| 20 June 2023
1. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and one of India's most-wanted terrorists, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Canada. Nijjar, who carried a cash reward on his arrest, was designated a 'terrorist' by India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The incident took place outside the premises of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Speculation has arisen regarding the embezzlement of funds from the shrine for funding terror activities in Punjab.
The timing of this incident is significant, as it occurred shortly after the death of Avtar Singh Purba, a prominent pro-Khalistan activist, and the killing of another wanted Khalistani terrorist, Paramjit Singh Panjwar, in Pakistan. Indian intelligence agencies suspect the involvement of ISI, the intelligence agency of Pakistan, in these incidents.
2. An army soldier was injured in Manipur's Imphal West district when unidentified individuals resorted to unprovoked firing. The incident led to a mob setting three houses on fire in Chinmang village. The injured soldier was evacuated to a military hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Chief Minister N Biren Singh has issued a warning, stating that those engaging in violence in the state will face consequences. He appealed for peace and urged the SoO (those bound by ceasefire) Kuki militants to cease their activities.
Chief Minister Singh also reached out to his Mizoram counterpart to ensure the safety of Meiteis living in Mizoram, following apprehensions arising from the ongoing ethnic violence. In response to the appeal for peace, an Assam-based Meitei organization canceled a proposed economic blockade on National Highway-306, linking Mizoram with Assam.
3. Senior IPS officer Ravi Sinha has been appointed as the head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's external spy agency. Sinha, known for his expertise in countries neighboring India, including the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, assumes the role at a time when attempts to fuel unrest in Manipur are being made. His appointment is expected to enhance intelligence gathering, particularly with the use of modern technology. Sinha's batchmate Tapan Deka is currently heading the Intelligence Bureau.
4. China's state-owned media launched a scathing attack on the US, accusing it of undermining China's economic progress and attempting to use India as a tool to counter China's rise. In an opinion piece, China's top diplomat Wang Yi argued that the US's pursuit of closer economic and trade ties with India was driven by geopolitical calculations. Wang Yi warned that the US's strategy to use India as a bulwark against China's influence would have repercussions and urged India to foster trade and economic cooperation with China for its own growth and development.
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first state visit to the US, China's critical stance highlights the geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent visit to China aimed to mend relations between the two countries.
5. The Supreme Court of India upheld the order of the Calcutta High Court to deploy central forces in West Bengal during the upcoming panchayat elections. The court reprimanded the State Election Commission (
SEC) and emphasized that holding elections should not be a license for violence. The court asserted that it is the responsibility of the SEC to ensure a free and fair election process. The decision comes in the wake of incidents of violence and arson during the nomination process, resulting in loss of lives.
The Supreme Court dismissed the plea challenging the deployment of central forces filed by the West Bengal government and the poll body. The court recognized the High Court's intention to deploy central forces for a more effective and efficient approach. The ruling Trinamool Congress party has assured the provision of adequate forces for the election process. The polling for the Panchayati Raj system is scheduled for July 8, with extensive arrangements made for a smooth democratic process in West Bengal.
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