Decline in Extortion Activities in Manipur
With Manipur under President’s Rule since February 13, extortion activities have declined, providing some relief to local businesses. The anti-extortion helpline, established in January, has received over 100 calls, indicating a growing awareness and willingness to report such crimes. Authorities have arrested approximately 400 individuals linked to extortion since the unrest began in May 2023. However, shop owners continue to face challenges, particularly with rival factions collecting money along highways. While extortion incidents have decreased, businesses still struggle with intimidation and demands for "donations." Despite these developments, the security situation remains fragile, raising concerns about long-term stability and the prospects for meaningful dialogue in the region.
Crackdown on Illegal Bangladeshi Migrants
The Indian government's crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi migrants has intensified since December 2024, leading to an increase in voluntary returns. Between January and March 2025, authorities apprehended 906 Bangladeshi migrants attempting to exit India, with 411 cases recorded in the past three months alone. Delhi Police and other state agencies launched a two-month drive to identify and deport undocumented Bangladeshis. Following major political shifts in Bangladesh in August 2024, India has reinforced efforts to track and repatriate illegal migrants, collecting biometric data before their departure. The Border Security Force (BSF) has reported enhanced cooperation with the Bangladesh Border Guards in managing this situation.
Ceasefire Violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir
On Tuesday, Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement by resorting to unprovoked firing at the Krishna Ghati sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt by terrorists, who were supported by the Pakistani military. Reports suggest that five casualties occurred among the terrorists and Pakistani forces during the incident, which included heavy exchanges of fire and three powerful blasts linked to the infiltration effort. While the exact number of casualties remains unverified, significant movement was observed on the Pakistani side, with ambulances seen transporting personnel.
Pakistan’s Crackdown on Afghan Refugees
Pakistan has announced plans to expel three million Afghan refugees this year, as the deadline for voluntary departures from the capital and surrounding areas expired on Monday. This move is part of a nationwide crackdown launched in October 2023 to deport foreigners living in Pakistan illegally, most of whom are Afghans. The campaign has faced criticism from human rights groups, the Taliban government, and the United Nations. Initially scheduled to begin on April 1, arrests and deportations have been postponed to April 10 due to the Eid ul-Fitr holidays.
Lashkar-e-Taiba Financier Shot Dead in Karachi
Abdul Rehman, a close associate of Hafiz Saeed and a key financier of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Karachi on Eid-ul-Fitr. The incident, captured on camera, underscores Rehman’s crucial role in raising funds for the terror outfit. He was responsible for collecting financial contributions from various sources and channeling them to senior LeT leaders. This assassination follows the killing of another Hafiz Saeed associate, Abu Qatal, in Pakistan on March 16. Meanwhile, Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, continues to live freely in Pakistan.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Blames Former King for Violence
Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Oli has accused former King Gyanendra Shah of instigating violence during recent pro-monarchy protests. Addressing the House of Representatives, Oli claimed that Shah’s actions, including urging individuals to default on bank loans, fueled unrest in Tinkune. The protests escalated into violent clashes with security forces, resulting in the deaths of two people, including a TV cameraman, and injuries to over 110 others. Oli emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs would provide further details on the incidents, highlighting the need for a deeper analysis of issues related to religion, culture, and tradition.
Indian Army Commanders Review Border Security
India’s top Army commanders have begun a four-day conference to assess security along the borders with Pakistan and China. Chaired by General Upendra Dwivedi, the conference is focused on operational priorities and the modernization of the Army, which has over 1.1 lakh personnel. This high-level meeting comes amid ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, despite recent disengagement efforts in Eastern Ladakh. The discussions aim to evaluate the security environment and formulate strategies to counter emerging threats.
Operation Brahma: Indian Army Establishes Field Hospital in Myanmar
Under Operation Brahma, the Indian Army has set up a fully functional 200-bed field hospital in Mandalay, Myanmar, to provide humanitarian aid amid the country’s ongoing crisis. Staffed by 118 medical personnel, the facility was deployed using two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster II aircraft and is equipped for advanced surgical procedures and inpatient care. Since becoming operational, the hospital has treated 104 casualties and performed two life-saving surgeries. The Chief Minister of Mandalay and senior military officials have praised India’s organized relief efforts. Additionally, the Indian Air Force has delivered medical kits and potable water, while the Indian Navy has transported 625 tons of relief materials to Yangon.
India’s Defence Exports Reach Record High
India’s defence exports surged to a record ₹23,622 crore (approximately $2.76 billion) in the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a 12.04% increase from the previous year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Tuesday. This growth includes a remarkable 42.85% rise in exports from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), highlighting India’s increasing global competitiveness in defence manufacturing. The private sector played a significant role, accounting for ₹15,233 crore in exports, while DPSUs contributed ₹8,389 crore. India’s transformation from an import-dependent military to a self-reliant defence power is evident, with its products now reaching around 80 countries.
Ongoing Conflict in Kathua District
Security forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police have re-established contact with three militants who escaped into the forests near Jakhole village on March 27-28. A fresh gunfight erupted on Monday night when militants fired upon a search party of police and security personnel. In response, the forces cordoned off the area to prevent their escape. Preliminary reports suggest that one militant may have been killed and another injured, though official confirmation is pending. Earlier, on March 27, two militants were killed in the region, while four policemen lost their lives in an ambush by militants from a hilltop.
Indian Military Grounds Dhruv Helicopters After Fatal Crash
The Indian military has extended the grounding of its Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet for at least three more months following a fatal crash in Gujarat that claimed the lives of two Coast Guard pilots and an aircrew diver. Investigators, including experts from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), are conducting fatigue tests on a critical component suspected to have caused the crash—a swashplate fracture. The grounding affects approximately 330 ALHs operated by the military and Coast Guard, compelling reliance on older helicopters like the Mi-17. A defect investigation committee is working to determine whether the issue stems from material failure or a broader design flaw.
Lt Gen P K Mishra Takes Charge as GOC of 16 Corps
Lt Gen P K Mishra has assumed command as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 16 Corps, urging troops to prioritize operational readiness and maintain peace. He succeeds Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, who led the elite White Knight Corps since January 1, 2024. The 16 Corps oversees a crucial operational zone in Jammu, south of the Pir Panjal range.
Zoji-La Pass Reopened After Winter Closure
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has reopened the strategically vital Zoji-La Pass, which connects Ladakh to Kashmir, after a 32-day winter closure due to heavy snowfall. This year, the pass was shut for only 17 days (February 27 to March 16) compared to longer closures in previous years. BRO personnel cleared the accumulated snow in a record 14 days, overcoming extreme weather challenges. The pass is critical for ensuring the supply of food, arms, and ammunition to Indian troops stationed near the borders with China and Pakistan.
