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New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
SEANWFZ's real challenge is to stop the Doomsday Clock
The Doomsday Clock was moved forward by one second to 89 seconds before midnight last January, signalling that the world is getting closer to an unprecedented catastrophe. The clock, which considers various existential threats, especially nuclear war, was last moved in January 2023, when the time was set at 90 seconds to midnight. Although largely symbolic, the Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Science and Security Board (SASB), has since its creation in 1947, served as a credible reminder of the dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction. The SASB justified the one-second adjustment to the clock by highlighting the growing threat of nuclear conflict due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the never-ending conflict in the Middle East and inadequate contacts among nuclear powers and the collapse of the nuclear arms control process. As the Doomsday Clock moves closer to midnight, Asean must intensify its efforts to convince nuclear powers to acknowledge the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ). As pointed out by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan in his opening remarks before the meeting of the SEANWFZ Commission on July 8, "it is deeply concerning" that SEANWFZ is the only nuclear weapon-free zone that has not been formally recognised by the nuclear powers. However, the efforts to win the recognition of nuclear powers must go beyond symbolic gestures. Concrete and practical steps are necessary to ensure the SEANWFZ Treaty can be a meaningful tool to ensure regional peace and stability. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono's call for Asean to focus on concluding a clear memorandum and timeline with China offers a practical path to building the pressure needed for broader recognition of the treaty. China has stated its readiness to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol. Besides China, another Nuclear Weapon State (NWS) under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Russia, has reportedly expressed its intent to join the treaty, while the United States is in the process of assessing its potential participation. Given the devastating reach of nuclear weapons, expanding the geographic coverage of the SEANWFZ may be a strategic way to transform it into a more meaningful force for peace and stability. It is not a straightforward process, but this will be partly achieved later this year. With Timor-Leste's accession to Asean, the geographical coverage of the treaty will be expanded. This is a strategic gain for Asean. Extending the treaty into the Timor Sea brings the SEANWFZ nearer to a region shaped by the strategic interests of two NWS, the United States and the United Kingdom. Beyond Southeast Asia, the treaty's objective can also be achieved by collaborating with other similar nuclear-free zones, as suggested by Mohamad in his remarks after the SEANWFZ Commission meeting. When weapons of mass destruction were last used, Southeast Asia was a direct beneficiary. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki led to Japan's surrender, bringing peace and stability back to Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. The potential use of weapons of mass destruction today may be governed by a more robust military doctrine and safeguards compared to August 1945, but modern nuclear weapons could potentially be more devastating than those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Having once benefited from the use of weapons of mass destruction, Malaysia, as Asean Chair, now bears the moral responsibility together with other member states to maintain a nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia and to convince nuclear powers that the horrors of August 1945 remain in the past. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the SEANWFZ. It is not just the foundation of Asean's security architecture but an important manifestation of Asean unity.] It is one of the organisation's success stories, but a glorious past is meaningless if it cannot stop a global catastrophe. To remain relevant, the SEANWFZ needs to be accepted by the five NWS. In the long term, the treaty will only be judged by its ability to stop the Doomsday Clock from moving closer to midnight.
Malaysian Reserve
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
SEANWFZ's real challenge is to stop the Doomsday Clock
THE Doomsday Clock was moved forward by one second to 89 seconds before midnight last January, signalling that the world is getting closer to an unprecedented catastrophe. The clock, which considers various existential threats, especially nuclear war, was last moved in January 2023, when the time was set at 90 seconds to midnight. Although largely symbolic, the Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Science and Security Board (SASB) has since its creation in 1947, served as a credible reminder of the dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction. The SASB justified the one-second adjustment to the clock by highlighting the growing threat of nuclear conflict due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the never-ending conflict in the Middle East and inadequate contacts among nuclear powers and the collapse of the nuclear arms control process. As the Doomsday Clock moves closer to midnight, ASEAN must intensify its efforts to convince nuclear powers to acknowledge the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ). As pointed out by Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan on July 8, 'it is deeply concerning' that SEANWFZ is the only nuclear weapon-free zone that has not been formally recognised by the nuclear powers. However, the efforts to win the recognition of nuclear powers must go beyond symbolic gestures. Concrete and practical steps are necessary to ensure the SEANWFZ Treaty can be a meaningful tool to ensure regional peace and stability. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono's call for ASEAN to focus on concluding a clear memorandum and timeline with China offers a practical path to building the pressure needed for broader recognition of the treaty. China has stated readiness to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol. Besides China, another Nuclear Weapon State (NWS) under the non-proliferation treaty (NPT) Russia, has reportedly expressed its intent to join the treaty, while the US is in the process of assessing its potential participation. Given the devastating reach of nuclear weapons, expanding the geographic coverage of the SEANWFZ may be a strategic way to transform it into a more meaningful force for peace and stability. It is not a straightforward process, but this will be partly achieved later this year. With Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN, the geographical coverage of the treaty will be expanded. This is a strategic gain for ASEAN. Extending the treaty into the Timor Sea brings the SEANWFZ nearer to a region shaped by the strategic interests of two NWS, the US and the UK. Beyond Southeast Asia, the treaty's objective can also be achieved by collaborating with other similar nuclear free zones as suggested by Mohamad in his remarks after the SEANWFZ Commission meeting. When weapons of mass destruction were last used, Southeast Asia was a direct beneficiary. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki led to Japan's surrender, bringing peace and stability back to Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. The potential use of weapons of mass destruction today may be governed by a more robust military doctrine and safeguards compared to August 1945, but modern nuclear weapons could potentially be more devastating than those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Having once benefited from the use of weapons of mass destruction, Malaysia as ASEAN Chair now bears the moral responsibility together with other member states to maintain a nuclear weapon free Southeast Asia and to convince nuclear powers that the horrors of August 1945 remain in the past. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the SEANWFZ. It is not just the foundation of ASEAN's security architecture but an important manifestation of ASEAN unity. It is one of the organisation's success stories, but a glorious past is meaningless if it cannot stop a global catastrophe. To remain relevant, the SEANWFZ needs to be accepted by the five NWS. In the long term, the treaty will only be judged by its ability to stop the Doomsday Clock from moving closer to midnight. Adib Zalkapli is the Managing Director of Viewfinder Global Affairs, a Malaysia-based geopolitical advisory firm.
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Hans India
Amarnath Yatra: Over 1.28 lakh perform pilgrimage, fresh batch of 7,307 leaves for Kashmir
Srinagar: Over 1.28 lakh pilgrims performed the ongoing Amarnath Yatra during the last seven days as another batch of 7,307 pilgrims left for Kashmir from Jammu on Thursday. The batch of 7,307 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley. 'First escorted convoy of 137 vehicles carrying 3,081 Yatris left at 3.15 a.m. for Baltal base camp while the second escorted convoy of 147 vehicles carrying 4,226 Yatris left at 3.58 a.m. for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,' officials said. Officials of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which manages the affairs of the annual pilgrimage, said that in addition to the number of Yatris coming to the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, many Yatris are reporting directly at Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) for on-spot registration to join the Yatra. The Meteorological (MeT) office has forecast rain in J&K during the next 12 hours with isolated intense showers/thunderstorms at some places during this period, especially in the Jammu division. Authorities have made unprecedented security arrangements for this year's Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them on the basis of faith in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police. All the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forces. Locals have extended complete cooperation to this year's Amarnath Yatra as they have always done in the past. Locals from Srinagar city travelled 30 km to Nuner village on the Baltal-Srinagar road on July 6 to serve cold drinks and pure drinking water to Yatris returning after performing the Yatra. The acceptance of the hospitality extended by the locals was as spontaneous and genuine as the response the Yatris showed in accepting the hospitality with gratitude. This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to reach the cave shrine. And, those using the shorter Baltal route trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra. No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year because of security reasons. The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
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India.com
09-07-2025
- India.com
Amarnath Yatra 2025 Crosses 1.11 Lakh Mark In Six Days
Over 1.11 lakh pilgrims have so far performed the Amarnath Yatra during the last six days as another batch of 7,579 pilgrims left for Kashmir from Jammu on Wednesday. Officials said that since the Yatra started on July 3, over 1.11 lakh pilgrims had 'darshan' inside the holy cave shrine. 'Another batch of 7579 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. First escorted convoy of 133 vehicles carrying 3,031 Yatris left at 3.25 a.m. for Baltal base camp while the second escorted convoy of 169 vehicles carrying 4,548 Yatris left at 3.40 a.m. for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,' officials said. Officials of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which manages the affairs of the annual pilgrimage, said that in addition to the number of Yatris coming to the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, many Yatris are reporting directly at Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) for on-spot registration to join the Yatra. The Meteorological (MeT) office has forecast rain in Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours, with isolated intense showers/thunderstorms at some places during this period. Authorities have left no stone unturned in providing a multi-tier cover to this year's Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them on the basis of faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police. All the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forces. Locals have extended complete cooperation to this year's Amarnath Yatra as they have always done in the past. They were the first to welcome the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards as the pilgrims crossed the Navyug Tunnel to enter the Valley at Qazigund. On July 6, locals from Srinagar city travelled 30 km to Nuner village on the Baltal-Srinagar road to serve cold drinks and pure drinking water to Yatris returning after performing the Yatra. The acceptance of the hospitality extended by the locals was as spontaneous and genuine as the response the Yatris showed in accepting the hospitality with gratitude. This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to reach the cave shrine. Those using the shorter Baltal route trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra. No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year because of security reasons.
India.com
07-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Amarnath Yatra 2025: Nearly 70,000 Devotees Completed Yatra In 4 Days
New Delhi: Nearly 70,000 devotees performed the Amarnath Yatra in the last four days as another batch of 8,605 pilgrims left for the Kashmir Valley on Monday, an official said. According to officials, nearly 70,000 people have performed the ongoing Shri Amarnath ji Yata so far since it started on July 3. Of these 21,512 Yatris had 'Darshan' inside the holy cave shrine on Sunday. Officials said that another batch of 8,605 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Kashmir Valley in two escorted convoys on Monday. 'The first escorted convoy is carrying 3,486 pilgrims to north Kashmir Baltal base camp while the second escorted convoy is carrying 5,119 Yatris to south Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,' officials said. Officials of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the affairs of the annual pilgrimage said that in addition to the number of Yatris coming to the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, many Yatris are reporting directly at Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) for on spot registration to join the Yatra. Two pilgrims have died of natural causes since the Yatra started this year. Authorities have left no stone unturned in providing a multi-tier cover to this year's Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them on the basis of faith in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police. All the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forces. Locals have extended complete cooperation to this year's Amarnath Yatra as they have always done in the past. To send out a powerful signal that Kashmiris were deeply shocked by the Pahalgam terror attack, locals were the first to welcome the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards as the pilgrims crossed the Navyug Tunnel to enter the Kashmir Valley at Qazigund. On Sunday, locals served cold drinks and pure drinking water to Yatris returning from Baltal base camp in north Kashmir Ganderbal district. To reciprocate the noble gesture, Yatris, without hesitation, accepted the hospitality of the locals and expressed gratitude for the love shown by Kashmiris for the Yatris. This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route have to pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to reach the cave shrine. Those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra. For security reasons, no helicopter services are available to Yatris this year. The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. Shri Amarnath ji Yatra is one of the holiest religious pilgrimages for the devotees, as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this cave. Two pigeons accidentally happened to be inside the cave when the eternal secrets were being narrated by Lord Shiva. Traditionally, even to this day, a pair of mountain pigeons flies out of the cave shrine when the annual Yatra begins.
