News Wrap

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The Supreme Court In India on 02 March 2021 expressed displeasure over the Union Government of India for dragging its feet by seeking more time, on the issue pertaining to installation of CCTV cameras, in the office of investigating agencies including Central Bureau of Investigations, Enforcement Directorate and National Investigation Agency, A bench headed by Justice RF Nariman also comprising Justices BR Gavai and Hrishikesh Roy observed that the issue concerns the rights of citizens, and said it is not accepting the excuses given in the letter filed by the union government seeking adjournments in the matter.

P C For Trade Unionists
Trade Unionist Shiv Kumar, who suffered grievous injuries in alleged torture while in Haryana police's custody, was released on bail on 04 March 2021, and soon afterwards was driven to a hospital for medical attention for trauma. Kumar aged 24 years, is the president of the Majdoor Adlikar Sangathan and under trial with Nodeep Kaur, another Trade Unionist for three FIRs alleging extortion and attempt to murder, during a protest over erratic wage payment at an industrial cluster near Delhi. The Haryana student group Chatra Ekta Manch has observed that Kumar was showing signs of trauma, although he appeared cheerful immediately after his release from jail. Kumar, the son of landless Dalits in Sonipat district, had been behind bars since 16 January 2021, after he was picked up from near the Singhu protest site of farmers opposing the new farm laws. Kumar and Kaur had been active in the farmers protest, at the Singhu border, before their arrest.

Myanmar Crackdown
As they sought to break up protests against the military's seizure of power, the security forces in Myanmar opened fire and made mass arrests on 28 March 2021. 18 protesters were killed and 30 were wounded. Protesters are demanding that the elected government of Arng Sam Suu Ky's be restored to power, after being ousted by a 01 February 2021 coup. Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in the cities of Yangong, Dawli, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku. More than 70 protesters have, been killed, and 2000 people have been arrested, since the coup. Anti coup protesters are using fire extinguishers, to reduce tear gas impact.

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Frontier
Vol. 53, No. 41, Apr 11 - 17, 2021