The Afghan govt while it is optimistic about US Taliban talks that started over the weekend in Doha, has said that the group has to integrate in the new Afghanistan. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Afghanistan's Chief of mission Tahir Qadiry said Afghan govt want peace talks which are dignified and enduring peace. He also lauded Indian govt position on the peace talks and has been an all-weather friend of Afghanistan.

TALIBAN HAS TO INTEGRATE INTO NEW AFGHANISTAN SAYS AFGHAN CHIEF OF MISSION

In India, Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha. Home Minister Amit Shah seeks to get majority votes.

INDIA: Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha

Breather for 26/11 attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed. India slams Pakistan on Saeed.

Breather for 26/11 attack mastermind

Telangana police on Friday morning said that all the four people accused in the rape and murder of woman veterinarian in Telangana have been killed in an encounter with the police.

Hyderabad rape and murder case: All four accused killed in encounter

India: Pollution crisis deepens regularly, due to which life expectancy reducing day by day.

India: Pollution crisis deepens regularly

In this video review, Major General SB Asthana highlights Pakistan's hypocrisy on abrogation of Article 370. He explains how Imran Khan government is spreading a false narrative on Kashmir which has put Islamabad on a self-destructive path.

Kashmir issue: Pakistan is on a self-destructive path

Fineprint: Rape Survivor Battling for Life

Bharatiya Janata Party's national general secretary Ram Madhav said that one of India's strategic goals is to achieve its own club.

India needs to have its own club, BJP's Ram Madhav at WION World Order

India on Thursday overtook Nepal to reach the top spot of the medal tally in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-declares-13th-south-asian-games- open-in-kathmandu-265677">South Asian Games 2019</a>.

India now has 77 medals in its kitty with 36 gold, 28 silver and 13 bronze. 
Nepal has 74 medals with 30 gold, 16 silver and 28 bronze.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAG2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAG2019</a> Update - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> overtakes Nepal to take the top spot with a total of 77 medals that include 36 Gold 🥇, 28 Silver🥈and 13 Bronze🥉 medals. Many Congratulations!!<a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KirenRijiju</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DGSAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DGSAI</a> <a href="https://t.co/oqxcgtjhXe">https://t.co/oqxcgtjhXe</a> <a href="https://t.co/QFBngBHrG3">pic.twitter.com/QFBngBHrG3</a>
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1202468985360371713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, Indian weightlifters won two gold medals. Jhilli Dalabehera won it in the 45kg weight category while Sneha Soren bagged it in the 49kg category.

Indian athletes dominated in most of the competitions on Wednesday and clinched 28 
medals including 17 gold, seven silver and four bronze.

Late on Wednesday evening, Annu Raj, Gauri Sheoran and Neeraj Kaur won gold in 25meters Sports Pistol team event. In the individual competition event, Annu bagged gold while Gauri grabbed silver for India.

Similarly, in Tennis, India clinched Men's and Women's team title. Indian men defeated Pakistan while women beat Sri Lanka in the finals.

In Kho-Kho, Indian men's and women's teams won a gold each whereas, in Triathlon, India won gold in 4*4 mixed relay.

In Taekwondo event, India clinched six medals, including three gold.

India on Thursday overtook Nepal to reach the top spot of the medal tally in the ongoing South Asian Games 2019. India now has 77 medals in its kitty with 36 gold, 28 silver and 13 bronze.

India on Thursday overtook Nepal to reach the top spot of the medal tally in the ongoing South Asian Games 2019. India now has 77 medals in its kitty with 36 gold, 28 silver and 13 bronze. Nepal has 74 medals with 30 gold, 16 silver and 28 bronze. #SAG2019 Update - #India overtakes Nepal to take the top spot with a total of 77 medals that include 36 Gold 🥇, 28 Silver🥈and 13 Bronze🥉 medals. Many Congratulations!!@KirenRijiju @DGSAI https://t.co/oqxcgtjhXe pic.twitter.com/QFBngBHrG3 — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) December 5, 2019 × On Thursday, Indian weightlifters won two gold medals. Jhilli Dalabehera won it in the 45kg weight category while Sneha Soren bagged it in the 49kg category. Indian athletes dominated in most of the competitions on Wednesday and clinched 28 medals including 17 gold, seven silver and four bronze. Late on Wednesday evening, Annu Raj, Gauri Sheoran and Neeraj Kaur won gold in 25meters Sports Pistol team event. In the individual competition event, Annu bagged gold while Gauri grabbed silver for India. Similarly, in Tennis, India clinched Men's and Women's team title. Indian men defeated Pakistan while women beat Sri Lanka in the finals. In Kho-Kho, Indian men's and women's teams won a gold each whereas, in Triathlon, India won gold in 4*4 mixed relay. In Taekwondo event, India clinched six medals, including three gold.

South Asian Games: India overtakes Nepal to top medal tally with 77 medals

Nirav Modi declared as a fugitive economic offender by Mumbai court in the PNB scam

India: Nirav Modi declared fugitive by Mumbai court

Union Cabinet of India clears the citizenship amendment bill in the parliament. Citizenship for persecuted minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan even if they don't possess proper document.

India: Union Cabinet clears Citizenship Amendment Bill

The upgrade work&nbsp;of MiG-29 fleet is in its final stages, with modern customisations&nbsp;capable of prolonging their life by&nbsp;40 years.

A source told WION, “IAF and HAL have completely mastered the technology of upgrading MiG-29 fighter jets into MiG-29 UPG."

The source further added, "The project, which incorporates delivery of modernisation kits from Russia, technology transfer and personnel training is divided into two stages: first,&nbsp;the overhaul of the plane, then, the upgrade process itself envisaging the modernisation of the airframe, instalment of new systems and adding new capabilities."

Currently, all planes are being&nbsp;modified only in India. The capabilities of the upgraded MiG-29s which included improving&nbsp;electronic equipment have been significantly augmented and new weapons can be fitted in.

"MiG-29UPG has gained not only increased efficiency but also has much more leverage in hitting the ground and naval targets (both static and moving) with high-precision weapons in any meteorological conditions both day and night'', the source added.

This has made it possible for the local refurbishment of aircraft, leaving the choice of using either Indian origin or international aerial weapons to Indian Air Force.&nbsp;Other than this, the fuel payload has been increased&nbsp;and the operating range has been improved.

The upgrade work of MiG-29 fleet is in its final stages, with modern customisations capable of prolonging their life by 40 years. A source told WION, “IAF and HAL have completely mastered the technology of upgrading MiG-29 fighter jets into MiG-29 UPG.

The upgrade work of MiG-29 fleet is in its final stages, with modern customisations capable of prolonging their life by 40 years. A source told WION, “IAF and HAL have completely mastered the technology of upgrading MiG-29 fighter jets into MiG-29 UPG." The source further added, "The project, which incorporates delivery of modernisation kits from Russia, technology transfer and personnel training is divided into two stages: first, the overhaul of the plane, then, the upgrade process itself envisaging the modernisation of the airframe, instalment of new systems and adding new capabilities." Currently, all planes are being modified only in India. The capabilities of the upgraded MiG-29s which included improving electronic equipment have been significantly augmented and new weapons can be fitted in. "MiG-29UPG has gained not only increased efficiency but also has much more leverage in hitting the ground and naval targets (both static and moving) with high-precision weapons in any meteorological conditions both day and night'', the source added. This has made it possible for the local refurbishment of aircraft, leaving the choice of using either Indian origin or international aerial weapons to Indian Air Force. Other than this, the fuel payload has been increased and the operating range has been improved.

MiG-29 upgrade allows weapon customisation, improves operating range

A joint military exercise between Indian and Nepali Army commenced at the Nepal Army Battle School (NABS) in country's Rupendehi district on Tuesday with an aim to enhance interoperability at the military level in jungle warfare, anti-terrorism combat as well as disaster response activities, the Defence Ministry said. 
 
This is the 14th edition of the joint military exercise 'Surya Kiran' which is conducted alternatively in India and Nepal. 
 
The aim of this exercise is to conduct a Battalion level combined training between the Indian and Nepalese Army with a scope to enhance interoperability at a military level in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, medical and environmental conservation including aviation aspects. 
 
As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations, and drills related to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Jungle/ Mountainous terrain will be conducted. 
 
Both the Armies will also share their valuable experiences in countering such situations and also refine drills and procedures for joint operations wherever the need arises.

A joint military exercise between Indian and Nepali Army commenced at the Nepal Army Battle School (NABS) in country's Rupendehi district on Tuesday with an aim to enhance interoperability at the military level in jungle warfare, anti-terrorism combat as well as disaster response activities, the Defence Ministry said.

A joint military exercise between Indian and Nepali Army commenced at the Nepal Army Battle School (NABS) in country's Rupendehi district on Tuesday with an aim to enhance interoperability at the military level in jungle warfare, anti-terrorism combat as well as disaster response activities, the Defence Ministry said. This is the 14th edition of the joint military exercise 'Surya Kiran' which is conducted alternatively in India and Nepal. The aim of this exercise is to conduct a Battalion level combined training between the Indian and Nepalese Army with a scope to enhance interoperability at a military level in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, medical and environmental conservation including aviation aspects. As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations, and drills related to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Jungle/ Mountainous terrain will be conducted. Both the Armies will also share their valuable experiences in countering such situations and also refine drills and procedures for joint operations wherever the need arises.

India, Nepal joint military exercise begins in Rupandehi

Union Cabinet of India clears the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the parliament. Citizenship Amendment Bill grants citizenship for persecuted minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan even if they don't possess proper document.

India: Union Cabinet clears Citizenship Amendment Bill :WION dispatch

Maldivian president along with Indian prime minister to launch joint projects, all the projects are part of India's neighbourhood first policy

India, Maldive to inaugurate four projects :WION dispatch

India, Maldive to inaugurate four projects

Robust upgrade for MIG-29 fighter jets, upgradation improves operating range for MIG- 29 jets, all planes are being modified only in India

Robust upgrade for MIG-29 fighter jets

The Marina is Indias's longest urban beach, the locals complain of stench from Marina Form. The form could cause skin related problem.

India: Marina beach covered in toxic foam, Pollution impact lives

Is Indian Ocean Region (I.O.R) The Final Frontier In The Battle For Influence Between India & China

WION Edit: Battle for influence in Indian Ocean: India versus China

A Sikh pilgrim who went to visit the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib three days ago with a 'jatha' (group of pilgrims) has been missing in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Until now, Pakistan police have arrested four men from Lahore and Faisalabad.

The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a 4.7-kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur was formally thrown open to pilgrims on November 9. This was three days before the 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev.

An agreement on the modalities for operationalising the corridor signed between India and Pakistan on October 24 had paved way for the inauguration ahead of the Guru Nanak's Prakash Parv.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A Sikh pilgrim who went to visit the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib three days ago with a 'jatha' (group of pilgrims) has been missing in Pakistan. Until now, Pakistan police have arrested four men from Lahore and Faisalabad.

A Sikh pilgrim who went to visit the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib three days ago with a 'jatha' (group of pilgrims) has been missing in Pakistan. Until now, Pakistan police have arrested four men from Lahore and Faisalabad. The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a 4.7-kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur was formally thrown open to pilgrims on November 9. This was three days before the 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev. An agreement on the modalities for operationalising the corridor signed between India and Pakistan on October 24 had paved way for the inauguration ahead of the Guru Nanak's Prakash Parv. (With inputs from agencies)

Girl who went to Kartarpur corridor goes missing in Pakistan, four arrested

At 11.50 am on Monday, Sensex stood at 40,861.98 points, gaining 68.17&nbsp;(0.17 per cent), while Nifty clocked in 12,067.10 points,&nbsp;gaining 11.05&nbsp;(0.092 per cent).

MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.46 per cent&nbsp;after investors clung to hopes Beijing and Washington could reach a compromise in trade talks despite concerns of US&nbsp;support to the Honk Kong protests.

Investors at home seemed to have priced in the flagging economic growth, which slowed to 4.5 per cent&nbsp;for the July-September period.

Telecom stocks led gains among sectors as all three major operators in the country announced price hikes over the weekend after a court ruling forced them to cough up nearly $13 billion in dues and levies.

Bharti Airtel&nbsp;rose 8.03 per cent, Vodafone Idea jumped 16.06 per cent&nbsp;and Reliance Jio owner Reliance Industries&nbsp;advanced 3.57 per cent.

Vodafone was the biggest gainer among all stocks listed on the NSE, while Airtel gained most on the Nifty.

Among losers, Oil and Natural Gas Corp&nbsp;dropped 2.54 per cent&nbsp;and was the biggest drag on the indexes.

(With inputs from agencies)

At 11.50 am on Monday, Sensex stood at 40,861.98 points, gaining 68.17 (0.17 per cent), while Nifty clocked in 12,067.10 points, gaining 11.05 (0.092 per cent). MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.

At 11.50 am on Monday, Sensex stood at 40,861.98 points, gaining 68.17 (0.17 per cent), while Nifty clocked in 12,067.10 points, gaining 11.05 (0.092 per cent). MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.46 per cent after investors clung to hopes Beijing and Washington could reach a compromise in trade talks despite concerns of US support to the Honk Kong protests. Investors at home seemed to have priced in the flagging economic growth, which slowed to 4.5 per cent for the July-September period. Telecom stocks led gains among sectors as all three major operators in the country announced price hikes over the weekend after a court ruling forced them to cough up nearly $13 billion in dues and levies. Bharti Airtel rose 8.03 per cent, Vodafone Idea jumped 16.06 per cent and Reliance Jio owner Reliance Industries advanced 3.57 per cent. Vodafone was the biggest gainer among all stocks listed on the NSE, while Airtel gained most on the Nifty. Among losers, Oil and Natural Gas Corp dropped 2.54 per cent and was the biggest drag on the indexes. (With inputs from agencies)

Sensex rises by 68 points, Nifty gains 11

In 2015, Air Pollution in Mumbai and Delhi cost India more than $10 billion. In this report from Gravitas, we look at how rising pollution can hurt the GDP of a country.

Gravitas: How Pollution is taking a toll on the GDP

Security breach at Priyanka Gandhi’s residence last week. Watch video to know more.

Security breach at Priyanka Gandhi’s residence last week

The Citizenship Amendment Bill expected to be tabled in the Indian Parliament in the ongoing session seems to have set the cat among the pigeons but ironically most of those opposing it fail to understand perhaps the gravity of the situation as well as the historical context.

The proposed amendment would help non-Muslim including Hindu refugees from the neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to get Indian citizenship much easily than prescribed in earlier regulations.

The genesis of this amendment lies in the failure of these three neighbouring countries to protect its minorities and primarily Hindus. A month before the formation of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah had declared in a Press Conference in Delhi on July 13, 1947, “The minorities, to whichever community they may belong, will be safeguarded. Their religion or their faith or belief will be protected in every way possible. Their life and property will be secure. There will be no interference of any kind with the freedom of worship. They will have their protection with regard to their religion, faith, their property and their culture. They will be in all respects treated as citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste, religion or creed.”

Jinnah had reiterated in his Presidential address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, “The first duty of a government is to maintain law and order, so that the life, property and religious beliefs of its subjects are fully protected by the State.”

However, the partition saw all these assurances going for a toss. Not only in 1947, but the atrocities on Hindus have continued in Pakistan unabated ever since it came into existence.

JN Mandal, who had accepted the Cabinet appointment as Minister of Law and Labour in the Government of Pakistan, had given a detailed account of these atrocities in 1950 “and, while he was still holding that post, (he) fled from Pakistan in September 1951. In early October 1951, he sent his letter of resignation to the Pakistan Prime Minister. He describes in detail the reasons for his resignation and for leaving Pakistan previously been appointed in the quota of Muslim League as a Minister in the Interim Government of undivided India on November 1, 1946. In this letter in paragraph 9, he complained about the general anti-Hindu policy of the East Bengal Government and the Police administration. (Recurrent Exodus of Minorities from East Pakistan and Disturbances in India, 1965, p. 9)”

Bhupendra Kumar Dutta, a prominent minority leader of East Pakistan speaking in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on March 16, 1950 said, “Sir, so far as we on this side of the House are concerned, we meet under the shadow of a great calamity that threatens our very existence as a community. Reports may be exaggerated; reports may be minimised. Killings may be put in four figures but accepted in three. Women's honour may have suffered in many more cases than the world will ever come to know. There will always be different versions of the extent of the loss of property. But the fact cannot be controverted that the sudden flare-up in east Bengal since February 10th has left the vast numbers we represent stunned and dazed, utterly shaken and nervous and psychologically.”

According to official records (Extracts from Recurrent Exodus of Minorities from East Pakistan and Disturbances in India, 1965, p. 4) &nbsp;

● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; After 1950 killings with which we shall presently deal, the Hindu holdings of properties fell to 12.7% and nearly 90% of Hindu citizen of Dhaka migrated to India. Similar is the case with the student population in Dhaka.

● From 2900 Hindu boys in schools before partition, 2000 remained before February 1950 killings. And at the end of December 1950 the number was reduced to 140.

●Similarly there were about 2100 Hindu girls in schools before partition about 1200 before the February 1950 incident of these only 25 remained by December 1950.

●The population of Hindu college students fell from 65% at partition to 7% in January 1950 and at the end of 1950, only 12 remained.

● Similar is the case with lawyers. Hindu shops at the time of Partition and at the end of 1950 only 157 remained.

● Of these the population of There were about 1500 in each of the 45 big and small towns, with the exception of the five smaller ones, Hindu inhabitants were in majority though taking. The total population the number of Hindus amounted to 30 per cent.

These atrocities have continued unabated. If we look at the recent past, there have been numerous such incidents which were raised in even the Parliament and the governments of the day responded to it.

On July 28, 1987, Eduardo Faleiro, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs said in Rajya Sabha, “Reports emanating from Pakistan in May-June, 1987 indicate that there have been attacks on Hindu temples as well as on shops and properties belonging to the Hindu community in Sind.”

Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs at that time,&nbsp;had told the Rajya Sabha on December 6, 2007, “Reports of violence and atrocities against minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh are received from time to time. The primary responsibility for the protection of the life, liberty and property of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh. It has been conveyed at the highest levels of Government that such incidents have an adverse impact on public sentiment in India, which in turn have the potential of affecting bilateral ties, and should be strictly dealt with. The Government of India continue to monitor the situation closely and are in touch with the Government of Bangladesh in this regard.”

SM Krishna, Minister of External Affairs told Rajya Sabha, on May 6, 2010, “

&nbsp;“It is the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan to discharge its obligations towards its citizens, including minorities. However, based on reports of persecution of minority groups in Pakistan, the Government had taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully cognizant of the situation and looked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community.”

On March 22, 2012 E Ahmad, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs told Rajya Sabha about the ‘Killing of Hindu Doctors in Pakistan. Ahmad said,

“Government has seen media reports about the killing of Hindu doctors in Pakistan on November 7, 2011. Three Hindu doctors were reportedly killed and one sustained injuries when attacked in their village in Taluka Chak, District Shikarpur in Pakistan.”

On September 5, 2012 Mullappally Ramachandran, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs told Rajya Sabha about the &nbsp;Hindu families from Pakistan seeking refuge in India. The Minister said, &nbsp;“In 2009, 6,437 Hindus entered India from Pakistan via Attari ICP. Of these, 1,198 did not return. In 2010, 6,036 Hindus entered and 491 did not return. Similarly, in 2011, 5,012 Hindus entered and 1248 did not return.

As on June 30, 2012, a total number of 18,185 (progressive figures) Pakistani nationals were staying on Long Term Visa (LTV) in the country.

Government has seen reports that some Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities including Hindus, who came to India on valid visas have not gone back to Pakistan on the grounds of religious persecution in Pakistan. Representations have been received requesting for allowing extension of visas of such Pakistani nationals and also for permitting them to apply for Long Term Visa.” 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Citizenship Amendment Bill expected to be tabled in the Indian Parliament in the ongoing session seems to have set the cat among the pigeons but ironically most of those opposing it fail to understand perhaps the gravity of the situation as well as the historical context.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill expected to be tabled in the Indian Parliament in the ongoing session seems to have set the cat among the pigeons but ironically most of those opposing it fail to understand perhaps the gravity of the situation as well as the historical context. The proposed amendment would help non-Muslim including Hindu refugees from the neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to get Indian citizenship much easily than prescribed in earlier regulations. The genesis of this amendment lies in the failure of these three neighbouring countries to protect its minorities and primarily Hindus. A month before the formation of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah had declared in a Press Conference in Delhi on July 13, 1947, “The minorities, to whichever community they may belong, will be safeguarded. Their religion or their faith or belief will be protected in every way possible. Their life and property will be secure. There will be no interference of any kind with the freedom of worship. They will have their protection with regard to their religion, faith, their property and their culture. They will be in all respects treated as citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste, religion or creed.” Jinnah had reiterated in his Presidential address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, “The first duty of a government is to maintain law and order, so that the life, property and religious beliefs of its subjects are fully protected by the State.” However, the partition saw all these assurances going for a toss. Not only in 1947, but the atrocities on Hindus have continued in Pakistan unabated ever since it came into existence. JN Mandal, who had accepted the Cabinet appointment as Minister of Law and Labour in the Government of Pakistan, had given a detailed account of these atrocities in 1950 “and, while he was still holding that post, (he) fled from Pakistan in September 1951. In early October 1951, he sent his letter of resignation to the Pakistan Prime Minister. He describes in detail the reasons for his resignation and for leaving Pakistan previously been appointed in the quota of Muslim League as a Minister in the Interim Government of undivided India on November 1, 1946. In this letter in paragraph 9, he complained about the general anti-Hindu policy of the East Bengal Government and the Police administration. (Recurrent Exodus of Minorities from East Pakistan and Disturbances in India, 1965, p. 9)” Bhupendra Kumar Dutta, a prominent minority leader of East Pakistan speaking in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on March 16, 1950 said, “Sir, so far as we on this side of the House are concerned, we meet under the shadow of a great calamity that threatens our very existence as a community. Reports may be exaggerated; reports may be minimised. Killings may be put in four figures but accepted in three. Women's honour may have suffered in many more cases than the world will ever come to know. There will always be different versions of the extent of the loss of property. But the fact cannot be controverted that the sudden flare-up in east Bengal since February 10th has left the vast numbers we represent stunned and dazed, utterly shaken and nervous and psychologically.” According to official records (Extracts from Recurrent Exodus of Minorities from East Pakistan and Disturbances in India, 1965, p. 4) ● After 1950 killings with which we shall presently deal, the Hindu holdings of properties fell to 12.7% and nearly 90% of Hindu citizen of Dhaka migrated to India. Similar is the case with the student population in Dhaka. ● From 2900 Hindu boys in schools before partition, 2000 remained before February 1950 killings. And at the end of December 1950 the number was reduced to 140. ●Similarly there were about 2100 Hindu girls in schools before partition about 1200 before the February 1950 incident of these only 25 remained by December 1950. ●The population of Hindu college students fell from 65% at partition to 7% in January 1950 and at the end of 1950, only 12 remained. ● Similar is the case with lawyers. Hindu shops at the time of Partition and at the end of 1950 only 157 remained. ● Of these the population of There were about 1500 in each of the 45 big and small towns, with the exception of the five smaller ones, Hindu inhabitants were in majority though taking. The total population the number of Hindus amounted to 30 per cent. These atrocities have continued unabated. If we look at the recent past, there have been numerous such incidents which were raised in even the Parliament and the governments of the day responded to it. On July 28, 1987, Eduardo Faleiro, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs said in Rajya Sabha, “Reports emanating from Pakistan in May-June, 1987 indicate that there have been attacks on Hindu temples as well as on shops and properties belonging to the Hindu community in Sind.” Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs at that time, had told the Rajya Sabha on December 6, 2007, “Reports of violence and atrocities against minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh are received from time to time. The primary responsibility for the protection of the life, liberty and property of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh. It has been conveyed at the highest levels of Government that such incidents have an adverse impact on public sentiment in India, which in turn have the potential of affecting bilateral ties, and should be strictly dealt with. The Government of India continue to monitor the situation closely and are in touch with the Government of Bangladesh in this regard.” SM Krishna, Minister of External Affairs told Rajya Sabha, on May 6, 2010, “ “It is the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan to discharge its obligations towards its citizens, including minorities. However, based on reports of persecution of minority groups in Pakistan, the Government had taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully cognizant of the situation and looked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community.” On March 22, 2012 E Ahmad, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs told Rajya Sabha about the ‘Killing of Hindu Doctors in Pakistan. Ahmad said, “Government has seen media reports about the killing of Hindu doctors in Pakistan on November 7, 2011. Three Hindu doctors were reportedly killed and one sustained injuries when attacked in their village in Taluka Chak, District Shikarpur in Pakistan.” On September 5, 2012 Mullappally Ramachandran, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs told Rajya Sabha about the Hindu families from Pakistan seeking refuge in India. The Minister said, “In 2009, 6,437 Hindus entered India from Pakistan via Attari ICP. Of these, 1,198 did not return. In 2010, 6,036 Hindus entered and 491 did not return. Similarly, in 2011, 5,012 Hindus entered and 1248 did not return. As on June 30, 2012, a total number of 18,185 (progressive figures) Pakistani nationals were staying on Long Term Visa (LTV) in the country. Government has seen reports that some Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities including Hindus, who came to India on valid visas have not gone back to Pakistan on the grounds of religious persecution in Pakistan. Representations have been received requesting for allowing extension of visas of such Pakistani nationals and also for permitting them to apply for Long Term Visa.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How Pakistan’s failure to protect minorities compelled India to bring Citizenship Amendment Bill

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