News and Views

On 21st April, a series of 7-8 suicide bombers targeted churches and star hotels around Batticaloa, Colombo and Negombo in Sri Lanka, killing 320 and injuring over 500. On the one hand, the Sri Lankan government admits to a security / intelligence lapse. On the other, the serial blasts are also seen as one of the most meticulously planned, precision terrorist attacks in recent years, next only to 9/11.

The Sri Lankan government has named the National Thowheed Jamath as the organisation behind the attack, while the Islamic State (IS) too has claimed responsibility. Zohran Hashim, leader of the NTJ is also suspected to have ties with the IS.

But why the sudden attack on churches, when communal tensions in Sri Lanka have brewed historically only between the Muslim minority and the Buddhist majority? Who are the NTJ? And what is their connection to the Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath based in Tamil Nadu?

Listen on.

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In sharp contrast to 2014, the voter turnout in the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) traditional stronghold in South Kashmir has been marginal, in phase-I of the Lok Sabha elections – and could be worse in the next two phases.

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Liberals Can No Longer Afford to Be Timid About Islamist Terror

Audio: The Quint

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All speculations on whether or not Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be contesting this election came to an end when the Congress on Thursday, fielded Ajay Rai from Varanasi to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending speculation on a possible blockbuster electoral duel between Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the PM in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh. But why did Congress not end the suspense right away?

And speaking of Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has filed his nomination from this constituency and held a roadshow in his home turf.

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal finally released his party's election manifesto. What are the focal points?

Join us on another episode of Chunav Tracker with The Quint's Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia, where we walk you through everything that's making news in the time of general elections.

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