Bilawal urges Kashmiris to shape their own future

PYONGYANG: North Korea has accused the United States, Japan and South Korea of creating a new security crisis in the Asia-Pacific, claiming their expanding military cooperation is increasing regional tensions and threatening stability. In a commentary published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a military commentator alleged that the three allies are strengthening their joint combat capabilities through large-scale military exercises and closer defence coordination. The statement specifically criticized the recently concluded Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise, describing it as a rehearsal for military aggression rather than a routine multinational drill. According to North Korean officials, the exercise involved more than 30,000 personnel, over 30 warships, five submarines and nearly 190 aircraft. Pyongyang claimed the United States is attempting to strengthen its military influence across the Asia-Pacific with the support of Japan and South Korea. It also objected to recent US-South Korea air force and logistics exercises, plans to expand American military command structures in Japan and the deployment of advanced US missile systems in the region. North Korea warned that it would respond to what it described as growing military threats by further strengthening its own deterrence capabilities. Officials said any increase in external pressure would be met with corresponding defensive measures. Separately, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry rejected recent accusations by the United States and its allies that Pyongyang poses a growing cyber threat. The ministry dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and without evidence. A foreign ministry spokesperson argued that the United States has been expanding military activities in cyberspace through cyber commands, joint cyber exercises and the use of artificial intelligence in defence operations. The spokesperson claimed Washington, rather than Pyongyang, was contributing to rising tensions in the cyber domain. North Korea reaffirmed that it would continue taking measures to safeguard its national security and protect its development interests against what it described as increasing pressure from Western countries.

Indian political commentator and social activist T.G. Mohandas has been detained by police over controversial remarks about students taking part in a protest. Police reportedly took Mohandas into custody from his residence on Sunday evening. A cybercrime police team reached his home with local police officers. He was present when the team arrived. Authorities are investigating remarks made by Mohandas in a video shared on his YouTube channel. Police also collected information about his YouTube account and digital devices allegedly used to record and upload the video. A complaint has reportedly been registered against him. The complaint alleges that the videos published on his channel were capable of disturbing public order. It also accused him of creating fear and unrest through his statements. The controversy began after Mohandas commented on a student protest in Delhi linked to an alleged examination paper leak. In the video, he made offensive remarks about female protesters and claimed that the demonstrations could lead to incidents of sexual violence. He further made a derogatory statement about women participating in the protest. His comments triggered criticism because they appeared to blame or demean potential victims of sexual violence. Mohandas also spoke about how authorities should respond to the demonstrations. He said that if he were in government, he would impose a curfew to disperse the protesters. He further suggested that force could be used if demonstrators refused to leave. His remarks included references to people potentially being killed or permanently injured during a violent crackdown. The comments have drawn attention from law enforcement authorities. Police are now examining the video and other digital material connected to the case. Officials are also questioning Mohandas as part of the investigation. The authorities are expected to determine whether his statements and online content violated laws relating to public order and the spread of fear or unrest. The case has sparked wider discussion over the limits of political commentary and responsibility for statements made on social media. The investigation is continuing, while further details about the allegations and possible legal action are awaited.