youth and rebellion. The Delhicate Constitution on why youth and children are the way they are. “I'm simply saying that being rebellious and anti-establishment in this case is not merely a fashion statement. It might be for some, but for the most part it is because it is inevitable. This...
India: Issues and Fatwas
On what issues are the Muslim Clerics in India issuing fatwas? “However, A TV channel, with the help of sting operations, has shown that some of the Muslim clerics were taking money and issuing fatwas on any matter what the reporters were asking.”
Sri Lanka: Pro-LTTE in London
The Tamil Sri Lankan community in London is being pressurized to join demonstrations on UN Peace Day. “What is enlightening is the LTTE organisers are using events like these to get people to come by feeding them with false hopes.”
Sri Lanka: Muslim Concerns
Moju on the current conflict in Sri Lanka and the concerns of the Muslim Community. “In August 2006 the Muslim community of Mutur found itself at the centre of the ‘undeclared war’ that is still continuing and as a result, faced multiple humanitarian and human rights violations.”
Bangladesh: Fishermen and their troubles
Drishtipat Group Blog on the issues that the fisherfolk face in Bangladesh. “Without navigation knowledge and equipment, very frequently they find themselves in foreign water and a large number of Bangladeshi fishermen are now in jail in countries like India, Myanmar, Thailand etc.”
India: Farmers killing themselves
Even as success stories roll off from India, many farmers in the country are committing suicide. Kamla Bhatt has more. “his is the India that is seldom spoken about, but in recent years has got lot of press coverage because of the abject poverty and debt that many farmers find...
India: Crafts and papier-mâché
Paavani writes on the incredible craft of papier-mâché.”So how did this amazing craft reach to India, that too paradise of earth (Kashmir). Sultan Zain-ul-Adidin was the person behind bringing it to the valley in 15th century. Kashmir is famous for papier-mâché intricate painted tiny boxes and huge vases.”
Pakistan: Albright still around
Whisk on the sort of representatives who are still sticking around, years after tactless remarks. “I believe she has since apologised for her tactless remark (7 years after making the remark) about the Iraqi children. It is essential that everyone read John Ryan’s excellent article on Ms. Albright entitled “An...
Pakistan: The Autorickshaw
The auto rickshaw is one of the evident symbols of South Asia. Light Within has a rather comprehensive post on the auto rickshaw in Pakistan.
Bangladesh: Texting
imperfect world 2006 on the sorts of things that texting or SMS is being used for in Dhaka. “Well how about this use of texting technology: for calling the fire brigade in an emergency! Presumably they phone you back and get the details? Or perhaps they use gsm positioning and...
India: Bandra Fair
Bandra Fair in full swing and colour at Ultrabrown and Trivial Matters.
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