Stories about South Asia from October, 2016
Rural Women in Northern India Are Challenging Patriarchy by Removing Their Veils
"If women want to wear veil let them. If they do not want to wear veil let them. It is [as] simple as that."
Sri Lankan Tourism: Booming Again, But Mostly for the Military
The Sri Lankan military is investing heavily in the tourism business. The armed forces have several hotels and resorts, many restaurants and cafes, and other tourist facilities.
Sri Lanka Pays the Price for Past Government's Extravagance
The huge sum of money spent canceling an order for new Airbuses could have funded a whole lot more.
Peace Activist Khurram Parvez's Illegal Detention in Kashmir Valley May Be Proof He's “Doing Something Right”
After his arrest on September 15, Parvez was charged under the Public Safety Act and sent to a prison facility nearly 300 kilometers from his family and legal counsel.
A Lack of Open Space Forces Kids in One Mumbai Suburb to Play in a Dirty Field
“We don’t tell our parents that we play here. They think we go to a proper ground to play. If they know...they will not let us out to play."
Threatened With Suspension Over Its Rights Record, Maldives Up and Quits the Commonwealth
"Don't we as...citizens get a say in whether or not we want to be a part of the commonwealth? Or is Maldives just a one man country now".
South Asians Celebrate American Singer-Songwriter Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize in Literature
"The argument for Dylan would rest squarely on the quality and influence of his work over the years, and the fact that they have now become classics of modern poetry..."
As Politicians Beat the Drums of War, Ordinary Indians and Pakistanis Call for Peace
"'Patriotism' that propagates HATE is not patriotism. United we RISE. Divided we fall. Politicians polarise to rule not serve society."
Will Pakistan Carry Out a Threat to Expel 2.5 Million Afghan Refugees?
After decades of mixed hospitality, Islamabad says it can no longer host refugees from its war-torn neighbour.
Following a Big Scoop, Prominent Journalist Cyril Almeida Is Barred From Leaving Pakistan
"Am concerned, possibly convinced, more than 24hrs after the travel ban was imposed that govt is planning to take further, uglier actions."
Blinded, Married, and Turned Loose in the Ring: Three Stories of Girls in Modern-Day India
Global Voices reviews a few stories covered by the Video Volunteers community's citizen journalists, showing how girls in India face and cope with various gender-related challenges.
Bangladesh Introduces ‘Smart’ National Identity Cards
Collecting massive amounts of personal and biometric data opens up thorny issues around security and surveillance. As the database is built up, who will gain access to it?
He's Only 6 Years Old, but India's Chef Kicha Has Fans All Over the World
"Kicha, you were adorable on the show. For a young six year old to be on Ellen's show was awesome and you did a great job. What an accomplishment."
The Singaporean Prime Minister's ‘Simple’ Bus Breaks With India's VIP Culture
"We should learn from him and do away with this VIP culture in India."
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