The Indian Army’s recent claims of a surgical strike carried out by Special Services Group (SSG) troops well inside the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of Srinagar Corps has sparked significant controversy and debate. Kamkari, located 20 kilometers away from the Line of Control (LoC) and 6 kilometers southwest of the village Machil in Kupwara, is alleged to be the site of SSG operation. However, Indian assertion fits into a broader pattern of the Indian Army’s habit of undertaking false flag operations for creating a sinister hysteria to affix blame on Pakistan or scapegoat it for its own failures. This article explores the implications of such claims, the historical context of false flag operations by the Indian Army, and the broader geopolitical narrative, pushed by India.
The Indian Army’s dubious claims portrays Pakistan as a perennial aggressor, aiming to distract from its internal issues and failures in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). The strategic depth of Kamkari, being well within Indian-controlled territory, makes the claim both bold and questionable.
Historical Context of False Flag Operations
False flag operations, where a country conducts a covert operation to appear as if it was carried out by another entity, have been a notable strategy in the Indian Army’s and Government’s playbook. These operations serve multiple purposes: justifying increased military presence, diverting attention from internal problems, and vilifying Pakistan at the international stage, India’s personal favorite.
One of the most prominent examples is the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, which India immediately blamed on Pakistan without any proofs. Subsequent investigations raised significant doubts about the narrative, suggesting internal complicity and manipulation. Similarly, the 2016 Uri attack and the subsequent surgical strike claims were later questioned by Indian audience for their authenticity and evidence.
The Reality of Indigenous Movements
Contrary to the Indian narrative, the ongoing turmoil in IIOJ&K is not merely a product of external instigation. The region has witnessed a persistent indigenous freedom movement, fueled by decades of brutalities, human rights violations, and selective vindication by Indian security forces. The recent deployment of around two thousand BSF troops to Kashmir is a testament to the Indian state’s failure to address the root causes of discontent and rebellion.
Despite Indian claims of a “normalized” situation, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, has exacerbated the sense of betrayal and injustice among the Kashmiri people. This move has intensified their resolve to resist Indian occupation, as the promise of autonomy was one of the few assurances of their identity and rights. They are increasingly disillusioned with the Indian state’s oppressive measures and are determined to fight for their right to self-determination.
The indigenous struggle for self-determination in Kashmir has gained a new lease of life, not due to external support, but because of the unwavering resilience of the Kashmiri people. The Indian state’s response has been heavy-handed, crossing the line into outright repression and violence.
Indian Strategy: Building a Mantra in Counter-Terror Domain
India’s strategy in countering this indigenous movement has been to build a narrative of counter-terrorism, casting itself as a victim of cross-border terrorism. This narrative conveniently shifts the blame onto Pakistan, deflecting attention from the systemic issues within IIOJ&K and the Indian Army’s failures.
The recent hue and cry about terror incidents in Kashmir are part of this broader strategy. By portraying every act of resistance as terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, India aims to garner international sympathy and support, while simultaneously justifying its repressive measures in the region.
The Role of Media and Propaganda
The Indian media plays a crucial role in perpetuating this narrative. Sensationalist reporting, unverified claims, and biased analyses create an atmosphere of fear and hysteria, which is then used to justify military actions and repressive policies. The portrayal of every Kashmiri resistance fighter as a terrorist, and every act of dissent as an act of terrorism, dehumanizes the Kashmiri people and undermines their legitimate aspirations.
Pakistan’s Stance and International Diplomacy
Pakistan, on the other hand, has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue through dialogue and adherence to international laws. The claims of surgical strikes and cross-border terrorism are viewed as part of India’s broader strategy to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and justify its own military aggression.
Pakistan must continue to highlight the indigenous nature of the Kashmiri struggle, the human rights violations perpetrated by Indian forces, and the need for international intervention to ensure justice and peace in the region. Engagement with international organizations, human rights bodies, and the global media remains crucial in shifting the narrative and exposing the reality of the situation in Kashmir. It is high time India recognizes this reality and addresses the legitimate grievances of the Kashmiri people instead of scapegoating Pakistan to divert attention from its own failures and missteps in the region.
