Maldives Update; September 12, 2007.

A report released by a Peoples' Majlis committee alleges that the have authorities mismanaged the notorious Hussein Salah case.
Authorities Damned in Hussein Salah Case, Minivan News, September 10, 2007.

Constitution Drafting Committee to meet twice a day amidst concerns of missing November 30th deadline, MDP, September 11, 2007.

Today, the international community needs no further proof if they are genuinely interested in helping the people of Maldives by replacing the current dictatorial regime with a democratic government.
Ahmed Moosa, Rigging the referendum is a blessing in disguise, Dhivehi Observer, August 29, 2007.

The International Press Freedom Mission to the Maldives has sent a letter to the Minister of Information urging immediate amendments to the draft Press Law currently before parliament.

To increase the efficiency of the Police service, an independent survey has been constituted, to find out public opinion about the local police force.
Independent survey planned to find out public’s opinion of Police, Haveeru Online, September 12, 2007.

People’s Special Majlis have submitted a petition to the Government to confront the spiraling drugs crisis among young people.
Government Urged To Confront Drugs Crisis, Minivan News, September 6, 2007.

Also See:
Praful Bidwai, Sanctifying mass destruction, Frontline, September 8, 2007.

Southern states Update; September 9, 2007.

With the countdown to the leadership change having clearly begun, the voices of discord are becoming increasingly apparent. The BJP is increasingly nervous and watching every action/statement of the JDS with caution.
Sandeep Shastri, Coalition Contradictions: Emerging Political Scenario in Karnataka, Mainstream, September 9, 2007.

The BJP’s allies are likely to help the NDA hang on to its current position in Orissa, Punjab and Bihar, but the alliance in Karnataka does not seem to be yielding much dividends for the Lok Sabha elections.
Yogendra Yadav, Rajeeva Karandikar, Sanjay Kumar, No one wants an election now but if there’s one, Left and BJP will lose the most, Indian Express, September 9, 2007.

Police have been blamed for the rising criminal activities of hoodlums in Belgaum. Police department too has been jolted out of its inertia when a wealth of evidences the alert media produced in the aftermath of the rape-and-murder of Sheetal Chougule last month.
Unholy nexus between cops and criminals, New Indian Express, September 9, 2007.

The BJP leadership is apprehensive about the JD (S) ditching its coalition partner in Karnataka. Unwillingly or deliberately, Venkaiah Naidu has expressed his fears that JD(S) might deny the BJP its rightful claim to Chief Ministership under an agreement.
Hari Shankar Vyas, No one ready to contest, The Pioneer, September 9, 2007.

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Janardhana Reddy and his wife N Rajyalakshmi, the education minister of the state, escaped unhurt while three Congress workers were killed in a Maoist attack in Nellore district.
Maoists down, but certainly not out in Andhra, Sify News, September 7, 2007.

The intelligence wing had alerted the SPs of the districts in August itself to be extra cautious in ensuring security for VIPs. However, the intelligence wing could not identify the Maoists’ target.
Cops foxed again? Times of India, September 8, 2007.

In the global hunt launched to kill and destroy terrorist leaders, sympathisers and recruits, the US and its allies have not only deepened the religious divide but also created a rallying point for Muslims hurt and incensed by real and imaginary humiliations and fears.
Wilson John, Club Extreme, The Pioneer, September 9, 2007.

Also See:
Charul Shah, Petition for Naxal accused, Cybernoon, September 07, 2007.

Madhu Chandra, Salwa Judum - India's Unreported Hidden War, Desicritics, September 09, 2007.

Maldives Update: March 5, 2007.

Following a four-day visit to Male by the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges, the United Nations has urged the Maldives to grant judicial independence in order to hasten the transition towards democracy.
Maldives: UN law expert stresses need for ‘guaranteed’ judicial independence, UN News Center, 15 February 2007.

Also See: Eminent jurists begins probe into South Asian counter-terrorism laws. Important in all the states of the region, it has a particular significance in the Maldives where dissidents are occasionally branded terrorists in order to exert the maximum coercion possible.

Will international attention hasten the democratization process? The results have been mixed so far.
Phillip Wellman, International Eyes On Maldives Reforms, Minivan News, March 1, 2007
Finding An Excuse For Reform, Minivan News, March 4, 2007.
Paul Roberts, International Observer To Mediate DRP-MDP Talks, Minivan News, March 4, 2007.
Mariyam Mohamed, No democracy till 2010; What do we do now, just wait? Dhivehi Observer, March 4, 2007.

Meanwhile people express their concerns over a recent surge in police brutality that has occurred in both Male and Addu Atoll.
Phillip Wellman, MDP Holds Demonstration, Minivan News, February 22, 2007.

Pondicherry Update: February 18, 2007.

Intelligence reports warn the southern states on possible infiltration of terrorist through the coast. Southern states cautioned against terror attacks, The Peninsula, February 13, 2007. Marine Police wing to be set up in Puducherry, The Hindu, February 13, 2007.
Modernisation of police forces in the union territories, including facilities for housing, procuring the latest weapons and deployment of vehicles, is to be funded by the Home Ministry.

Also: Puducherry port expansion is facing opposition from citizens and activists who fear the move will erode beaches and turn groundwater salty.