Ghani: ISIS Behind Jalalabad Bombing; India’s Budget Session Resumes; Saudi Arabia Continues to Expect Pakistani Role in Yemen

Afghanistan

Ghani: ISIS behind Jalalabad bombing

On Saturday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that ISIS was behind the bombing of the Kabul Bank branch in Jalalabad earlier in the day that killed 35 people and injured 125 more (NYT, WSJ, Reuters). Ghani stated: “Taliban did not claim responsibility, but Daesh claimed responsibility.” Daesh is a pejorative name some use to describe ISIS. Indeed, Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, wrote on Twitter: “We condemn/deny involvement,” and in 2011 the Taliban did claim responsibility for an attack on the same bank branch with similar casualties. In a cellphone interview with the New York Times, Zabiullah Mujahid reiterated his denial and refused to comment on ISIS’s role. On the other hand, ISIS’ Afghan group, which calls itself the Province of Khorasan claimed the attack releasing the bomber’s photo and stating: “Many congratulations to all on the first…attack by the Province of Khorasan.”

Insurgents storm police station, 19 deminers kidnapped

On Sunday, insurgents wearing police uniforms stormed a police station in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Afghanistan’s Helmand province (Pajhwok, TOLO News, RFE/RL). The number of casualties remains unclear, however, according to some reports, the attack killed two policemen and wounded 11 others. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Also on Sunday, unknown gunmen kidnapped 19 deminers in southeastern Paktia province (Pajhwok, TOLO News). The province’s Deputy Governor Abdul Wali Sahi told Pajhwok Afghan News that the deminers were employees of Sterling Demining Afghanistan and had been kidnapped near Gardez. Seventeen deminers reportedly escaped. Those who did not escape are believed to have been taken to Zurmat district and police have initiated efforts to find and rescue them.

Ghani, Khameni meet stress ties

On Sunday, Afghan President and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni stressed their two countries’ ties after meetings in Tehran (Pajhwok). Khameni stated: “I am happy that we can work together to solve problems and improve our bilateral ties.” Ghani emphasized security issues in particular regarding ISIS stating: “Emergence of Islamic State (IS) group is the root of Al-Qaeda is an international terrorist movement, which is a threat to entire world.” Ghani also praised the recent nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1. Ghani also met with Iranian Vice-President and head of the Environmental Protection Organization, Masoumeh Ebtekar (Pajhwok). Ghani asked for assistance in protecting the environment citing flash floods, deforestation, dying meadows, and illegal hunting as threats.

India

India’s budget session resumes

The first day of the second part of the budget session — after a recess in March — began in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) on Monday (Times of India, NDTV). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said to reporters: “The first part of the Budget session witnessed unprecedented outcomes. Even in terms of productivity, it was successful after many years because of the cooperation of all parties. I thank all parties for that… I am confident that in the second part also the level of discussions will keep rising” (Economic Times). Modi also tweeted: “Parliament  session begins today. I look forward to a productive session, filled with constructive debates on several issues.”

Lok Sabha was adjourned for a while, and the land acquisition bill was tabled on Monday, after oppositions parties created a ruckus in the Lok Sabha by raising slogans, including “withdraw the bill” and “down with the anti-farmer government” (Times of India). Opposition parties have united to oppose the land acquisition bill, stating that the bill will force farmers and the poor to lose their lands. In 2014, the government used an executive order to amend the land acquisition bill and facilitate the buying of land for industrial projects.

Police shoot teenager during protests in Kashmir

The Indian police killed a 16-year-old boy in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday during a protest by locals over the arrest of Masarat Alam, a separatist leader, on charges of waging a war against India and sedition (Reuters, NYT. Livemint). The police used batons and fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, during which the teenager was shot. The police later issued a statement that said: “Preliminary inquiry conducted in the matter indicates that the forces deployed have acted in violation of the laid down SOP [standard operating procedure]” (Times of India). The Pakistani government expressed its concern over the shooting, and issued a statement condemning the “brutal use of force by Indian security forces against peaceful and unarmed protesters. The people and Government of Pakistan extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims” (Livemint).

Modi government announces 24/7 farming television channel

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government announced a new round-the-clock channel called Kisan TV (Farmers’ TV), which will update farmers on relevant information, including farming practices, ways to enrich soil, and the potency of seed varieties (WSJ). During the budget last year, Modi allocated $16 million to Prasar Bharati — India’s public service broadcaster — to specifically focus on agriculture and rural development. Since 1967, Doordarshan — a division of Prasar Bharati — has broadcasted Krishi Darshan (Agriculture Television), which is a 30 minute show that focuses on farming issues. However, the show was broadcasted at 5:30 p.m., a time when most of the farmers are still working in the fields.

Pakistan