A violent mob in Pakistan tortured a Sri Lankan man to death and then burnt his body in public allegedly over blasphemy accusations.

Pakistani mob tortures Sri Lankan man to death, burnt for 'blasphemy'

<p>Pakistan has reportedly allowed a 100 per cent capacity crowd at the National Stadium in Karachi for the upcoming home series against West Indies, which is scheduled to start from December 13. Ever since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic emerged, it forced the authorities around the world to stage sports events behind closed doors and so happened with cricket. However, slowly and gradually authorities are allowing spectators to watch the events live.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When we talk about Pakistan, this is the first time since the pandemic that spectators will be allowed to this extent. Previously, National Command and Control Center (NCOC) allowed the attendance up to 25 per cent capacity for the home series against New Zealand. The series, however, was cancelled as the NZ cricket board abandoned it on the day it was supposed to start due to security threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ramiz-raja-reveals-how-he-plotted-rohit-sharmas-wicket-with-babar-azam-during-t20-world-cup-433838">Ramiz Raja reveals how he plotted Rohit Sharma's wicket with Babar Azam during T20 World Cup</a></strong></p>

<p>West Indies also announced to tour Pakistan for three Twenty20 Internationals and as many ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League matches from December 13 to December 22. This is going to be a crucial series for Pakistan as the West Indies announced their visit to Pakistan after New Zealand and England called off scheduled tours to the Asian country in September due to security concerns, which dented their hopes of staging international cricket tournaments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/commandos-sharpshooters-over-1500-security-personnel-paks-arrangements-for-wi-home-series-revealed-report-433585">Commandos, sharpshooters, over 1500 security personnel? PAK's arrangements for WI home series revealed: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan's cricket was in recovery mode as it hosted South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe since the 2009 attacks. However, the New Zealand cricket board's decision to abandon the tour caused embarrassment to the cricket-mad nation.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan has reportedly allowed a 100 per cent capacity crowd at the National Stadium in Karachi for the upcoming home series against West Indies, which is scheduled to start from December 13.

Pakistan has reportedly allowed a 100 per cent capacity crowd at the National Stadium in Karachi for the upcoming home series against West Indies, which is scheduled to start from December 13. Ever since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic emerged, it forced the authorities around the world to stage sports events behind closed doors and so happened with cricket. However, slowly and gradually authorities are allowing spectators to watch the events live. When we talk about Pakistan, this is the first time since the pandemic that spectators will be allowed to this extent. Previously, National Command and Control Center (NCOC) allowed the attendance up to 25 per cent capacity for the home series against New Zealand. The series, however, was cancelled as the NZ cricket board abandoned it on the day it was supposed to start due to security threats. ALSO READ | Ramiz Raja reveals how he plotted Rohit Sharma's wicket with Babar Azam during T20 World Cup West Indies also announced to tour Pakistan for three Twenty20 Internationals and as many ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League matches from December 13 to December 22. This is going to be a crucial series for Pakistan as the West Indies announced their visit to Pakistan after New Zealand and England called off scheduled tours to the Asian country in September due to security concerns, which dented their hopes of staging international cricket tournaments. ALSO READ | Commandos, sharpshooters, over 1500 security personnel? PAK's arrangements for WI home series revealed: Report Pakistan's cricket was in recovery mode as it hosted South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe since the 2009 attacks. However, the New Zealand cricket board's decision to abandon the tour caused embarrassment to the cricket-mad nation.

Pakistan to allow full capacity crowd for West Indies home series: Report

Pakistan owes more than $200 billion to its creditors. Islamabad has borrowed from the world's leading lenders. Why are global lenders keeping Pakistan afloat? Palki Sharma tells you how a nuclear nightmare scenario allows Pakistan to extract concessions from world powers.

Gravitas: How a nuclear nightmare scenario is keeping Pakistan afloat

With just days to go for United States'summit for democracy, Washington aims to establish itself as the torch-bearer of democracy. Beijing is pushing to establish a parallel power centre in the east to challenge the West.

China pushes to counter Biden's summit for democracy

On Monday, thousands of women hit the streets in Gwadar to demand basic rights. For several weeks now, people in Gwadar have been holding protest rallies. But their demands are falling on deaf ears. Palki Sharma tells you how Pakistan and China are exploiting Gwadar

Gravitas: How Pakistan and China are exploiting Gwadar

China is facilitating the expansion of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Beijing is illegally transferring resources, equipment, technology and know-how to Islamabad. Palki Sharma tells you why China's assistance to Pakistan is dangerous for South Asia.

Gravitas: China is illegally transferring nukes to Pakistan

For the 17th straight day, thousands of people are protesting in Pakistan's Gwadar against the lack of basic facilities. The movement is directly related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistan: Protests continue for 17th straight day in Gwadar against CPEC

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has barred federal cabinet members from going abroad without permission. This is an attempt by Khan to reduce the government's spending as the country's inflation rate continues to sky-rocket.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan forbids ministers from travelling abroad

'Clifford The Big Red Dog' has been a best selling children's book for years. The film has now been adapted for the big screen. The lead actors Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall and John Cleese along with director Walt Becker and producer Jordan Kerner chat exclusively with WION about their new film, challenges of filming with CGI characters, India-Pakistan match and Indian cinema.

Exclusive: Team of 'Clifford The Big Red Dog' on their new film, India-Pakistan match and 'Lagaan'

<p>Hundreds of women in Pakistan's Gwadar district took to the streets as part of the Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Movement for Gwadar's rights). The women demanded to end&nbsp;illegal fishing by trawlers and lifting trade restrictions&nbsp;with Iran.</p>

<p>The rally started at Al Johar Public School and concluded at Marine Drive. In what is being deemed as a "historic rally," Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, the leader of the movement said that every citizen of Gwadar had mobilised for their basic rights. He was quoted by The Dawn as saying, "The people of Gwadar have been deceived in the name of CPEC and Gwadar port while they have not benefited from it."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive turnout of Baloch Women on the call of Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch to lodge protest against the cruelty of state and military in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gwadar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gwadar</a>. <a href="https://t.co/t1YUO4NGrZ">https://t.co/t1YUO4NGrZ</a></p>
— Muhammad Ibrahim Qazi (@miqazi) <a href="https://twitter.com/miqazi/status/1465288482885144580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thousands of women record historical protest in Port city of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gwadar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gwadar</a> for the basic amenities of life. The masses in Gwadar are on a sit-in for the last 15 days. <a href="https://t.co/3kQitWvnIC">pic.twitter.com/3kQitWvnIC</a></p>
— The Baloch News (@thebalochnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/thebalochnews/status/1465366774355005446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further highlighted that the drug mafia was running drugs and liquor business. This was being done with the involvement of the local administration. “If CPEC and Gwadar port are not for the prosperity of the local people, then they do not need to be here,” he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-gurudwara-photoshoot-row-pakistani-model-says-sorry-432902"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Kartarpur Gurudwara photoshoot row: Pakistani model says 'sorry'</strong></a></p>

<p>In images and videos that have gone viral on social media, women could be seen holding posters and chanting slogans - "Gwadar ko haq do".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Activist Jibran Nasir tweeted a video where women in large numbers can be seen marching and shouting slogans. On his Twitter handle, he wrote, "All have the same demand: to provide the entire Makran area with basic amenities like potable and clean water."</p>

<p>The demonstrators, included female students, political workers and working women who came from areas including Turbat, Ormara, Jewani, Pasni.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Hundreds of women in Pakistan's Gwadar district took to the streets as part of the Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Movement for Gwadar's rights). The women demanded to end illegal fishing by trawlers and lifting trade restrictions with Iran.

Hundreds of women in Pakistan's Gwadar district took to the streets as part of the Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Movement for Gwadar's rights). The women demanded to end illegal fishing by trawlers and lifting trade restrictions with Iran. The rally started at Al Johar Public School and concluded at Marine Drive. In what is being deemed as a "historic rally," Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, the leader of the movement said that every citizen of Gwadar had mobilised for their basic rights. He was quoted by The Dawn as saying, "The people of Gwadar have been deceived in the name of CPEC and Gwadar port while they have not benefited from it." Massive turnout of Baloch Women on the call of Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch to lodge protest against the cruelty of state and military in #Gwadar. https://t.co/t1YUO4NGrZ — Muhammad Ibrahim Qazi (@miqazi) November 29, 2021 × Thousands of women record historical protest in Port city of #Gwadar for the basic amenities of life. The masses in Gwadar are on a sit-in for the last 15 days. pic.twitter.com/3kQitWvnIC — The Baloch News (@thebalochnews) November 29, 2021 × He further highlighted that the drug mafia was running drugs and liquor business. This was being done with the involvement of the local administration. “If CPEC and Gwadar port are not for the prosperity of the local people, then they do not need to be here,” he added. Also read | Kartarpur Gurudwara photoshoot row: Pakistani model says 'sorry' In images and videos that have gone viral on social media, women could be seen holding posters and chanting slogans - "Gwadar ko haq do". Activist Jibran Nasir tweeted a video where women in large numbers can be seen marching and shouting slogans. On his Twitter handle, he wrote, "All have the same demand: to provide the entire Makran area with basic amenities like potable and clean water." The demonstrators, included female students, political workers and working women who came from areas including Turbat, Ormara, Jewani, Pasni.

'Historic rally': Women in Pakistan's Gwadar demand basic rights

The Pakistan Army has been accused of using defence land to build movie theatres & wedding halls. The Pakistan govt has been accused of irregularities worth $226 million in its COVID-19 relief package. Palki Sharma decodes the two scams.

Gravitas: Pak Army is using defence land to build movie theatres & wedding banquets

A large number of women along with their children have taken to the streets in Gwadar, the coastal city of Balochistan which is known as the centre of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), for the rights of the people of Gwadar and other areas of Makran.

Pakistan: Women take to the streets in Gwadar for basic rights

A mob has assaulted and set fire to a police station in the Charsadda region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanding the release of a man imprisoned for allegedly desecrating the Holy Quran.

Mob sets police station on fire in Pakistan over Quran desecration

Pakistan has finally released details of the expenditure on the COVID-19 relief package after International Monetary Fund (IMF) pressured the Imran Khan government to do so. The audit report has exposed irregularities worth PKR 40 billion in operations.

Pakistan reveals COVID-19 relief package details, PKR 40 bn irregularities detected

Riots broke out in Pakistan's Charsadda district after the alleged burning of the Holy Quran at a mosque. The ob further set the police station on fire after the officials refused to hand over the suspect.

Pakistan: Mob sets police station on fire over alleged Quran desecration

<p>On Sunday, a mob assaulted and set fire to a police station in the Charsadda region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanding the release of a man imprisoned for allegedly desecrating the Holy Quran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To disperse an angry throng that vandalised a police station, authorities resorted to firing into the air and teargas shelling, injuring at least one individual.</p>

<p>Witnesses say the outraged protestors broke into the Mandani police station property, set fire to at least 17 parked cars and motorbikes, and destroyed official records.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mob outside Mandni police station in Tehsil Mangi, Charsadda, baying for blood of a man who has a MENTAL ILLNESS and allegedly tore off pages of Islamic holy scripture. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Charsadda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Charsadda</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blasphemy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blasphemy</a><br />
[Videos via <a href="https://twitter.com/AbdullahMomandJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbdullahMomandJ</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/zRod6iurNL">pic.twitter.com/zRod6iurNL</a></p>
— Rabia Mehmood - رابعہ (@Rabail26) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rabail26/status/1464990756997791749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A violent mob setting fire to Mandni Police station in reaction to an alleged blasphemy in Tehsil Tangi of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Charsadda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Charsadda</a>.<br />
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A mentally unwell man allegedly tore off pages of Islamic holy scripture.<br />
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The blasphemy law will burn down the sanity of this country.<a href="https://t.co/CUoKmzK6Zn">pic.twitter.com/CUoKmzK6Zn</a></p>
— Mona Farooq Ahmad (@MFChaudhryy) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFChaudhryy/status/1464997012420579337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The officers left the station and fled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local leaders of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl held a protest march at Mandani market later that day, demanding that the accused be punished.</p>

<p>Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in deeply conservative Pakistan, where mere allegations have led to extrajudicial killings and mob violence.</p>

<p>Human rights campaigners have long sought the repeal of blasphemy laws, arguing they are used to victimise religious minorities or settle personal scores.</p>

<p>From 1987 to December 2020, at least 1,855 persons have been alleged under the offences related to religion, mostly under Sections 295B, C to 298C, of the Pakistan Penal Code known as Blasphemy laws.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On Sunday, a mob assaulted and set fire to a police station in the Charsadda region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanding the release of a man imprisoned for allegedly desecrating the Holy Quran.

On Sunday, a mob assaulted and set fire to a police station in the Charsadda region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanding the release of a man imprisoned for allegedly desecrating the Holy Quran. To disperse an angry throng that vandalised a police station, authorities resorted to firing into the air and teargas shelling, injuring at least one individual. Witnesses say the outraged protestors broke into the Mandani police station property, set fire to at least 17 parked cars and motorbikes, and destroyed official records. Mob outside Mandni police station in Tehsil Mangi, Charsadda, baying for blood of a man who has a MENTAL ILLNESS and allegedly tore off pages of Islamic holy scripture. #Charsadda #blasphemy [Videos via @AbdullahMomandJ ] pic.twitter.com/zRod6iurNL — Rabia Mehmood - رابعہ (@Rabail26) November 28, 2021 × A violent mob setting fire to Mandni Police station in reaction to an alleged blasphemy in Tehsil Tangi of #Charsadda. A mentally unwell man allegedly tore off pages of Islamic holy scripture. The blasphemy law will burn down the sanity of this country.pic.twitter.com/CUoKmzK6Zn — Mona Farooq Ahmad (@MFChaudhryy) November 28, 2021 × The officers left the station and fled. Local leaders of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl held a protest march at Mandani market later that day, demanding that the accused be punished. Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in deeply conservative Pakistan, where mere allegations have led to extrajudicial killings and mob violence. Human rights campaigners have long sought the repeal of blasphemy laws, arguing they are used to victimise religious minorities or settle personal scores. From 1987 to December 2020, at least 1,855 persons have been alleged under the offences related to religion, mostly under Sections 295B, C to 298C, of the Pakistan Penal Code known as Blasphemy laws. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Mob sets police station on fire in search for man accused of Quran desecration

The Sindh High Court Bar Association and judicial commission member from Sindh has moved the Islamabad High Court for setting up of an independent commission to ascertain the authenticity of the leaked audio clip of Pakistan's former Chief Justice, Saqib Nisar.

Petition filed in Islamabad HC to bring out truth of leaked audio clip of Pak's former Chief Justice

13 years ago, on 26/11, India was attacked by 10 terrorists from Pakistan. The 8 coordinated attacks in Mumbai killed 166 people. It's a day India will never forget, never forgive. Palki Sharma tells you all about it.

Gravitas: 13 years of 26/11 attacks

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the rising foreign debts coupled with low tax recovery had become a "national security" issue because the government did not have enough money to run the nation.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan says rising foreign debt a 'national security' issue

The IMF has deprived Pakistan of its financial sovereignty. Islamabad cannot borrow money from its own central bank until it pays its debts. Palki Sharma asks: Is the sun setting on Pakistan's economy?

Gravitas: IMF rejects Pakistan's borrowing request | Imran Khan admits 'no money' to run the country

The wife of investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani, Ambreen Fatima was attacked by an unknown person in Lahore while she was driving with her daughter and sister.

Pakistan: Ambreen Fatima, wife of journalist Ahmad Noorani attacked in Lahore

Azerbaijan is looking to invest in Pakistan. it joins a sizeable list of nations including Saudi Arabia and Turkey who are keen on putting their money in Pakistani institutions.

Azerbaijan's state oil company to invest $1 billion in Pakistan

'Pakistan is running out of money. The sustainability of our country is at stake, there's no money to run the nation,' says PM Imran Khan. Inflation is battering the economy, it has surged by almost 9.2% in October from 2020, prices of everyday goods are on the rise. WION's correspondent Anas Mallick brings us all the latest developments.

Inflation: Rising foreign debt a national security issue, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

'Pakistan is running out of money. The sustainability of our country is at stake, there's no money to run the nation,' says PM Imran Khan. Inflation is battering the economy, it has surged by almost 9.2% in October from 2020, prices of everyday goods are on the rise.

'Pakistan is running out of money,' says PM Imran Khan

Pakistan has issued a terror alert that Al-Qaeda has planned to carry out terrorist activities in the big cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi. The high-level advisory also warned that the attack might come in the form of an improvised explosive device in a vehicle or suicide bomber.

Pakistan deems threat from Al Qaeda, terror alert issued for Islamabad, Rawalpindi

In Pakistan, backlash against CPEC is growing. Thousands have hit the streets in Gwadar to oppose Chinese investments. The protesters have warned that they will block CPEC work, if their demands are not met. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Thousands protest in Pakistan's Gwadar | Backlash against CPEC growing

Pakistan's acting high commissioner to India Aftab Hasan Khan has termed Indo-Pakistan pilgrimage movement as "good omen" for ties. He had accompanied over 50 Pakistani pilgrims who visited the famous Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi on Monday. The batch was the first such batch of Pakistani pilgrims to visit India since March 2020.

Nizamuddin Dargah| Pilgrims' movement a 'good omen' for India-Pak ties: Aftab Hasan Khan

<p><strong>Backdrop&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Unchallenged Xi Jinping with renewed mandate by CCP, during his conversation with US President Joe Biden has tried to create an impression of bipolar world order in existence even as the rest of the world amidst COVID-19 pandemic continues its rebalancing between unipolar, bipolar and multipolar global order as per their perception. &nbsp;</p>

<p>If Beijing has its way, it will use all instruments of power (ethical and unethical) to be sole superpower at global stage and have China-centric Asia at regional stage, for which sub-ordination of India is considered essential. To achieve that the containment plus encirclement (concirclement) of India is a strategic necessity to be able to coerce it to China-centric alignment, preferably without undertaking contact warfare. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Chanakya wisdom that a neighbour with unsettled border can never be a friend seems to have been realised by New Delhi, which has been consistently involved in talkathon with China for decades hoping to have friendly relations. India needs to work out options in all domains in fragile international environment to undertake China challenge to avoid concirclement, preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, besides continuing its own march towards becoming a strong pole in global order. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Multidimensional Concirclement of India by China&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In absence of any border treaty between independent India and China and non-demarcated LAC, the standoffs will continue. The present one in Eastern Ladakh seems to have run into stalemate, to India’s disadvantage, especially due to shortage of leverages, although India refuses to be coerced to resume business as usual side-lining border or LAC issue and insists on further pull back of PLA from all friction points to lead to de-escalation. China wants to avoid further pull back as it continues building additional infrastructure to upgrade its encroachment into areas, which it was not supposed to occupy as per Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), as permanent settlements. Chinese aim is to label it as settlement of border issue, somewhat in consonance with its 1959/60 claim line in strategically important areas. With occasional intrusions in other areas along LAC, China is trying to increase the economic cost of deployment for India by LOCisation of LAC and stretching out Indian military to seek Sino-centric solution. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ‘Containment Strategy’ of China includes planned construction of 628 dual use, border defence villages along its own perception of LAC to provide permanency to its claim, enhance its ISR capabilities (some of which have already been made), providing it infrastructure like fibre optic connection, akin to outposts. China can claim that its Land Borders Law passed last month by National People’s Congress is applicable to all countries, but the timing suggests it to be part of containment of India. The law improves coordination between agencies and power to defend increasingly claimed land under garb of national integrity. China’s recent MoU with Bhutan for resolving border issues bilaterally, and allurement of Nepal are also steps towards containment of India. A possible Chinese gain at Doklam through a land swap with Bhutan from other areas can be a serious concern for India due to its proximity to Siliguri Corridor. China has also encroached to make villages in both these countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The aggressiveness in &nbsp;‘Encirclement Strategy’ is evident from China delivering – most advanced frigates/warships to Pakistan. Labelled as gift, India must take it as cover plan for deployment of its PLAN combat ships in Pakistan territorial water/Arabian sea, perhaps under Pakistan flag, adding another pearl to its ongoing ‘String of Pearl Strategy’. Gwadar port as part of CPEC, CMEC leading to Bay of Bengal and foothold in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are part of overall encirclement plan of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The most worrying part for India is Chinese encroachment in non-contact warfare domain. China’s increasing economic, technological and digital offensive against India and other countries have made them so dependent on China, denting their self-reliance, so that the responses to Chinese unethical encroachment get muted. Chinese strategy of ‘Three Warfare’ namely employing media or public opinion, psychological warfare and legal warfare through display of arsenal, exercises and buying opinions seems to be finding some traction in politically active democracies, election-oriented segments in India to settle their political scores. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Options for India &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A serious push in capacity building and infrastructure build up along towards LAC to take on China challenge in recent past is encouraging. The responses have to be in all domains to include contact and non-contact warfare. India needs a change in mindset from reactive to proactive, with additional offensive capability created to demonstrate capacity to encroach into sensitive areas of China, and inflict punitive cost, as China has assumed freedom to encroach anywhere, at will. The asymmetry in CNP between China and India is often cited as an excuse for muting proactive responses, but similar asymmetry exists between Pakistan and India, which doesn’t hesitate in adopting unethical proactive proxy war against India under nuclear hangover. India also has nuclear triad, hence this excuse needs to be revisited. To express the intent, India could make ‘One China Policy’ conditional to One India Policy as Sushma Swaraj mentioned in past.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India needs to formulate its National Security Strategy (NSS), prioritise its challenges and task required by various agencies to develop capacities avoiding different ministries working with different priorities, in silos. It’s frustrating to see PILs against broadening of strategic roads or railways dragging feet to construct strategic railway lines in Arunachal due to lack of commercial viability. Surely part of NSS in open domain may improve sensitivity of all agencies to national security needs, once specified. India should also pass equivalent of Border Defence Law in some form, like strategic infrastructure along border to have different yardstick for speedy clearance by local, regional and central authorities to avoid incidents like environment ministry obstructing many such constructions in past. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to Chinese build-up of villages to incrementally change the ground position, it is recommended that States/UT along LAC should allot concessional land to security forces like regional SCOUTS, ITBP, SSB, and families hailing from that area (on son of soil concept), ready to settle in villages so constructed, along own perception of LAC. This will improve inclusive growth, integration, besides proof of our claims on the border, to ward off ‘Chinese Strategy of Incremental Encroachment’. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to economic and digital encroachment, India must increasingly draw out a negative import list of all products imported from China, which have been/can be manufactured in India and increasingly ban their imports, as is being done to improve self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It may sound unpleasant to few profit making importers, but will reduce our dependencies and concerns of economic coercion to great extent in long term. It’s absurd to notice India’s trade surplus with China growing beyond its defence budget during standoff period. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Collective naval posturing with like-minded democracies to create multifront situation for China in Indo-Pacific is essential to check Chinese expansionism challenging global order and threatening global commons with steps like China centric Coast Guard Law and Maritime Traffic Safety Law. There is a need for alternative supply chain, trade and technological eco system, independent of China for which some initial steps taken by Quad countries need to be pursued. An alternate infrastructure architecture in the form of B3W, Blue Dot Network and Friendship Highways are essential to save fragile economies getting into debt trap of China through BRI. Collective response against cyber, space, biological threats and nuclear expansion need to be worked out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India needs to develop its strategic culture with professional strategists, as diplomacy driven patch ups and talkathon have not worked so far. The overall strategic approach has to be proactive at all levels, in all dimensions of warfare.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;</em></strong></p>


Backdrop Unchallenged Xi Jinping with renewed mandate by CCP, during his conversation with US President Joe Biden has tried to create an impression of bipolar world order in existence even as the rest of the world amidst COVID-19 pandemic continues its rebalancing between unipolar, bipolar and multipolar global order as per their perception.

Backdrop Unchallenged Xi Jinping with renewed mandate by CCP, during his conversation with US President Joe Biden has tried to create an impression of bipolar world order in existence even as the rest of the world amidst COVID-19 pandemic continues its rebalancing between unipolar, bipolar and multipolar global order as per their perception. If Beijing has its way, it will use all instruments of power (ethical and unethical) to be sole superpower at global stage and have China-centric Asia at regional stage, for which sub-ordination of India is considered essential. To achieve that the containment plus encirclement (concirclement) of India is a strategic necessity to be able to coerce it to China-centric alignment, preferably without undertaking contact warfare. Chanakya wisdom that a neighbour with unsettled border can never be a friend seems to have been realised by New Delhi, which has been consistently involved in talkathon with China for decades hoping to have friendly relations. India needs to work out options in all domains in fragile international environment to undertake China challenge to avoid concirclement, preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, besides continuing its own march towards becoming a strong pole in global order. Multidimensional Concirclement of India by China In absence of any border treaty between independent India and China and non-demarcated LAC, the standoffs will continue. The present one in Eastern Ladakh seems to have run into stalemate, to India’s disadvantage, especially due to shortage of leverages, although India refuses to be coerced to resume business as usual side-lining border or LAC issue and insists on further pull back of PLA from all friction points to lead to de-escalation. China wants to avoid further pull back as it continues building additional infrastructure to upgrade its encroachment into areas, which it was not supposed to occupy as per Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), as permanent settlements. Chinese aim is to label it as settlement of border issue, somewhat in consonance with its 1959/60 claim line in strategically important areas. With occasional intrusions in other areas along LAC, China is trying to increase the economic cost of deployment for India by LOCisation of LAC and stretching out Indian military to seek Sino-centric solution. The ‘Containment Strategy’ of China includes planned construction of 628 dual use, border defence villages along its own perception of LAC to provide permanency to its claim, enhance its ISR capabilities (some of which have already been made), providing it infrastructure like fibre optic connection, akin to outposts. China can claim that its Land Borders Law passed last month by National People’s Congress is applicable to all countries, but the timing suggests it to be part of containment of India. The law improves coordination between agencies and power to defend increasingly claimed land under garb of national integrity. China’s recent MoU with Bhutan for resolving border issues bilaterally, and allurement of Nepal are also steps towards containment of India. A possible Chinese gain at Doklam through a land swap with Bhutan from other areas can be a serious concern for India due to its proximity to Siliguri Corridor. China has also encroached to make villages in both these countries. The aggressiveness in ‘Encirclement Strategy’ is evident from China delivering – most advanced frigates/warships to Pakistan. Labelled as gift, India must take it as cover plan for deployment of its PLAN combat ships in Pakistan territorial water/Arabian sea, perhaps under Pakistan flag, adding another pearl to its ongoing ‘String of Pearl Strategy’. Gwadar port as part of CPEC, CMEC leading to Bay of Bengal and foothold in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are part of overall encirclement plan of India. The most worrying part for India is Chinese encroachment in non-contact warfare domain. China’s increasing economic, technological and digital offensive against India and other countries have made them so dependent on China, denting their self-reliance, so that the responses to Chinese unethical encroachment get muted. Chinese strategy of ‘Three Warfare’ namely employing media or public opinion, psychological warfare and legal warfare through display of arsenal, exercises and buying opinions seems to be finding some traction in politically active democracies, election-oriented segments in India to settle their political scores. Options for India A serious push in capacity building and infrastructure build up along towards LAC to take on China challenge in recent past is encouraging. The responses have to be in all domains to include contact and non-contact warfare. India needs a change in mindset from reactive to proactive, with additional offensive capability created to demonstrate capacity to encroach into sensitive areas of China, and inflict punitive cost, as China has assumed freedom to encroach anywhere, at will. The asymmetry in CNP between China and India is often cited as an excuse for muting proactive responses, but similar asymmetry exists between Pakistan and India, which doesn’t hesitate in adopting unethical proactive proxy war against India under nuclear hangover. India also has nuclear triad, hence this excuse needs to be revisited. To express the intent, India could make ‘One China Policy’ conditional to One India Policy as Sushma Swaraj mentioned in past. India needs to formulate its National Security Strategy (NSS), prioritise its challenges and task required by various agencies to develop capacities avoiding different ministries working with different priorities, in silos. It’s frustrating to see PILs against broadening of strategic roads or railways dragging feet to construct strategic railway lines in Arunachal due to lack of commercial viability. Surely part of NSS in open domain may improve sensitivity of all agencies to national security needs, once specified. India should also pass equivalent of Border Defence Law in some form, like strategic infrastructure along border to have different yardstick for speedy clearance by local, regional and central authorities to avoid incidents like environment ministry obstructing many such constructions in past. In response to Chinese build-up of villages to incrementally change the ground position, it is recommended that States/UT along LAC should allot concessional land to security forces like regional SCOUTS, ITBP, SSB, and families hailing from that area (on son of soil concept), ready to settle in villages so constructed, along own perception of LAC. This will improve inclusive growth, integration, besides proof of our claims on the border, to ward off ‘Chinese Strategy of Incremental Encroachment’. In response to economic and digital encroachment, India must increasingly draw out a negative import list of all products imported from China, which have been/can be manufactured in India and increasingly ban their imports, as is being done to improve self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It may sound unpleasant to few profit making importers, but will reduce our dependencies and concerns of economic coercion to great extent in long term. It’s absurd to notice India’s trade surplus with China growing beyond its defence budget during standoff period. Collective naval posturing with like-minded democracies to create multifront situation for China in Indo-Pacific is essential to check Chinese expansionism challenging global order and threatening global commons with steps like China centric Coast Guard Law and Maritime Traffic Safety Law. There is a need for alternative supply chain, trade and technological eco system, independent of China for which some initial steps taken by Quad countries need to be pursued. An alternate infrastructure architecture in the form of B3W, Blue Dot Network and Friendship Highways are essential to save fragile economies getting into debt trap of China through BRI. Collective response against cyber, space, biological threats and nuclear expansion need to be worked out. India needs to develop its strategic culture with professional strategists, as diplomacy driven patch ups and talkathon have not worked so far. The overall strategic approach has to be proactive at all levels, in all dimensions of warfare. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Multidimensional Concirclement of India by China: How is New Delhi preparing? 

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