1. India: Domestic Situation
Hindu nationalist Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is believed to be ready to start the construction of a Ram mandir at Ayodhya on March 15. VHP has also warned of a "Hindu backlash'' against those opposed to the construction of a Ram temple and demanded that the government return the land acquired by the Center in Ayodhya to the Ram Janambhoomi Trust. In his essay for the daily Hindu, India, Harish Khare's urges Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee "to demonstrate the same kind of courage the Pakistani President has shown in standing up to medieval voices and individuals." Ayodhya is the site of the sixteenth century Babri mosque that was destroyed by Hindu militants in December 1992. Militant Hindu parties have since been trying to construct a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
"Ram mandir work begins on March 15: VHP"
"VHP warns of `Hindu backlash'"
"Hand over acquired land if you want to be in power: VHP"
"From January 12 to March 12"
Exit polls have predicted a hung verdict in Uttar Pradesh (UP) with the Samajwadi Party emerging as the largest group.
"Exit polls predict hung Assembly in U.P."
In an article for the Indian Express, A.M. Vohra, a retired lieutenant general, who was also vice-chief of the Indian army, argues for restructuring of the Indian military.
"Making defence affordable"