Sri Lanka Perspectives – December 2013

Col R Hariharan

Col R Hariharan outlines growing authoritarianism of the regime and the Tamil National Alliance's differences with the government
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-perspectives-%E2%80%93-december-2013-2372.html

Sri Lanka delegation to leave for India for ministerial level talks on fisheries issueThe two countries are expected to find an amicable solution to the nagging issues of fishermen from both countries crossing into each other's territorial waters and subsequent arrests of the fishermen by the authorities on both sides.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-delegation-to-leave-for-india-for-ministerial-level-talks-on-fisheries-issue-2373.html

Question raised over US envoy’s criticism of 2008 Constitution
US ambassador Derek Mitchell stated constitutional embargo on Suu Kyi has some precedence in 1947 and 1974 constitutions which has been contested
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/myanmar/question-raised-over-us-envoys-criticism-of-2008-constitution-2374.html

China Ministry of Defence Coy about Joint Command
Strangely after releasing news of pilot for joint command the MOD in Beijing wanted to backtrack an deny the same
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/military/china-ministry-of-defence-coy-about-joint-command-2369.html

Chinese Military-related scientific achievements win national awards
Manned space, proteomics and satellite mapping were the key areas identified in the report. Award for research in proteomics would denote that the military is researching in genomes with possible use in gene warfare in the future.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/iw-cyber-security/chinese-military-related-scientific-achievements-win-national-awards-2370.html

Extreme Cold  Climate Training by PLA

The training carried out in Inner Mongolia AR in the North would be relevant for the Tibetan plateau where temperatures and snow conditions are similar
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/china-in-south-asia/extreme-cold-climate-training-by-pla-2371.html

Government and Naxals: Ironically Both Have Surrender PolicyLike the government, Maoists also have a surrender policy, recent surrenderee leader Usendi had declared his intent to the Central Committee some months back.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/naxalism/government-and-naxals-ironically-both-have-surrender-policy-2366.html

Highlights of India’s Achievements in Space TechnologyMinister V Narayanasami, indicates development of next generation launch vehicle GSLV Mk III, which currently is in advanced stage. This will give a fillip to the ballistic missile development programme as well.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/iw-cyber-security/highlights-of-indias-achievements-in-space-technology-2368.html

Indian Embassy Issues Notice of Demonstrations in Bangkok

Protests are anticipated on 13 January bringing Bangkok to a halt at the popular destination for Indian tourists

http://www.security-risks.com/alerts/indian-embassy-issues-notice-of-demonstrations-in-bangkok-141.html

Sochi Winter Olympics: TRAC Identifies Terrorist Groups and ProfileRussian security has assured the world that extensive counterterrorism precautions have been put in place
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/terrorism/sochi-winter-olympics-trac-identifies-terrorist-groups-and-profile-2367.html

Civil servants, students urged to boycott Suu Kyi rallies in Chin State, says NLD
Civil servants and students in Chin State were instructed by regional authorities not to show public support or welcome Aung San Suu Kyi
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/myanmar/civil-servants-students-urged-to-boycott-suu-kyi-rallies-in-chin-state-says-nld-2365.html

Sochi 2014: A Security Challenge
Stratfor analysis states that Russian security forces possess the experience and numbers necessary to provide for safe Olympic Games.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/terrorism/sochi-2014-a-security-challenge-2362.html

India Bhutan Reaffirm Strategic Alliance
Joint press release on the official visit of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan to India from 6 – 10 January 2014.The visit reinforced the tradition of regular high-level exchanges and further strengthened the special friendship between the two countries.
http://www.security-risks.com/news/joint-press-release-on-the-official-visit-of-his-majesty-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck-king-of-bhutan-to-india-from-6-%E2%80%93-10-january-2014-473.html

India expects Sri Lanka to honor agreement with former Indian Prime Minister
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid describing the relations said that India was assured that the 13th Amendment would provide a solution applicable to all communities.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/sri-lanka/india-expects-sri-lanka-to-honor-agreement-with-former-indian-prime-minister-2363.html

India Signs Loan Agreements With World Bank for US $ 250 Million for Uttarakhand Disaster Recovery Project
The Project constitutes a large multi-sector engagement on risk and vulnerability reduction.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/disaster-risks/india-signs-loan-agreements-with-world-bank-for-us-250-million-for-uttarakhand-disaster-recovery-project-2361.html

State visit of President of Republic of Korea to India
The State visit of President Park Geun-hye to India will be one of the seminal events in India South Korea strategic partnership that has been gaining momentum each day with expansion of relations in multiple dimensions.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/other-security-trends/state-visit-of-president-of-republic-of-korea-to-india-2364.html

India Enhances Defence & Security Support to AfghanistanRegional stability is the key strategic interest that India has in Afghanistan given that this remains the prime concern from the view of expanding threat of terrorism and extremism.

Indian Army – Strong Signal on Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir
In a seminal decision court martial of officers and soldiers in the Machhil fake encounter case would reinforce commitment of the Army to investigations and punishment of those found guilty of gross human rights violations.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/jammu-kashmir/indian-army-%E2%80%93-strong-signal-on-human-rights-2358.html

King of Bhutan calls on the Indian President
King of Bhutan said India was like a home away from home for him. Bhutan and India have common security interests.
http://www.security-risks.com/news/king-of-bhutan-calls-on-the-indian-president-472.html

PLA Tracker - Primary Source Information on Developments in PLA

Top five news on Chinese military aviation in 2013 as per PLAAF
Includes demarcation of the East China Sea ADIZ that covers the sky airspace above the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/military/top-five-news-on-chinese-military-aviation-in-2013-2359.html

Chinese army reins in expenditures
The regulation is an important move to improve the PLA's work style and practice frugality and is expected to curb waste and extravagance in the army says the PLA Press release
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/military/chinese-army-reins-in-expenditures-2360.html

http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/bangladesh/india-in-a-spot-in-bangladesh-2352.html

South Asia 2014: As A Flash Back of 2013
Rahul Bhonsle looks at 2013 to foresee developments in South Asia in 2014, political uncertainty in India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan may not augur well for regional stability.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/other-security-trends/south-asia-2014-as-a-flash-back-of-2013-2350.html

GPS CCTV for Security of women in public road transport in the country
An ambitious scheme to track transport in urban ares by using GPS and CCTV launched through Nirbhaya fund
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/other-security-trends/gps-cctv-for-security-for-women-in-public-road-transport-in-the-country-2351.html

Also Read Special Feature
Do's and Dont's Women Security in India


PLA Tracker - Primary Source Information on Developments in PLA
PLA Daily Underlines 10 hot spots of  2013Syria, PRISM, Iranian nuclear talks, Egypt, Japan and terrorism outlined amongst others
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/china-in-south-asia/pla-daily-underlines-10-hot-spots-of-2013-2349.html

China PLA Establishing New Joint Commands
As a sequel to reforms ordered by the Third Plenum, the PLA will be reorganising five joint commands
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/china-in-south-asia/china-pla-establishing-new-joint-commands-2347.html

“Golden Helmet ,” Award to China PLAAF top pilots

With emphasis on enhancing combat capabilities of the Air Force, approximately 10 percent of the top 100 pilots will qualify for the award of Golden Helmet

http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/military/golden-helmet-award-to-china-plaaf-top-pilots-2348.html

WISHING A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2014

Exchange of list of nuclear installations between India and PakistanAn Annual ritual that is seen to be a confidence building measure in the nuclear field
http://www.security-risks.com/news/exchange-of-list-of-nuclear-installations-between-india-and-pakistan-470.html

Exchange of List of prisoners between India and PakistanAn important agreement with frequent accusations of incarceration of large number of prisoners including many from war time, scrutiny and follow up is essential
http://www.security-risks.com/news/exchange-of-list-of-prisoners-between-india-and-pakistan-471.html
Indian Military's Accretions in Space India’s First Navigation Satellite IRNSS-1A  and a communication satellite for the Navy remains key achievement
http://www.security-risks.com/security-issues-south-asia/iw-cyber-security/indian-militarys-accretions-in-space-2344.html

USDP proposal would pave way for Aung San Suu Kyi presidencyMyanmar’s governing party has for the first time proposed steps toward removing language in the constitution that bars opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president.
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/myanmar/usdp-proposal-would-pave-way-for-aung-san-suu-kyi-presidency-2345.html

Myanmar MP warns border dispute with India could lead to “serious unrest”Lawmakers on both sides are concerned about the fallout of ongoing dispute of the Indo Myanmar border
http://www.security-risks.com/security-trends-south-asia/india-north-east/mp-warns-border-dispute-with-india-could-lead-to-serious-unrest-2346.html