VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: May 25, 2020

Table 1: COVID-19 cases in the Neighbourhood

PAKISTAN

Army observing Eid solemnly in solidarity with Kashmiris under 'illegal, inhuman' lockdown: ISPR: DAWN

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday said that the army was observing Eidul Fitr solemnly in solidarity with Kashmiris under India's "illegal and inhuman lockdown and ensuing atrocities". He made these remarks while visiting the Line of Control (LoC) where he offered Eid prayers with the soldiers. Click here to read.... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

40 Percent of Factories Halt Operations as Business Declines: TOLO News

The Chamber of Mines and Commerce said on Sunday that 40 percent of factories across the country have halted their activities due to a lack of raw material and lack of market demand. Another 30 percent of factories are on the verge of stopping their activities, said the organization. Factory owners called on the government to take action and help with the situation. Abdul Wakil is a factory owner in Kabul who stopped his work three months ago. Click here to read.... [3]

BANGLADESH

Locals suffer without drinking water in Satkhira: Dhaka Tribune

Unavailability of drinking water causing much hardship for people in the coastal areas of Satkhira after they were hit by cyclone Amphan on Wednesday. As enclosures got damaged, the areas were flooded by saline water from the Kapotakkha and Kholpetua Rivers, affecting the ponds and tubewells in the areas. Click here to read.... [4]

MYANMAR

More ethnic armed groups enlist in COVID-19 fight in Myanmar: Myanmar Times

More ethnic armed groups are joining the government’s effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the Tatmadaw (military) is reaching out to find out what they need to fight the virus in their territories. Tatmadaw spokesperson Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said the Tatmadaw continues its effort to improve trust and confidence with ethnic armed groups across the country. Click here to read.... [5]

NEPAL

With patients testing positive for Covid-19, more hospitals could close down completely: The Kathmandu Post

The detection of Covid-19 in patients admitted to hospital for other forms of treatment has led to a swift closure of those health facilities, putting the burden on other hospitals and placing the country’s health infrastructure under more stress. Patients admitted to at least five hospitals—four public and one private—have tested positive for Covid-19, leading to the closure of the entire hospital or some of their departments. Click here to read.... [6]

SRI LANKA

Shouldn’t allow extremists acts to harm Islamic brotherhood in SL: President: Daily Mirror

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his Ramazan Day Message said Sri Lankans should never allow any harm to Islamic brotherhood due to acts of a few extremists in the country. “The spirit of Islamic brotherhood existed in the Sri Lankan society since ancient times is exemplary to the world. Click here to read.... [7]

CHINA

PLA drill in South China Sea about combat readiness, not seizing Taiwanese islands, experts say: South China Morning Post

Aircraft carriers from the PLA Navy are set to take part in combat readiness exercises this summer in the South China Sea, and while the drills are likely to raise concerns in Taipei, their aim is not to seize Taiwan-controlled territory, military observers say. Click here to read.... [8]

Economic arsenal 'sufficient' to support growth: China Daily

China is capable of reaching its goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by next year with support from macroeconomic policies, despite troubles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, political advisers said. Click here to read.... [9]