South Asia

Thirteen years ago, violence spread across Kandhamal district. A nun survived a rape during the anti-Christian pogrom to tell her story. “During the lockdown period I completed reading Holy Bible. I realise that the Word of God is reality for me,” she writes. Her community suffered so much, but now they “have a deeper faith”.

For President Said Agil Siroj, the situation in Afghanistan is likely to fuel "a new wave of radicalism". The appeal to army and police leaders to guarantee security and preserve the values of pluralism and unity in diversity. The evacuation of Indonesian personnel from Afghanistan continues, the diplomatic representation transferred to Islamabad.

Card Ranjith has urged fellow Sri Lankans to display the symbol of mourning in protest against the government’s failure to find the truth about the 2019 bombings. Many civil society groups back the prelate’s request, but for others it is half-hearted. At least 25 people have been charged in connection with the attacks, but the authorities have failed to identify the principals.

The family landed today in Rome after an airlift from Kabul organised by Italy. Starting with Ali Ehsani's appeal published by AsiaNews, the Fondazione Meet Human took charge of the case of this group of “hidden believers” whose father disappeared a few days ago. The rescue “might be a drop in the ocean, but the ocean is made up of drops.”

Philippine migrant workers and contractors in Afghanistan are among those leaving the country. They can be easily identifiable as Christian. Some have decided to stay because they still need to support their family back home. First plane evacuates Indians. Meanwhile, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has arrived in Kabul.

The court stayed the amendment to the State’s anti-conversion law introduced by Hindu nationalists if there is no fraud or coercion in marriage. This issue also touches other Indian states. For Father Babu Joseph, the ruling “does a good service to the cause of social justice.”

The government led by Gotabaya Rajapaksa made the decision after a written request from Buddhist monks. The lockdown will last at least until the end of the month. In the past week over 4,000 new cases have been reported per day. To reduce the pressure on hospitals, people are asked to send text messages describing their symptoms. Ships with liquid oxygen are coming from India.

In 2008 seven Christians were arrested for the death of the Hindu guru who triggered the pogrom against Christians in Orissa. Victims of a sham trial, they were released on bail only after 11 years in prison. Yesterday the wife of one died. She had been a tireless campaigner for her husband's aquittal. Bishop Barwa: "We will continue her battle for justice".

As with ISIS there is a considerable post-Soviet diaspora among the Afghan guerrillas. The problems of ties between the Taliban and the galaxy of jihadist movements in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

For many Iraqis, the Afghan tragedy is a remake of Mosul’s in the summer of 2014. The pull-out of Iraqi troops leaving weapons behind was decisive for the jihadi victory. Public opinion and social media are abuzz about “US betrayal” and the politics of a country that sows “confusion”. Upcoming elections in October hang in the balance.

On Independence Day, Aisha Akram was attacked and bullied for hours while shooting a video near the national monument. The images, which have gone viral on social media, have caused shame. For activist Mariyam Kashif, this is the “level of humanity and respect for women in our society.”

In Bangladesh several militant Islamist groups had participated in the fight against the Soviets in Afghanistan, now in Kabul history is likely to repeat itself. Human rights activists lobby for non-recognition of the Taliban government. Foreign Minister: we will not accept refugees, we already host one million Rohingya.