South Asia

The Supreme Court sets up a commission to verify the responsibility of Narendra Modi in the violence against the Islamic minority in 2002. A polemical reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which considers the governor of Gujarat a candidate for Indian prime minister. The Chief Minister, a leading figure of the new party, accuses: "it is a conspiracy of the Congress party to put me behind bars."

Irfan Masih, 11, succumbed to gunshot wounds he suffered to the head. Five other people were also injured in the attack during which Islamists set fire on Christian homes and Bibles. Activists complain about police inaction.

The rebels announce a truce “in the face of the humanitarian crisis” and in answer to calls from the International Community. The UN undersecretary for Humanitarian affairs is on the island seeking to convince Colombo to allow aid through to trapped civilians. Foreign Ministers from Britain France and Sweden expected on Wednesday.

Bishop Thomas Dabre talks about the elections that are underway, and about the task of the next government. Religious and cultural minorities represent one sixth of India's population. "You cannot have progress and development" when entire segments of the population are "languishing in underdevelopment." India's moral authority on the international level is tarnished by persecution and discrimination toward minorities.

Suspected cases in Israel and Hong Kong. Severe controls in the airports, with instruments to measure body temperature. Exported American pork prohibited in China, Russia, and other countries. Experts: if the flu spreads to the populated areas of India and China, it will be difficult to contain it.

The humanitarian crisis in the war zones is becoming increasingly serious. The Tamil Tigers say about 165,000 civilians risk dying of hunger; accusations against the government, which is "deliberately" blocking aid. Colombo clarifies that care for refugees is a "priority," and it is preparing a postwar plan.

Tibetans are celebrating the birthday according to Buddhist tradition, praying for his "safety" and wishing him "long life." A minister of the Tibetan government in exile denounces the "violation of religious freedom" by the Beijing authorities. A question that concerns "the entire international community."

Fr. Vasanthaseelan was hit by a shell in the church of Valaignarmadam. His leg has been amputated. Fr. Pathinathan is now at Mulli-vaaykkaal Hospital. The government is appealing to the international community for aid for the refugees. The foreign minister of Colombo: "We are about to confront an emergency humanitarian situation."

Pressure on Colombo government to respect “International human rights”. Rebels also condemned by China and Russia. India urges a political solution to the conflict to ensure “a dignified life for the Tamil people within the wider context of Sri Lankan society”. Satellite images published by the USA show hundreds of thousands of civilians still trapped within the war zone.

Archbishop Chinnappa denounces the resignation of the international community. The Church of India prays for peace, and calls for a political solution to the conflict. "We are with the Tamils living in Sri Lanka, and those dispersed all over the world."

Sri Lanka’s army says it knows where LTTE leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, is in hiding. Sri Lankans wonder about Tiger leader’s future with most hoping he gets killed. Political analyst Sarath Fernando says rebels must surrender but Tamil must continue the struggle for their rights.

Six people are wounded by gunshots, including an 11-year-old boy, now in critical conditions. Residents in the area that was attacked have locked themselves in. the attack comes after pro-Taliban slogans, calling on Christians to convert to Islam, appear on church walls.