India mourns former PM Singh. Card. Ferrão: a ‘Statesman’

Today's news: Christmas Mass in a grotto for Kayah Christians who escaped Burmese junta raids;. Israel attacks Houthi in Yemen, six dead; WHO director general involved in airport raid; Christmas trees and decorations return (with caution) in China, but ‘pressure’ remains on Christians; Military court in Pakistan sentences 60 civilians for pro-Imran Khan protests; Social (and military) spending on the rise in Japan's ‘record’ budget.

INDIA

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the first Sikh to hold the post, died yesterday at the age of 92. One of the longest-serving prime ministers, he was considered the ‘silent’ architect of major economic liberalisation reforms and one of the most successful leaders. He had been admitted to a Delhi hospital after his health deteriorated. Among those who paid tribute to his memory was the current head of government, Narendra Modi. Card. Filipe Neri Ferrão, archbishop of Goa and Daman and president of the Indian Bishops' Conference (ICBC), expressed the Church's condolences for the loss of a “statesman” with “unprecedented vision and humility”. Stressing his commitment to the public and the welfare of citizens, the cardinal celebrated him as a leader who ‘always gave priority to the common good. His life and legacy,’ he concludes, “will continue to inspire future generations to work for justice, peace and progress”.

MYANMAR

Hundreds of Christians in Kayah State, Myanmar, mostly women and children celebrated Christmas Mass and other services in a cave in the forest to escape Burmese air raids. The coup junta has destroyed more than 300 places of worship since coming to power in 2021; Christians in the Buddhist-majority country have also been the target of attacks and violence. Hence the group's choice to hold mass in a (secret) place renamed ‘Mother's Cave’:

ISRAEL - YEMEN

Israel struck several targets linked to the pro-Iranian Houthi militia in Yemen, including the international airport in Sana'a, killing at least six people. Also involved was the aircraft on which Oms director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was boarding, unharmed, while a crew member was injured. Military infrastructures in the ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Kanatib and the power plants in Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib were also targeted.

CHINA

Christmas trees and other decorations returned cautiously to shopping centres in Shanghai and other major Chinese cities this week. However, the authorities continue to exert ‘political’ pressure on Christians and discourage those under the age of 18 from celebrating a ‘Western’ holiday. The apparent relaxation comes after years of Communist Party repression on worship, as well as on decorations and public events.

PAKISTAN

A Pakistani military court sentenced 60 civilians to between two and ten years in connection with attacks on military facilities following the arrest of Imran Khan in 2023. They include a relative of the former premier (now in jail) and two retired military officers. Previously 25 others were convicted on the same charges. Activists criticise the use of military courts against civilians.

JAPAN

The Tokyo government today approved a record budget for the next fiscal year, increasing social spending as the population ages, and defence. The 115.5 trillion yen (0 billion) budget includes 8.7 trillion yen in defence spending. Japan has a post-war pacifist constitution, which limits its military capability, but updated its security and defence policies in 2022 for the challenge posed by China.

CAMBODIA

An opposition politician was sentenced yesterday to two years in prison and banned from the elections for fomenting social unrest. For activists, it is a new attempt - the latest in a recent series of cases - to silence voices critical of the government. Sun Chanthy, chairman of the Nation Power Party, was arrested and charged in May after meeting some supporters in Japan.

RUSSIA - SYRIA

The Telegram channel Rybar, close to the Russian Ministry of Defence, reported that several contingents of weapons such as Pantsir missiles, Uragan and Grad reactive firing systems, several armed tanks and other armoured vehicles were taken from the Islamic Hts forces in Syria. Some of the soldiers are under the control of the Islamists, who surround the bases and it is not known how much will be preserved.

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