Latest posts by GV South Asia
Miya Muslims of Assam, India, face eviction, threats, and oppression
The right-wing government in the Indian state of Assam, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, has intensified its targeting of Bengali Muslims, also known as Miyas.
Pakistan administered Kashmir faces internet shutdown amidst protests
In May 2024, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir witnessed significant unrest, with daily life profoundly impacted by internet shutdowns and the violent suppression of protests by Pakistani security forces.
‘D voters’ remain a key issue in Assam during India's general elections
In Assam, some voters who lack proper documents to prove their Indian citizenship are labeled as 'D Voters', disenfranchised and barred from voting in the ongoing general elections.
How are India’s new-age influencers shaping the electoral game?
Ahead of the Indian general elections, political parties are leveraging the power of the internet and social media to to maximise their outreach and engagement in the election process.
How India’s amended citizenship law is creating a large pool of exclusion
Sporadic protests erupted nationwide after Indian government implemented the highly controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 just a few weeks before India's upcoming general election.
Another wave of blasphemy in Pakistan
Blasphemy allegations in Pakistan resurfaced, prompting a smear campaign against the Chief. He faced criticism for ordering the release of a minority Ahmadiyya man accused in a blasphemy case.
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: A springboard for the Indian National Congress's path back to power?
The India Unity and Justice March, led by the opposition Indian National Congress, is currently traversing various Indian states aiming to engage the common people ahead of the general elections.
Assam, India witnesses huge protests over rearranged constituencies
The opposition parties in the Indian state of Assam are protesting against a draft proposal that will redraw electoral constituencies, claiming that it will target communities predominantly populated by Muslims.
Controversies erupt in India over the film ‘The Kerala Story’
Directed by Sudipto Sen, the Bollywood movie "The Kerala Stories" explores the controversial notion of “love jihad” — a conspiracy theory that Muslim men convert Hindu women to Islam via romantic relationships.
Bangladesh government instructs TV channels not to use the word ‘Indigenous’ when referring to ethnic tribes
On July 19, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notice to 35 TV channels asking the media and civil society not to use the word ‘Adivasi’ (indigenous people).
As legislative elections draw to a close, will the Congress Party reclaim Assam state from the BJP?
The Indian National Congress (INC) ruled Assam's legislative assembly from 1951 to 2016 when control switched to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Cancellation of conference on 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh War of Liberation sparks criticism
The organisers gave no reason for the cancellation, but some see it as a worrying sign of the erosion of intellectual freedom.
Arrest of Indian climate activist Disha Ravi over protest ‘toolkit’ draws backlash
'Editing a Google Doc in support of farmers is an act of sedition in this country now,' a writer said.
Grief, alienation, trauma: Kashmir under lockdown
"The removal of Article 370 may or may not impact the people of the Kashmir valley, but the treatment meted out only reminds us about the brutal occupation of our land."
No justice in Nepal as politician accused of murder gets elected speaker of parliament
A man accused of murder, Agni Sapkota, replaces a rape-accused as house speaker in Nepal, exacerbating the already dire prospects for justice by fostering a culture of impunity.
Indian government abolishes Kashmir's special status, announces bifurcation
"It's basically like England walking into Scotland with troops and getting rid of the Scottish Parliament and arresting all the Scottish nationalists. This is just not acceptable."
India's elections are right around the corner — and the fake news problem is not going away
Experts have found that many of India's most insidious disinformation campaigns arise from political parties themselves.
Decorated army major accused of “beating youth” in Kashmir
Controversy after decorated Indian army major accused of beating a young man in Kashmir.
To cast their votes on December 30, Bangladeshis will need to overcome many obstacles
Among the difficulties faced by voters are a ban on all unauthorized motorized public and private transportation and a complete shutdown of mobile Internet service.
Bangladesh braces for fiercely contested parliamentary election amidst opposition crackdown
On December 30, Bangladesh will hold its 11th parliamentary election to determine the 299 elected members of Jatiya Sangsad who will lead the country for the next five years.
Women entrepreneurs break barriers in Kashmir
"...I get negative comments on social media, even by women, but I think these comments given to me have helped me grow from a better person to a better designer"
