Hello, everyone. Good morning, afternoon or evening, and welcome to this edition of Notes from South Asia. You can find all the articles in the series here (along with my other diaries).
For today’s edition, I will continue with Indian elections, corruption and labour code in Bangladesh, and forced conscription and civil war in Myanmar.
Scheduling note: There will be no Notes from South Asia next Friday since I am traveling and cannot schedule a post before that.
India
Hate Speech, Inheritance Tax, and Indian National Congress Manifesto
There is a much do about nothing in Indian twitter and (perhaps among whoever listens to Modi’s speeches) because Modi has been saying that INC/Congress will take Hindus’ money and give it to infiltrators and people who make more children (a reference to Muslims). They are also worried about Congress introducing inheritance tax.
The Hindu Bureau reports.
Doubling down on his attacks against the Congress’ promises on social justice and alleged wealth redistribution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24 claimed that the “dangerous intentions” of the Congress were coming to the fore one by one.
Addressing poll rallies in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Modi reiterated his assertion that the Congress’ plan for social welfare and reducing inequality amounted to a “dangerous game” of wealth redistribution and “snatching people’s rights and properties”.
“This is Congress ki loot. Zindagi ke saath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi (During life, and after life also),” he said. “While you are alive, they want to survey your personal wealth, property, houses, shops, and land, and give it away to secure their vote bank. And when you die, they want to deprive you of the right to leave your assets behind to future generations as well,” he added.
At all three rallies he addressed on April 24, Mr. Modi said that the Congress had planned to implement a 15% reservation on the basis of religion by reducing the existing quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other backward classes (OBCs).
The Congress manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha election does not contain any mention of a religion-based reservation or of reducing the quota for SCs, STs, or OBCs. In fact, the Congress manifesto calls for a Constitutional amendment to raise the quota limit beyond 50%.
On the party’s plan to address economic inequality, the manifesto only says, “We will address the growing inequality of wealth and income through suitable changes in policies,” with no mention of wealth redistribution or even any wealth survey apart from the promised caste census which is to gather socio-economic data as well.
Meanwhile the Congress manifesto itself says as per Harsh Mander:
The overarching commitment of the manifesto is that “the Constitution of India shall remain our sole guide and companion”. Perhaps the other most significant pledge of the Congress manifesto is that “people’s trust in democratic institutions will be restored”. For this, first of all, “We promise you freedom from fear”. Other significant promises are to restore freedom of speech and expression including full freedom of the media; and to uphold the people’s right to assemble peacefully and form associations.
The manifesto undertakes to restore personal freedoms of “choices of food and dress, to love and marry, and to travel and reside in any part of India”. It will amend all laws that abridge the right to privacy, and freedom of speech and expression on social media. It commits not to suspend the internet arbitrarily and indiscriminately.
Noteworthy also is the promise that both Houses of Parliament will meet for 100 days a year, and one day a week will be devoted to discuss the agenda suggested by the opposition benches. The presiding officers will be required to be, and appear to be, neutral. The one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies will be implemented immediately.
The autonomy of the Election Commission will be strengthened, as also of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Central Information Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes and Tribes and Minorities. The Planning Commission will be revived, and with it the planning process that steered India’s developmental journey for over six decades.
Importantly also, the Congress manifesto pledges to “put an end to the weaponisation of laws, arbitrary searches, seizures and arbitrary and indiscriminate arrests, third-degree custody, custodial deaths, and bulldozer justice”. The police, investigation and intelligence agencies will function “strictly in accordance with law”, and a weighty commitment is that these agencies will be brought under the oversight of Parliament or the state legislatures.
There is no paywall, so you can look at other promises that pertain to inequality. Congress by the way have (and had) some good economists who have indeed brought good laws (though somewhat poorly implemented in the case of welfare).
Does Climate Change Affect Voters’ Choices?
Vasudevan Mukunth who reports on climate change for the Hindu writes that reporters may not often notice how climate change impacts voters in ways that are not usually talked about.
For example, there was an uptick in child trafficking in the Sundarbans delta region last decade, suggesting perhaps that some sort of organised racket had taken root in the area. But a journalist’s investigation revealed the primordial cause to be a combination of climate change and subpar state intervention. In 2020 and 2021, the Cyclones Amphan and Yaas — rendered more ferocious by climate change — deepened the destitution wrought earlier in parts of the delta by Cyclone Alia in 2009. However, the state had focused on large infrastructure projects to improve locals’ prospects over setting up reliable sources of income, big or small. So after each cyclone, self-sufficient communities became less so, and had to deal with this forced transition.
Our determination of whether climate change figures highly on voters’ minds influences voters, politicians, scientists, and, importantly, our own sense of whether we’re doing a good job. But we are also liable to overlook the lived experiences wrought in some measure by climate change and thus underestimate the length of its shadow at the ballot.
A man from the Sundarbans may be more impressed by a candidate offering low-paying but predictable jobs over one who has secured funds to build an embankment along a river. Or a woman in a village may favour a candidate who intends to build toilets inside homes over one promising extra beds at the hospital. This is because she would like to drink more water to cope with the rising heat and not have to venture to use toilets outdoors in the daytime, suffering harassment from local men.
Climate change exacerbates existing issues. And people vote based on that. So, we need to make the connection first and arrive at appropriate people centric policies rather than blame them for not voting for the right party.
Bangladesh
Corrupt officials
The Daily Star editorial laments the lack of action against a corrupt official in Madaripur.
It is disappointing, though hardly surprising, that a former land acquisition officer in Madaripur who was caught embezzling Tk 7.35 crore from the government coffer has, as punishment, only been demoted from the position of senior assistant secretary to assistant secretary. Essentially, he is the latest public servant caught involved in corruption to have gotten away with just a slap on the wrist. As per a report in this daily, Promatha Ranjan Ghatak provided Tk 7.35 crore of public money as compensation to five individuals in June 2021, supposedly to acquire their land for the Padma Bridge project in Madaripur's Magurkhanda area. However, subsequent investigations by the public administration ministry discovered that the land never belonged to the five. The land, in fact, belonged to the government, to acquire which not a single penny had to be spent.
As per the gazette notification, Promatha issued compensation cheques dated back to June 30, 2021, his final working day in Madaripur, despite the power of attorney documents being dated July 11, 2021. The notice stated that he knowingly aided in unlawful withdrawal of government funds with corrupt intentions. Yet, the public administration ministry decided to give him the lightest possible punishment under the civil service rules.
At present, Promatha is working as deputy chief (hydrologist) at the National River Conservation Commission. Even senior government officials have expressed shock at the fact that he still has a job. They said Promatha has only been punished for "misconduct" despite clear evidence of "corruption"—and that such weak steps against corrupt officials are what further encourage public servants to engage in corruption, thinking they too will be able to get away with minimum consequences.
Despite the fact that the prime minister herself had issued a warning against entertaining any sort of corruption and irregularities in any public sector back in January, nothing seems to have changed. That corruption has spiralled out of control, despite the government's so-called zero tolerance for corruption, is evident in the fact that Bangladesh has been demoted two notches in the recent Corruption Perception Index 2023, to the lowest rank the country has held since 2008. As such, it is high time the authorities took strong action against corrupt public servants to cleanse the administration of rampant irregularities and dishonest practices.
Labour Rights in Bangladesh
Kalpona Akter writes about a recent European Union law that requires large companies to ensure that human rights are respected across the supply chain.
The proposed European Union law requiring large companies to prevent and remedy human rights and environmental abuses in their global supply chains is a step in the right direction. Now, depending on how it is implemented, it can add great value especially for a country like Bangladesh, which is mainly a country of production factories. If the proposed law contains cost continuity for any improvement—meaning that any cost improvement suggested in the legislation will be borne by both the buyer and seller, as the factory owners can't pay for all of it themselves—then that might be of great value.
What we want besides this is access to remedy. In case the brands or manufacturers in our country are not following the directives, if they fail to apply the directives or clauses, then there should be room for remedy. If the access to remedy is included along with financing, for example, to hire a lawyer, then that would be phenomenal.
The EU's law adaptation will, at least in some parts, translate to changes of law in Bangladesh as well. For example, we don't have any laws regarding living wages and that is something which could be adopted because of the law. We will be able to understand the gravity of changes that will be necessary once the law passes in its full form and we receive the finalised document.
She also says that instead of depending on EU to make laws, Bangladesh should do it on their own.
But why is it that Bangladesh can't independently create a legal framework that protects workers' rights? Why do we have to rely on the EU or the West for this? This is because our current laws and perspectives are such that profit is prioritised over people. But, ideally, it should always be people over profit. The betterment or security or the rights of people should never be second to the profits of business enterprises. The same goes for the environment, which is also never considered as being more important than profits.
Drought
Drought has gripped Dhaka. As has heat (just like Bangalore, may I say). And I assume it will remain until La Nina pushes over El Nino like a good girl. Atik Hasan Shuvo reports for Dhaka Tribune.
Bangladesh is in the grip of a scorching heatwave, with Dhaka experiencing its effects intensely. As mercury soars, Dhakaites are grappling not only with the oppressive heat but also with an increasing water crisis.
Across various areas of Dhaka, including Gulshan, Nandipara, Ibrahimpur, Monipur, and Matikata, residents are facing acute shortages of clean water, rendering everyday tasks like bathing and household chores impossible.
Reports indicate that nearly all ten regional offices of Dhaka Wasa are grappling with water supply issues.
[...]
Dhaka Wasa officials have said that while there is no overall shortage of water supply, localized issues persist due to a combination of factors. These include declining groundwater levels, heightened demand exacerbated by the extreme heat, and insufficient deep tube wells to meet the demand in some areas.
Wishing to remain anonymous, an engineer from Dhaka Wasa said that water extraction from deep tube wells has diminished in certain locales due to declining groundwater levels, exacerbating the situation during the summer months when demand peaks. This recurring water crisis during April and May is a familiar challenge for the capital.
If it is a familiar challenge why have not city officials (not just in Bangladesh but in Bangalore or Chennai) done anything about it. Where is visionary planning for the cities?
Sigh
Myanmar
China Deepens Ties with Myanmar Junta
Irrawaddy reports that China is seeking to deepen collaboration with Myanmar Junta.
Why? Especially when they are struggling? Why not support the rebels?
China views its relations with Myanmar from a strategic perspective and wants to deepen its collaboration with the country’s junta to crack down on trans-border crime, its public security minister said.
During his meeting with Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, the junta’s home affairs minister, in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong said China always considers China-Myanmar relations from a strategic perspective and is trying to improve them.
We want to deepen holistic collaboration on rule of law and security while seriously eradicating trans-border crimes like online scams and the drug trade,” the minister said, according to China Xinhua News in Burmese.
He said previous joint crackdowns between China and Myanmar on online syndicates near the border achieved significant results.
Myanmar has come under pressure from its huge northern neighbor to crack down on online fraud centers in northern Shan State, which borders China. So far, almost 45,000 people working in the scam syndicates’ compounds, including major crime bosses, have been repatriated to China.
Wang added that China wanted to positively engage with Myanmar on security, stability and development of the two countries and the region, among other things.
Ah! This is about the scams where Chinese people are kidnapped and then forced to scam their own country’s people for money. (Sri Lankans experience this too.)
Forced Conscription
Myanmar Junta has “stepped up forced conscription with abductions”.
Myanmar’s military regime has switched its conscription tactics since the Thingyan traditional New Year, with soldiers now forcibly abducting young men from their homes and snatching pedestrians.
Many people managed to evade the first draft last month, when the regime collected personal details of eligible civilians before sending call-up letters to report at local military offices.
However, junta conscription teams in many regions are no longer giving prior notice, with abductions reported in Magwe, Bago, Yangon and Ayeyarwady regions since April 18. Residents believe the forcible recruitment is for the second batch of conscripts.
The junta enforced the national conscription law on Feb. 10 amid a string of heavy military defeats on multiple fronts across the country.
Burma Affairs and Conflict Study (BACS), a body monitoring junta war crimes, recently reported that the first batch of 5,000 conscripts had been sent to 15 military training centers across the country, starting March 27.
Residents have reported numerous cases of abduction of civilians from their homes in Taungdwin, Myothit, Aunglan, and Natmauk towns in Magwe Region, Shwe Paukkan in Yangon Region, and Paungde in Bago Region. Passersby of conscription age were also seized by junta soldiers in Magwe’s Natmauk and Bago’s Pyu.
India Cancels Free Movement Regime with Myanmar
Mizzima reports on Indian cancellation of free movement regime with Myanmar.
On 1 May 2024, India will indefinitely close the Friendship Bridge No. 2 border crossing between Rikhawdar Town in Myanmar’s Chin State and Zokhawthar Town in India’s Mizoram State.
Previously, on 17 April 2024, the Indian authorities started restricting movement across the border. Then, on 19 April at about 5:00 pm the Assam Rifles, under instructions from the Indian Government, closed the crossing to all trade and people for the Mizoram State elections.
The crossing was reopened on 20 April, but restrictions were placed on who could cross. Currently, the transport of goods across the border is restricted and the only people who can cross are students or people travelling to receive medical treatment or people travelling for emergencies.
Chin defence forces attacked and captured Rikhawdar Town on 14 November 2023. Since then they have established the Hualngoram Administration Department to oversee the Town
An official from the Hualngoram Administration Department said: “The potential closure of the bridge in the upcoming month, will adversely affect education, healthcare, economy, and society for the people of Myanmar.”
He explained that the border closure would also impact over 200 students who travel every day from Myanmar to Mizoram to study, as well as negatively affecting border trade and those who rely on it for their livelihoods.
He said that the border closure would also negatively impact people who depend on food imports, particularly those who depend on rice imported from India.
Many displaced people (IDPs) from Myanmar are sheltering in Rikhawdar Town and locals are worried that when the border shuts the IDPs will not be able to receive enough food.
Many people on the Myanmar side rely on essential goods from the Indian side of the border and they will also have problems after the border crossing closes.
The border restrictions could also lead to a rise in commodity prices, smuggling and other illegal activities, according to the Hualngoram Administration official.
It is ridiculous and I wish India would stop doing such stupid things. But xenophobia can make you stupid.
Until the Friday after next, everyone. Have a great week or two ahead. Stay safe. Be well. Take care.
May there be no forced conscription and may there be just peace on the world. Also, may voters everywhere choose inclusive democracy—no matter how messy—over authoritarianism and majoritarianism.