South Asia

The latest decision by India’s highest court puts the spotlight on a section of the penal code that dates back to the colonial administration, a rule widely used in recent years by Prime Minister Modi and state governments to suppress dissent. For Fr Prakash, this is an important step, but it is still a “provisional order”; instead, he wants to see the rule’s “total [. . .] repeal”.

The new prime minister said he was forced to print money to pay civil servants. However, the manoeuvre will lead to the depreciation of the rupee. The Inter-University Student Federation demands not only the resignation of the government, but a new political system.

The incident sparked protests and a sit-in on Grand Trunk Road. Another attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed three Pakistani soldiers and three children. For the Anglican bishop of Peshawar, thugs tried to disturb the peace and interfaith harmony in the city.

The Indian Church's joy for the former 18th century dignitary that Pope Francis will canonise on 15 May. Killed because he preached the fraternity of the Gospel beyond caste barriers. Syro-Malankara native Baselios Cleemis: "Witness in society of a message that no one can stop".

The chief minister called on the governor to sign the bill without the assent of the Legislative Council (upper house). If it becomes law, the bill would make Karnataka the tenth Indian state to adopt such an anti-Christian measure. For the archbishop of Bangalore, the law will be used by “fringe elements and groups” to sow discord. Hence, he urges “the Governor not to give assent to the bill”. Many Indian States have adopted legislation dear to Hindu nationalists.

Aleeza Naeem has been missing since 13 March. An only child, she was allegedly kidnapped by three Muslim men on her way to school. The family filed a complaint with police, but in vain. As in other cases involving minorities, the victim was kidnapped to be forcibly converted to Islam and given in marriage. Rights advocates appeal to the government to pass a bill to ban forced conversions.

The five-time prime minister is expected to be sworn in tonight. The Sri Lankan parliament is expected to approve his appointment, following the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa, brother of the current president Gotabaya. Meanwhile, ordinary Sri Lankans continue to demand a new government.

Law enforcement officials have taken an interest in the problems of the religious minority. In a meeting there was an exchange in which the faithful said they want to live in peace with Muslims, even though hate speech often comes from the mosque.

Indian authorities uncover widespread corruption in Home Affairs Ministry involving NGOs forced to pay bribes to get licence to receive foreign funds. Thousands of NGOs have seen their licence expire waiting for renewal after new legislation came into effect. The case of the Sisters of Mother Teresa highlighted the situation last Christmas.

The future of the Islamic Emirate will depend on the Taliban’s ability to pacify the country, says Prof Diego Abenante. However, anti-Taliban groups have few chances and any conflict would not benefit the population. The Islamic State group is still a major cause for concern. The only hope is that the less hard-line faction prevails over the radical Haqqani group.

A crowd gathered near a naval base looking for Mahinda Rajapaksa. His eldest son denies rumors that he fled abroad; however, rumours are flying that some politicians are trying to escape the island. Blockades have been set up at the airport while a strike has shut down immigration service. Diplomats and religious leaders condemn the violence.

Francis' appeal at general audience for grave crisis shaking South Asian country: let people's aspirations be heard. "Let us entrust the world's ardent desire for peace to Our Lady of Fatima." Continuing the cycle of catechesis on old age, the pontiff dwelt on the biblical figure of Judith: "The good sown is the best legacy we can leave behind."