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South Asia
Statement:2015
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Date
Incidents
January - 1 
As Pakistan resorted to fresh firing from across the border, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on January 1 said if anyone dares to cast an evil eye on India, security forces will give a fitting response, reports Daily Excelsior. “Our jawans are protecting the border with all their might. No o
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As Pakistan resorted to fresh firing from across the border, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on January 1 said if anyone dares to cast an evil eye on India, security forces will give a fitting response, reports Daily Excelsior. “Our jawans are protecting the border with all their might. No one can dare cast an evil eye on India. Even if someone tries to do so, BSF [Border Security Force] and other security forces will give them a fitting reply,” Singh said. “Pakistan should not do this. Diplomats of both the countries remain in constant touch,” Singh added.
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January - 1 
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on January 1 said Islamabad does not seem to learn any lesson, and India’s response had been “more than double the capacity”, reports Daily Excelsior. “Pakistan does not like to stay quiet even on New Year day. They started (cross-border) fir
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Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on January 1 said Islamabad does not seem to learn any lesson, and India’s response had been “more than double the capacity”, reports Daily Excelsior. “Pakistan does not like to stay quiet even on New Year day. They started (cross-border) firing at 12.30 in the night and don’t seem to learn (any) lesson,” Parrikar said. He said, “There are ceasefire violations….Whenever they want infiltration to be done, many times they do the firings at night…I don’t think that we have allowed that to happen… Our response is more than double the capacity.”
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January - 1 
The dead body of an Adivasi villager, Kero Hasda, was recovered in Chirang District, The Telegraph reports on January 2. The death toll in the violence which started with the December 23, 2013 IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-IKS) attacks, its backlash and in Polic
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The dead body of an Adivasi villager, Kero Hasda, was recovered in Chirang District, The Telegraph reports on January 2. The death toll in the violence which started with the December 23, 2013 IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-IKS) attacks, its backlash and in Police firing has gone up to 82. “He [Kero Hasda] was missing since December 25 from Koraibari village in Chirang district," Inspector-General of Police (law and order) S.N. Singh said on January 2. Singh said they have received information that the massacre of Adivasi villagers was carried out according to the directions of G. Bidai, the number two leader ['deputy army chief'] in the outfit, without the knowledge of the 'chief', Songbijit.” He said, so far four NDFB-IKS cadres and seven linkmen of the outfit have been arrested and of them, two cadres were directly involved in the incident. Singh further said that the Independent faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA-I) might carry out strikes ahead of Republic Day.
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January - 1 
Awami National Party (ANP) Central General Secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain on January 1 declared Punjab a training centre for terrorists and their masterminds and demanded that the Government begin a decisive action against terrorist outfits in the province, reports Dawn. He was speaking at the &lsq
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Awami National Party (ANP) Central General Secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain on January 1 declared Punjab a training centre for terrorists and their masterminds and demanded that the Government begin a decisive action against terrorist outfits in the province, reports Dawn. He was speaking at the ‘Shuhada Amn Qaumi Conference’ here at Nishtar Hall in Peshawar. Mian Iftikhar told participants that terrorism could not be eliminated from the country until an operation began against terrorist organisations in Punjab. Mian Iftikhar demands ‘decisive action’ against terrorist outfits in the provinceHe said there should be no distinction between good Taliban and bad Taliban and that state institutions should take an across-the-board action against terrorists.
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January - 1 
Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said on January 1 that the entire national political class and military is united in the war against terrorism and extremism, and will achieve success by taking effective measures at the right time, reports Daily Times. The political leadership and military command o
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Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said on January 1 that the entire national political class and military is united in the war against terrorism and extremism, and will achieve success by taking effective measures at the right time, reports Daily Times. The political leadership and military command once again came together for the speedy implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) for the eradication of terrorism.Further, PM said nobody could remain neutral in the war against terrorism and the NAP will eliminate terrorists for all times. Nawaz said the hideouts of hardcore terrorists would be completely smashed and they would be chased with courage and determination and eliminated while civilians would be protected by every means.
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January - 1 
The Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS), General Raheel Sharif, on January 1 said the political consensus against terrorism should not be lost to petty differences, reports The News. He said the entire nation was looking towards the political and military leadership of the country to take bold and meanin
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The Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS), General Raheel Sharif, on January 1 said the political consensus against terrorism should not be lost to petty differences, reports The News. He said the entire nation was looking towards the political and military leadership of the country to take bold and meaningful decisions leading to stern action against the terrorists and their sympathisers. He was addressing the 178th Corps Commanders Conference at the General Headquarters. The CoAS appreciated the resolve of the national political leadership shown during the All Parties Conference (APC), says a press statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The participants of the conference expressed grief over the tragic loss of innocent lives in Peshawar terrorist attack, solidarity with the bereaved families and expressed the resolve not to stop the operations till the elimination of the last terrorist from the country.
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January - 2 
Delhi Police Commissioner, BS Bassi said on January 2,that 13 terrorists have been arrested by the Special Cell since January 2014. Of these seven are from Indian Mujahideen (IM), three from Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and three from Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). The arrested IM operatives in
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Delhi Police Commissioner, BS Bassi said on January 2,that 13 terrorists have been arrested by the Special Cell since January 2014. Of these seven are from Indian Mujahideen (IM), three from Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and three from Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). The arrested IM operatives include engineering students Mahruf, Waqar Azhar and Shaquib Ansari of the outfit's Rajasthan module.The module responsible for the 2012 blasts in Pune was also busted later, leading to the arrest of five terrorists. The operations continued and wanted LeT terrorist Abdul Subhan was arrested. He was hatching a larger conspiracy of launching terror attacks on Delhi and the rest of the NCR. Police crackdown led to the arrest of two more LeT men, Ashahuddin and Arshad Khan.Currently, three Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams of the Special Cell are being deployed at Greater Kailash area of Delhi to foil any terrorists attack, Bassi said, adding and the cell is also engaged in verifying and monitoring second-hand car dealers and chemical sellers.
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January - 2 
Home Commissioner Prateek Hajela on January 2 said that the number of Adivasi and Bodo people taking shelter in relief camps has come down to 2,08,000 (on January 2) from 2,36,000 (on January 1), with more people returning home, reports The Telegraph.
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Home Commissioner Prateek Hajela on January 2 said that the number of Adivasi and Bodo people taking shelter in relief camps has come down to 2,08,000 (on January 2) from 2,36,000 (on January 1), with more people returning home, reports The Telegraph.
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January - 2 
Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on January 2 said it was really unfortunate that even after over six decades of Independence the poor villagers were deprived of basic amenities including water, road, electricity etc, reports The Hindu. He attributed “administrative failure” as a ma
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Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on January 2 said it was really unfortunate that even after over six decades of Independence the poor villagers were deprived of basic amenities including water, road, electricity etc, reports The Hindu. He attributed “administrative failure” as a major cause behind Naxalism-[Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)] and assured to provide development-oriented schemes and good governance in the State. There is no doctor, no teacher, villagers are deprived of basic amenities like road, electricity and water, he said, adding that these are the reasons for increase in LWE activities. “I believe it is totally administrative failure that led to Naxalism in the state,” he added. “Who are the Naxals? They are part of our society, they too need employment and basic amenities like others. They were misguided youths who were lured to pick up arms for survival,” he said. Within a month’s time, he announced, the teachers’ recruitment process will begin and 17,000 policemen will be appointed in a couple of months.
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January - 2 
Suspected pro-Islamic State (IS) Twitter account handler Mehdi Masroor Biswas was in touch with IS combatant stationed in Iraq, according to Bengaluru Police Commissioner MN Reddi, The Times of India reports on January 2. "During our interrogation of Biswas, we have found that the IS account ho
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Suspected pro-Islamic State (IS) Twitter account handler Mehdi Masroor Biswas was in touch with IS combatant stationed in Iraq, according to Bengaluru Police Commissioner MN Reddi, The Times of India reports on January 2. "During our interrogation of Biswas, we have found that the IS account holder was in touch with the IS combatant and he was an aide," MN Reddi stated. Biswas was produced before a city court on January 2 and sent to judicial custody till January 16, 2015.Reddi said Police have gathered sufficient evidence to prove that Biswas supported IS and also his direct messages on his Twitter handle revealed that he encouraged people to join IS. "We have sufficient evidence to prove he (Biswas) supported IS. Direct messages on his Twitter handle also show he encouraged people to join the terrorist outfit. He had been pro-actively tweeting," he said.
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January - 3 
Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on January 3 saidthe decade-old militancy still persists in some areas of the State, reports The Assam Tribune. “The insurgency has not been uprooted yet despite all out efforts. Militants are still on the operational mode in some interior places of the State”
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Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on January 3 saidthe decade-old militancy still persists in some areas of the State, reports The Assam Tribune. “The insurgency has not been uprooted yet despite all out efforts. Militants are still on the operational mode in some interior places of the State”, he said while addressing a gathering to mark the Police Day in Agartala.
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January - 3 
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on January 3 said that the December 23 attack on Adivasi could not have been possible without the knowledge of the IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-IKS)’s ‘Commander-in- chief’ Ingti Kathar Songbijit, reports The Sentine
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Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on January 3 said that the December 23 attack on Adivasi could not have been possible without the knowledge of the IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-IKS)’s ‘Commander-in- chief’ Ingti Kathar Songbijit, reports The Sentinel. “The attacks could not have taken place without Songbijit consent. His deputy might have executed the attacks but it is not possible that the attacks happened without Songbijit knowing of it,” Gogoi said at a press conference here.
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January - 3 
Inspector General of Police (IGP-law and order) SN Singh had stated that Songbijit was not behind the attacks that were carried out under instructions of NDFB-IKS ‘deputy commander-in- chief’ B Bidai. According to Singh, B Bidai had escaped an encounter in which two of his colleagues wer
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Inspector General of Police (IGP-law and order) SN Singh had stated that Songbijit was not behind the attacks that were carried out under instructions of NDFB-IKS ‘deputy commander-in- chief’ B Bidai. According to Singh, B Bidai had escaped an encounter in which two of his colleagues were gunned down, had carried the attacks in retaliation, without the consent of IK Songbijit. When pointed out to the IGP’s comment, the Chief Minister said in an angry tone, “Will you listen to a police official or the Chief Minister?”
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January - 3 
Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) described Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT)stand on ‘any’ and ‘every nominal taxation’ as ‘unyielding’ and challenge to ‘Naga struggle’ and ‘Naga Identity’, reports
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Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) described Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT)stand on ‘any’ and ‘every nominal taxation’ as ‘unyielding’ and challenge to ‘Naga struggle’ and ‘Naga Identity’, reports The Sangai Express on January 4. Upholding Indian Constitution and citing Indian Constitutional guarantees to battle the NPG(s) in itself is self-explanatory of their anti-Naga intent and purpose. Only time will tell as to what extent the damage the ACAUT may inflict on the Naga struggle, the benefits they intent to yield and the price they are willing to pay.
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January - 3 
Official sources said that at least 70 new militants, who were well trained in new kind of ‘sneak-in fidayeen attack strategy’ were camping at five to six places in Sialkot area of Pakistan opposite Samba sector with a view to infiltrate into the Indian territory to carry out Arnia like
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Official sources said that at least 70 new militants, who were well trained in new kind of ‘sneak-in fidayeen attack strategy’ were camping at five to six places in Sialkot area of Pakistan opposite Samba sector with a view to infiltrate into the Indian territory to carry out Arnia like terror attack before the visit of United States President Barrack Obama to India on January 26, reports Daily Excelsior on January 4. The official sources said “The militants were well equipped with arms and explosives and new device ‘floaters’, which would safely help them swim through nullahs in Samba and Hiranagar sectors, in their infiltration attempts.” All 70 trained Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants were Pakistanis, according to sources.
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January - 3 
Security was increased at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in New Delhi following an intelligence alert that terrorists may target Air India flights going to Afghanistan,officials said, The Times of India, reports on January 4. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which looks a
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Security was increased at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in New Delhi following an intelligence alert that terrorists may target Air India flights going to Afghanistan,officials said, The Times of India, reports on January 4. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which looks after the airport's internal security, has been asked to be on alert and keep a tab on the activities of every person. Besides, Delhi Police, which is in charge of security outside the airport, was also put on alert."Security has been extended and policemen have been increased," Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) MI Haider said. CISF Spokesperson Hemendra Singh said security has been tight since the last two months."Flights going to Afghanistan are being monitored carefully," he said.Earlier, Intelligence agencies have warned that a Delhi-Kabul (Afghanistan) flight may be hijacked by terrorists. The input is quite specific and also mentions that an Air India flight could be targeted. The authorities have put in place multi-level checking and have issued strictures to ensure they are followed judiciously.
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January - 3 
Expressing confidence that Pakistan is capable of replying to any aggression,Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif on January 3 said that India wants to engage Pakistan in a “low-intensity war”, reports Dawn. “It seems that India does not understand the language of love and peace,
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Expressing confidence that Pakistan is capable of replying to any aggression,Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif on January 3 said that India wants to engage Pakistan in a “low-intensity war”, reports Dawn. “It seems that India does not understand the language of love and peace,” the Defence Minister said outside the Parliament House after conclusion of the National Assembly session.He said that the Prime Minister had expressed the desire for having peace with India and all other neighbouring countries with sincerity, but India had not reciprocated Islamabad’s goodwill gesture. “India wants to keep us busy in a low-intensity war or low-intensity engagement on our eastern border. They are pursuing the same tactics of keeping our forces busy on all fronts and the anti-Pakistan mentality of the Indian leadership is now fully exposed,” he added.
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January - 3 
The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on January 3 that action had been launched against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), its supporters and sympathisers,reports Dawn. Speaking at a press conference, he said it had been decided in the National Action Plan (NAP) that TTP
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The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on January 3 that action had been launched against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), its supporters and sympathisers,reports Dawn. Speaking at a press conference, he said it had been decided in the National Action Plan (NAP) that TTP operatives, their supporters, masterminds and financiers would be identified across the country. The Federal intelligence agencies would cooperate with provinces to accomplish the task, he added.Chaudhry Nisar said there were around 60 banned outfits, but all were not involved in terrorism. Some were operating under new names and some quietly operating with the same old names, he added. The minister said funds of banned organisations would be blocked and legal action would be initiated against them. If they remain adamant, their cases would also be referred to military courts. He said the banned outfits would not be allowed to collect donations and sacrificial hides and their bank accounts would be seized. They would also not be allowed to use social media for anti-state propaganda, he added.
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January - 3 
Addressing an event organised by Mahotari Pariwar Kathmandu on January 3,to felicitate chief justice Ram Kumar Prasad Shah, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said he believed that the new constitution would be out on its January 22 schedule as a consensus between the main parties will be reached in the
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Addressing an event organised by Mahotari Pariwar Kathmandu on January 3,to felicitate chief justice Ram Kumar Prasad Shah, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said he believed that the new constitution would be out on its January 22 schedule as a consensus between the main parties will be reached in the next three days, reports Nepal News. “After the Speaker put his hand up, all the parties have felt that it is us who should show some initiative. There will be an agreement in two to three days. I believe we will be fulfilling our responsibility of writing a new constitution,” Koirala said.
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January - 3 
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader addressing a rally in Dhaka city on January 3 saidthat BNP will be given a befitting reply if they resort to violence and vandalism in the name of movement, reports The Daily Star. Quader said "To save public properties, the Government will res
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Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader addressing a rally in Dhaka city on January 3 saidthat BNP will be given a befitting reply if they resort to violence and vandalism in the name of movement, reports The Daily Star. Quader said "To save public properties, the Government will respond to violence during BNP's movement with an iron hand. There is no question of negotiation with those who took people's lives through violence and bombing."
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January - 4 
Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi while addressing a public meeting at Tarapurin Munger District on January 4, organized under the banner of Zila Kisan Mazdoor Sammelan (District Farmer Labourer Congress), said his cabinet colleagues do not cooperate with him in development measures aimed at cur
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Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi while addressing a public meeting at Tarapurin Munger District on January 4, organized under the banner of Zila Kisan Mazdoor Sammelan (District Farmer Labourer Congress), said his cabinet colleagues do not cooperate with him in development measures aimed at curbing Naxalism-[Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)] in the State, reports The Times of India. Manjhi further said he wants to give reservation to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe and other extremely backward castes in government contracts up to INR 5 million so that the menace of LWE could be contained in the State but his cabinet colleagues are opposed to his proposal. "If my proposal to award contracts to the downtrodden, Mahadalits and poor Adivasis in government schemes is accepted, no member from the depressed class will join hands with the Maoists in future," the CM said. However, he added that he would manage to get his cabinet colleagues agree to his proposal in the cabinet meeting. Manjhi said once this decision is implemented, Naxals will no longer be active in the State.
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January - 4 
Director General of Police (DGP) K. Nagaraj on January 4 claimed that insurgency has been largely contained in the State with only eight extremist-related incidents registered in the State during 2014 whereas it was nine in the year 2013, reports The Assam Tribune. The number of abduction cases has
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Director General of Police (DGP) K. Nagaraj on January 4 claimed that insurgency has been largely contained in the State with only eight extremist-related incidents registered in the State during 2014 whereas it was nine in the year 2013, reports The Assam Tribune. The number of abduction cases has reduced to eight in the year 2014 against ten in the previous year and only one kidnapped person is still in militant captivity adds The Telegraph. "A major achievement was the seizure of a huge cache of arms and ammunition by Assam Rifles jawans from Mizoram on July 2 last year. Acting on specific information, the Assam Rifles jawans of the 45th battalion seized six AK-series rifles, three G-3 rifles and one light machine gun. Twenty-five NLFT [National Liberation Front of Tripura] militants surrendered to the state government in 2014," Nagaraj said.Times of India further reports that DGP K Nagaraj, during his interaction with the media, added, "Since November 2013, Bangladesh Army, Rapid Action Battalion and Border Guards of Bangladesh have conducted a number of operations against Indian militants, destroyed several NLFT camps and seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition ".
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January - 4 
Security across the coastal regions of Gujarat has been increased, Zee News reports on January 5. According to reports, at least 173 Marine Commandos have been deployed at 20 Police Stations along the coastal areas to foil any attempt by the Pakistan-operated terrorist outfits to create unrest in In
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Security across the coastal regions of Gujarat has been increased, Zee News reports on January 5. According to reports, at least 173 Marine Commandos have been deployed at 20 Police Stations along the coastal areas to foil any attempt by the Pakistan-operated terrorist outfits to create unrest in India. Confirming the development, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) BJ Ninama of the Marine Police said, “After the incident of Pakistani boats being chased by Coast Guard in Indian waters, we have ordered 173 of our trained Marine Commandos to take positions at 20 marine police stations situated on state coastline." These Commandos have been ordered to heighten vigil across the coastline and monitor each and every boat going into the sea and returning ashore. Apart from vehicles, these Commandos have been provided boats to patrol the sea near the shore.
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January - 5 
Bihar Chief Minister (CM) Jitan Ram Manjhi on January 5 said he was ready to talk to Naxalites (Left Wing Extremists) and bring them back in the mainstream of society, reports The Times of India. Talking to mediapersons after his weekly janata darbar, the CM said he was against the policy of bullet
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Bihar Chief Minister (CM) Jitan Ram Manjhi on January 5 said he was ready to talk to Naxalites (Left Wing Extremists) and bring them back in the mainstream of society, reports The Times of India. Talking to mediapersons after his weekly janata darbar, the CM said he was against the policy of bullet for bullet to finish Maoism. Since Nitish Kumar took over as the CM in 2005, extremism has been controlled through development, he said. "I am carrying forward the policy adopted by Nitish Kumar," he said.Manjhi said through development, education and understanding, Maoists can be won over. "Bullet is not the answer. I am trying to persuade the Naxalites to return to mainstream by getting them involved in development activities," the chief minister said.He said Naxalites too meet him. "I am not an urbanite. Many people come to meet me; there may be Naxalites among them. They complain of nexus between contractors and officials. Contractors damage and destroy government property and put the blame on Naxalites. They tell me JCB machines are burned at construction sites and the blame goes to Naxalites. It is the contractors' game," Manjhi said.
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January - 5 
IGP-law and order, S.N. Singh retracted from his earlier statement absolving NDFB-IKS ‘commander-in-chief’ I.K. Songbijit of the December 23 carnage of Adivasis, reports The Telegraph. "Whatever the chief minister has stated is correct and I stand by his statement," he told rep
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IGP-law and order, S.N. Singh retracted from his earlier statement absolving NDFB-IKS ‘commander-in-chief’ I.K. Songbijit of the December 23 carnage of Adivasis, reports The Telegraph. "Whatever the chief minister has stated is correct and I stand by his statement," he told reporters on January 5. The IGP-Law and Order had on January 2 said that the killings were carried out under direction of G. Bidai, the number two leader of the NDFB-IKS without the consent of Songbijit.
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January - 5 
On January 5 Indian Government said the rogue Pakistani fishing boat, which sank after being intercepted by the Coast Guard in the Arabian Sea in the early hours of January 1, had "suspected terror links" while dismissing the "the smugglers at sea" theory, reports The Times of In
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On January 5 Indian Government said the rogue Pakistani fishing boat, which sank after being intercepted by the Coast Guard in the Arabian Sea in the early hours of January 1, had "suspected terror links" while dismissing the "the smugglers at sea" theory, reports The Times of India. "I think they were suspected terrorists (the four persons on board the fishing vessel) as they committed suicide. A normal boat carrying drugs would have surrendered. Why would smugglers keep in touch with Pakistan maritime authorities?" said Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.Parrikarr, however, refused to "speculate" on the exact nature of the cargo on the mysterious boat. "I am not speculating that it had explosives. But their activities to my mind do not fit the description of smugglers. Circumstantial evidence points to suspected terror links," he said.
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January - 5 
The Chief Executive Officer of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), P.K. Tiwari, said during the last 24 hours, 11 relief camps have been closed down with 24,651 inmates returning home, reports The Telegraph on January 5. Now there are 140,139 inmates in 85 relief camps in Kokrajhar, C
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The Chief Executive Officer of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), P.K. Tiwari, said during the last 24 hours, 11 relief camps have been closed down with 24,651 inmates returning home, reports The Telegraph on January 5. Now there are 140,139 inmates in 85 relief camps in Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Sonitpur Districts, P.K. Tiwari, said.
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January - 5 
The Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal PP Reddy on January 5 warnedthat India should be prepared for war on both fronts, namely China and Pakistan, Zee News. He also said that a nuclear war in the subcontinent could not be ruled out. Reddy added that China was supplying weapons to Pak
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The Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal PP Reddy on January 5 warnedthat India should be prepared for war on both fronts, namely China and Pakistan, Zee News. He also said that a nuclear war in the subcontinent could not be ruled out. Reddy added that China was supplying weapons to Pakistan. "Both our neighbours are equipped with nuclear weapons. There is a possibility of rise in terrorists attacks. India has to be cautious from both the sides and should be prepared for any war," said PP Reddy.He further said, "China is building ports, providing loans and exporting arms to all our neighboring countries. However, the state of our defense doesn't allow us to compete with China.""India`s old ally in superpowers Russia is now suffering on economic front following the sanctions following Ukraine crisis and downfall in the prices of crude oil. At the same time, its relations with China are getting deeper while the US already has business interests in China," said Reddy. The alarming statement from Reddy has come at a time when heavy exchange of firing is going on between Indian troops and Pakistan rangers at the Line of Control (LoC).
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January - 5 
The Indian media reported that Secretary of State John Kerry recently sent a certification to Congress, saying that Pakistan has “prevented al Qaeda, Taliban and associated terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) from operating” from its territory.The certi
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The Indian media reported that Secretary of State John Kerry recently sent a certification to Congress, saying that Pakistan has “prevented al Qaeda, Taliban and associated terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) from operating” from its territory.The certification is a condition for the US to disburse aid to Pakistan under the Kerry-Lugar Bill for civilian assistance. The report claimed that the certification allowed the Obama administration to release USD 532 million dollars in aid to Pakistan.Later, the spokesman for the Indian Ministry for External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin said, “How the Government of the United States of America decides to spend US Tax payers money is entirely its prerogative,” adding, “India does not believe that Pakistan is showing ‘sustained commitment’ or making ‘significant effort’ or ‘ceasing support’ or dismantling ‘bases of operations’ of the Laskhar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, the Haqqani Network and quite possibly the al Qaeda.”
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January - 5 
Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on January 5 said that eight militants, including a 'commander' of a banned outfit, were killed and 15 others were detained while two camps were busted in week-long operations launched in Panjgur and Kalat Districts of the province, reported The N
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Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on January 5 said that eight militants, including a 'commander' of a banned outfit, were killed and 15 others were detained while two camps were busted in week-long operations launched in Panjgur and Kalat Districts of the province, reported The News. Search is also in progress in Zhob and its adjoining areas to trace nine people who were kidnapped by unidentified armed assailants in Zhob District. “There is zero-tolerance towards terrorism, and stern action would be taken against all R&AW and National Directorate of Security (NDS) funded armed Lashkars,” said Mir Sarfaraz Bugti.
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January - 5 
The senators belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the ANP on January 5 demanded a military operation against terrorists in Karachi, reported Dawn. The demand came when ANP’s Shahi Syed drew the Senate’s attention to what he called the continued targeted killing of his part
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The senators belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the ANP on January 5 demanded a military operation against terrorists in Karachi, reported Dawn. The demand came when ANP’s Shahi Syed drew the Senate’s attention to what he called the continued targeted killing of his party’s workers as well as Pakhtuns in the city. Supporting the ANP’s call for the military action, Nasreen Jalil of the MQM said it was her party which had been demanding an army operation against terrorists in Karachi where Taliban were strengthening their presence. The senator said she had even written a letter to the prime minister on the issue. She said that not only the Pakhtuns, but the Sindhis and Urduspeaking people were also being targeted by terrorists, adding that issues being faced by the ANP and her party were not different from each other.
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January - 5 
On January 5, speaking at an interaction program in Kathmandu, Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dip Kumar Upadhyay said that a draft constitution has to be readied by January 22, 2015 and a full-fledged constitution has to be issued by May 29, 2015, reports Nepal News. Upadhyay said, “It is not pos
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On January 5, speaking at an interaction program in Kathmandu, Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dip Kumar Upadhyay said that a draft constitution has to be readied by January 22, 2015 and a full-fledged constitution has to be issued by May 29, 2015, reports Nepal News. Upadhyay said, “It is not possible to issue a constitution on January 22. Therefore, we have to make adjustments. Parties are narrowing differences on forms of governance, electoral system and judiciary. Disputes are there only about the delineation of provincial borders. We will soon reach an understanding in this regard.”
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January - 5 
The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) on January 5 called out to people to "condemn and boycott" the visit of US President Barack Obama to India to be the chief guest at the 65th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2015, reports The Times of India. "In protest of calling him to be th
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The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) on January 5 called out to people to "condemn and boycott" the visit of US President Barack Obama to India to be the chief guest at the 65th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2015, reports The Times of India. "In protest of calling him to be the chief guest at the at the Republic Day celebrations, we call upon people to observe 26th January as a day of protest and to boycott all the meetings," a written statement issued by the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of the CPI-Maoist, dated January 5, said. Statement issued by the Maoist spokesperson Gudsa Usendi said rallies will be organized across the country with the slogan "Obama go back." Calling President Obama "the gang leader of American imperialism" the Maoist statement says "American imperialism is the number one enemy of the oppressed masses and nationalities of the world. It is the biggest terrorist and its gang leader. Obama has no moral right to touch down on our mother land," Usendi stated on behalf of his party. The Maoists also plan to distribute pamphlets, put up posters, banners, hold meetings and demonstrations and burn effigies of President Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to register their protest and in an effort to reach out to the masses in cities as well as in villages.
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January - 5 
UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda said that the chances of confrontation in the Constituent Assembly (CA) are growing as the ruling parties are preparing to move ahead bypassing them on the constitution writing course, reports Ekantipur.com. In a meeting of the 30-party alliance on Ja
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UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda said that the chances of confrontation in the Constituent Assembly (CA) are growing as the ruling parties are preparing to move ahead bypassing them on the constitution writing course, reports Ekantipur.com. In a meeting of the 30-party alliance on January 5, that he leads, Dahal said Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) Chairman KP Oli in particular wanted to promulgate the constitution by January 22 in his rush to "ascend to power". Dahal informed his allies that though there were positive indications no solid foundation had been laid for cross-party agreement on the disputes.
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January - 5 
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on January 5 announced a countrywide indefinite blockade of road, rail and waterways, reports Dhaka Tribune. She said “The programme will continue until further notice. We will set the next course of action after the situation ca
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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on January 5 announced a countrywide indefinite blockade of road, rail and waterways, reports Dhaka Tribune. She said “The programme will continue until further notice. We will set the next course of action after the situation calms down. I will ask the 20-party alliance leaders and activists to carry on with the movement until our demand is fulfilled.”The BNP wanted to observe January 5 as “Democracy Killing Day;” for the Awami League (AL), it was the “Victory Day of Democracy.” Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) banned all kinds of processions and gatherings in Dhaka city after both ruling AL and the BNP-led 20-party alliance sought permission to hold programmes on January 5.
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January - 5 
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Sri Lankan government again to ensure a peaceful election that is inclusive of minorities, reports Colombo Page on January 6. Responding to a media query on the election violence in the run-up to the election Presidential election o
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The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Sri Lankan government again to ensure a peaceful election that is inclusive of minorities, reports Colombo Page on January 6. Responding to a media query on the election violence in the run-up to the election Presidential election on January 08, Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said the Secretary-General's call to the Government to ensure that the elections are peaceful and that they're inclusive, including for minorities is much more important now on the backdrop of the election violence. "Obviously, we've seen the recent events in Sri Lanka, even those today, and I think it makes the Secretary-General's call for reconciliation, political dialogue that much more important and also his call to the Government to ensure that the elections are peaceful and that they're inclusive, including for minorities," Dujarric said. The UN Chief last month has called on Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs Prof. GL Peiris and reaffirmed the UN's continuous support for reconciliation, political dialogue and accountability as the country heads towards the election on 8 January 2015.
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January - 6 
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on January 6 stated that the objective for appointing interlocutors to hold talks with militant groups in the state was to facilitate them to come overground but not discuss their ideology or demand, reports The Telegraph.The State Government had appointed three interlocu
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Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on January 6 stated that the objective for appointing interlocutors to hold talks with militant groups in the state was to facilitate them to come overground but not discuss their ideology or demand, reports The Telegraph.The State Government had appointed three interlocutors to hold parleys with various splinter groups operating in the Garo hills region except the terrorist outfit, Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA). The three interlocutors were drawn from among church leaders in the Garo hills to hold talks with various splinter groups. The other "militant outfits", which had declared their presence in the Garo hills, include the United A'chik Liberation Army (UALA), A'chik Songna An'pachakgipa Kotok (ASAK), A'chik National Unit Force (ANUF), A'chik National Liberation Army (ANLA), A'chik Tiger Force (ATF), A'chik National Central Liberation Army (ANLCA) and A’chik Matgrik Elite Force (AMEF). Asked if the same formula is being applied to proposed parleys with the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Sangma said, "The same strategy would be followed, but since the HNLC is a banned outfit, the state has to jointly decide with the Centre."
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January - 6 
Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that around 605 students were studying in the Islamabad’s unregistered seminaries. The 27 madaris belong to the Deobandi school of thought, two to Barelvi school of thought and one is managed by the Ahle Hadith, he said. Seminaries, who
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Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that around 605 students were studying in the Islamabad’s unregistered seminaries. The 27 madaris belong to the Deobandi school of thought, two to Barelvi school of thought and one is managed by the Ahle Hadith, he said. Seminaries, whose curriculum is provided by Waqaful Madaris, are registered with Islamabad Auqaf Department.Further, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in a written reply to a question asked by Pakistan People’s Party’s Sughra Imam in the Senate on January 6 that “Some madrassah are receiving financial support from Muslim countries. However, it is often difficult to trace the transaction of such money”, reports Dawn.
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January - 6 
The Senate on January 6 approved the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015 as well as the 21st Constitutional Amendment, reportsThe News. The National Assembly had passed both the bills unopposed as 247 members voted in favour of the laws which would provide constitutional cover to special courts for
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The Senate on January 6 approved the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015 as well as the 21st Constitutional Amendment, reportsThe News. The National Assembly had passed both the bills unopposed as 247 members voted in favour of the laws which would provide constitutional cover to special courts for the trial of terrorism suspects. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a speech at the start of the Senate session thanked the Leader of Opposition in Senate Aitzaz Ahsan as well as all political parties and their leaders who were present in Senate as well as the National Assembly session in the morning. The PM congratulated all members of parliament who voted in favour of both the bills in NA and passed it unanimously.
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January - 6 
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu at a press conference held at the Secretariat in Dhaka city on January 6 warned that Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to get ready to face murder charges, reports The Independent. He said “If murder charges can be br
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Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu at a press conference held at the Secretariat in Dhaka city on January 6 warned that Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to get ready to face murder charges, reports The Independent. He said “If murder charges can be brought against the contractor responsible for the death of four-year-old Jihad, who had died after falling down a well shaft in Shahjahanpur Colony on January 26, then BNP chief Khaleda Zia should also face similar charges for orchestrating countrywide atrocities during the last three years and for instigating party activists to commit crimes in the name of movement.”
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January - 7 
Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on January 7 reiterated its readiness for talks but made it clear that it was not ready for demobilization and disarmament, reports The Shillong Times. The militant formation was reacting to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s statement that the Government wa
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Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on January 7 reiterated its readiness for talks but made it clear that it was not ready for demobilization and disarmament, reports The Shillong Times. The militant formation was reacting to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s statement that the Government was willing to talk peace with any outfit but would not discuss the ideologies of the outfit. In a statement e-mailed to media houses, the HNLC ‘publicity secretary’ Sainkupar Nongtraw said their main agenda in coming forward for peace talks was to achieve a political solution to the burning problems.“Simply surrendering without any dialogue will take us back by ten years. We do not want to end up like the surrendered cadres who along with the help of the police department were resorting to extortion and elimination of our cadres,” HNLC ‘publicity secretary’ Sainkupar Nongtraw said in the statement. Demanding equal treatment [Khasi and Garo militants], the outfit said that the Chief Minister should avoid being one-sided to prevent disunity among the people of Meghalaya. We deserve to be treated as equal as the HNLC was born out of A’chik Liberation Matgrik Army (ALMA) and Hynniewtrep A’chik Liberation Council (HALC). The A’chik [Garo homeland] and the Hynniewtrep [Khasi-Jaintia homeland] should not be divided politically but they should remain united for lasting peace in the region,” Nongtraw said.
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January - 7 
The Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu on January 7 said that a ‘special commando force’ will be created to protect trains going to Naxal-[Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)]-affected areas, reports Zee News. The commandos will be equipped to protect the passengers and counter the attack by the Naxali
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The Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu on January 7 said that a ‘special commando force’ will be created to protect trains going to Naxal-[Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)]-affected areas, reports Zee News. The commandos will be equipped to protect the passengers and counter the attack by the Naxalites.
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January - 7 
In what could be a positive step for promulgating a constitution within the deadline, Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, Chairperson of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M), has said that he would not be a hurdle for issuing a constitution on the stipulated date of January 22, 2015, r
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In what could be a positive step for promulgating a constitution within the deadline, Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, Chairperson of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M), has said that he would not be a hurdle for issuing a constitution on the stipulated date of January 22, 2015, reports Nepal News. “On moral grounds, I can’t stop a constitution on Magh 8 (January 22),” Dahal said, while talking with the Lawmakers’ Pressure Group for a Timely Constitution on January 7. “I have been playing an active role for a constitution in time. Rumours that I am obstructing the process are baseless,” Dahal said, adding that at least a draft constitution has to be released on January 22 after forging consensus of major political parties on key issues.
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January - 7 
The Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal (MJF-N) decided to put forth the common proposal of 30 political parties as its precondition for consensus, reports Ekantipur.com. A meeting of the party’s political committee on January 7, decided to seek assurance on the implementation of the past pacts signed wi
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The Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal (MJF-N) decided to put forth the common proposal of 30 political parties as its precondition for consensus, reports Ekantipur.com. A meeting of the party’s political committee on January 7, decided to seek assurance on the implementation of the past pacts signed with the Madhesi parties and the provisions pertaining to federal set-up mentioned in the interim constitution. “The MJF-N has taken the 22-point agreement signed between Nepal government and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal and the eight-point pact signed with the alliance of Madhes-centric parties and the report of state restructuring commission, along with the provisions of federalism mentioned in the interim constitution, as the bottom line,” read a statement issued by MJF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav. Expressing solidarity with the concept of federalism based on ethic-identity, Madhes province with right to self-determination, proportional inclusiveness, the MJF-N has decided to take ahead the talks regarding the constitution drafting process on the basis of common proposal of 30 political parties.
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January - 7 
On January 7, Sri Lanka's Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya said the Police are empowered to use maximum force if anyone tries anything unlawful at the polling stations during tomorrow's presidential election, reports Colombo Page. Addressing a media briefing, the Election Commissioner th
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On January 7, Sri Lanka's Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya said the Police are empowered to use maximum force if anyone tries anything unlawful at the polling stations during tomorrow's presidential election, reports Colombo Page. Addressing a media briefing, the Election Commissioner the Police had been given authority to use maximum power, even shooting a violator, if any one tries to intimidate or attempts to obstruct a voter using their right to vote. "Police could take such action if any one tries to grab ballot papers away," he said. The election chief expressed his confidence that the Presidential Election would be free and fair.
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January - 7 
On January 7, the Sri Lankan government said the United Nations (UN) recent call to the government to ensure that the elections are peaceful and inclusive, is "gratuitous and inappropriate," reports Colombo Page. Issuing a statement on January 7, the External Affairs Ministry said Sri Lanka notes wi
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On January 7, the Sri Lankan government said the United Nations (UN) recent call to the government to ensure that the elections are peaceful and inclusive, is "gratuitous and inappropriate," reports Colombo Page. Issuing a statement on January 7, the External Affairs Ministry said Sri Lanka notes with concern the recent remarks by the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General of the UN recalling the Secretary-General's call to the Government to ensure that the forthcoming Presidential elections are peaceful and inclusive. "The Spokesperson's comments are gratuitous and inappropriate," the statement said. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN chief, said the Secretary-General's call for reconciliation, political dialogue that much more important and also his call to the Government to ensure that the elections are peaceful and that they're inclusive, including for minorities. The Ministry statement pointed out that Sri Lanka has a vibrant tradition of democratic practice since 1931 and has been conducting elections at regular intervals, in a peaceful and orderly manner, while the electorate has continued to cast their vote freely, in large numbers. "In keeping with this decades-old tradition, the Presidential election of 2015 too is being held in a peaceful and orderly manner. The inclusiveness of the elections is guaranteed for all Sri Lankans and all minorities are equally facilitated to actively participate in the election process and exercise their franchise," the government said.
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January - 8 
India will continue to engage with France on bilateral and multilateral levels to tackle terrorism, Syed Akbaruddin, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said at a press on January 8, reports The Hindu. In response to a question on the shootings in Paris (France), Akbaruddin said,
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India will continue to engage with France on bilateral and multilateral levels to tackle terrorism, Syed Akbaruddin, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said at a press on January 8, reports The Hindu. In response to a question on the shootings in Paris (France), Akbaruddin said, “India is shocked like the rest of the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already condemned this attack as a dastardly act. Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has written to her French counterpart [to express solidarity]. We intend to continue to work with France bilaterally and multilaterally to tackle issues of terrorism.”
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January - 8 
On January 08, Madhesi parties snubbed cross-party meeting seeking apology from CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli saying that his remarks on federalism had hurt their sentiment, reports Ekantipur.com. “We boycotted the meeting as Oli has not furnished his apology,” said Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajend
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On January 08, Madhesi parties snubbed cross-party meeting seeking apology from CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli saying that his remarks on federalism had hurt their sentiment, reports Ekantipur.com. “We boycotted the meeting as Oli has not furnished his apology,” said Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato, who had a heated exchange with Oli when the latter remarked that every plain land cannot be part of Madhes. Madhesi leaders had walked out of the meeting after Oli opposed their call to split Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kailali and Kanchanpur Districts while federating the country. A meeting of the Madhesi Morcha had decided not to sit with CPN-UML for talks until it apologised for Oli’s “humiliating” remarks. Oli, however, said he would not apologise at any cost. “I was presenting my views decently but they abruptly walked out of the meeting,” Oli said after a three-party meeting in Baluwatar, Kathmandu on January 8. “Convey my message that KP Oli won’t apologise as long as he’s alive.”
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January - 9 
In a bid to fight the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) menace, tribal people will be recruited directly to the Police force, Kerala home minister Ramesh Chennithala said on January 9, reports The Times of India. Talking to reporters after a meeting with senior police officers in north Ke
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In a bid to fight the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) menace, tribal people will be recruited directly to the Police force, Kerala home minister Ramesh Chennithala said on January 9, reports The Times of India. Talking to reporters after a meeting with senior police officers in north Kerala, the minister said the decision to recruit adivasis (tribals) directly - for the first time - was taken after considering the suggestions of tribal organizations. "As many as 200 tribals will be recruited as constables in the first phase," Chennithala said. The minister said the Police would be entrusted with overseeing the implementation of development projects in tribal areas. District Police chiefs will hold consultations with District collectors to address issues affecting such areas. "Those helping Maoists directly or indirectly will be closely monitored. Strong action will be initiated against them if there is credible evidence," Chennithala said. Urging the media not to glorify Maoists, he said a meeting of news editors would be held soon. He added that the state would provide protection to cops involved in anti-Maoist operations. Meanwhile, in view of increasing extremist threats in the State, the city Police have decided to create a visual database of possible suspects by recording public events and demonstrations held in Kochi using video and still cameras, reports The Times of India. The intelligence wing of the Police department is reportedly updating the database of suspected activists using video footages and photos following an increase in extremist activism.
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January - 9 
The Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rasheed on January 9 called for greater mobilisation among the countrymen to flush menace of terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, reports Daily Times. A seminar organised by South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA)
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The Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rasheed on January 9 called for greater mobilisation among the countrymen to flush menace of terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, reports Daily Times. A seminar organised by South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) entitled “will Pakistan change”, saw the participation of Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid as the chief guest and other lawmakers including Senator Farhatullah Babar, Senator Hasil Bazinjo and members of civil society. The seminar stressed the need to draw lessons from Peshawar tragedy and create national unity against all forms of the terrorism.
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January - 9 
Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a press release on January 9 (today) said that the Government should immediately end use of excessive force, stop arbitrary arrests of members of opposition parties and lift restrictions on the media, reports The Daily Star. Brad Adams, Asia director at HRW said “The Gove
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a press release on January 9 (today) said that the Government should immediately end use of excessive force, stop arbitrary arrests of members of opposition parties and lift restrictions on the media, reports The Daily Star. Brad Adams, Asia director at HRW said “The Government’s indiscriminate use of force, arbitrary arrests, and censorship will only inflame an already tense situation. Authorities have an obligation to protect the public, but need to do it in a way that doesn’t throw human rights and the rule of law out the window.”
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January - 10 
Lieutenant General Subrata Saha, General officer commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps said that Indian troops have been ordered not to react to cross-border shelling or firing immediately but wait for targets to show, reports Times of India on January 10 (today). He said "After all, we h
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Lieutenant General Subrata Saha, General officer commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps said that Indian troops have been ordered not to react to cross-border shelling or firing immediately but wait for targets to show, reports Times of India on January 10 (today). He said "After all, we have no plans to fight a war so it's no use aimlessly shelling or firing across the Line of Control (LoC). The troops simply stay put while the firing continues and then maintain strict vigil through night-vision equipment if necessary. Whenever a target presents itself, it is neutralized. This has yielded good results. After all, it's better to strike where it hurts."
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January - 10 
The Pentagon said on January 10 that the “sanctuary” that some of the militant groups enjoy in Pakistan has long been an issue of concern, reports Daily Times. Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said that it was for Pakistan to continue the fight against terrorism in its own interest,
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The Pentagon said on January 10 that the “sanctuary” that some of the militant groups enjoy in Pakistan has long been an issue of concern, reports Daily Times. Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said that it was for Pakistan to continue the fight against terrorism in its own interest, and noted that like the Paris victims, Pakistanis have been victims of terror. “It’s not about us putting pressure on the Pakistani government. It’s about the Pakistani government continuing to address this threat in keeping with their best interests and the interests of their people,” Kirby replied, when a journalist suggested that Washington pressurise Pakistan into doing more.
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January - 11 
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on January 11 said the terrorist activities and sniper attacks carried out by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies in the name of blockade will be dealt with an iron hand, reports The Independent. He said “These (sniper attacks and killings) won’t yield an
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Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on January 11 said the terrorist activities and sniper attacks carried out by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies in the name of blockade will be dealt with an iron hand, reports The Independent. He said “These (sniper attacks and killings) won’t yield any benefit. The Government will tackle such secret killings and terrorist acts with an iron hand after Biswa Ijtema.” Meanwhile, BNP's chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on January 11 called upon the leaders and activists of her party to press ahead with their peaceful movement until the demand for an inclusive election under a non-partisan Government is realized, reports The Independent.
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January - 12 
Building on recent accusatory statements by Government representatives, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on January 12 claimed that India was helping terrorist groups in Pakistan to carry out "heinous acts", reports Dawn. In an interview on Dawn’s programme News Eye, the Minister alleged that I
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Building on recent accusatory statements by Government representatives, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on January 12 claimed that India was helping terrorist groups in Pakistan to carry out "heinous acts", reports Dawn. In an interview on Dawn’s programme News Eye, the Minister alleged that India "has designs on Pakistan". “The Taliban have links with India. Also, India’s involvement in the insurgency in Balochistan cannot be ignored,” he said. When asked to provide evidence for his claim, the Minister dodged the question and proceeded to claim that a low intensity war was underway. He stated that his allegations were based as much on conviction as on experience.
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January - 13 
Maharashtra Government is giving a big push to infrastructure development in Naxal-[Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)]-affected districts and will also provide additional benefits to civil contractors and employees working there, reports Zee News on January 14. The State Government has lined up INR 3,942 b
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Maharashtra Government is giving a big push to infrastructure development in Naxal-[Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)]-affected districts and will also provide additional benefits to civil contractors and employees working there, reports Zee News on January 14. The State Government has lined up INR 3,942 billion worth of projects in the LWE affected areas to improve connectivity. "We cannot think of welfare of adivasis without developing Naxal-affected districts like Gadchiroli. Unless we develop these regions, people living there will not get respite from the Naxal menace," Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Chandrakant Patil said. "To ensure development, 139 schemes will be undertaken by the Government in Phase 2 of RRP (Road Requirement Plan (RRP). These include 2,352 km of roads, 128 new small and 50 big bridges. The entire project will be executed at a cost of Rs 3,942 crore," he said. Under Phase 1 of RRP, 43 schemes had been sanctioned - at a total cost of INR 940 billion - which included 450 km of road development, two big bridges over rivers Godavari and Indravati. Of these, 34 have been completed, he said.
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January - 13 
On January 13, the Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag said that Pakistan is continuing to support “proxy war” in Jammu and Kashmir, reports Daily Excelsior. “Pakistan is supporting proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir despite suffering casualties within their country. Threats and challenges have been g
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On January 13, the Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag said that Pakistan is continuing to support “proxy war” in Jammu and Kashmir, reports Daily Excelsior. “Pakistan is supporting proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir despite suffering casualties within their country. Threats and challenges have been growing, both in intensity as well as commitment, because of active borders that we have.” Talking about the recent attacks against the Army in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “The recent strikes by the terrorists not only reflect their desperation but are also a grim reminder that the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan is intact.” Talking about the rise in ceasefire violations, he said that the action has slowly moved to the International Border and not the Line of Control (LoC). “That is probably, likely to be because of our counter infiltration grid is stronger on LoC,” he said, adding that measures like ‘obstacle systems’ are making it difficult for the terrorists to infiltrate. The Army chief added that his force has a good tier system of counter infiltration grid. He admitted that there are areas, like open drains and streams that are susceptible to infiltration attempts at the International Border. Talking about the situation in Afghanistan, Singh said, “… But definitely, the draw-down is likely to have its own effect. That cannot be ruled out. And we have to be prepared for it. Terrorist network can extend from Afghanistan to our side and J&K is one area where the effect could be felt. We are aware of this possibility and because of this we are keeping a careful watch.” Asked about the perception that Army commanders are not being given a free hand in operations, Singh said, “The commanders have a free hand to operate. I have given full freedom as far as operation is concerned. On the LoC, they have a free hand to retaliate to Pakistan firing in a manner that they feel is appropriate.” However, he underlined that the Army has a “zero-tolerance” approach to human rights violations. The Army chief pointed out that 2014 saw the highest number of terrorists being neutralised in the State during recent years and put the figure at 110, out of which 104 were killed by the force. In 2013, 65 terrorists were killed. Singh said the high figure showed the effectiveness of the counter insurgency grid that the Army has set up in the State.
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January - 14 
Kerala Congress (M) leader and Government Chief Whip PC George while speaking to media persons in Thrissur District on January 14 said that the State Government should end its Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) hunt, reports The Hindu. He said that the Maoists should be confronted ideologi
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Kerala Congress (M) leader and Government Chief Whip PC George while speaking to media persons in Thrissur District on January 14 said that the State Government should end its Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) hunt, reports The Hindu. He said that the Maoists should be confronted ideologically. “Through talks, they should be weaned away from extremism. There is no need to spend crores of rupees for containing 10 or 20 Maoists. Maoists strive for welfare of tribal people and fight the blade mafia. Successive governments have done little for the welfare of the tribal people,” he added.
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January - 14 
The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on January 14 that the number of proscribed organisations actively engaged in terrorism and extremism in Punjab alone had reached 95, reports Dawn. During the briefing on the status of implementation of the National Action Plan to counter
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The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on January 14 that the number of proscribed organisations actively engaged in terrorism and extremism in Punjab alone had reached 95, reports Dawn. During the briefing on the status of implementation of the National Action Plan to counter terrorism and extremism, Chaudhry Nisar said that law-enforcement agencies were proactively monitoring madrassah to check the spread of terrorist ideology in the country. While an official statement released after the meeting did not include the names of the banned organisations in question, the new number was substantially greater than the total number of organisations listed as banned in the national security policy document the Government put out in early 2014.
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January - 15 
Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag on the occasion of 67th Army Day on January 15 said that the fragile peace in Jammu and Kashmir was achieved at a great cost, together we need to build on our gains, reports Daily Excelsior. Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, the Army Chief said that the security s
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Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag on the occasion of 67th Army Day on January 15 said that the fragile peace in Jammu and Kashmir was achieved at a great cost, together we need to build on our gains, reports Daily Excelsior. Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, the Army Chief said that the security situation there, though stable, requires consolidation. He further said that the handsome voter turnout in the just-concluded election in the State, the highest ever for Assembly elections, reflects the trust of the people in the security system.
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January - 15 
General Officer Commanding (GOC), 16 Corps, Lieutenant General Konsam Himalay Singh on January 15 said that 200 heavily-armed militants were waiting in 36 launching pads across the Line of Control (LoC) on the other side of Pir Panjal range, reports Daily Excelsior. He said that Pakistan-based milit
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General Officer Commanding (GOC), 16 Corps, Lieutenant General Konsam Himalay Singh on January 15 said that 200 heavily-armed militants were waiting in 36 launching pads across the Line of Control (LoC) on the other side of Pir Panjal range, reports Daily Excelsior. He said that Pakistan-based militants will try to sneak into India and attack soft targets in Jammu and Kashmir like schools, religious places and civilian areas ahead of US President Barack Obama’s three-day visit to the country on January 25. Times of India adds that Singh said 44 terrorist training camps were functional across the border in Pakistan administered Kashmir and added 15 unsuccessful infiltration bids were made in 2014. "There are 200 militants active at 36 launching pads... there are 37 militants in the hinterland and in total -- including those who are living as common men -- the number is 80.''
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January - 15 
India is "well-prepared" to thwart any possible terror strike on "soft targets" in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere with the intention to create trouble ahead of US President Barack Obama's January 24-26 visit, said Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on January 15, reports Times of India. "They (terro
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India is "well-prepared" to thwart any possible terror strike on "soft targets" in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere with the intention to create trouble ahead of US President Barack Obama's January 24-26 visit, said Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on January 15, reports Times of India. "They (terrorist) may try to do something to create news. But we are well-prepared," said Parrikar. Parrikar also ruled out any resumption of the bilateral composite dialogue process with Pakistan till it actually takes concrete action against anti-India terror outfits operating from its soil. "Let things cool down at the borders also. If things are quiet now, it's not because of Pakistan Army. It's because we reacted in a certain way when they fired first," he said, asked about media reports that Pakistan plans to ban 10 terror outfits, including 26/11 mastermind Hafeez Saeed-led Jammat-ud-Dawa.
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January - 15 
Indicating a tough stance of the newly-installed government in Jharkhand when it comes to tackling LWE, Chief Secretary Sajal Chakarabarty said that the fight against LWE is like war and promised to end all LWE activities in three months’ time, reports The Indian Express. He was speaking at a press
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Indicating a tough stance of the newly-installed government in Jharkhand when it comes to tackling LWE, Chief Secretary Sajal Chakarabarty said that the fight against LWE is like war and promised to end all LWE activities in three months’ time, reports The Indian Express. He was speaking at a press conference organised at the Police Headquarters in Ranchi. He said “There is no time to surrender now. That train has left the station. If you want to get in, run and try.” “In three months, there will be no active Naxal activity here. For me, the best Naxalite is a dead Naxalite,” he added.
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January - 15 
Chief of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), Sardar Akhtar Mengal on January 15 said that extremism was being promoted in Baloch society to weaken Baloch nationalists, reported Dawn. "Extremists are penetrating in a tolerant Baloch society," Mengal said. He said new shadowy extremist organisa
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Chief of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), Sardar Akhtar Mengal on January 15 said that extremism was being promoted in Baloch society to weaken Baloch nationalists, reported Dawn. "Extremists are penetrating in a tolerant Baloch society," Mengal said. He said new shadowy extremist organisations were surfacing in the Province to undermine the Baloch political and democratic movement. He rejected claims of the nationalists-led Government that the law and order situation has improved in Balochistan. Mengal stated that in the Chief Minister's own constituency, mutilated bodies were being found. The former Chief Minister lamented that 'mass graves' were still being recovered in Balochistan. He stated that the trust deficit between the Government and political forces needs to be bridged to make dialogue a success. Mengal lashed out at both Baloch and Pashtoon nationalist parties running the Government in Balochistan. "They made compromises and forgot the masses," he added.
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January - 15 
The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Raheel Sharif said on January 15 the military courts had been established with the consent of the people of Pakistan, reports The News. The General said Pakistan was in a state of war, and the government and the armed forces were determined to wipe out the terr
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The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Raheel Sharif said on January 15 the military courts had been established with the consent of the people of Pakistan, reports The News. The General said Pakistan was in a state of war, and the government and the armed forces were determined to wipe out the terrorists as the recent [APS] incident had shown the extent to which they (the terrorists) could go. General Raheel was confident that Pakistan would overcome its problems soon.
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January - 15 
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) country representative, Maya Ameratunga on January 15 said that her organisation would not support Afghan refugees found involved in terror activities in Pakistan, reports Dawn. She said that the UN Refugee Agency was aware of security challe
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) country representative, Maya Ameratunga on January 15 said that her organisation would not support Afghan refugees found involved in terror activities in Pakistan, reports Dawn. She said that the UN Refugee Agency was aware of security challenges in Pakistan and supported measures being taking by the Government to improve law and order. She said some Afghan refugees, both registered and illegal, had been taken into custody by Pakistan’s law-enforcement agencies for their alleged involvement in terror activities. The UNHCR, she added, would provide legal assistance only to registered Afghan refugees. She said the UN Refugee Agency has been providing assistance to Afghan refugees for their voluntary repatriation to their home country. She called upon the Pakistan Government not to use force for the repatriation of Afghans. The forced evacuation of refugees would affect a large number of Afghan families as security situation in Afghanistan was still not conducive, she added. She said efforts to improve security situation in Afghanistan were continued so that repatriation process of Afghan refugees from neighbouring countries could be carried out in a smooth way. She said the UNHCR kept a continuous vigil at the activities of Afghan refugees and would inform Pakistani authorities if anyone of them is found involved in suspicious activities.
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January - 15 
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim at a meeting of Awami League (AL)-led 14-party alliance held in Dhaka city on January 15 said that the AL-led 14-party alliance will not hold talks with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 20-party alliance and announced that the country’s loc
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Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim at a meeting of Awami League (AL)-led 14-party alliance held in Dhaka city on January 15 said that the AL-led 14-party alliance will not hold talks with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 20-party alliance and announced that the country’s local administrations would help the 14-party alliance to form “Anti-Subversive Acts Committees” in every District, reports Dhaka Tribune. Nasim said “The BNP- Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) alliance is continuing to kill people in attacks using petrol bombs and setting fire to transportation vehicles all over the country in accordance with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s instructions. The AL-led 14-party alliance will not hold any dialogue with those who kill innocent people, especially women and children in the name of their movement”. Nasim further said “AL-led 14-party alliance ‘Anti-Subversive Acts Committees’ will be set up in every ward and locality in the country to detain and hand over anybody involved in acts of violence or sabotage to law enforcement agencies.”
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January - 16 
A senior official on January 16 said that a Pakistan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) conducted recce along the Indo-Pakistan Border in three bordering Districts of Jammu region, reports Daily Excelsior. The senior official said “A Pakistan UAV was noticed last evening (January 15) along the border in
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A senior official on January 16 said that a Pakistan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) conducted recce along the Indo-Pakistan Border in three bordering Districts of Jammu region, reports Daily Excelsior. The senior official said “A Pakistan UAV was noticed last evening (January 15) along the border in Kathua, Samba and Jammu belts.” He further said that the UAV was also noticed flying on the bordering belts along the International Border (IB) by the locals and some of the Border Security Force (BSF) troops. Though the UAV was flying 200 meters away from the IB but still covered Kathua, Samba, R S Pura and Akhnoor areas.
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January - 16 
Addressing the 21st meeting of Eastern Zonal Council (EZC) in Patna, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on January 16 said, “The Maoist [Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)] problem is the biggest internal security problem the country is facing today and to challenge this menace there should
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Addressing the 21st meeting of Eastern Zonal Council (EZC) in Patna, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on January 16 said, “The Maoist [Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)] problem is the biggest internal security problem the country is facing today and to challenge this menace there should be better coordination between the Centre and the State governments,” reports The Hindu. “I want to request the State governments grappling with the Maoists problem to post officers such as DMs and SPs in the Maoist-infested areas,” he said at the meeting attended by Chief Ministers of Bihar and Jharkhand and representatives of West Bengal and Odisha. Singh assured the four State governments, who are members of the EZC, that the Centre would prove all help.
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January - 16 
Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), General Raheel Sharif while speaking at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) in London on January 16 said that National Action Plan (NAP) was a comprehensive long term strategy to address extremism, terrorism in the country with the Government doing bes
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Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), General Raheel Sharif while speaking at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) in London on January 16 said that National Action Plan (NAP) was a comprehensive long term strategy to address extremism, terrorism in the country with the Government doing best for its implementation, adding that the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists in North Waziristan Agency of federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) was making good progress and there were no favourites among terrorists as all terrorists of any kind were being hit in the operation, reports Daily Times. General Sharif further said that the relations with Afghanistan were improving, adding, “We are working for stability in the region”. He said that longstanding Kashmir issue has to be resolved for long term peace, stability in South Asia, Pakistan wants peace, but with dignity and honour. He urged that negotiations between the two countries over Kashmir must be made on an equal basis. He said that the World needs to understand our environment. Our cooperation with United Kingdom (UK) in security, social sector is growing. About return of Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) from NWA, he said the world should help in dignified resettlement of TDPs.
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January - 16 
Director General (DG) Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa while addressing a think-tank of the Royal United Services Institute (USI) in United Kingdom (UK) on January 16 said that Security Forces have killed 2,000 militants in North Waziristan Agency of Federally A
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Director General (DG) Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa while addressing a think-tank of the Royal United Services Institute (USI) in United Kingdom (UK) on January 16 said that Security Forces have killed 2,000 militants in North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb, reports The Express Tribune. He also said that 200 soldiers had been killed during the operation, and 800 others had sustained injuries. He reiterated the army’s resolve to ensure writ of the state in Bajaur and North Waziristan Agencies at all costs by wiping out militants. The DG ISPR said that effective military operations are under way to purge the areas of terrorists.
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January - 16 
Jama'at-e-Islami (JI) Chief Sirajul Haq while addressing a rally on Multan Road on January 16 warned that the anti-Islam policies of the west could plunge the world into the third world war, reports The News. He said that the respect of the Holy Prophet was an essential part of a Muslim’s faith. Tho
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Jama'at-e-Islami (JI) Chief Sirajul Haq while addressing a rally on Multan Road on January 16 warned that the anti-Islam policies of the west could plunge the world into the third world war, reports The News. He said that the respect of the Holy Prophet was an essential part of a Muslim’s faith. Thousand of faithful across the country came on roads to express their anguish over the fresh publication of blasphemous caricatures by a French Weekly and vowed to render every sacrifice to safeguard the sanctity of the Holy Prophet. The call for the protest had been given by Haq. He announced million marches in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi on January 23, 205, in continuation of the protest. He also stressed upon Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to call for an emergency meeting of the Muslim rulers to lodge protest with the French Government on this score and to stress upon the United Nations to frame laws ensuring respect for all the Prophets of Allah and all the revealed books.
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January - 16 
Pakistan cannot ban the Jama'at-ud-Dawa (JuD) led by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed because it is a charitable and not terrorist organisation, said Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on January 16, reports Hindustan Times. Hussain’s comments came a day after some media channels q
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Pakistan cannot ban the Jama'at-ud-Dawa (JuD) led by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed because it is a charitable and not terrorist organisation, said Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on January 16, reports Hindustan Times. Hussain’s comments came a day after some media channels quoted unnamed Pakistani Interior Ministry sources as saying the Government was likely to outlaw several terrorist groups, including the JuD and the Haqqani Network. “We are looking to ban terror organisations but the JuD is a charitable organisation and the Government of Pakistan has no evidence against Hafiz Saeed or the JuD,” Hussain said. Hussain drew a distinction between the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) – banned as a terrorist organisation by Pakistan, India and the United States among other countries – and the JuD. Both India and the US say the LeT resurfaced as JuD after the ban. “Lashkar is banned in Pakistan and we have not found any linkages between JuD and LeT,’’ Hussain said, adding Saeed had the right to address rallies as he was “not involved in any terrorist activity”. He further said, “India or the US should give us evidence and we will consider it. The JuD does not have a military wing and they are only involved in preaching Islam and working in the education field.” Hussain said he also supported the JuD chief’s call for liberating Kashmir. “Even I refer to Kashmir as our atoot ang (inalienable part). Tomorrow you will ask for a ban against me and against all Pakistanis who support the freedom struggle in Kashmir,” the Minister said.
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January - 16 
Referring to Islamabad and Afghan Security Forces' expected launch of coordinated operation against terrorists in their respective border regions, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on January 16 said, “The Afghan Government has given its consent for launching a coordinated opera
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Referring to Islamabad and Afghan Security Forces' expected launch of coordinated operation against terrorists in their respective border regions, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on January 16 said, “The Afghan Government has given its consent for launching a coordinated operation against terrorists,” reports The Express Tribune. Sherpao said the new Afghan Government was not only willing to cooperate in the war against terrorism but was also ready to enhance bilateral cooperation in other fields. The QWP chief also said that the new Afghan leadership desired close security cooperation with Pakistan in order to expedite action against terrorists and launch a coordinated offensive to wipe out terrorism from the region. “Apart from a detailed meeting with President Ghani, we also met Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah and other Afghan leaders. Our discussions were focused on how to enhance bilateral cooperation between our two countries,” said Sherpao. Since Pakistan has assured Kabul that it would not allow anyone to use its soil against Afghanistan, Sherpao said the Afghan leadership also expressed its desire to resolve all issues with Pakistan through mutual understanding. They want to normalise relations bedeviled by distrust and embark on a new journey of mutual friendship, he added.
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January - 16 
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan on January 16 said that there has been 60 to 70 percent reduction in extortion and kidnapping-for-ransom cases and target killing incidents have reduced in Karachi, reports Daily Times. Khan said that after the Abbas Town blast in March 2, 2013, we focused on eli
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Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan on January 16 said that there has been 60 to 70 percent reduction in extortion and kidnapping-for-ransom cases and target killing incidents have reduced in Karachi, reports Daily Times. Khan said that after the Abbas Town blast in March 2, 2013, we focused on elimination of four heinous crimes with all available resources which include terrorism, extortions, target killings and kidnapping-for-ransom and we got success and today there is clear reduction in these crimes in the city.
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January - 16 
Self-proclaimed “real Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader” Kamrul Hasan Nasim at a press conference at Westin Hotel in Dhaka city on January 16 issued an ultimatum for Begum Khaleda Zia to step down as BNP chairperson and dissolve all committees by February 2, reports Dhaka Tribune. Issuing a
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Self-proclaimed “real Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader” Kamrul Hasan Nasim at a press conference at Westin Hotel in Dhaka city on January 16 issued an ultimatum for Begum Khaleda Zia to step down as BNP chairperson and dissolve all committees by February 2, reports Dhaka Tribune. Issuing a note of warning, Nasim, spokesperson of Sahed Obayed’s Gorbo Bangladesh said “We will lay a siege to Khaleda Zia’s residence with 1700 leaders to force her to resign and an initiative will be taken to revamp Zia’s BNP.” Alleging that the present leadership of BNP is pushing the party into resorting to destructive and militant activities, he said “I am the only spokesperson of the BNP. This is real BNP. I am the doctor and I am here to make the party healthy at its crisis moment.”
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January - 18 
The commander of The Resolute Support, the new mission of United States (US) and NATO forces in Afghanistan, General John Campbell on January 18 warned that the Islamic State (IS) is making recruitment in Afghanistan and Pakistan, reports Dawn. “We are seeing reports of some recruiting,” said Genera
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The commander of The Resolute Support, the new mission of United States (US) and NATO forces in Afghanistan, General John Campbell on January 18 warned that the Islamic State (IS) is making recruitment in Afghanistan and Pakistan, reports Dawn. “We are seeing reports of some recruiting,” said General Campbell, adding, “There have been some night letter drops, there have been reports of people trying to recruit both in Afghanistan and Pakistan, quite frankly.” General Campbell said the IS group, which had a “hard message to sell” in Afghanistan, but there were concerns that the group had the potential to spread its message in the country and in neighbouring Pakistan. “The Taliban have their allegiance to Mullah Omar and a different philosophy and ideology than ISIS, but, potentially, there are people who are disgruntled with the Taliban, they haven’t seen [Taliban 'commander'] Mullah Omar in years, or they want to go a different way,” he said. Those disgruntled with the Taliban leadership could be “vulnerable to the ISIS message, and so we’re looking at it very hard”, he said, adding that the US and Afghan authorities had so far seen “only bits and pieces” of this group in Afghanistan. “We’re doing deep dives into it to make sure we’re seeing everything. I’ve made it a priority intelligence requirement for my staff, but I have not seen a whole bunch of it yet, to tell you the truth,” Campbell added.
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January - 19 
All big operations in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) ¬hit states, which require large-scale mobilisation of Security Forces (SFs), will be cleared after approvals from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) headquarters, reports The Economic Times. CRPF Director General (DG) Prakash Mishra has taken the
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All big operations in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) ¬hit states, which require large-scale mobilisation of Security Forces (SFs), will be cleared after approvals from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) headquarters, reports The Economic Times. CRPF Director General (DG) Prakash Mishra has taken the decision to monitor first hand important SFs offensives in the LWE grid after he recently toured some of the worst Maoist violence affected states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. "The large operations will be okayed by the headquarters here. I, including my operations team, will be involved with the ground operations during the planning and execution stages," said DG Mishra. When asked if this "vetting" from the headquarters would lead to some crucial time¬loss in launching operations, the DG said that with the advent of modern gadgets and tools, all such exercises can be followed on a virtually real¬time basis.
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January - 19 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the inaugural session of Balochistan Development Forum organised by the Balochistan Chief Minister’s Policy Reform Unit (CMPRU) in Islamabad on January 19 said that the Government will cleanse Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administere
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the inaugural session of Balochistan Development Forum organised by the Balochistan Chief Minister’s Policy Reform Unit (CMPRU) in Islamabad on January 19 said that the Government will cleanse Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of terrorists, reports Daily Times. "We will leave no stone unturned, to make sure that all areas of Pakistan, particularly Fata, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are cleansed of all kinds of terrorists, militants and violent extremists," he said, adds Dawn. Further he said owing to neglect in the past, Balochistan lagged behind in socioeconomic development and stressed that both Federal and Provincial Governments were now taking measures to ensure growth and peaceful environment in the Province, reports Daily Times. He said that the development of Balochistan was close to his heart, and despite constraints, the Federal Government provided substantial resources to supplement the efforts of the Provincial Government to address the needs of its people. He promised that Balochistan, which is becoming Pakistan's regional hub for trade in good and energy, will be the main beneficiary under the China-Pakistan economic corridor. "These initiatives, we hope, will bring about a socio-economic revolution for the people of Balochistan," said PM Sharif. Meanwhile, the political leaders and experts at the forum were unanimous in seeking autonomy for Balochistan and ownership over resources of the Province, adds The Express Tribune. Speaker Balochistan Assembly Jan Jamali urged Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch to assert Provincial autonomy under the 18th Amendment to push the agenda for inclusive development of the Province and its inhabitant.
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January - 20 
Pakistan on January 20 denied reports that the United Kingdom (UK) and Washington had asked it to handover Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) 'operations commander' and 2008 Mumbai terror attack (also known as 26/11) accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi to India or to them for his "independent trial" to help improve tie
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Pakistan on January 20 denied reports that the United Kingdom (UK) and Washington had asked it to handover Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) 'operations commander' and 2008 Mumbai terror attack (also known as 26/11) accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi to India or to them for his "independent trial" to help improve ties with New Delhi, reports The Times of India. "No one has asked or sent any formal request to the (Pakistan) Government to handover the person (Lakhvi) to India or any other country," Pakistan's foreign office spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam said. Federal Investigation Agency's prosecution chief Chaudhry Azhar had informed the Islamabad High Court on that two countries, whose citizens were killed in the Mumbai attacks, had asked Pakistan to hand over Lakhvi.
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January - 20 
Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina Wajed on January 20 told the Parliament that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would have to stand for trial as a "killer" for killing innocent people in the name of movement, reports The Independent. She said "Begum
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Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina Wajed on January 20 told the Parliament that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would have to stand for trial as a "killer" for killing innocent people in the name of movement, reports The Independent. She said "Begum Zia's trial would be held by treating her as a "killer" since her movement is not for any national issue or public welfare, rather she is trying to save war criminals and herself from the graft cases and protect her spoilt son involved in killing, money laundering and corruption."
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January - 21 
Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on January 21 said that by cancelling dialogues, India has given rise to uncertainty and the threats from the Indian leadership points to a dangerous desire for war, reports The News. He said that firing and shelling from across the Line of Co
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Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on January 21 said that by cancelling dialogues, India has given rise to uncertainty and the threats from the Indian leadership points to a dangerous desire for war, reports The News. He said that firing and shelling from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary without provocation and efforts made by India to change the status of Kashmir all by themselves would further complicate an already volatile situation. He said that Pakistan was willing to continue enduring, unconditional and fruitful negotiations with India but they were the ones to cancel the secretary level talks and now they will have to make the first move to revive the dialogue.
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January - 21 
Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjeev Marik on January 21 said Border Security Force (BSF) troopers engaged in Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)¬prone areas in the State will be redeployed keeping in view the intelligence inputs, reports The Economic Times. “We took stock of t
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Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjeev Marik on January 21 said Border Security Force (BSF) troopers engaged in Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)¬prone areas in the State will be redeployed keeping in view the intelligence inputs, reports The Economic Times. “We took stock of the Maoist situation in the State and discussed the redeployment of the BSF personnel so as to make all possible use of the central forces”, he said. "We have decided to withdraw the BSF from places where Maoist activities have scaled down and redeploy them in places where there has been a spurt in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)," Marik said after a meeting of the State Police and the BSF.
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January - 21 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while chairing a meeting on reviewing progress of National Plan of Action (NAP) on January 21 said that the nation has to succeed in the war of terror at any cost, as there is no margin of error, reports Daily Times. He directed the Law Enforcement Agencies’ chiefs to imp
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while chairing a meeting on reviewing progress of National Plan of Action (NAP) on January 21 said that the nation has to succeed in the war of terror at any cost, as there is no margin of error, reports Daily Times. He directed the Law Enforcement Agencies’ chiefs to improve mutual coordination in their ongoing counterterrorism drive in line with the NAP. The PM has also observed that steps are being taken for the effective implementation of NAP for complete elimination of terrorism. The high profile meeting reviewed security situation in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Balochistan. The Prime Minister said capacity building of all LEAs was the Government’s priority and stressed that transfers and postings in Police should be merit-based. He expressed satisfaction over the progress of the operation and said the LEAs were achieving the intended objectives at the desired pace. The meeting noted with appreciation the successful anti-terror operation in country on a tip-off by national intelligence agencies. He said implementation of NAP was the key to eradicate terrorism from the country. “We will do everything to achieve this objective even if this involves special allocation of funds,” he said.
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January - 21 
The United States (US) Government on January 21 said that it did not have confirmation on Pakistan banning the Haqqani Network or the Jama'at-ud-Dawa (JuD), reports The Express Tribune. “We recognise that Pakistan is working through the process of implementing measures to thwart violent extremism, i
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The United States (US) Government on January 21 said that it did not have confirmation on Pakistan banning the Haqqani Network or the Jama'at-ud-Dawa (JuD), reports The Express Tribune. “We recognise that Pakistan is working through the process of implementing measures to thwart violent extremism, including the National Action Plan. We don’t have any confirmation of specific steps,” said State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki. “The Pakistani Government has made clear in both private conversations and public statements that it is in Pakistan’s own interest to take steps against all militant groups in Pakistan, and explicitly to not differentiate between such group,” Psaki said, adding, “We support this commitment and believe that it is fundamental to addressing terrorism and ensuring attacks such as the horrific one that happened just weeks ago that impacted the Peshawar school children never occur again.” Meanwhile, the Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said the country had taken the decision under the United Nations (UN) obligation as opposed to being under pressure from elsewhere. “Pakistan took this decision under the UN obligation and not under pressure from any other quarter including John Kerry (US Secretary of State),” Aslam clarified.
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January - 22 
The White House on January 22 described the US-Pakistan relationship as “incredibly important” to shared security and emphasized that United States’ relations with Pakistan and India are not at expense of the other, reports Daily Times. “We don’t view these relationships as taking place at the expen
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The White House on January 22 described the US-Pakistan relationship as “incredibly important” to shared security and emphasized that United States’ relations with Pakistan and India are not at expense of the other, reports Daily Times. “We don’t view these relationships as taking place at the expense of the other, that we can have a good relationship with India and we can have a good relationship with Pakistan,” Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor said. He was underscoring Washington’s commitment to having close ties with both the South Asian neighbors while speaking ahead of President Barrack Obama’s January 26 visit on the occasion of Indian Republic Day. “Obviously the US-Pakistan relationship is incredibly important to our shared security,” Rhodes remarked, adding the US president could not visit Pakistan in 2011 due to significant bilateral tensions that year.
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January - 22 
Senior Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) leader Baburam Bhattarai has apologised to the people for failing to deliver the new constitution on time as promised, reports Ekantipur.com. “As per the commitment to promulgate the new constitution, I take the responsibility on my part and ap
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Senior Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) leader Baburam Bhattarai has apologised to the people for failing to deliver the new constitution on time as promised, reports Ekantipur.com. “As per the commitment to promulgate the new constitution, I take the responsibility on my part and apologise from my heart,” he said in a statement on January 22. "We were near consensus on key intricacies of the constitution but it's sad to say that we could not conclude them on time. There are still chances of consensus and only a constitution drafted in accord will ensure lasting peace in the country," he said. He added that the constitution could be promulgated in consensus in a short-cut way and there should be no division between the forces who fought together for the latest political gains.
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January - 22 
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Hossain Khaled, sharing the survey results at a press conference at its office on January 22 said that in the last 16 days' political unrest the economy lost at least Bangladesh Taka (BTK) 36,445 crore, reports The Daily Star. The daily loss is
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Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Hossain Khaled, sharing the survey results at a press conference at its office on January 22 said that in the last 16 days' political unrest the economy lost at least Bangladesh Taka (BTK) 36,445 crore, reports The Daily Star. The daily loss is BTK 300 crore in transport sector, 288 crore in agriculture, 250 crore in real estate and 210 crore in tourism. The wholesale and retail markets suffer losses of 150 crore while the manufacturing sector 100 crore. The figure is equivalent to 2.69 percent of the GDP.
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January - 23 
Ahead of his second visit to India, United States (US) President Barack Obama sent out a tough message to Pakistan, saying safe havens of terrorism within that country are "not acceptable" and those behind the Mumbai attacks (26/11) must face justice, reports The Times of India on January 24. Obama
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Ahead of his second visit to India, United States (US) President Barack Obama sent out a tough message to Pakistan, saying safe havens of terrorism within that country are "not acceptable" and those behind the Mumbai attacks (26/11) must face justice, reports The Times of India on January 24. Obama said in an interview that "I've made it clear that even as the United States works with Pakistan to meet the threat of terrorism, safe havens within Pakistan are not acceptable and that those behind the Mumbai terrorist attack must face justice." This came amid signs of renewed US pressure on Pakistan to crack down on terror networks and evidence of recognition within the Pakistani establishment, in the wake of the massacre of school children in Peshawar, that the terror apparatus set up to hurt India and for strategic gains in Afghanistan has boomeranged on them. Obama pointed out that just as Indians were tragically killed in the 9/11 attack in New York, Americans were also killed in the 26/11 terror strike in Mumbai.
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January - 23 
Security Force (BSF) on January 23 stated that the number of camps of Indian militant groups in Bangladesh has gone down after security authorities of that country launched a crackdown on them , reports Nagaland Post on January 23. Inspector General of BSF (Meghalaya Frontier), Sudesh Kumar stated t
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Security Force (BSF) on January 23 stated that the number of camps of Indian militant groups in Bangladesh has gone down after security authorities of that country launched a crackdown on them , reports Nagaland Post on January 23. Inspector General of BSF (Meghalaya Frontier), Sudesh Kumar stated that “The BGB (Border Guards of Bangladesh) has acted against the Indian militants based by launching crackdown based on our intelligence inputs,”. He also added that there are only 39 camps of Indian militant groups in Bangladesh and most of these camps are located in inaccessible areas of the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT). He also said that most these Indian militants now do not have any well-mechanized training camps but instead they have set up small sheds from where the insurgents usually operate.
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January - 23 
Senior officials of Bangladesh Government on January 23 claimed Bangladesh and Sylhet division of the county bordering India, in particular, is free from terror activities triggered by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) men, reports Times of India."No activity of JMB has been reported from any p
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Senior officials of Bangladesh Government on January 23 claimed Bangladesh and Sylhet division of the county bordering India, in particular, is free from terror activities triggered by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) men, reports Times of India."No activity of JMB has been reported from any part of the country over the months. The Sylhet division bordering the Indian state of Assam is free from JMB militants," said Mohammad Sahidul Islam and Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, deputy commissioners (DC) of Sylhet and Moulvi Bazaar Districts respectively. At present, IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-IKS), ULFA or any other Indian militant outfit do not have any hideout inside Bangladeshi territory. Addressing a press conference at the circuit house in Silchar, the DCs said the present government in Dhaka has taken tough action against the outfit and so it will not raise its head again in any part of the country. The DCs denied reports that the minorities in Bangladesh are often being subjected to harassment. They said people belonging to the minority community in Bangladesh are safe. "Minorities, including the Hindus, are living happily in Bangladesh", both of them said.
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January - 23 
Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on January 23 said that there is no ban on Jama'at-ud Dawa (JuD) but its accounts have been frozen and movement of its members restricted as per the United Nations (UN) resolution, reports Daily Times. “We are proceeding strictly in accordance with UN
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Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on January 23 said that there is no ban on Jama'at-ud Dawa (JuD) but its accounts have been frozen and movement of its members restricted as per the United Nations (UN) resolution, reports Daily Times. “We are proceeding strictly in accordance with UN resolution and Jama'at’s bank accounts have been frozen, there is a ban on travel abroad of its leadership. We are moving in accordance with whatever is required under the UN resolution. I do not see much else needs to be done,’’ Basit said. He also stated that the facilities of JuD have been taken over by the Government of Pakistan. “I will remind the audience that the resolution (UN) does not state that member states lock up such individuals,” Basit said, adding, "Pakistan is now moving ahead without any distinction when it comes to terrorism. We are moving against firmly on all organisations that come under the purview.”
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January - 23 
In his televised address to the nation on January 23 evening, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has said the new constitution would be promulgated on the basis of mutual cooperation, dialogue and democratic procedure, reports Ekantipur.com. Koirala urged all the parties to make the constitution writing
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In his televised address to the nation on January 23 evening, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has said the new constitution would be promulgated on the basis of mutual cooperation, dialogue and democratic procedure, reports Ekantipur.com. Koirala urged all the parties to make the constitution writing process a success through the Constituent Assembly (CA). “I want to urge all the political parties to come together for the promulgation of a democratic republic constitution with national unity and reconciliation,” Koirala said. He said timely promulgation of the constitution is necessary to end the prolonged stalemate. The PM also expressed his dissatisfaction at the obstruction created by the opposition alliance in the CA when the ruling parties tried to initiate the voting process as the contentious issues of constitution writing could not be settled in consensus. Meanwhile, amid the ruling parties’ firm position to initiate the voting process “unilaterally”, the opposition bloc led by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) has warned that it could take the extreme step of walking out of the CA, reports Ekantipur.com. With CA Chairman Subas Nembang stating on January 23, that Sunday’s (January 25) meeting would be decisive in initiating the voting process for deciding the contentious issues of statute writing, opposition leaders said they will not accept any proposal in the CA without agreement with them. Maoist leaders said it would be easier for them to walk out of the CA process rather than “abandon their progressive agendas”. As the CA is scheduled to meet on January 25, top Maoist leaders are discussing their future strategy.
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January - 23 
Making the announcement to conclude the agenda to form a Questionnaire Committee following continuous obstruction of the opposition parties, CA Chairman Subas Nembang has made it clear that the next CA meeting would be decisive, reports Ekantipur.com. “I would like to clear the doubts. The agenda, w
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Making the announcement to conclude the agenda to form a Questionnaire Committee following continuous obstruction of the opposition parties, CA Chairman Subas Nembang has made it clear that the next CA meeting would be decisive, reports Ekantipur.com. “I would like to clear the doubts. The agenda, which belongs to all of us, is pending at the CA for the last few days,” said Nembang amidst the noisy crowd of lawmakers on January 23. “We have to conclude the issue in the next meeting. I would like to make the announcement on behalf of you [lawmakers] that the issue will be decided.”
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January - 23 
Leader of the opposition in Parliament Raushan Ershad while talking to reporters after visiting the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in Dhaka city on January 23 said that the current political problem will be resolved very soon, reports The Independent. She said “We hope this probl
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Leader of the opposition in Parliament Raushan Ershad while talking to reporters after visiting the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in Dhaka city on January 23 said that the current political problem will be resolved very soon, reports The Independent. She said “We hope this problem will be resolved within a short time. The current situation can’t continue. The current problem will be over very soon as we do politics for the welfare of people and protecting their interests.”
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January - 25 
President Pranab Mukherjee in his address to the nation on the eve of 66th Republic Day on January 25 voiced deep concern over repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and called for “integrated response” through incisive diplomacy and impregnable security mechanisms to the terr
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President Pranab Mukherjee in his address to the nation on the eve of 66th Republic Day on January 25 voiced deep concern over repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and called for “integrated response” through incisive diplomacy and impregnable security mechanisms to the terrorist attacks, reports Daily Excelsior. Mukherjee said “The multi-nation conflict has converted boundaries into bloodlines and terrorism into an industry of evil. Terrorism and violence are seeping across our borders. While peace, non-violence and good neighbourly intentions should remain the fundamentals of our foreign policy, we cannot afford to be complacent about adversaries, who will stop at nothing to disrupt our progress towards prosperous and equitable India.”
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January - 25 
Sri Lanka's main Tamil party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said that there is no need to appoint new commissions with regard to the war in Sri Lanka and the national question, reports Colombo Page on January 26. TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said that rather than appointing new commi
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Sri Lanka's main Tamil party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said that there is no need to appoint new commissions with regard to the war in Sri Lanka and the national question, reports Colombo Page on January 26. TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said that rather than appointing new commissions, it is more important to enact the recommendations made by the committees that have been appointed so far. TNA has also said they do not expect a new Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to be appointed over the national issue. TNA is also a stakeholder of the National Executive Council (NEC) and is engaged in implementing the 100 day programme of the new Government.
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January - 26 
Chief Minister (CM) Tarun Gogoi on January 26 said that the process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC), intended at helping solve the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to the State, will be completed in the current year, reports The Indian Express. “The procedure devised fo
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Chief Minister (CM) Tarun Gogoi on January 26 said that the process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC), intended at helping solve the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to the State, will be completed in the current year, reports The Indian Express. “The procedure devised for updation envisages use of latest information technology and aims at ensuring that no names of foreign nationals find place in the NRC. The NRC will be published in January 2016,” CM Tarun Gogoi added. CM Tarun Gogoi also said that the issue of illegal migration has been a matter of serious concern in Assam for long, and updating the NRC was one step towards a permanent solution. “We are committed to detect and deport foreigners under provisions of the Assam Accord [signed in 1985], but there are certain difficulties too. Our government is committed to the imperative of preventing illegal infiltration from across the international borders and various measures have been taken in this regard,” he said. Describing updation of the NRC as one step towards bringing about a permanent solution to the Bangladeshi influx issue, Gogoi said preparatory works for NRC updation had already started under guidance of the central government. Several steps have been also taken to prevent further influx across the border, he said. CM Tarun Gogoi further claimed credit for bringing to the mainstream several militant groups through the strategy adopted by his Government in the past 14 years under the Unified Command Structure. “The success has been reflected in suspension of operations (SoO) agreements with as many as 17 extremist outfits, out of which four have signed memorandum of settlement (MoS) with the government,” he added.
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January - 26 
Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on January 26 said that his government would not allow any attempt to divide the state, reports The Business Standard."A section of people are trying to split the state and to disturb the peace. The Left Front government would resist the move with its all out efforts," Sa
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Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on January 26 said that his government would not allow any attempt to divide the state, reports The Business Standard."A section of people are trying to split the state and to disturb the peace. The Left Front government would resist the move with its all out efforts," Sarkar said after unfurling the tricolour at the Assam Rifles ground in Agratala. CM Manik Sarkar, who holds the home portfolio, said that the State Government has successfully tamed the over 40-year-old terrorism problem in the state but some people are trying to revive militancy for narrow political interests. He said: "Despite the security forces best efforts and people' resistance, terrorism is yet to be curbed entirely. The militants still have camps in neighbouring Bangladesh." The Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), a tribal-based political party, has been demanding a separate state to be carved out of Tripura, by upgrading the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).The TTAADC was formed by amending the Constitution in 1985 for the socio-economic development of the tribals, who constitute one third of State's 3.7 million populations.
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January - 26 
Influx of illegal immigrants and the inter-state boundary dispute with Assam featured in the speeches during the Republic day speeches on January 26, reports The Telegraph. Deputy Chief Minister R.C. Laloo announced that a "comprehensive mechanism" to deal with influx and illegal immigration would b
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Influx of illegal immigrants and the inter-state boundary dispute with Assam featured in the speeches during the Republic day speeches on January 26, reports The Telegraph. Deputy Chief Minister R.C. Laloo announced that a "comprehensive mechanism" to deal with influx and illegal immigration would be put in place at the earliest. Thanking civil society organisations for "productively" engaging with the government in structuring an appropriate, practical and comprehensive mechanism, he appealed to all eminent citizens of the state and stakeholders to extend necessary co-operation and support to the government in this endeavour. In relation to the inter-state boundary dispute with Assam, Deputy Chief Minister R.C. Laloo said that the government was "committed" to address and resolve the long-pending contentious issue. are at least 12 areas of difference between Assam and Meghalaya including Langpih, Upper Tarabari, Gizang reserve forest, Hahim, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah-Matamur, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Deshdemoreah, Blocks I and II, Khanduli-Psiar and Ratacherra. They cover an area of around 2,700 square km, of which the two blocks cover around 1,500 square km.
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January - 26 
Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmed on January 26 urged the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres to shun violence, join the mainstream and help the State move forward on the path of development, which has been elusive for 14 years since it was bifurcated from Bihar, reports The Times of Ind
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Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmed on January 26 urged the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres to shun violence, join the mainstream and help the State move forward on the path of development, which has been elusive for 14 years since it was bifurcated from Bihar, reports The Times of India. In his Republic Day address at the historic Morhabadi field Governor Ahmed said "Left Wing Extremism is a big challenge for both the State and the country. The State Government has put tough measures in place to deal with the extremists, besides working for development in the Red-hit areas. People who have deviated from the mainstream should now realize that war is not a solution."
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January - 26 
Terming Naxalism as a "disease" which is standing in way of development, Chhattisgarh Governor Balramjidas Tandon on January 26 said the State would soon get rid of the Maoist menace completely, reports The Economic Times. Addressing the 66th Republic Day function at Police line grounds, the Governo
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Terming Naxalism as a "disease" which is standing in way of development, Chhattisgarh Governor Balramjidas Tandon on January 26 said the State would soon get rid of the Maoist menace completely, reports The Economic Times. Addressing the 66th Republic Day function at Police line grounds, the Governor said "Some areas of Chhattisgarh are Naxal¬affected. It is like a disease which is a hindrance to the development of the State." He said the State Government has accepted Naxalism as a challenge and with the coordinated efforts of Centre the menace will be wiped out soon. "I assure you, the day is not far when the state will be completely free of Naxal problem," he added.
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January - 26 
A day after Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subas Nembang formed the Questionnaire Committee; former Prime Minister (PM) and senior Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) leader Madhav Kumar Nepal on January 26, said that the ruling coalition had made a mistake by tabling its
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A day after Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subas Nembang formed the Questionnaire Committee; former Prime Minister (PM) and senior Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) leader Madhav Kumar Nepal on January 26, said that the ruling coalition had made a mistake by tabling its nine-point proposal at the Constitutional Political Dialogue and Consensus Committee (CPDCC) earlier, reports Ekantipur.com. “The proposal [mainly for seven-state federation and reformed parliamentary system] that the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML tabled was a mistake,” said Nepal at an interaction in Kathmandu on January 26. “We submitted the joint proposal in haste which infuriated the opposition.” He said the parties cannot backtrack on consensus and the constitution should be drafted in accord. Nepal’s statement comes at a time when relations between the ruling and opposition parties have soured. The root of the current political deadlock is the nine-point joint proposal, said Nepal, adding that the Maoist and Madhes-based parties were suspicious of the NC-CPN-UML move.
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January - 27 
Chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) Lieutenant General (retired) N.K.Singh expressed dismay over the press statement issued by National Socialist Council of Nagaland -Isak -Muivah faction (NSCN-IM) and termed it “unfortunate”, reports Nagaland Post. In a statement N.K.Singh said, as
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Chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) Lieutenant General (retired) N.K.Singh expressed dismay over the press statement issued by National Socialist Council of Nagaland -Isak -Muivah faction (NSCN-IM) and termed it “unfortunate”, reports Nagaland Post. In a statement N.K.Singh said, as chairman CFMG, it was his duty to take note of and point out any violation of the Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR) that was agreed to by both sides. He added that that with NSCN-IM blatantly violating several CFGR he, as chairman, has to highlight them and “take necessary action to raise these issues”. NSCN-IM , on January 24 issued a press release via its ‘Ministry of Information and Publicity’ described the speech of N.K.Singh, given during the seminar organised by the Assam Rifles in Kohima, as one-sided opinion. The press release further stated that it “is not new to Nagas anymore” as he (NK Singh) seemed more interested “in taxation than monitoring cease fire”
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January - 27 
Lalbiakzama, Additional Secretary for State Home department on January 27 stated that Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) convened a meeting on the several issues regarding Bru families lodged in the six relief camps in North Tripura District to be held in New Delhi on January 30, reports The Shill
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Lalbiakzama, Additional Secretary for State Home department on January 27 stated that Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) convened a meeting on the several issues regarding Bru families lodged in the six relief camps in North Tripura District to be held in New Delhi on January 30, reports The Shillong Times. He stated that “The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) convened the meeting, which would be attended by Mizoram and Tripura officials, to discuss the recent instructions of the Supreme Court.” Supreme Court apparently instructed the Government of India (GoI) and the State Governments of Mizoram and Tripura hold consultations within four months to formulate plans to continue repatriation of Bru families from the Tripura relief camps. State Home department officials, however, opined that the proposed renewed repatriation would again be a futile exercise as the Brus in the relief camps refused to return to Mizoram. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, speaking in the North Eastern Council (NEC) plenary session held in Shillong on January 2, proposed that those Brus, who refused to return to Mizoram till date despite concerted efforts, should be settled permanently in Tripura.
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January - 27 
Appreciating the tribal people for playing a significant role in expelling terrorists from their area, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on January 27 reiterated that Pakistan Army would not abandon the tribal areas without restoring functional normalcy, reports Daily Times. Speaking
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Appreciating the tribal people for playing a significant role in expelling terrorists from their area, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on January 27 reiterated that Pakistan Army would not abandon the tribal areas without restoring functional normalcy, reports Daily Times. Speaking to officers and men during his visit to Mohmand Agency, the COAS appreciated their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices in fighting terrorism and bringing stability in Mohmand Agency. General Raheel emphasized on the need to follow a comprehensive and uniform reconstruction and rehabilitation policy across Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) after areas had been cleared of terrorists. He expressed the hope that such projects would help root out terrorism on long term basis by providing education and economic opportunities to the youth, according to an ISPR press release.
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January - 27 
Asia Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Bob Dietz, while addressing the second International Conference on Combating Impunity and Securing Safety of Media Workers and Journalists in Pakistan, on January 27 said that Pakistan ranks worryingly high when it comes to the number o
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Asia Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Bob Dietz, while addressing the second International Conference on Combating Impunity and Securing Safety of Media Workers and Journalists in Pakistan, on January 27 said that Pakistan ranks worryingly high when it comes to the number of attacks on journalists in democratic countries, reports Dawn. He deplored that the authorities in Pakistan had failed to move forward in this regard and had not been able to provide an environment conducive for journalists so far. “Why can’t we make the situation better,” he asked, earnestly, adding that far too many journalists were getting caught in the crossfire between militants and the authorities. “A hit-list of journalists in Balochistan was floated by pro-establishment militants and this list was published in a report by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), but even then, five of the people on the list ended up dead,” said senior anchor Hamid Mir. He said that it was time the government passed a law for the protection of the media. “I do not say it will end the trouble, but it will be a first step towards a solution,” he added.
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January - 27 
The advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said on January 27 that a new nuclear deal signed between the US and India during President Barak Obama’s recent trip to New Delhi will be detrimental to stability in South Asia, reports The News. "The operationalisation of Indo-US nuclear
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The advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said on January 27 that a new nuclear deal signed between the US and India during President Barak Obama’s recent trip to New Delhi will be detrimental to stability in South Asia, reports The News. "The operationalisation of Indo-US nuclear deal for political and economic expediencies would have a detrimental impact on deterrence stability in South Asia," Sartaj Aziz said. Aziz described the new deal with India as “another country-specific exemption from Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) rules” that would undermine the credibility of the watchdog, weaken the non-proliferation regime and "further compound the already fragile strategic stability environment in South Asia". "Pakistan remains opposed to policies of selectivity and discrimination," he added.
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January - 27 
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan on January 27 said the repatriation of the people displaced from Bara of Khyber Agency would begin after February 15 as most parts of the tehsil had been cleared from militants, reports Dawn. He also said PKR 850 million had been released for
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The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan on January 27 said the repatriation of the people displaced from Bara of Khyber Agency would begin after February 15 as most parts of the tehsil had been cleared from militants, reports Dawn. He also said PKR 850 million had been released for the restoration of electric supply and rehabilitation of schools, health units, roads and streets in Shalobar area ahead of the return of local displaced tribesmen.
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January - 27 
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed while addressing the inaugural function of the Bangladesh Police Week-2015 at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka city on January 27 urged all irrespective of political opinions to cooperate with the Police in resisting terrorist and subversive activities unleashed by
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed while addressing the inaugural function of the Bangladesh Police Week-2015 at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka city on January 27 urged all irrespective of political opinions to cooperate with the Police in resisting terrorist and subversive activities unleashed by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), reports The Independent. She said “I’ll urge the people of the country to unitedly stand against and resist the terrorist and militant activities and extend all-out cooperation to Bangladesh Police in this regard. I want the country’s people to stay in peace, Bangladesh to become a peaceful country in South Asia, and there’ll be no place for violence, militancy and terrorism.”
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January - 28 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while speaking to Islamabad's High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on January 28 said that the country would like to have normal relations with India on basis of mutual respect and sovereign equality as “India is an important neighbour for us,” reports The Express Tribu
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while speaking to Islamabad's High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on January 28 said that the country would like to have normal relations with India on basis of mutual respect and sovereign equality as “India is an important neighbour for us,” reports The Express Tribune. He said that it is important for both Pakistan and India to resolve all their outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute in order to ensure peace and stability in the region.
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January - 28 
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed while addressing an evaluation meeting with senior Police officials at the International Conference Room of her office in Dhaka city on January 28 ordered the Police to take whatever steps necessary to stop the ongoing violence in the country, reports The Daily Sta
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed while addressing an evaluation meeting with senior Police officials at the International Conference Room of her office in Dhaka city on January 28 ordered the Police to take whatever steps necessary to stop the ongoing violence in the country, reports The Daily Star. She said “I'll take the responsibility for whatever happens due to the action. But you'll have to ensure the security of the common people. You'll take whatever steps necessary against those responsible for burning and attacking people.”
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January - 28 
A Government spokesman, Rajitha Senaratne on January 28 said that Sri Lanka is planning an investigation into accusations of human rights abuses in the final stages of civil war amid international frustration at the failure to look into numerous civilian deaths, reports The Hindu. “We are thinking o
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A Government spokesman, Rajitha Senaratne on January 28 said that Sri Lanka is planning an investigation into accusations of human rights abuses in the final stages of civil war amid international frustration at the failure to look into numerous civilian deaths, reports The Hindu. “We are thinking of having our own inquiry acceptable to them to the international standards,” Rajitha Senaratne said in Colombo, referring to the United Nations (UN). “It will be a new local inquiry. If we need, we will bring some foreign experts,” he added. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had refused to cooperate with any UN investigation into claims the army committed atrocities in the civil war that ended in 2009. Newly elected President Maithripala Sirisena in the run up to the vote promised a new investigation under an independent judiciary, but rejected demands for an international inquiry. However, the Government sources said that this week, the President sent his senior adviser on foreign relations to meet UN officials to discuss the investigation. Rajitha Senaratne also said that the new Government was looking at releasing political prisoners, mainly suspected members of the defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
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January - 28 
President Maithripala Sirisena on January 28 said more attention would be paid to national security and a well-structured plan would be implemented to ensure national security for the welfare of the country and the people, reports Colombo Page. The President said that every effort would be initiated
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President Maithripala Sirisena on January 28 said more attention would be paid to national security and a well-structured plan would be implemented to ensure national security for the welfare of the country and the people, reports Colombo Page. The President said that every effort would be initiated in strengthening the national security within the democratic framework according to the constitution. He added that precise understanding of issues that poses in various faces nationally and internationally has to be addressed in a constructive manner while formulating appropriate solutions. President requested the Security Council to submit new proposals and recommendations in addition to the programme now being implemented on national security as it the expectation of the government to implement a programme to strengthen national security locally and internationally.
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January - 28 
Spokesman of the Sri Lankan Cabinet, Rajitha Senaratne on January 28 has said that he has sought an inquiry into information that former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is using two serving army officers to train 400 soldiers to whip up a bogey about an Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) r
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Spokesman of the Sri Lankan Cabinet, Rajitha Senaratne on January 28 has said that he has sought an inquiry into information that former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is using two serving army officers to train 400 soldiers to whip up a bogey about an Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) revival in the run up to the April parliamentary elections, reports Colombo Page. Senaratne said that this army unit is being trained by two serving officers, Brig. Harendra Ranasinghe and Col. Mahinda Ranasinghe of the Army Training School. According to Senaratne, the idea is to get 400 Tamil speaking Sinhalese soldiers to go to the North in disguise and provoke the army. The ensuing clashes would help show people in the Sinhalese-speaking South, that the LTTE have become active in the Northern Province and that the Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe Government is unable to tackle it. The LTTE-revival card could help former President Mahinda Rajapaksa win the elections. Senaratne said that to ensure national security, the Sirisena regime would rely on political engagement with the minorities and not on the military.
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January - 29 
Zee News on January 30 says that the new Government plans to return private land seized by the military in the civil war-ravaged north and release several hundred detainees in an apparent move toward reconciliation with ethnic minority Tamils. Governemnt Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said that the Gov
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Zee News on January 30 says that the new Government plans to return private land seized by the military in the civil war-ravaged north and release several hundred detainees in an apparent move toward reconciliation with ethnic minority Tamils. Governemnt Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said that the Government of new President Maithripala Sirisena will ease its military presence, and that unlike the previous administration that was defeated in the January 8 election, does not believe military action alone can prevent a resurgence of the rebels. Rajitha Senaratne said, "We don't think you can stop an LTTE resurrection (just) with an army, so spending on security will be very moderate."
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January - 29 
President Abdul Hamid while addressing Police officials at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban in Dhaka city on the occasion of Annual Police Week-2015 on January 29 urged the law enforcement agencies to take stern legal actions against those killing people by hurling petrol bombs and torching vehicles a
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President Abdul Hamid while addressing Police officials at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban in Dhaka city on the occasion of Annual Police Week-2015 on January 29 urged the law enforcement agencies to take stern legal actions against those killing people by hurling petrol bombs and torching vehicles as they are the enemies of democracy, reports The Independent. He said “I’m urging law enforcement agencies to take stern legal actions against them. At the same time, I’m requesting the people of the country to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies in this regard.”
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January - 29 
Coal mining at Namchik–Namphuk coal block in Changlang District has been suspended since May 2012 after the Government of India (GoI) directed the State Government to suspend extraction following involvement of insurgent groups, reports The Sentinel on January 30. This was stated by Geology and Mini
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Coal mining at Namchik–Namphuk coal block in Changlang District has been suspended since May 2012 after the Government of India (GoI) directed the State Government to suspend extraction following involvement of insurgent groups, reports The Sentinel on January 30. This was stated by Geology and Mining Minister Kamlung Mosang in response to a question by senior Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) MLA Japu Deru during Question Hour in the State Assembly in Itanagar. GoI suspended mining operation after reports of involvement of two factions of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).
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January - 30 
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of passing out parade of 333 recruits at Humhama in Budgam District, Inspector General (IG) of Border Security Forces (BSF) P S Sandhu on January 30 said “The infiltration routes are full of snow but there was no question of lowering the guard as troops are alw
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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of passing out parade of 333 recruits at Humhama in Budgam District, Inspector General (IG) of Border Security Forces (BSF) P S Sandhu on January 30 said “The infiltration routes are full of snow but there was no question of lowering the guard as troops are always on high alert,” reports Daily Excelsior. The IG said a large number of militants are still present in training camps and launch pads in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). “Our troops are vigilant, alert and pro-active to foil any attempt by militants to sneak into this side from Line of Control (LoC),” he added.
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January - 30 
The Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said on January 30 that cases of target killings in Karachi could be sent to the proposed military trial courts for speedy disposal, reports The News. The PM stated this at the Sindh Governor House where he chaired a high-level meeting to review the law
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The Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said on January 30 that cases of target killings in Karachi could be sent to the proposed military trial courts for speedy disposal, reports The News. The PM stated this at the Sindh Governor House where he chaired a high-level meeting to review the law and order situation after reaching Karachi just one day after the city observed a strike called by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) against the extrajudicial killing of a party activist. The PM expressed the resolve at a meeting to eliminate the terrorists who had been responsible for causing lawlessness in the city while dubbing such criminals as enemies of the country.
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January - 30 
The United States (US) has strong relationships with both Pakistan and India and going forward Washington would continue to have a close strategic partnership with Islamabad, the State Department said on January 30, reports Daily Times. “We have assured both countries that the United States relation
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The United States (US) has strong relationships with both Pakistan and India and going forward Washington would continue to have a close strategic partnership with Islamabad, the State Department said on January 30, reports Daily Times. “We have assured both countries that the United States relationship with India and United States relationship with Pakistan, those relationships are strong, they are vital for our strategic interest, and they stand on their own,” Spokesperson Jen Psaki said replying to a question at the daily briefing. “We work with Pakistan on a range of issues. We work with India on a range of issues,” she added, when asked about Washington’s ties in South Asia in the wake of President Barak Obama’s visit to New Delhi. Responding to a question about Pakistan’s concerns regarding the impact of operationalisation of the US-India civil nuclear deal on the strategic stability in the region, the spokesperson noted that “this particular issue (of civil nuclear deal) is one that has been ongoing for some time. But we certainly have reiterated our strong commitment to strategic relationship with Pakistan. As you know, Secretary (of State John Kerry) was there just a couple of weeks ago, visiting and reiterating our commitment (to close ties).”
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February - 1 
The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid on February 1 said that a resolution of the Kashmir issue is imperative for long-lasting peace in South Asia, The Express Tribune reported on February 2 quoting Radio Pakistan. Addressing a function on Kashmir Solidarity Day, Pervaiz Rashi
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The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid on February 1 said that a resolution of the Kashmir issue is imperative for long-lasting peace in South Asia, The Express Tribune reported on February 2 quoting Radio Pakistan. Addressing a function on Kashmir Solidarity Day, Pervaiz Rashid said the resolution would bring prosperity in the region, pulling people out of illiteracy and poverty. He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris in their just struggle for the right to self-determination. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kashmir Committee and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that peace in South Asia is linked to good Pakistan-India ties, which is not possible without resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He said this at a seminar oraganised in connection with the Kashmir Day, which is held every year on February 5 to support the cause of resolving the Kashmir dispute. “If referendum can be held in Scotland then why a similar plebiscite can’t be held in Kashmir?” he questioned. He said that Kashmiris were sacrificing for their right of self determination, adding that Pakistan stands united with the people of Kashmir. He also criticized the international community for their discriminatory attitude towards the Kashmir dispute.
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February - 1 
The Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has said that the Nation, Government and the Army are on the same page to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country, reports Daily Times. He vowed to defeat the terrorists and make the country peaceful. He strongly condemned the Shikarpur incident where
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The Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has said that the Nation, Government and the Army are on the same page to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country, reports Daily Times. He vowed to defeat the terrorists and make the country peaceful. He strongly condemned the Shikarpur incident where innocent people were made targets. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said on February 1 that the nation would emerge victorious in the war against terrorism, reports The Express Tribune. He was speaking to a delegation of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) activists. Sharif said victory was the only option in the war against terrorism. He said the nation agreed on the need to eradicate terrorism, religious extremism and sectarianism. Sharif said the nation would be rid of intolerance and religious extremism. The CM said the nation would be rid of terrorists who had done great damage to the national economy and the country. Sharif said the military and the political leadership and the state apparatus were determined to eradicate terrorism. He said this was necessary to ensure national progress, stability and secure the future of the following generations.
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February - 1 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on February 1 said that the new Government will investigate the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) activities over the past few years including its funding and alleged links it had with the previous Government, reports Colombo Gazette. He said that the Govern
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on February 1 said that the new Government will investigate the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) activities over the past few years including its funding and alleged links it had with the previous Government, reports Colombo Gazette. He said that the Government wants to know what happened to the funds of the LTTE. He said “This is part of our probe on corruption. The former Government always accused us of having links with the LTTE but it was they who had links with the Tigers.” He said that investigations will include obtaining information on the LTTE ships, gold and money yet to be found even after the war. The Prime Minister said that the public in the North have said they have evidence to share over the LTTE and so that evidence will also be obtained. “This is a large scale investigation,” he added. Wickremesinghe also said that when the European court ruled in support of the LTTE the former Government did not take steps to assist the European Union (EU) to reverse the court ruling. He said “We have said we will assist the EU to ensure the ban on the LTTE in the EU remains”. He also questioned the previous Government’s failure to handover Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP to India. KP is wanted in India over the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
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February - 2 
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General (DG) Prakash Mishra on February 2 said the red zone [Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)-infested region] is steadily shrinking in Bihar and Jharkhand, reports The Times of India. It has been possible because the CRPF personnel are not on
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Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General (DG) Prakash Mishra on February 2 said the red zone [Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)-infested region] is steadily shrinking in Bihar and Jharkhand, reports The Times of India. It has been possible because the CRPF personnel are not only carrying out operations against Maoists but also helping the common man in many other ways, like distributing essentials such as woolen clothes, utensils etc and enabling them to get their Aadhaar cards. These efforts have helped CRPF win the confidence of poor people, who were earlier providing shelter to the Left-Wing Extremists (LWEs). He said a few states, including Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, need attention by the central force to completely free the area from LWE influence. "The states concerned would also have to give attention to development work so that people are not driven towards Maoism," Mishra said, adding that during his tenure as Odisha DGP, he went for simultaneous anti-Maoist operations and development work. Replying to a query, Mishra said the CRPF would come up with its own intelligence wing on the pattern of Greyhound of Andhra Pradesh, which has successfully tackled Maoists' activities there. Mishra was in Patna to launch a website of the Bihar sector of CRPF and to inaugurate Improvised Explosive Device (IED) model room at the sector headquarters of the CRPF.
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February - 2 
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, his 7 Race Course Road (RCR) residence and the Indian Parliament are under terror threat from Pakistan based terror groups, reports Sahara Samay on February 3. Intelligence agencies have warned Delhi Police that terror groups operating in Pakistan have planned for
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Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, his 7 Race Course Road (RCR) residence and the Indian Parliament are under terror threat from Pakistan based terror groups, reports Sahara Samay on February 3. Intelligence agencies have warned Delhi Police that terror groups operating in Pakistan have planned for a major terror attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 7 RCR and on the Indian Parliament. Apart from terror groups like Lashkar e Toiba (LeT) and Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD), Islamic State (IS) has also started spreading its wings in Pakistan. According to the intelligence inputs, terrorists are planning to carry out terror strike during the Budget Session of Parliament that will begin on February 23, 2015 and conclude on May 8, 2015. The terrorists have been trained in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to the reports groups like Indian Mujahideen (IM) and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) are using the name of IS to attract youths. There are also inputs that they were being trained along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and after training, send them back into India to spread terror,” said a top official in the security
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February - 2 
The Sindh Government on February 2 decided to set up a 1,000-strong Police force - Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) to be trained by the Army - and approved the creation of a Counterterrorism Department and three zonal committees each having top officials of military, Rangers and Police to execute a Provi
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The Sindh Government on February 2 decided to set up a 1,000-strong Police force - Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) to be trained by the Army - and approved the creation of a Counterterrorism Department and three zonal committees each having top officials of military, Rangers and Police to execute a Provincial Action Plan (PAP), reported Dawn. The committee meeting, which was jointly chaired by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also decided to forward 57 terrorism cases to the newly-established military courts in the first phase. “Brigadier Ahsan Gulrez of V Corps said that in order to ensure execution of the PAP across the Province, three zonal committees — Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur — would be constituted." The statement read, “The directives of the provincial action plan are action against proscribed organisations, dealing firmly with sectarian terrorists, action against armed militias, Karachi targeted operation, choking of financing for terrorists and their organisations and establishment and deployment of a dedicated counterterrorism force.”
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February - 3 
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar held a review of coastal security on February 3, deciding to set up a dedicated Marine Police Force and to survey all landing points along the entire Indian coastline to identify isolated spots, which could be used for landing arms and explosives and also for infilt
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Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar held a review of coastal security on February 3, deciding to set up a dedicated Marine Police Force and to survey all landing points along the entire Indian coastline to identify isolated spots, which could be used for landing arms and explosives and also for infiltration of terrorist and criminal elements, reports goanews.com. The review was primarily over issues that were flagged by the Cabinet Committee on Security after the Mumbai November 26, 2008 (also known as 26/11) attack and are still being implemented. One of the important decisions was to explore possibilities to set up a marine police force. The Government has decided to set up a national Marine Police training centre and also regional training centres. The Centre had asked the states to review the status of non-notified landing points and present a consolidated list of such landing points by October 31, 2014.
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February - 3 
Karnataka Home Minister K J George on February 3 informed the state assembly that 23 suspected terrorists have been arrested in the state during the last two years in different terror related cases, reports Business Standard. In a written reply to a question by a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA
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Karnataka Home Minister K J George on February 3 informed the state assembly that 23 suspected terrorists have been arrested in the state during the last two years in different terror related cases, reports Business Standard. In a written reply to a question by a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), he said 18 of them had been charge sheeted and investigation was going on against five others. George said 14 suspected terrorists were arrested in 2013 which includes one each with links to Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), and twelve persons linked to Al Ummah. In 2014, five persons were arrested, that includes three persons with links to Al Ummah, and one each linked Indian Mujahideen (IM) and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In 2015, till now four persons had been arrested with links to IM, the reply said. George also said that till now a total number of 29 cases are pending before the court.
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February - 4 
The Army and SFs, fearing human casualty, are yet to go full throttle against top NDFB-IKS ‘army chief’, B Bidai who ordered the massacre of Adivasi villagers on December 23, 2014 reports The Times of India on February 5. Authorities of Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) fear that a final assault
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The Army and SFs, fearing human casualty, are yet to go full throttle against top NDFB-IKS ‘army chief’, B Bidai who ordered the massacre of Adivasi villagers on December 23, 2014 reports The Times of India on February 5. Authorities of Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) fear that a final assault by the Army in these areas could result in the killing of civilians. An unnamed source stated, "These areas are populated and we do not have information about Bidai's exact location. We do not want to rush in forces”. According to a senior Army official, only a handful of the outfit's cadres are left but tracking them down is proving to be a challenge. Security Agencies estimate that the cadre strength of NDFB-IKS would be less than 300.
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February - 4 
The United States US Defence Intelligence Agency has informed Congress on February 4 that Pakistani military and paramilitary forces have succeeded in driving militants out of most population centres in North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), reports Dawn. In his annua
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The United States US Defence Intelligence Agency has informed Congress on February 4 that Pakistani military and paramilitary forces have succeeded in driving militants out of most population centres in North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), reports Dawn. In his annual report to the House Armed Services Com¬mittee, Director Defence Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General Vincent R. Stewart, also said “Army ground operations in North Waziristan Agency have cleared anti-state militants from most population centres, and we expect the military will continue targeting remaining militant strongholds in 2015”. But the report warns that despite ongoing military operations, “Pakistan will continue to face internal security threats from militant, sectarian, and separatist groups”. Additionally, Pakistan remains concerned about ISIS outreach and propaganda in South Asia.
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February - 5 
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was never Pakistan’s and will never be, India said on February 5 in a sharp reaction to observance of the so-called ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ in Pakistan, reports Daily Excelsior. Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin said in New Delhi that Pakistan’
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Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was never Pakistan’s and will never be, India said on February 5 in a sharp reaction to observance of the so-called ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ in Pakistan, reports Daily Excelsior. Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin said in New Delhi that Pakistan’s “self destructive and “futile quest for territorial aggrandisement” in the State was well known. He was reacting to questions about rallies and speeches by various parties and groups including banned terrorist outfit Jama'at-ud-Dawa (JuD) in Pakistan on February 5, 2015. “It is high time for Pakistan to start paying attention to all the problems that afflict them rather than covet what is not theirs and never will be,” he said, asserting that J&K was and will always remain part of India.
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February - 5 
While addressing the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) Legislative Assembly and Kashmir Council’s joint session in Muzaffarabad District on February 5, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made it clear that Kashmir cannot be separated from Pakistan and expressed the resolve that Pakistan stands by Kashmiris i
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While addressing the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) Legislative Assembly and Kashmir Council’s joint session in Muzaffarabad District on February 5, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made it clear that Kashmir cannot be separated from Pakistan and expressed the resolve that Pakistan stands by Kashmiris in their struggle for independence from India, reported The News. He said that no solution to the Kashmir issue exists but a plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) as no agenda of dialogue with India would be complete excluding the Kashmiris. “Our hearts beat with those of the Kashmiris,” he remarked. “Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan. Historically as well as geographically, both Kashmir and Pakistan are naturally like one soul and two hearts. We have been together for centuries and cannot be separated. We share our joys, sorrows, culture and festivals, which we celebrate together,” he added. Meanwhile, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and Jama'at-ud-Dawa (JuD) 'chief' Muhammad Hafiz Saeed while addressing a public meeting outside the Lahore High Court on the occasion of the Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5 demanded PM Nawaz Sharif to immediately call a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Islamabad to chalk out a unanimous strategy of the Muslim world for resolving the Kashmir issue, reports The News. “We are Kashmiris and Kashmir is ours; our religion binds us as one nation and we will always continue our moral support to our brothers oppressed by the brutality of Indian armed forces in Kashmir,” he said. Saeed demanded Nawaz Sharif to summon a conference of Islamic countries’ heads in Islamabad on the issue of Kashmir. He suggested that Muslim countries should make their own Muslim United Nations and develop their joint army. America, India and Israel — they all are enemies of Islam and making conspiracies against Pakistan because they see its nuclear power as the “atom bomb of Islam”.
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February - 7 
Asserting that India has been suffering from the menace of “exported terrorism” in Kashmir, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has said the country’s strong democratic structure and genuinely pluralistic society has not allowed any fertile ground for Islamist terror, Doval was participating
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Asserting that India has been suffering from the menace of “exported terrorism” in Kashmir, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has said the country’s strong democratic structure and genuinely pluralistic society has not allowed any fertile ground for Islamist terror, Doval was participating in a panel discussion on ‘War on Terror’ at the 51st Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany on February 7, reports Daily Excelsior. Successive Indian Governments have pursued a policy of closely integrating all minority groups into the mainstream of the society and as a result radical Islamists could not succeed in propagating their extremist ideologies among the Muslim population, said Doval. He made the remarks while answering a question from one of the participants on what India has done better than many other countries having large Muslim populations to prevent radicalisation and to deny breeding grounds for Islamist terror. Doval said India has been suffering from the menace of “exported terrorism” in Kashmir.
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February - 8 
Citing the horrific killings in Syria, France and in a Peshawar school (Pakistan), President Pranab Mukherjee on February 8 urged the international community to assert itself and take concerted and determined action against terrorism of which India is one of the oldest victims, reports The Times of
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Citing the horrific killings in Syria, France and in a Peshawar school (Pakistan), President Pranab Mukherjee on February 8 urged the international community to assert itself and take concerted and determined action against terrorism of which India is one of the oldest victims, reports The Times of India. "We have, in recent days, witnessed the horrific killings of innocent hostages in Syria, the attack on the media in Paris and the tragic killing of school children and their teachers in Peshawar. India is one of the oldest victims of terrorism. There is no good terrorism or bad terrorism. Terrorism respects no religion, ideology or nation. It is no longer a debating issue. The international community must assert itself and tackle the problem by taking concerted, coordinated and determined action," Mukherjee said while addressing the sixth conference of ambassadors and high commissioners who head Indian missions abroad. "Terrorism is today an industry of evil. It is not just a threat to peace and security but an attack on humanity as a whole and civilization as we understand.... The international community must assert itself and tackle the problem by taking concerted, coordinated and determined action," he said. The President called upon India's ambassadors and high commissioners to apply themselves to how this challenge can be addressed and to come up with ideas on how to mobilize the world to take concrete action that will mitigate and end this menace.
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February - 9 
Worried over attempts by outfits such as Islamic State (IS) to propagate jihadi ideology among young Indian Muslims, the Union Home Ministry (UHM) is studying an "extremism counseling hotline" set up recently by the Austrian authorities, for possible replication in India, The Times of India reports
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Worried over attempts by outfits such as Islamic State (IS) to propagate jihadi ideology among young Indian Muslims, the Union Home Ministry (UHM) is studying an "extremism counseling hotline" set up recently by the Austrian authorities, for possible replication in India, The Times of India reports on February 10. Such a counselling facility, if found feasible in the Indian context, will enable parents, teachers and friends of "vulnerable and indoctrinated" youth to seek professional help for their "deradicalisation". Keen to have a domestic counter-radicalisation/deradicalisation policy in place to stem the growing appeal of terror outfits among young Muslims, the Indian security establishment has started examining the best practices followed around the world to wean off sections attracted to jihadi ideology. This includes the US' counter-radicalisation program focused on community outreach, UK's Prevent and Channel programmes as well as Austria's latest deradicalisation counselling initiative. A senior officer of the Indian government said that while US and UK's deradicalization programmes appear to have met with limited success, the Austrian helpline centre, which is not linked to the police but manned by non-profit groups, has got an encouraging response within a couple of months of its launch. The deradicalization centre also conducts educational lectures and puts out material to help identify potential threats. According to a Senior UHM official, a study of impact of deradicalization policies of the US and UK indicates an element of mistrust among their respective Muslim communities, with many members seeing these as a masked effort at "spying". There have been many cases of recidivism among the deradicalised terror recruits. While the US' counter-radicalization efforts are focused on working with the communities to report suspicious activity, the UK's Prevent program seeks to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism through proper advice and support. 'Prevent' works with sectors like education, criminal justice, faith, charities and online where there are risks of radicalization to be dealt with. A linked initiative called Channel helps to fight radicalization by giving individuals access to health and education, specialist mentoring and diversionary activities.
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February - 9 
Cabinet Ministers on February 9 urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed to take necessary steps immediately to stop the ongoing violence through formulating a new law during a regular weekly meeting of the Cabinet at the Secretariat in Dhaka city, reports The Independent. The Ministers made the cal
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Cabinet Ministers on February 9 urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed to take necessary steps immediately to stop the ongoing violence through formulating a new law during a regular weekly meeting of the Cabinet at the Secretariat in Dhaka city, reports The Independent. The Ministers made the call as the ongoing political violence across the country has so far claimed 68 lives and injured many others. Scores of vehicles have also been torched during the 35-day span of the indefinite blockade being enforced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 20-party alliance.
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February - 12 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 12 described the expanding footprint of terror groups in neighbouring Pakistan and their link with terror activities as a major security challenge, reports The Times of India. He also spoke on various issues including ceasefire violations along the Line of Co
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 12 described the expanding footprint of terror groups in neighbouring Pakistan and their link with terror activities as a major security challenge, reports The Times of India. He also spoke on various issues including ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), violence perpetrated by Maoists and recent initiatives taken on the economic front. While talking about the security scenario, especially in states sharing international borders, Modi said, "The expanding footprint of extremist and terrorist organizations in Pakistan, and their link with terror activities in India, is a major security challenge." He said ceasefire violations along the LoC were continuing but added that the government adopted a multi-pronged approach to counter infiltration from across the border.
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February - 12 
Intelligence Agencies and officials investigating the January 30, 2015 Shikarpur Imambargah attack during an apex committee meeting jointly chaired by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on February 12 identified a militant group operating in Sindh and Balochis
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Intelligence Agencies and officials investigating the January 30, 2015 Shikarpur Imambargah attack during an apex committee meeting jointly chaired by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on February 12 identified a militant group operating in Sindh and Balochistan border areas, reports Dawn.“The meeting discussed the progress made so far on the Shikarpur probe,” said the source, adding, “It was stated that the Imambargah was bombed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group operating in the Balochistan-Sindh border areas. The mastermind of the bombing is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the facilitators were in Shikarpur. The investigators picked up five suspects during the course of probe but later released two of them. Twelve people are under investigation.”
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February - 12 
Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has told US President Barack Obama that India doesn’t deserve to be a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) since it has been violating the UN resolutions on Kashmir, The News reported on February 13. These views were expressed by the PM when Obama cal
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Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has told US President Barack Obama that India doesn’t deserve to be a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) since it has been violating the UN resolutions on Kashmir, The News reported on February 13. These views were expressed by the PM when Obama called him on February12-evening. The two leaders discussed various issues for more than half an hour. Nawaz asked the US president to impress upon the Indian leaders to have a dialogue with Pakistan for the resolution of outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, as per Indian Prime Minister Modi’s commitment made on May 2014. The PM reminded Obama of the need for maintaining strategic balance in South Asia.
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February - 12 
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Asim Bajwa said on February 12 that most of the 27 militants who planned the attack on Army school in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, were Pakistani, reports The Express Tribune. Revealing details about the attack, DG ISPR said that nin
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The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Asim Bajwa said on February 12 that most of the 27 militants who planned the attack on Army school in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, were Pakistani, reports The Express Tribune. Revealing details about the attack, DG ISPR said that nine militants were killed, while 12 were arrested. Six of the 12 were arrested from Afghanistan. The remaining six militants are on the loose. While addressing a press briefing in Islamabad, Bajwa said 176 ‘hardcore’ terrorists have been killed since December 16. According to him, 1,942 intelligence-based operations were carried out across the country, killing 176 hardcore terrorists. More than 5,000 of them were also apprehended. Bajwa also said the attack was planned across the border in Afghanistan. The planning was done by Mullah Fazlullah and Aurangzeb alias Omar Amin,” he said. “Both are hiding in Afghanistan. Asif and Haji Kamran were later given the charge of the entire operation later, and went on to form two separate groups to execute the attack, added Bajwa. Responding to a question, DG IPSR said that there should be no hesitation in saying that there has been Indian involvement in Pakistan’s affairs, be it LoC violations, or support to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in FATA or elements in Balochistan. It is time for the world to do more for Pakistan, he said, adding that external support to the militants should end. “Pakistani forces are determined to eliminate terrorism.” Commenting on an interview of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief General (retd) Asad Durrani, during which he said Pakistan probably knew the whereabouts of al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden, Bajwa said it has been established beyond doubt that Pakistan did not have any role in harbouring the Osama Bin Laden. “He (Asad Durrani) retired 30 years ago, and does not represent the agency… he does not have any intelligence or information,” Bajwa said.
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February - 12 
Anup Chetia, general secretary of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), and two of his associates, Laxmi Prasad Goswami and Babul Sharma, have been given further consular access facilities for six months to meet Indian diplomats in jail, reports The Independent. The Home Ministry claimed that
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Anup Chetia, general secretary of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), and two of his associates, Laxmi Prasad Goswami and Babul Sharma, have been given further consular access facilities for six months to meet Indian diplomats in jail, reports The Independent. The Home Ministry claimed that the Government has given them consular access for six months as the Indians are yet to complete the process of returning Nur Hossain, prime accused in the Narayanganj seven-murder case, and have also failed to trace Captain (dismissed) Mazed and Risalder (dismissed) Mosleh Uddin, fugitive convicted killers of Bangabadhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. State minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said: “The Indian authorities have requested us to hand over Chetia to them. We'll do so after completing the legal process. But we want Nur and the two convicted killers of Bangabandhu.”
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February - 12 
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed while addressing the 35th National Rally of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party (VDP) at Ansar-VDP Academy in Gazipur District on February 12 said that the Government would not compromise with the perpetrators of recent terrorist and militant activities, rep
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed while addressing the 35th National Rally of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Party (VDP) at Ansar-VDP Academy in Gazipur District on February 12 said that the Government would not compromise with the perpetrators of recent terrorist and militant activities, reports The Daily Star. She said "We will resist the devils and Inshallah we will be able to restore peace again in the society." Hasina also said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) clique started their vandalism when Bangladesh was on the road of vibrant economic growth and the living condition of people was improving. The BNP-JeI talks about religion, but they called hartal (general strike) even on the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad and on the days of Biswa Ijtema.
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February - 13 
The leader of Breakaway faction of Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC-B), Bernard Rimpu Marak, on February 13 stated that his demand for early sanction of the rehabilitation packages for former cadres of the outfit ‘in the interest of lasting peace in the State’, reports The Shillong Times. In a
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The leader of Breakaway faction of Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC-B), Bernard Rimpu Marak, on February 13 stated that his demand for early sanction of the rehabilitation packages for former cadres of the outfit ‘in the interest of lasting peace in the State’, reports The Shillong Times. In a memorandum submitted to Home Minister Roshan Warjri, he stated that the surrendered ANVC militants cadres were promised a package of INR 250000 each but the Government had failed to announce the same package for ANVC-B cadres raising doubts that the authorities are being partial.
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February - 13 
Union Minister for Home Affairs, Rajnath Singh on February 13, stated that process of recruiting surrendered militants from Manipur and Assam to raise two battalions of Central Security Forces would begin soon, reports The Telegraph. The Minister stated in Moreh in Chandel District that "We will soo
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Union Minister for Home Affairs, Rajnath Singh on February 13, stated that process of recruiting surrendered militants from Manipur and Assam to raise two battalions of Central Security Forces would begin soon, reports The Telegraph. The Minister stated in Moreh in Chandel District that "We will soon be recruiting surrendered militants. However, I cannot give you a time frame,". In September last year, the Union Home Ministry (MHA) had announced raising one battalion each of Border Security Force (BSF) and Shastra Seema Bal (SSB) comprising surrendered militants from Manipur and Assam. MHA plan to recruit 750 former militants each to form two battalions. The minister while addressing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers stated that militancy in the Northeast is a concern and the Centre will not tolerate violence. He appealed to militant groups to shun violence and use democratic form of protest to get their grievances addressed.
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February - 13 
President Maithripala Sirisena on February 13 told the diplomatic community in Colombo that if “credible and firm” evidence is found by the proposed inquiry into allegations that Sri Lankan Security Forces (SFs) committed human rights violations during the fight against the Liberation Tigers of Tami
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President Maithripala Sirisena on February 13 told the diplomatic community in Colombo that if “credible and firm” evidence is found by the proposed inquiry into allegations that Sri Lankan Security Forces (SFs) committed human rights violations during the fight against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), action would be taken against the guilty, reports Dawn. The President also invited the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) to visit Sri Lanka. Sirisena said the Government needed time to bring about unity and reconciliation as it had assumed office only a month ago. Referring to Tamils living in the Northern Province, he said ‘doubts and mistrust’ between ethnic groups should be removed. He assured the Tamil community that land appropriated by the armed forces during the civil war would be returned, announcing the handover of 1000 acres in the Northern Province as a first step.
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February - 14 
Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh would hold meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthanhawla on February 14 (today) for repatriation of about 32,000 displaced Reang (Bru) tribals lodged in evacuation camps in North Tripura. . Replying to a calling
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Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh would hold meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthanhawla on February 14 (today) for repatriation of about 32,000 displaced Reang (Bru) tribals lodged in evacuation camps in North Tripura. . Replying to a calling attention motion in the Tripura assembly, State Revenue Minister Badal Chowdhury said 35,326 people from 6,800 families of the Reang community had fled their ancestral home since October 1997 and Tripura government sheltered them on humanitarian grounds. He also said that State Chief Minister alerted the Prime Minister repeatedly but only 5,294 Reangs from 1,030 families could be sent back since May 2010 to Mizoram. At present 31,223 Reangs of 5,286 families are sheltered in evacuee camps in Kanchanpur of North Tripura district.
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February - 16 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while chairing a meeting of the Sindh Apex Committee held at Governor House in Karachi on February 16 to review the progress on the implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) and discuss matters related to overall law and order situation in the Province said that the Go
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while chairing a meeting of the Sindh Apex Committee held at Governor House in Karachi on February 16 to review the progress on the implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) and discuss matters related to overall law and order situation in the Province said that the Government had no option but to win the war against terrorism and scourge would be eliminated from every nook and cranny of the country, reports Daily Times. He said following the December 16, 2014, Peshawar tragedy, the NAP was approved by the entire political leadership and the ultimate decision of the state was to eliminate terrorism from the country. He said two of the 20 points of NAP were implemented immediately while rest of the measures had been left up to the Apex Committees formed in all Provinces. Sharif said under NAP, the 21st constitutional amendment was passed and Army Act was also amended adding the country’s future and security were linked to NAP’s implementation. The whole nation is eyeing the tangible results of NAP, he added. Nawaz Sharif reiterated that terrorism would be eliminated from every nook and corner of the country besides tribal areas.
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February - 17 February - 19
Australian authorities on February 17 have returned four Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers to Sri Lankan authorities in mid-sea, reports Colombo Page. The Australian Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said on February 19 the Australian and Sri Lankan Governments have worked to
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Australian authorities on February 17 have returned four Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers to Sri Lankan authorities in mid-sea, reports Colombo Page. The Australian Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said on February 19 the Australian and Sri Lankan Governments have worked together again to disrupt a people smuggling venture. According to the Minister, a suspected illegal entry vessel (SIEV) carrying four Sri Lankan nationals was intercepted by Border Protection Command (BPC) North-West of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (a territory of Australia, located in the Indian Ocean) on February 9. The four Sri Lankan nationals were transferred at sea from a vessel assigned to BPC to Sri Lankan authorities last Tuesday (February 17), the Australian Minister said
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February - 18 
Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, replying to a question on militant formations operating in the state, informed the State Assembly that approximately 80 to 100 militants are left in the banned Biswamohan faction of National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-BM) and only 3 to 4 militants remain with All
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Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, replying to a question on militant formations operating in the state, informed the State Assembly that approximately 80 to 100 militants are left in the banned Biswamohan faction of National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-BM) and only 3 to 4 militants remain with All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), reports Tripurainfo on February 19. Meanwhile, replying to the query, Minister for Tribal Welfare Aghore Debbarma said there was no question of implementing Inner Line permit (ILP) around the Tripura Tribal Autonomous District Council (TTADC) areas of the State, reports The Telegraph."Tripura's topography, present demographic composition and the nature of politics preclude the extension of ILP," Debbarma said, adding that the demand was "divisive and fissiparous".Debbarma said then Left Front Chief Minister, late Dasharath Deb, had corresponded with the Centre demanding ILP in two letters in 1994 and 1996 but the Union home ministry had ruled this out.
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February - 18 
Government-run telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) would be installing 246 mobile towers in two phases in the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)-affected areas of Chhattisgarh to improve phone connectivity there, reports Zee News. The decision was announced at a meeting of un
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Government-run telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) would be installing 246 mobile towers in two phases in the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist)-affected areas of Chhattisgarh to improve phone connectivity there, reports Zee News. The decision was announced at a meeting of unified command for anti-Maoist operations, chaired by Chief Minister Raman Singhon February 18. "It was informed in the meeting that BSNL has a target of installing 146 mobile towers in the first phase. Around 80 towers will be erected by March this year and 40 of them will start operating soon thereafter," an official said. The remaining towers will be installed by August-end. In the next phase, 100 towers would be installed.
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February - 18 
The Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on February 18 said that the time had come to eliminate the menace of terrorism from Pakistan once and for all, reports The News. “It is time to end this menace, and this is why we announced an all-out war against terrorism. We have formed a 20-point agenda to end thi
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The Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on February 18 said that the time had come to eliminate the menace of terrorism from Pakistan once and for all, reports The News. “It is time to end this menace, and this is why we announced an all-out war against terrorism. We have formed a 20-point agenda to end this menace. Inshallah, we will not rest until terrorism is completely eliminated,” he said. The PM strongly condemned the terrorist attack at the Qasr-e-Sakina Imambargah in Islamabad, and extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Referring to recent terrorist attacks in the country, Sharif said that this was a sign that the terrorists were losing strength. “This is a signal that they (the terrorists) are trying to mount a final attack, but we know how much force they have left in them,” he said.
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February - 19 
According to reports, states like Bihar, Rajasthan and software developer Wipro are posing hurdles to Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) from being rolled out any time soon, reports The Times of India on February 20. Mooted by the last United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government
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According to reports, states like Bihar, Rajasthan and software developer Wipro are posing hurdles to Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) from being rolled out any time soon, reports The Times of India on February 20. Mooted by the last United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government and supported by the new Narendra Modi Government, the system aims to connect all police stations in the country for real-time exchange of information on criminals and terrorists. Sources said that, while as many as seven states are lagging behind in digitizing and connecting database at their end, Bihar and Rajasthan have not even been able to kick off the system. To make things worse, Wipro, which is the core software developer for the programme, has allegedly delivered a system that neither enables real-time exchange of information nor supports search and query options. Government sources said that without these features, the system would be of no use. A Home Ministry official said "A lot of work has happened but Bihar and Rajasthan are way behind because their contractors have pulled out. Seven other states have been slow but we are hoping they will catch up soon. Wipro has delivered a system that does not support real-time exchange of information. They say they can provide such system only at a higher cost which we are not ready to accept. Negotiations are going on." The project was mooted by former Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in the wake of 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Under the project, approximately 14,000 Police stations throughout the country are planned to be connected apart from higher offices in Police hierarchy. The INR 20 billion project, approved in 2009, spans across all the states and Union Territories. As per the plan, it would connect a total of more than 21,000 locations. The goal of the system is to facilitate collection, storage, retrieval, analysis, transfer and sharing of data and information at the police station and between the Police station and the state headquarters and the central police organizations.
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February - 19 
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Raman Singh said on February 19 that due to the efforts of SFs, Maoist violence was close to its end in the State, reports Zee News. He also lauded the efforts of the Police personnel, saying that they were fighting Maoists in difficult conditions. Singh said on Twit
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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Raman Singh said on February 19 that due to the efforts of SFs, Maoist violence was close to its end in the State, reports Zee News. He also lauded the efforts of the Police personnel, saying that they were fighting Maoists in difficult conditions. Singh said on Twitter “Our gallant police jawans and their sacrifice has brought us closer to the end of Naxalism.”
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February - 19 
Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has appealed to state government particularly the district administrations of Dimapur & Kohima to act against 11 unions collecting illegal tax by executing the government orders and the Gauhati High Court judgment order, reports Nagaland Post. In a p
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Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has appealed to state government particularly the district administrations of Dimapur & Kohima to act against 11 unions collecting illegal tax by executing the government orders and the Gauhati High Court judgment order, reports Nagaland Post. In a press release, NVCO ‘president’ Kezhokhoto Savi, who is also Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland (Legal Cell) ‘convenor’, pointed out that the court dismissed 11 writ petitions including three writ petitions of Petroleum and Land Transport Workers Federation of India, two writ petitions of Dimapur Land Transport Workers Union, Dimapur District Autoriskshaw Drivers’ Union, Dimapur Motor Workers Trade Union, Dimapur Autoriskshaw Owners’ Union, Dimapur Truck Drivers’ Union, Dimapur Truck Owners’ Associations and The Motor Workers Association, Dimapur. NVCO ‘president’ alleged that those bodies collecting cash from highways, market places and busy public places were not only taking from the members but also from public in general and drivers and owners of commercial vehicles. Further, ACAUT media cell in a press release asserted that it was totally unacceptable for ‘Naga Political Groups’ (NPGs) to use or recruit ‘Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants (IBIs)’ as ‘tax collectors’ or to discharge responsibilities to them in any forms, reports Nagaland Post. ACAUT’s reaction was based on reports about one “Nurjahan Hussein who was caught with a silencer pistol, working under Johar Ali and Hashim of NSCN (I-M) [Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah]”.
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February - 19 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on February 19 announced PKR 5 billion development package for Quetta and said that funds should be spent on building roads, improving sanitary system and cleaning the city, reports Dawn. Funds to the tune PKR 30 billion would be given for the purpose and international do
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on February 19 announced PKR 5 billion development package for Quetta and said that funds should be spent on building roads, improving sanitary system and cleaning the city, reports Dawn. Funds to the tune PKR 30 billion would be given for the purpose and international donors would be asked for assistance, he added.
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February - 19 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the passing-out parade of first Special Combat Unit in Quetta on February 19 said that the entire nation was united against terrorism and will definitely win this war as it was a matter of survival for Pakistan’s future generations, reports Daily Times. H
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the passing-out parade of first Special Combat Unit in Quetta on February 19 said that the entire nation was united against terrorism and will definitely win this war as it was a matter of survival for Pakistan’s future generations, reports Daily Times. He said that Pakistan was currently facing serious challenge of terrorism that need to be countered with patience, tolerance, courage and a high state of vigilance. “The war initiated across the country against terrorism will continue till its logical end,” the Prime Minister said. He said it was in this regard that a Counter-Terrorism force has been established, equipped with modern weapons and equipment, and were being trained for special intelligence operations and investigation.
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February - 21 
Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) C. V. Wigneswaran has expressed concern over the delay in releasing Tamil political prisoners by the Sri Lanka Government, reports Colombo Page on February 22. Wigneswaran told the New York Times that he fears the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremes
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Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) C. V. Wigneswaran has expressed concern over the delay in releasing Tamil political prisoners by the Sri Lanka Government, reports Colombo Page on February 22. Wigneswaran told the New York Times that he fears the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has refused to release prisoners because he does not want to anger the Sinhalese majority ahead of parliamentary elections. "I'm talking of a history of not living up to promises in the past. The prime minister wants to play for time because the elections are coming," he claimed. Meanwhile, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has alleged that a secret military camp, named Gota, in the naval base in Trincomalee was in operation and held 700 Tamils and 35 Tamil families, Colombo Page reports on February 21. TNA Jaffna District Parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran had told the BBC Sandeshaya that the Tamil people are of the belief that there were many more of such camps.
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February - 22 
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Khagen Sarma stated that the Independent faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA-I) has been carrying out subversive activities in upper Assam Districts with the help of Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland
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Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Khagen Sarma stated that the Independent faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA-I) has been carrying out subversive activities in upper Assam Districts with the help of Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), reports The Times of India on February 23. DGP stated that "The cadre strength of ULFA has decreased. Its support among people has eroded. It carried out some activities in upper Assam with the help of NSCN and KLO. We are, however, well-equipped to prevent such activities,” He also added that Maoists are also trying to gain a foothold in some parts of upper Assam, particularly in tea growing areas.
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February - 22 
Maoist Communist Party Manipur (MCP-M), in a press statement, said that the Catholic Society has decided to remove the moral education subject taught at five Catholic schools in Imphal starting from the session 2015. Following which the earlier announced general strike call on February 22 has been s
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Maoist Communist Party Manipur (MCP-M), in a press statement, said that the Catholic Society has decided to remove the moral education subject taught at five Catholic schools in Imphal starting from the session 2015. Following which the earlier announced general strike call on February 22 has been suspended, reports Kanglaonline.
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February - 22 
Official sources of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the Government has released Rs 10 crores for acquiring land and construction of protective shield all along 198 kilometers long International Border (IB) in Jammu region to save civilians from firing by the Pakistani Rangers and curb infil
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Official sources of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the Government has released Rs 10 crores for acquiring land and construction of protective shield all along 198 kilometers long International Border (IB) in Jammu region to save civilians from firing by the Pakistani Rangers and curb infiltration by the militants from across the border, reports Daily Excelsior on February 23. MHA, which was directly monitoring the project for construction of embankment along the IB covering all three Districts of Jammu, Samba and Kathua along the borders, has released Rs 10 crores as first installment for acquiring land from the people for construction purposes. It has assured the State Government that the funds would be no problem as the proposed embankment would not only check infiltration of militants but also serve as protective shield for the civilians from firing with small arms, automatic and semi automatic weapons excepting mortar and rocket launchers.
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February - 22 
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has decided to take a fresh look into the case against Balwant Singh Rajaona, a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist who was sentenced to death after his conviction in the case pertaining to the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant
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The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has decided to take a fresh look into the case against Balwant Singh Rajaona, a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist who was sentenced to death after his conviction in the case pertaining to the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, reports The Indian Express on February 23. The development follows the arrest of another BKI operative Jagtar Singh Tara, who was recently extradited from Thailand. Rajaona himself has refused to petition either the State Government or the Supreme Court for a stay on his death sentence. He is currently lodged in a Punjab jail. Sources said Union Home Minister (UHM) Rajnath Singh has asked ministry officials to examine Rajaona’s case afresh in the light of new facts that could emerge after Tara’s interrogation. “Since Rajaona has refused to petition any authority for clemency, Home Ministry has decided to look into his case afresh. Since Tara has been extradited from Thailand and is presently in the custody of Punjab Police, new facts could emerge in the case. Even if there is a fraction of a chance that Rajaona was involved in the assassination case, the entire case has to be relooked into,” said a senior Home Ministry official. Tara, a co-accused in the case, was facing trial for allegedly assassinating Beant Singh when he escaped along with three others through a tunnel dug inside the jail, where they were lodged in 2004. Two of the three others have been arrested, while the third is still at large.
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February - 23 
Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on February 23 said that operation Zarb- Azb was launched to flush out terrorists and maintain peace in the country, reports The News. “Foreign elements are involved in spreading terrorism. Temperature on eastern border and working boundary had been inc
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Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on February 23 said that operation Zarb- Azb was launched to flush out terrorists and maintain peace in the country, reports The News. “Foreign elements are involved in spreading terrorism. Temperature on eastern border and working boundary had been increased with pre-plan mission. “We are raising voice at international forum about incidents of terrorism and involvement of a neighboring country in such activities”, Khawaja Muhammad Asif said. Pakistan is fully capable to eliminate the menace of terrorism from this area, he added. “We cannot rule out India’s involvement or support to Taliban who are spreading terrorism and disturbing peace of Pakistan”, he added further.
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February - 23 
The Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif on February 23 chaired a meeting on the implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) at the PM House, reports The News. The PM appreciated the Punjab Government for taking lead in implementing the plan for targeting terrorism and extremism in the country. He aske
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The Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif on February 23 chaired a meeting on the implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) at the PM House, reports The News. The PM appreciated the Punjab Government for taking lead in implementing the plan for targeting terrorism and extremism in the country. He asked the other provinces to speed up implementation of this important initiative that has the backing of the entire political spectrum of the country. He said that terrorists were enemies of stability and harmony and every possible step would be taken for ensuring their complete elimination.
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February - 24 
Afghanistan Ambassador Shaida Mohammad Abdali said that Afghanistan will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-India activity and dismissed apprehensions that withdrawal of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces may allow the Taliban to make a comeback, reports The Times of Ind
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Afghanistan Ambassador Shaida Mohammad Abdali said that Afghanistan will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-India activity and dismissed apprehensions that withdrawal of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces may allow the Taliban to make a comeback, reports The Times of India on February 25. Abdali said "We can assure that we would never allow Afghanistan to go back to the dark era of Taliban or use of its territory for any kind of anti-India activity. India is a dear friend of Afghanistan. We have paid a heavy price to make sure that Afghanistan is not a home to terrorists and anti-India elements". Abdali said that the perception that exists that the withdrawal of NATO forces will lead to trouble in Afghanistan doesn't reflect the ground realities. "The perception that exists doesn't reflect the ground realities. The perception is totally baseless. The troop’s withdrawal from Afghanistan has been planned and it is based on Afghanistan's capacity. We have signed strategic agreements with United States (US) and many other countries including India. Those partnerships are aimed at commitment to Afghanistan for at least next 10 years. Afghanistan is in safe hands, we have our own national army, police," Abdali said. Abdali's statement comes in the backdrop of apprehensions in India that there could be security implications of the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan for South Asia and other countries. Union Home Minister (UHM) Rajnath Singh had recently said that the withdrawal of NATO forces will not only have an impact on the region but also on the US and other countries.
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February - 24 
Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on February 24 said that Pakistan violated border ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) 685 times during the last eight months from June 2014 to January 2015, resulting in death of 24 people, includin
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Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on February 24 said that Pakistan violated border ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) 685 times during the last eight months from June 2014 to January 2015, resulting in death of 24 people, including eight Security Force (SF) personnel, reports Daily Excelsior. He said 126 ceasefire violations took place along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) under operational control of Army while 559 violations took place along the IB under operational control of Border Security Force (BSF). Five Army personnel, three BSF personnel and 16 civilians were killed in the incidents.
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February - 24 February - 25
The Young Communist League (YCL), the youth wing of UCPN-M, demonstration in Kathmandu on February 24, the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 25 warned the agitators against terrorizing the public, reports Republica. Home Ministry spokesperson Laxmi Prasad Dhakal said “Terrorizing people in the na
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The Young Communist League (YCL), the youth wing of UCPN-M, demonstration in Kathmandu on February 24, the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 25 warned the agitators against terrorizing the public, reports Republica. Home Ministry spokesperson Laxmi Prasad Dhakal said “Terrorizing people in the name of demonstration is strictly prohibited.” If Police find protestors wielding bamboo staves in any demonstration, such protestors would be immediately arrested, he said.
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February - 24 
Afghanistan Ambassador Shaida Mohammad Abdali said that Afghanistan will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-India activity and dismissed apprehensions that withdrawal of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces may allow the Taliban to make a comeback, reports The Times of Ind
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Afghanistan Ambassador Shaida Mohammad Abdali said that Afghanistan will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-India activity and dismissed apprehensions that withdrawal of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces may allow the Taliban to make a comeback, reports The Times of India on February 25. Abdali said "We can assure that we would never allow Afghanistan to go back to the dark era of Taliban or use of its territory for any kind of anti-India activity. India is a dear friend of Afghanistan. We have paid a heavy price to make sure that Afghanistan is not a home to terrorists and anti-India elements". Abdali said that the perception that exists that the withdrawal of NATO forces will lead to trouble in Afghanistan doesn't reflect the ground realities. "The perception that exists doesn't reflect the ground realities. The perception is totally baseless. The troop’s withdrawal from Afghanistan has been planned and it is based on Afghanistan's capacity. We have signed strategic agreements with United States (US) and many other countries including India. Those partnerships are aimed at commitment to Afghanistan for at least next 10 years. Afghanistan is in safe hands, we have our own national army, police," Abdali said. Abdali's statement comes in the backdrop of apprehensions in India that there could be security implications of the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan for South Asia and other countries. Union Home Minister (UHM) Rajnath Singh had recently said that the withdrawal of NATO forces will not only have an impact on the region but also on the US and other countries.
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February - 25 
A combined team of Thoubal District Police Commando and Assam Rifles (AR) arrested a People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) militant identified as Loitongbam Inaoton alias Chacha alias Tingba Singh while conducting a search operation at Wangoo Heinoujam Awang Leikai in Thoubal District,
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A combined team of Thoubal District Police Commando and Assam Rifles (AR) arrested a People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) militant identified as Loitongbam Inaoton alias Chacha alias Tingba Singh while conducting a search operation at Wangoo Heinoujam Awang Leikai in Thoubal District, reports The Sangai Express.
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February - 25 
Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on February 25 said that Kabul must share power with the extremist group Taliban and block Indian influence if it wants peace in the country, reports Dawn. He said that Afghan President Ashraf
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Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on February 25 said that Kabul must share power with the extremist group Taliban and block Indian influence if it wants peace in the country, reports Dawn. He said that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s September inauguration presented a new opportunity for reconciliation between the Government and Taliban and related insurgent groups. “Ashraf Ghani is a balanced man,” he said, adding, “I think he’s a great hope.” Pakistan and India must stay away and avoid engaging in proxy war, he said. He further said that India had provided weapons, training and equipment to ethnic Baloch separatists inside Afghanistan. He said that United States (US) and its allies had consistently failed to consider Pakistan’s concerns, forcing Islamabad to rely on other militant groups inside Afghanistan to prop up its interests. He acknowledged that India and Pakistan had been engaged in a long-running proxy war on Afghan soil that fed the conflict. But, he said, his and Islamabad’s role in nurturing the Taliban and allied militant groups operating in Afghanistan were a legitimate counterweight against its rival India there. “There are enemies of Pakistan that have to be countered,” he said, adding, “Certainly if there’s an enemy of mine, I will use somebody to counter him.” “The world must realise that we may not like the face of Mullah Omar…but that is how life is, that is what Afghanistan is,” said Musharraf. But he said those groups were an instrument to counter India’s influence on the ground in Afghanistan and insisted that former US President George W. Bush “knew that I am not playing a double game” with Washington.
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February - 25 
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on February 25 said that 400 foreign students studying in different madrassas across Punjab without local documentation will be deported soon, reports The Express Tribune. He added that a list of these students has been sent to the Federal Government. “It’s a hi
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Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on February 25 said that 400 foreign students studying in different madrassas across Punjab without local documentation will be deported soon, reports The Express Tribune. He added that a list of these students has been sent to the Federal Government. “It’s a high-time to end terrorism. It’s now or never. All those Afghan immigrants who don’t have a permit will also be sent back,” he said, adding, “We are importing 1,000 biometric machines which would be linked to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) database and can verify if a person is a Pakistani citizen or not.”
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February - 25 
The Federal Ministry of Interior on February 25 said that Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) was carrying out terrorist activities across the country to get the hangings of its leaders and workers stopped and to secure their release or help them escape, reports The News. According to the National Crisis Manage
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The Federal Ministry of Interior on February 25 said that Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) was carrying out terrorist activities across the country to get the hangings of its leaders and workers stopped and to secure their release or help them escape, reports The News. According to the National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) threat alert issued to the Provinces, militant groups like the LeJ and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), may jointly carry out terrorist activities. According to a private television channel, the cell has dispatched a letter (threat alert) to the home secretaries of Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Provincial Police Chiefs, the Inspector General (IG) Frontier Corps (FC) of KP and Balochistan and authorities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Gilgit Baltistan region. “The LeJ is infuriated over crackdown on its activists. LeJ had approached al Qaeda for help but it expressed its inability to do so citing its preoccupation in other areas like Syria and Iraq. LeJ then contacted TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah who not only provided finance to LeJ but also promised to extend further assistance. Now LeJ-Fazlullah nexus is at work in unleashing the wave of terrorism in the country,” the letter read. In the letter, the cell claims that terrorists are planning to conduct terrorist activities in the Punjab, most likely in Lahore.
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February - 25 
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala speaking in a programme in Kathmandu on February 25 said that there is no meaning in launching an agitation, violence and other protest programmes as all political parties are already incorporated into the mainstream of democracy, reports The Himalayan Times. Prime Mini
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Prime Minister Sushil Koirala speaking in a programme in Kathmandu on February 25 said that there is no meaning in launching an agitation, violence and other protest programmes as all political parties are already incorporated into the mainstream of democracy, reports The Himalayan Times. Prime Minister Koirala said, "I am committed to promulgating the new constitution through the Constituent Assembly (CA). I once again urge the opposition parties including Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) to move ahead for talks, consensus, unity and reconciliation."
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February - 26 
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed while addressing a ceremony in Dhaka city on February 26 said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) clique is carrying out genocide in the name of hartal (general strike) and blockade, reports The Independent. She said such brutalities c
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed while addressing a ceremony in Dhaka city on February 26 said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) clique is carrying out genocide in the name of hartal (general strike) and blockade, reports The Independent. She said such brutalities cannot be tolerated which is very unfortunate, pathetic and painful. She further alleged that a particular quarter is providing necessary finance, training and other support to the BNP-JeI miscreants for committing such heinous acts.
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February - 27 
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on February 27 that around 233 foreign boats and 1,686 foreign crews were apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard between 2011 and 2015, reports Sahil Online. "Instances of illegal fishing in Indian waters by foreign fishermen come to the notice of government fro
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Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on February 27 that around 233 foreign boats and 1,686 foreign crews were apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard between 2011 and 2015, reports Sahil Online. "Instances of illegal fishing in Indian waters by foreign fishermen come to the notice of government from time to time. A total of 233 foreign boats and 1686 foreign crew were apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard during the period 2011-15," Parrikar said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament). This comes months after a suspected terror boat was apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard. The boat was set afire by its occupants according to the Coast Guard, which resulted in a blast. Parrikar said vessels and aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy are deployed on a 24x7 basis for surveillance in the maritime zones of India "to protect national interests including for preventing infiltration and poaching by foreign fishing boats". He added that static radars have been installed along the Indian coastline for electronic surveillance of vessel traffic. The Coast Guard has also been conducting regular exercises bi-annually on coastal security in coordination with other central and state government agencies like the Marine Police, customs, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Fisheries Department, Port authorities, State Police and Indian Navy. To ensure coordination, regular meetings of the National Committee on Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS) are held in which all stakeholders participate," he added.
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February - 27 
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on February 27 said that his government has only one religion 'India first' and all communities need to unite to fight against terror, reports New Kerala. "The country can run only within the constitution and law. No one can take law in their hands and discriminate
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Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on February 27 said that his government has only one religion 'India first' and all communities need to unite to fight against terror, reports New Kerala. "The country can run only within the constitution and law. No one can take law in their hands and discriminate on the grounds of religion," Prime Minister Modi said. "We believe in Unity. All communities need to unite to fight against terror," he added. Prime Minister Modi, who was replying to the debate on President Pranab Mukherjee's address in the Lok Sabha, also drew the attention of the parliamentarians to the bomb explosions that rocked Patna's Gandhi Maidan hours before his Hunkar rally in 2013. "When I was in Patna in 2013, the bomb blasts took place. I had asked then, 'who does a Hindu have to fight with, Muslims or poverty'. Both need to unite to fight against terror," he said.
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February - 28 
On February 28, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Executive Director G. Padmanabhan called for a cyber law that will protect citizens against frauds and cyber crime as India’s financial sector moves to electronic banking in a big way, reports The Hindu. Padmanabhan said a strong law would go a long wa
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On February 28, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Executive Director G. Padmanabhan called for a cyber law that will protect citizens against frauds and cyber crime as India’s financial sector moves to electronic banking in a big way, reports The Hindu. Padmanabhan said a strong law would go a long way in building customer confidence to use technology in financial transactions. He said cyber threat was real and was constantly evolving. No organisation was immune to it, and hence preventive measures were a must. Where prevention failed, it should be made up with quick detection and decisive response. “The real challenge for the Indian financial system is awareness. There are two kinds of awareness. One is the awareness among customers about the dos and don’ts in digital transactions. It may be required for banks to take upon continuous awareness campaign among all customers on information security and the abundant caution to be exercised by them. There should be internal awareness too — among employees of the bank of security,” he said.
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February - 28 
Although there was no violence and there is an apparent reduction of threats against journalists in Sri Lanka after the January 8, 2014 election, significant challenges to press freedom are still remaining in Sri Lanka, an international media organization said, reports Colombo Page on March 1. The i
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Although there was no violence and there is an apparent reduction of threats against journalists in Sri Lanka after the January 8, 2014 election, significant challenges to press freedom are still remaining in Sri Lanka, an international media organization said, reports Colombo Page on March 1. The international media mission, which represents the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the International Press Institute and International Freedom of Expression Exchange, said the continued surveillance of journalists and media organizations in the north of Sri Lanka must cease. The mission said all journalists acknowledged there have been no cases of over violence since the January 8 elections and that there has been an apparent reduction in threats, but significant challenges to press freedom are remaining. These challenges include the self-censorship due to uncertainty about the political future of the country; restrictions on access to information; and continued surveillance and monitoring of journalists.
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February - 28 
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka, Ajith P. Perera said the domestic investigation into some of the allegations over the war will not be completed by September, 2015, reports Colombo Page on March 1. The Deputy Minister said that it will be difficult to complete the legal process before t
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Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka, Ajith P. Perera said the domestic investigation into some of the allegations over the war will not be completed by September, 2015, reports Colombo Page on March 1. The Deputy Minister said that it will be difficult to complete the legal process before the September sessions of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) as only the structure and laws will be in place before September. The UNHRC has agreed to defer a report on Sri Lanka which was to be submitted to the Council during this month's (March) session to September.
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February - 28 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has expressed the party's lack of faith in a domestic probe into issues related to the war crimes, reports Colombo Page on March 1. On February 28 TNA leaders met with United Nations (UN) Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman, who is currentl
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has expressed the party's lack of faith in a domestic probe into issues related to the war crimes, reports Colombo Page on March 1. On February 28 TNA leaders met with United Nations (UN) Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman, who is currently in Sri Lanka, and discussed several issues including the proposed domestic investigation on the war promised by the new Government. TNA Spokesperson (Member of Parliament) MP Suresh Premachandran said that the TNA had informed Feltman that the party did not have faith in a domestic probe. Feltman however had told the TNA that the Government had given an assurance that the domestic probe will meet international standards. He had informed the TNA that the UN is willing to work with the new Government on the investigation and other issues.
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March - 1 
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi red-flagged cyber security as an issue of global concern and exhorted the IT industry on March 1 to find innovate solutions to tackle the menace, reports Business Today. Modi also asked the IT industry to work on ideas like 'Cloud Godowns' and 'Cloud Lockers' to hel
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Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi red-flagged cyber security as an issue of global concern and exhorted the IT industry on March 1 to find innovate solutions to tackle the menace, reports Business Today. Modi also asked the IT industry to work on ideas like 'Cloud Godowns' and 'Cloud Lockers' to help keep data secure. "The whole world is concerned. Since I have become the Prime Minister, I have met around 50 world and political leaders and out of that, almost 25-30 have said cyber security is a concern. Can Indian youth work on solutions for cyber security?" Modi stated.
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March - 1 
Soon after taking oath, Chief Minister (CM) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed during a press conference on March 1 said Hurriyat Conference, militant outfits and “people from across the border”, an oblique reference to Pakistan, allowed conducive atmosphere for Assembly polls, reports Daily Excelsior. Sayeed fu
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Soon after taking oath, Chief Minister (CM) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed during a press conference on March 1 said Hurriyat Conference, militant outfits and “people from across the border”, an oblique reference to Pakistan, allowed conducive atmosphere for Assembly polls, reports Daily Excelsior. Sayeed further said “God forbid if they (militants) would have done something. It would not have been possible to have smooth conduct of the elections.” Sayeed also voiced hope that the induction of separatist turned mainstream politician Sajjad Gani Lone in the Ministry would open avenues for others to follow the suit.
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March - 1 
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will stay as Union Home Ministry Affairs (MHA) has rejected an official Committee recommendation for repeal of the Act, reports Daily Excelsior on March 2. A senior MHA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a recommendation for rejection
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The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will stay as Union Home Ministry Affairs (MHA) has rejected an official Committee recommendation for repeal of the Act, reports Daily Excelsior on March 2. A senior MHA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a recommendation for rejection of B P Jeevan Reddy Committee report has been sent to Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Brushing aside all criticism against the Act which is dubbed as “draconian” by several human rights organisations, the MHA said the Act was needed for Army to operate in areas hit by militancy or insurgency. The Reddy Committee was set up in 2004, in the wake of intense agitation in Manipur following killing of a woman, Thangjam Manorama, while in the custody of Assam Rifles and the indefinite fast undertaken by activist Irom Sharmila against AFSPA. The five-member committee, headed by Justice Jeevan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge, had submitted its report on June 6, 2005. The 147-page report recommends “the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, should be repealed.”
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March - 1 
The Assam State unit of Jamiat Ulama has said that it will extend full cooperation to the process of updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), reports The Assam Tribune. “Jamiat has decided to extend full cooperation in preparation of the NRC to ensure that names of illegal immigrants are
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The Assam State unit of Jamiat Ulama has said that it will extend full cooperation to the process of updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), reports The Assam Tribune. “Jamiat has decided to extend full cooperation in preparation of the NRC to ensure that names of illegal immigrants are not included in it, while those of genuine Indian citizens are not excluded,” the statement from Jamiat said. The organization has also decided to help citizens in depositing relevant documents to the NRC staff. The State committee of the Jamiat Ulama has directed all the district committees to form a five-member cell in each ward to help the local people in this regard.
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March - 1 
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said on March 1 that the normalisation of Indo-Pakistan relations is urgently needed to reduce tension on the Line of Control (LoC), reports Dawn. “It is premature to predict the outcome of foreign secretary level talks be
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Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said on March 1 that the normalisation of Indo-Pakistan relations is urgently needed to reduce tension on the Line of Control (LoC), reports Dawn. “It is premature to predict the outcome of foreign secretary level talks between Pakistan and India scheduled for next week but chances of a decision to resume a composite dialogue are likely either in the upcoming or the follow-up meetings,” Mr Aziz said. Mr Aziz said all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, had been part of agenda for talks with India. About the recent eight per cent increase in India’s defence allocation, the PM’s adviser said Pakistan had never been involved in arms race. However, he said, Pakistan would never compromise on availability of conventional weapons for its armed forces. Answering a question that foreign policy was being controlled by the army chief, the PM’s adviser said: “Harmony between political and military leadership is essential for national security which is an integral part of country’s foreign policy. It is not possible to implement the priorities on security issues without coordination with the armed forces.” Mr Aziz said the time of blame game between Afghanistan and Pakistan was over.
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March - 1 
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on March 1 turned down the demand of the opposition alliance to dissolve Questionnaire Committee formed by the Constituent Assembly (CA) as a condition to resume the stalled talks between ruling and opposition parties, reports Republica. He said "We are not making any f
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Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on March 1 turned down the demand of the opposition alliance to dissolve Questionnaire Committee formed by the Constituent Assembly (CA) as a condition to resume the stalled talks between ruling and opposition parties, reports Republica. He said "We are not making any forcible attempt to bring new statute. All we have done is to follow the existing democratic process. They may bring tens of thousands people on the streets. Other side may bring hundreds of thousands. Such moves won’t bring new statute."
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March - 1 
On March 1, Dahal said the opposition parties were ready to sit for talks if the ruling parties ensured the environment to promulgate the new constitution on the basis of a political consensus, according to Republica.
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On March 1, Dahal said the opposition parties were ready to sit for talks if the ruling parties ensured the environment to promulgate the new constitution on the basis of a political consensus, according to Republica.
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March - 1 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on March 1 said the accusations that Tamil youth were being held in secret detention camps were baseless, reports The Island. Wickremesinghe emphasised that all those who had been taken into custody were being held in legally run facilities and, therefore, all det
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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on March 1 said the accusations that Tamil youth were being held in secret detention camps were baseless, reports The Island. Wickremesinghe emphasised that all those who had been taken into custody were being held in legally run facilities and, therefore, all detainees could be accounted for. He said instructions had been given for preparing a full list of persons in custody in a bid to dispel fears expressed in some quarters as regards secret detention camps. According to the report, the Prime Minister didn’t mince his words when he declared that those missing but not listed among those in government custody had either perished during the conflict or were now living overseas. Authoritative sources said that Sri Lanka’s efforts to track down missing persons living overseas hadn’t been successful due to Western countries’ refusal to cooperate. Sources said that a joint effort was needed to establish the whereabouts of those who had assumed new identities and citizenship in other countries.
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March - 2 
Ali Muhammad, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), South Kashmir said that increasing recruitment of educated youths in terrorist organizations represents one of the biggest challenges for the Jammu and Kashmir Government, reports Economic Times on March 3. He said “Educated youth joining militancy is re
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Ali Muhammad, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), South Kashmir said that increasing recruitment of educated youths in terrorist organizations represents one of the biggest challenges for the Jammu and Kashmir Government, reports Economic Times on March 3. He said “Educated youth joining militancy is really a matter of concern for us. There is a need to change the mindset of the youth.” The new Chief Minister (CM) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed may have stirred a controversy by appearing to thank Pakistan for allowing peaceful polls in the Valley, but data shows he will need to win over youths at home to make a success of his tenure. Ashiq Hussain Dar (24), a resident of Turkewangam village, was selected as a village level worker in May 20014 and worked for three months as a Government official before joining Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM). Similarly, Shakeel Ahmed Wani (34) was a teacher in a Government school in Pakarpura, Badgam but he gave it up in July 2014, when he joined Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). While Wani was killed in an operation in Gaader forests in Keller area of Shopian in January, Dar was gunned down in a major army operation in Hef Sharmal village. Shiraz Ahmad Ghani (26), from Panjaram in Kulgam, who had similarly joined Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) while pursuing his PhD after completing his M Com, was killed in November 2014.
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March - 2 
Governor P B Acharya on March 2 stated that Security forces have arrested at least 167 terrorists and linkmen allegedly involved in the serial attacks on Adivasi people in many districts across Assam in the last two months, reports The New Indian Express. "Two of their leaders were also killed durin
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Governor P B Acharya on March 2 stated that Security forces have arrested at least 167 terrorists and linkmen allegedly involved in the serial attacks on Adivasi people in many districts across Assam in the last two months, reports The New Indian Express. "Two of their leaders were also killed during the action by the security forces. On the insistence of the state government, the National Investigation Agency has taken up investigation and registered four cases against the terrorists," Acharya said. At least 81 persons, including Adivasis, Bodos and Bengalis, were killed in serial attacks by IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-IKS) terrorists, retaliatory violence and police firing across many districts in December 2014.The Government has so far inked 'Suspension of Operation' agreement with 17 extremist groups, of which Memorandum of Settlement agreement have been signed with Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT), United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), Dima Halim Daogah- Dilip Nunisa faction (DHD-N) and Jewel Gorlosa faction of DHD (DHD-J) also known as Black Widow (BW), added P B Acharya.
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March - 2 
Pakistan has deported around 2,000 unregistered Afghans after the attack on Army Public School in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, said an unnamed secuirity official on March 2, reports The Express Tribune. According to the sources, “Pakistani authorities have clearly conveyed to the Afghan Government
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Pakistan has deported around 2,000 unregistered Afghans after the attack on Army Public School in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, said an unnamed secuirity official on March 2, reports The Express Tribune. According to the sources, “Pakistani authorities have clearly conveyed to the Afghan Government that around three million refugees are posing grave security risk and it is now working to send back non-registered Afghan refugees at the earliest to minimise these risks.” These sources said that after the approval of the National Action Plan (NAP) the Provincial Governments have been directed to arrest illegal Afghans and deport them immediately. “It has been clearly conveyed to Afghan authorities that around all the three million refugees will be repatriated by December 2015, and meanwhile no action will be taken against the registered refugees,” the sources said, adding, “it has also been conveyed that action is only being taken against those Afghan refugees who have not got themselves registered properly.” The sources said that Intelligence Agencies have proof which was handed over to the Afghan authorities that there are unregistered Afghans who are involved in terrorist activities and crimes, creating law and order problems in Pakistan which cannot be tolerated anymore.
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March - 2 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a meeting with Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan Janan Mosazai in Islaambad on March 2 said that relations with Afghanistan had undergone qualitative transformation since the Government took over in 2014, reports The News. He said Pakistan hopes that the proces
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a meeting with Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan Janan Mosazai in Islaambad on March 2 said that relations with Afghanistan had undergone qualitative transformation since the Government took over in 2014, reports The News. He said Pakistan hopes that the process of peace talks within Afghanistan would speed up and reach a successful conclusion soon. He expressed satisfaction over the increased security cooperation between the two countries and said the recent visit of Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Raheel Sharif proved quite helpful in streamlining important matters. He was also pleased over the first meeting of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Business Council that would be taking place in the next few weeks to attract international investors to both countries. PM Nawaz approved of the appointment of a focal person for following up implementation on the decisions taken during inter-ministerial meetings with Afghanistan on daily basis. A similar focal person would be appointed from the Afghan side as well, a PM Office statement said.
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March - 3 
Dr Bhumidhar Barman, Minister for Assam Accord Implementation, in his written reply on March 3 stated that 71,201 foreigners have been detected in Assam since 1985, of whom 38,186 came after 1971 and were found by the Foreigners’ Tribunals to be liable for deportation, reports The Telegraph. Of the
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Dr Bhumidhar Barman, Minister for Assam Accord Implementation, in his written reply on March 3 stated that 71,201 foreigners have been detected in Assam since 1985, of whom 38,186 came after 1971 and were found by the Foreigners’ Tribunals to be liable for deportation, reports The Telegraph. Of the total foreigners detected, 2,448 have been deported and 68 are kept in detention centres, while the remaining are either absconding or are dead
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March - 3 
On March 3, reports that DGP stated that "It is good news if insurgents are rejoining the mainstream and peace prevails", when asked about claims made by GNLA that it is not involved in anti-social activities. He also stated that the Police would react and go ahead on the insurgency scenario of Garo
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On March 3, reports that DGP stated that "It is good news if insurgents are rejoining the mainstream and peace prevails", when asked about claims made by GNLA that it is not involved in anti-social activities. He also stated that the Police would react and go ahead on the insurgency scenario of Garo hills, according to the ground situation and information available. The Sentinel further adds that DGP asked the Superintendent of Police (SPs) of the five Garo Hills Districts to effectively involve the community in the fight against militant groups. DGP Rajiv Mehta stated that "You cannot fight the militants without the community support and that message has been made it clear to the SPs. Better police-public relationship is needed for better results, He also asked the SPs to direct all the subordinate officers to be active on the ground to make Counter Insurgency operations and Policing more effective. He also asked the SPs and other senior officers to make policing more visible in the strife torn districts of Garo Hills.
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March - 3 
Pakistan and India on March 3 agreed to end the tension on the Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary and narrow down the differences in “a spirit of friendship and cooperation”, reports The News. Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Adviser to
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Pakistan and India on March 3 agreed to end the tension on the Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary and narrow down the differences in “a spirit of friendship and cooperation”, reports The News. Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Adviser to PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi after one-on-one and delegation-level talks with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry. This was the first interaction between the two sides after 2012. The Indian foreign secretary handed over a letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz welcomed the meeting between the two foreign secretaries in Islamabad and hoped that the process would continue. He underlined the importance of enhanced cooperation among the SAARC member states. Pakistan said when both the countries were ready, future meetings could be planned by remaining in contact. Bilateral and regional issues, including those of common concern like Jammu and Kashmir, Sir Creek, Siachen Glacier, water issues, tension at the LoC and Working Boundary and terrorism, found place in the discussions held at the Foreign Office. “Both sides raised concerns and this visit is an ice-breaking development,” commented the spokesperson at the Foreign Office. Jaishankar said that the talks were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere, where he reiterated India’s concerns on cross border terrorism, including on the Mumbai case and emphasised that ensuring peace and tranquility on the border was vital. Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said that it was important to establish good neighbourly and cooperative relations between India and Pakistan, reports Daily Times. Nawaz said this was consistent with his vision of a peaceful neighbourhood in South Asia. He expressed confidence that the talks between the foreign secretaries of the two countries would result in charting the way forward in their bilateral relations. The PM said both the countries needed to open a new chapter in their relationship by working towards resolving their outstanding issues through dialogue, said a press release issued by the PM Office.
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March - 3 
During a roundtable organised by the Christian Science Monitor in Washington on March 3, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States (US) Jalil Abbas Jilani said that a formal announcement on outlawing the Haqqani Network it still under consideration, reported The News. “These are the kind of issues
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During a roundtable organised by the Christian Science Monitor in Washington on March 3, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States (US) Jalil Abbas Jilani said that a formal announcement on outlawing the Haqqani Network it still under consideration, reported The News. “These are the kind of issues that are in the works, I would say,” Jilani said, when asked on a timeline for a formal announcement on the subject. Earlier in January 2015 Pakistani officials had said that Islamabad had decided to outlaw the militant group and that a formal announcement would come “within weeks." Jilani told reporters that as US troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan’s eastern border, they had seen increased militant activity, adding that a slower drawdown “would be viewed very positively in Pakistan.” He added that Pakistan has had to depute more soldiers on its Western border, boosting numbers from 145,000 to nearly 177,000 in a bid to control cross-border militancy. This has meant fewer troops were available for carrying out an offensive in North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
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March - 3 
Pakistan and India on March 3 agreed to end the tension on the Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary and narrow down the differences in “a spirit of friendship and cooperation”, reports The News. Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Adviser to
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Pakistan and India on March 3 agreed to end the tension on the Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary and narrow down the differences in “a spirit of friendship and cooperation”, reports The News. Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Adviser to PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi after one-on-one and delegation-level talks with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry. This was the first interaction between the two sides after 2012. The Indian foreign secretary handed over a letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz welcomed the meeting between the two foreign secretaries in Islamabad and hoped that the process would continue. He underlined the importance of enhanced cooperation among the SAARC member states. Pakistan said when both the countries were ready, future meetings could be planned by remaining in contact. Bilateral and regional issues, including those of common concern like Jammu and Kashmir, Sir Creek, Siachen Glacier, water issues, tension at the LoC and Working Boundary and terrorism, found place in the discussions held at the Foreign Office. “Both sides raised concerns and this visit is an ice-breaking development,” commented the spokesperson at the Foreign Office. Jaishankar said that the talks were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere, where he reiterated India’s concerns on cross border terrorism, including on the Mumbai case and emphasised that ensuring peace and tranquility on the border was vital. Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said that it was important to establish good neighbourly and cooperative relations between India and Pakistan, reports Daily Times. Nawaz said this was consistent with his vision of a peaceful neighbourhood in South Asia. He expressed confidence that the talks between the foreign secretaries of the two countries would result in charting the way forward in their bilateral relations. The PM said both the countries needed to open a new chapter in their relationship by working towards resolving their outstanding issues through dialogue, said a press release issued by the PM Office.
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March - 3 
States (US) Central Command (CENTCOM) Chief General Lloyd Austin while testifying before the Congress’ House Armed Services Committee on US CENTCOM’s posture on March 3 said that tensions between the two nuclear-tipped neighbours, India and Pakistan, affects regional stability and directly impacts P
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States (US) Central Command (CENTCOM) Chief General Lloyd Austin while testifying before the Congress’ House Armed Services Committee on US CENTCOM’s posture on March 3 said that tensions between the two nuclear-tipped neighbours, India and Pakistan, affects regional stability and directly impacts Pakistan’s strategy in Afghanistan, reports The Express Tribune. General Austin said that “Tension between Pakistan and India also continue to threaten regional stability and largely drives Pakistan’s regional strategy, especially as it relates to Afghanistan,” adding, “Our desired end-state is a stable sub-region characterised by a low risk of conventional or nuclear war, with regional states committed to non-interference with respect to their neighbors’ internal affairs, the denial of sanctuary for Violent Extremist Organistaions (VEOs), and the non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).” He said that they had made substantial progress in efforts to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan over the past year. “The US-Pakistan military-to-military relationship continues to improve. Key contributing factors are our Foreign Military Financing (FMF), international military education and training, and the Coalition Support Fund.” “We also prioritised our security cooperation at the Defense Consultative Group Conference with the goal to help Pakistan to build additional capacity in support of their counter-insurgency and CT operations and other common objectives.” Furhter he said that while militants were present in the border areas, Pakistan had been taking action against them. “Violent extremist organisations, to include the remnants of core al Qaeda, continue to operate in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and, to a lesser extent, parts of eastern Afghanistan.” He added that these groups threaten regional stability, plan attacks against the US and partner interests, and pursue WMD with Taliban insurgency continuing to present a credible threat to the Afghan Government. “We are encouraged by (Pakistan) leaderships’ commitment to counter-insurgency operations in the FATA and openness to improve relations with Afghanistan,” he said, adding, “The Pakistani military’s recent operations to clear militant strongholds in North Waziristan and other FATA regions and to prevent the militants’ return have achieved near-term successes. However, Pakistan will likely continue to face the threat of VEOs for the foreseeable future.”
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March - 3 
Ruling parties Nepali Congress (NC) and Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) during a meeting in Kathmandu on March 3 decided to urge Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subas Nembang to resume the stalled CA process, reports Kantipur Online. Both the parties also asked the Uni
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Ruling parties Nepali Congress (NC) and Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) during a meeting in Kathmandu on March 3 decided to urge Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subas Nembang to resume the stalled CA process, reports Kantipur Online. Both the parties also asked the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M)-led alliance to sit for talks without further delay. On February 13, the CA meeting was postponed indefinitely for the sake of bringing the opposition parties on board. Despite Prime Minister Sushil Koirala’s repeated calls, the opposition parties have refused to come to the negotiating table. Leaders attending the meeting, however, said they would continue their efforts to hold a dialogue with the agitating parties in order to build consensus on the key disputes. Meanwhile, UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda said that it would be difficult to forge consensus on disputed issues in constitution making if the opposition alliance is forced to launch second phase of protests, reports Republica on March 4. Dahal said “The ruling parties have to express commitment that the new statute would respect the spirit of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Second, they have to say they will bring new statute through consensus and not through voting in CA.” Stating that they are planning second phase of protests, Dahal said they wish to see the ruling parties create environment favourable for talks before March 6.
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March - 3 
United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman, during an official visit to Sri Lanka said on March 3 that the global institution is encouraged by the Sri Lankan new Government’s commitment to promote reconciliation, accountability and human rights and it is committed to assisting in th
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United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman, during an official visit to Sri Lanka said on March 3 that the global institution is encouraged by the Sri Lankan new Government’s commitment to promote reconciliation, accountability and human rights and it is committed to assisting in the process of accountability and reconciliation in the island nation, reports Colombo Page. Jeffrey Feltman said the recent election of a new government has given Sri Lanka an historic opportunity to seize to address the accountability and bring the reconciliation to the island. The UN official, who arrived in the island on February 28 for a four-day official visit, said he had a series of positive, constructive discussions with the President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Acting Foreign Minister Ajith Perera, the leadership of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Tamil National Alliance (TNA), and the diplomatic community in Colombo.
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