After months of fighting, the Arakan Army (AA) has taken control of Maungdaw in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, marking a significant shift in the ongoing civil war. The AA’s conquest gives them control of all three municipalities bordering Bangladesh and sparks fears of revenge against the Rohingya, who were forced to fight alongside the Myanmar military. The AA’s offensive began in 2022, after a ceasefire with the junta broke down, and they are now continuing to fight for control of other townships in the south of the state.
Arakan Army Seizes Control of Maungdaw in Myanmar's Rakhine State
Background:
The Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group representing the Rakhine people, has been engaged in an armed conflict with the military junta in Myanmar since 2015. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and has been marked by human rights violations on both sides.
In 2022, after a ceasefire with the junta broke down, the AA resumed its offensive in Rakhine state. Their goal is to establish an autonomous region for the Rakhine people within Myanmar.
Recent Developments:
On August 25, 2023, the AA seized control of Maungdaw, a strategically important town bordering Bangladesh. This marks a significant shift in the conflict, as the AA now controls all three municipalities on the Bangladesh border.
The AA's victory has raised concerns about possible retaliation against the Rohingya people, who were forced to fight alongside the Myanmar military against the AA. The Rohingya have suffered severe persecution and human rights abuses by the Myanmar military, including mass killings and forced displacement.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. Who is the Arakan Army? The Arakan Army is an ethnic armed group representing the Rakhine people, an ethnic minority group in Myanmar. They are fighting for autonomy and self-determination for the Rakhine people.
2. What is the conflict in Rakhine state about? The conflict in Rakhine state is rooted in ethnic tensions between the Rakhine people and the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group. The Myanmar military's crackdown on the Rohingya in 2017 forced over 700,000 people to flee to Bangladesh.
3. What are the implications of the AA's control of Maungdaw? The AA's control of Maungdaw gives them strategic leverage in the conflict and raises concerns about the safety of the Rohingya population in the area.
4. What is the international response to the conflict? The international community has condemned the Myanmar military's human rights abuses and has called for an end to the conflict. The United Nations has imposed sanctions on the military junta.
5. What is the future of the conflict? The future of the conflict is uncertain. The AA has indicated that it is willing to negotiate a political solution but has rejected the junta's conditions. The junta has expressed its resolve to defeat the AA militarily.
Pakistan has begun a week-long polio eradication campaign aimed at vaccinating over 44.7 million children under the age of five. The campaign, which spans across 143 districts of the country, has been launched amid tight security to prevent any potential attacks on polio workers. This year has seen a rise in polio cases, with 63 reported so far. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of the federal and provincial governments to overcome this challenge and ultimately eliminate the disease from Pakistan.
The Indian Army's Northern Command commemorated Vijay Diwas, which marks India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, with wreath-laying ceremonies led by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar. The Tiger Division also held a ceremony at a war memorial in Jammu, while in Ladakh, the Army paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the 'Hall of Fame' with a solemn ceremony. The event served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian armed forces during the war, and a commitment to protect the sovereignty of the nation.
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, India and Bangladesh commemorated the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. Officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force paid their respects at the Army Headquarters Eastern Command in Kolkata, along with their counterparts from the Bangladesh Army. To celebrate this joint victory, eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers have arrived in Dhaka while eight Bangladeshi freedom fighters and two serving officers are in Kolkata to participate in the annual exchange of war veterans and attend the Vijay Diwas celebrations.
Vijay Diwas is an annual celebration commemorating India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. The war began on December 3 and ended on December 16, with the surrender of Pakistani General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi to the combined forces of India and Bangladesh's Mukti Bahini. This victory not only established India as a regional power but also resulted in the birth of Bangladesh. As the country celebrates this historic day, the sacrifices and bravery of the Indian armed forces are honored.
In a statement that was the first of its kind from a U.S. official, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Saturday that the Biden administration has been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel group that previously led the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad. While Blinken did not disclose the details of the contacts, he stressed the importance of conveying messages to the group about its conduct and intentions during Syria's transition to a peaceful and inclusive country. This confirmation comes as part of a larger effort by the U.S., 8 Arab nations, Turkey, and officials from the EU and UN to sign off on principles for Syria's transition.
Title: Indian Nationals Face Tragic Deaths in Canada, Government Urges Caution The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the recent deaths of Indian nationals in Canada and urged the Indian High Commission and consulates to provide assistance to the affected families. Amid the growing incidence of hate crimes and criminal violence, the Ministry also issued a warning to Indian students studying in Canada to remain cautious and vigilant. The deaths of Gurasis Singh, Rittika Rajput, and Harshandeep Singh have raised concerns about the safety of Indians in Canada and have sparked investigations by the local authorities.
In a significant development, Switzerland has taken a unilateral decision to revoke the 'Most Favoured Nation' status accorded to India under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) treaty. This move will have a major impact on Indian businesses operating in Switzerland as well as Swiss investments in India. The decision was made by the Swiss finance department in response to the Supreme Court of India's 2023 ruling, stating that the MFN clause between two nations does not automatically apply when a country joins the OECD. This raises questions on the interpretation and application of the MFN clause in tax treaties under the OECD, which is known for shaping international policies for better economic and social outcomes.
On November 15, 2024, the holy date of Kartik Purnima will be celebrated. This date is considered to be extremely auspicious, and is associated with rituals such as bathing in holy waters, making donations, and lighting lamps. The energy of the date and its association with deities make it a highly revered day for individuals looking to gain divine blessings. This article provides insight and significant details about Kartik Purnima 2024, including its date, auspicious timings, rituals, and significance.
Heavy rainfall has been causing chaos in various districts in Tamil Nadu, including Nellai, Thenkasi, and Thoothukudi, due to strong winds on the Bay of Bengal. The Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert in 14 districts, including Neelagiri, Coimbatore, Trichy, and Thanjavur, among others. Measures to ensure the safety of citizens, such as online safety tips, have been suggested by the authorities.