The Subcontinent: 21 February 2021
Myanmar: Forces Open Fire, 2 Protestors Killed
Indo-Nepal Border at Banbasa Opened after 11 Months
Gwadar has a Cricket Stadium, and it is Beautiful!
International Mother Language Day
Farewell: Kanaksi Khimji
1. Myanmar: Forces Open Fire, 2 Protestors Killed
Security forces in Myanmar opened fire on protestors killing at least two persons. Forty people are reported to have been injured (CNN) (New York Times).
Al Jazeera described it as the bloodiest day of anti-coup protests.
Previously one woman, aged 20, had died of gun-shot wounds.
12 MNCs Issue a Statement
12 MNCs issued a statement voicing deep concern over the situation and stressed the need to ensure their employees' safety and well-being. Close to 100,000 people work for these companies in Myanmar (Myanmar Times).
Many Banks Closed
Many banks remained closed, while others have scaled down their operations (VOA).
Background
On February 1, 2021, the military in Myanmar, known as Tatmadaw, had ousted the government and assumed power announcing a one-year-long emergency.
Read our Previous Editions
Military Coup in Myanmar: The Subcontinent: 1 February 2021
Honking Horns and Banging Pots: Public Reaction in Myanmar: The Subcontinent: 3 February 2021
4 Hurt After Myanmar Police Fire Rubber Bullets: The Subcontinent: 10 February 2021
Protestors, Punks, Princesses, Bodybuilders, & Drag Queens: The Subcontinent: 13 February 2021
Aung San Suu Kyi's Trial Begins: The Subcontinent: 17 February 2021
2. Indo-Nepal Border at Banbasa Opened after 11 Months
The Banbasa Indo-Nepal border was reopened after a gap of 11 months, a move that would help facilitate Indo-Nepal trade. The border was closed in March 2020 on account of COVID. This follows the reopening of two bridges at Dharchula and Jhulaghat in Pithoragarh a few days ago (The Times of India).
Connecting to Dry Port
Also, a survey has also been initiated to connect Banbasa( Champawat district, Uttarakhand) to connect it to Nepal's dry post at Dodhara Chandani (Amar Ujala, Hindi)
3. Gwadar has a Cricket Stadium, and it is Beautiful!
The port city of Gwadar in Balochistan has a new cricket stadium, and both visitors and the media in Pakistan cannot stop gushing over it. The first exhibition match was held as a tribute to mountaineer Ali Sadpara, who is now presumed to have died during his K2 mission.ย
The British High Commissioner to Pakistan officiated the toss and described it as the "most beautiful stadium in the world" (Pak Observer).
Of course, no event nowadays is incomplete without pawri (
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International Cricket Council tweeted asking people to show them a more picturesque sports venue
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4. International Mother Language Day
February 21 is International Mother Language Day and it seeks to promote linguistic and cultural diversity. The genesis of the day lies in the Subcontinent when in 1952 East Pakistan sought recognition for Bangla language and opposed Urdu's imposition as the sole national language of Pakistan.
Since 1999, it is celebrated all over the world as International Mother Language Day.
Some snippets
Where would we be without language? Dhaka Tribune
With sorrow and pride, Bangladesh remembers Language Movement heroes amid pandemic: BDNews24
ย Education in mother tongue yields positive results: Buzdar (Pak Observer)
International Mother Language Day โ Punjabi Dwindles (Daily Times)
5. Farewell: Kanaksi Khimji
Sheikh Kanaksi Gokaldas Khimji, widely regarded as the founding father of Indian Schools in Oman has passed away at the age of 85. Having established the first Gujarati Medium School in 1941, the network has now grown to 21 Indian schools.
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Kanaksi Khimji, founding father of Indian schools, passes away at 85 (Gulf News)
Indian Schools mourn the sad demise of Sheikh Kanaksi Khimji: Times of Oman