Indian PM Modi using cheap tactics to gain electoral support: Experts
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In the spotlight once more is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political strategy, wherein he accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorism in India to garner electoral support. Recent events have sparked concerns of orchestrated false flag operations aimed at diverting attention and achieving political objectives.
On September 16, Indian media reported the deaths of several Indian Army officers and soldiers in an encounter with alleged "terrorists" in the Uri sector of Baramulla. Similarly, on September 12, news surfaced of a similar operation by Indian forces in Anantnag.
Critics employ the term "false flag operation" to describe what they believe to be India's deliberate ploy to shift global focus away from human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by falsely implicating Pakistan in supporting terrorism. Some suggest that, in preparation for upcoming Indian elections, the Modi government appears willing to sacrifice both citizens and military officers, possibly aiming to replicate an incident like the Pulwama attack for political gain. They cite international media reports and audio/video evidence suggesting Indian involvement along the Line of Control to further political ambitions. Reports indicate that the Modi government has made a habit of creating a war atmosphere through staged encounters and fabricated news, even aiming to terminate the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control.
As the government faces criticism for its handling of unrest in Rajouri and Anantnag, it is alleged that India is deflecting blame onto Pakistan. The killing of five Indian soldiers in the Rajouri sector of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is seen by critics as an attempt by Modi to bolster his political image. However, images and videos from residents near the Line of Control contradict Indian government claims, with residents stating that there has been no firing or military activity in the region.
Critics question why Modi would celebrate if the border situation were indeed serious and Indian soldiers were losing their lives. They point to a history of using similar tactics before elections, including making false terrorism accusations against Pakistan.
Prominent figures and parliamentary leaders in India have warned of incidents resembling the Pulwama attack in the lead-up to elections. Residents near the Line of Control on the Indian side express relief at the absence of terrorism or firing and dismiss these claims as false rumors. Meanwhile, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel for Sikh for Justice (SFJ), categorizes the killings of Indian soldiers in Occupied Kashmir not as acts of terrorism but as casualties from the conflict with indigenous Kashmiri freedom fighters.
Pannun emphasizes the right of Kashmiri freedom fighters to seek independence and warns of a potential escalation in Punjab if a peaceful resolution is not sought, drawing parallels to the aspirations of Punjab's people, including Sikhs, for autonomy from what they view as unlawful Indian occupation.
Pannun also highlights the sensitive situation in Kashmir, where the Indian army has faced accusations of instilling fear among innocent Kashmiris and targeting freedom fighters. He anticipates that the conflict may extend to Punjab in the future as part of an effort to free it from Indian control.
