Raisa Wickrematunge
@raisalw.bsky.social
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
Early results as of 4 pm on 14 November show the ruling National Democratic Alliance, which includes India's Bharatiya Janata Party, is headed for a landslide win at Bihar's assembly elections. But bigger questions loom around the result.
Sign up to Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Sign up to Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
November 14, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Early results as of 4 pm on 14 November show the ruling National Democratic Alliance, which includes India's Bharatiya Janata Party, is headed for a landslide win at Bihar's assembly elections. But bigger questions loom around the result.
Sign up to Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Sign up to Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Barrah Kunaan writes about Indus Echoes, telling the story of stagnation and decay in Sindh province, mirroring the lack of support for Sindhi films in Pakistan 👇🏼
#IndusEchoes is the first #Sindhi language film to be released in Pakistani cinemas in 28 years. Yet, reception to the film was muted in Karachi.
📽️ Barrah Kunaan’s review for Himal Southasian: buff.ly/wxDWf0R
#cinema #Southasianmovies #Pakistanimovies #Sindh
📽️ Barrah Kunaan’s review for Himal Southasian: buff.ly/wxDWf0R
#cinema #Southasianmovies #Pakistanimovies #Sindh
November 14, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Barrah Kunaan writes about Indus Echoes, telling the story of stagnation and decay in Sindh province, mirroring the lack of support for Sindhi films in Pakistan 👇🏼
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
PANEL DISCUSSION: Southasia’s youthquakes - on #GenZprotests in #Nepal, #Bangladesh and #lka. Co-hosted by @romangtm.bsky.social and peace activist Harsh Mander. Sign up to register: bit.ly/4nI9Vsr
September 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION: Southasia’s youthquakes - on #GenZprotests in #Nepal, #Bangladesh and #lka. Co-hosted by @romangtm.bsky.social and peace activist Harsh Mander. Sign up to register: bit.ly/4nI9Vsr
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
The Maldives' media control bill, Nepal appoints new energy, finance ministers , India-Pakistan hostility around Asia Cup and more in this edition of Southasia Weekly, out now! bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
September 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM
The Maldives' media control bill, Nepal appoints new energy, finance ministers , India-Pakistan hostility around Asia Cup and more in this edition of Southasia Weekly, out now! bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
Nepal has seen mass uprisings in 1990 and 2006. Yet despite calls for political reform, the governments that followed failed to follow through on their promises.
Sign up to Southasia Weekly to stay informed: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Sign up to Southasia Weekly to stay informed: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
September 14, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Nepal has seen mass uprisings in 1990 and 2006. Yet despite calls for political reform, the governments that followed failed to follow through on their promises.
Sign up to Southasia Weekly to stay informed: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Sign up to Southasia Weekly to stay informed: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
#KPSharmaOli's government has killed 19 protestors in a single day after security forces opened fire at youth protests against nepotism and corruption. This is the largest single-day death toll from any public protest in #Nepal's history, writes Pranaya Rana
Nepal’s K P Oli government has murdered 19 people
This story first appeared in Kalam Weekly. It has been republished with updates and edits. Monday, 8 September, started out optimistic. A Gen Z protest against
buff.ly
September 9, 2025 at 11:30 AM
#KPSharmaOli's government has killed 19 protestors in a single day after security forces opened fire at youth protests against nepotism and corruption. This is the largest single-day death toll from any public protest in #Nepal's history, writes Pranaya Rana
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
A string of natural disasters leaves Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India reeling.
Read more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Read more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
September 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A string of natural disasters leaves Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India reeling.
Read more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Read more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
With looming Trump tariffs, India is being forced to recalibrate relations with China – and Beijing has gained more bargaining power.
Sign up to Southasia Weekly to stay informed: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Sign up to Southasia Weekly to stay informed: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
August 24, 2025 at 7:30 AM
With looming Trump tariffs, India is being forced to recalibrate relations with China – and Beijing has gained more bargaining power.
Sign up to Southasia Weekly to stay informed: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Sign up to Southasia Weekly to stay informed: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
Bangladeshi climate migrants fleeing natural disasters and poverty are met with anti-immigrant rhetoric from BJP and the Hindu right. @soulrestless.bsky.social and Kanika Gupta write
Climate refugees from Bangladesh face a political storm in India
Bangladeshi climate migrants face political storm in India
buff.ly
August 13, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Bangladeshi climate migrants fleeing natural disasters and poverty are met with anti-immigrant rhetoric from BJP and the Hindu right. @soulrestless.bsky.social and Kanika Gupta write
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
Bihar's electoral roll revision is puzzling, as the Elections Commission had already accepted the rolls for 2024 polls. Reports suggest this could expand to other states like West Bengal. Read more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Himal Southasian
Himal Southasian Email Forms
bit.ly
July 12, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Bihar's electoral roll revision is puzzling, as the Elections Commission had already accepted the rolls for 2024 polls. Reports suggest this could expand to other states like West Bengal. Read more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
The tea estates of South India and Sri Lanka are more than just agricultural or economic sites. They are key historical locations where trade, colonial expansion and labour exploitation converge @avtansa.bsky.social writes
Languages and labour on tea estates in South India and Sri Lanka: Part 2
Languages and labour on tea estates in South India and Sri Lanka: Part 2
buff.ly
July 5, 2025 at 1:41 AM
The tea estates of South India and Sri Lanka are more than just agricultural or economic sites. They are key historical locations where trade, colonial expansion and labour exploitation converge @avtansa.bsky.social writes
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
At least 20 mass grave sites have been excavated across Sri Lanka, but forensic investigations have been marred by political interference. Families remain sceptical that there will be meaningful answers. Learn more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Himal Southasian
Himal Southasian Email Forms
bit.ly
July 5, 2025 at 11:53 AM
At least 20 mass grave sites have been excavated across Sri Lanka, but forensic investigations have been marred by political interference. Families remain sceptical that there will be meaningful answers. Learn more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
Despite promising leads in the case, key suspects were eventually released on bail due to insufficient evidence, after which Sivaram's case has languished unresolved. Letchumanan Thevathiran writes:
Twenty years without justice for murdered journalist Taraki Sivaram in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan journalists are calling on the government to expedite stalled investigations into the unsolved abduction and murder of Tamil journalist Dharmeratnam “Taraki” Sivaram
buff.ly
June 27, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Despite promising leads in the case, key suspects were eventually released on bail due to insufficient evidence, after which Sivaram's case has languished unresolved. Letchumanan Thevathiran writes:
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
Southasia braces for Israel-Iran war, Pakistan army chief's warm welcome in Washington, India illegally deports Muslims at gunpoint and more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Himal Southasian
Himal Southasian Email Forms
bit.ly
June 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Southasia braces for Israel-Iran war, Pakistan army chief's warm welcome in Washington, India illegally deports Muslims at gunpoint and more in Southasia Weekly: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
On 22 May 2008, Noyahr was abducted and brutally tortured by individuals who could not tolerate his fearless and incisive reporting. Shivanthi Fernando writes:
Will there finally be justice for Sri Lankan journalist Keith Noyahr?
Will there finally be justice for Sri Lankan journalist Keith Noyahr?
buff.ly
June 12, 2025 at 11:50 AM
On 22 May 2008, Noyahr was abducted and brutally tortured by individuals who could not tolerate his fearless and incisive reporting. Shivanthi Fernando writes:
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
The obstacles that students in Dungarpur's tribal community in India face are central to "Are you going to school today?", Streaming June 2-9. Sign up: bit.ly/ScreenSoutha...
June 1, 2025 at 12:30 AM
The obstacles that students in Dungarpur's tribal community in India face are central to "Are you going to school today?", Streaming June 2-9. Sign up: bit.ly/ScreenSoutha...
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
India's brutal crackdown disproportionately affects Adivasis caught between the state and the Maoists. Our top story in Southasia Weekly, out now: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Himal Southasian
Himal Southasian Email Forms
bit.ly
May 31, 2025 at 4:30 PM
India's brutal crackdown disproportionately affects Adivasis caught between the state and the Maoists. Our top story in Southasia Weekly, out now: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an Ashoka University professor, was arrested for a social media post which asked for the protection of victims of mob-lynching and bulldozer demolitions after the Pahalgam attacks.
From Southasia Weekly, our regional roundup: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
From Southasia Weekly, our regional roundup: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
May 25, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an Ashoka University professor, was arrested for a social media post which asked for the protection of victims of mob-lynching and bulldozer demolitions after the Pahalgam attacks.
From Southasia Weekly, our regional roundup: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
From Southasia Weekly, our regional roundup: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
🏅🎉 Himal was chosen as a finalist for the 2025 Global Shining Light Awards by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (@gijn.org ) — the prize that honors watchdog journalism in developing or transitioning countries carried out under threat, or in perilous conditions.
May 22, 2025 at 8:34 AM
🏅🎉 Himal was chosen as a finalist for the 2025 Global Shining Light Awards by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (@gijn.org ) — the prize that honors watchdog journalism in developing or transitioning countries carried out under threat, or in perilous conditions.
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
On 12 May, Bangladesh's Election Commission barred the Awami League from contesting in upcoming national elections.
Read about the Awami League ban in the latest edition of Southasia Weekly, out now: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Read about the Awami League ban in the latest edition of Southasia Weekly, out now: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Himal Southasian
Himal Southasian Email Forms
bit.ly
May 18, 2025 at 11:30 PM
On 12 May, Bangladesh's Election Commission barred the Awami League from contesting in upcoming national elections.
Read about the Awami League ban in the latest edition of Southasia Weekly, out now: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Read about the Awami League ban in the latest edition of Southasia Weekly, out now: bit.ly/HimalNewsletters
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
Kashmiris opposed the Pahalgam attack yet still face the brunt of the fallout
@AuqibJaveed writes:
@AuqibJaveed writes:
Kashmiris opposed the Pahalgam attack yet still face the brunt of the fallout
Kashmiris opposed the Pahalgam attack yet still face the brunt of the fallout
buff.ly
May 19, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Kashmiris opposed the Pahalgam attack yet still face the brunt of the fallout
@AuqibJaveed writes:
@AuqibJaveed writes:
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
Communal hatred and censorship amid India-Pakistan tensions, Bangladesh former prime minister Khaleda Zia's return to Dhaka and more in Southasia Weekly, out now: bit.ly/HimalNewslet...
Himal Southasian
Himal Southasian Email Forms
bit.ly
May 11, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Communal hatred and censorship amid India-Pakistan tensions, Bangladesh former prime minister Khaleda Zia's return to Dhaka and more in Southasia Weekly, out now: bit.ly/HimalNewslet...
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
When I pressed him further on the Tamil question, it became clear that Dhammananda’s views, for as much as they depart from those of many Sinhalese, do not always align with the Tamil perspective. Jeevan Ravindran writes:
One monk’s lonely battle against Sinhala-Buddhist extremism in Sri Lanka
One monk’s battle against extremist Buddhism in Sri Lanka
buff.ly
May 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM
When I pressed him further on the Tamil question, it became clear that Dhammananda’s views, for as much as they depart from those of many Sinhalese, do not always align with the Tamil perspective. Jeevan Ravindran writes:
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
🎉 It's Himal's 38th birthday this May 🎂 and we’re looking for 38 new supporters. For just USD 5 per month, you can be one of 38 special people who step up to help secure the future of independent journalism in Southasia. Click here: buff.ly/3NHN6O1
May 2, 2025 at 1:35 PM
🎉 It's Himal's 38th birthday this May 🎂 and we’re looking for 38 new supporters. For just USD 5 per month, you can be one of 38 special people who step up to help secure the future of independent journalism in Southasia. Click here: buff.ly/3NHN6O1
Reposted by Raisa Wickrematunge
The newly rebuilt Langtang village, after Nepal’s 2015 earthquake. Residents of Langtang fought to return to their homeplace, and rebuilt it themselves when government aid was slow to arrive. Eileen McDougall writes: buff.ly/UvZPAgo.
How one village forged its own recovery after Nepal’s 2015 earthquake
How one village forged its own recovery after Nepal’s 2015 earthquake
buff.ly
April 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
The newly rebuilt Langtang village, after Nepal’s 2015 earthquake. Residents of Langtang fought to return to their homeplace, and rebuilt it themselves when government aid was slow to arrive. Eileen McDougall writes: buff.ly/UvZPAgo.