Aasif Suhaf, Srinagar: Kashmir issue has long been a subject of contention between India and Pakistan. Over the years, Pakistan has pursued an agenda aimed at challenging India’s on Kashmir issue, there have been concerns about Pakistan’s involvement in supporting a separate Khalistan movement also. Both the cases have similarity and that is the “religion”. Pak had seen success in Afghanistan against Soviet occupation by giving this fight name of religious war and the same time-tested model Pak wanted to apply in Indian states of Punjab and J&K.
This religion card was first played by General Zia ul Haq in the form of his infamous operation “K2” to destabilize India with its strategy of “Bleeding India with thousand cuts”. This sinister plan was design by ISI and Pak military to take revenge of Bangladesh debacle keeping in mind the “Gorilla Tactics”, since Pak military had no chance against Indian military might in conventional warfare.
It is undeniable that the cunning strategy implemented during those years achieved a certain level of success. However, it is equally noteworthy that despite the Pakistani machinations, the resilient people of Punjab and the war-weary population of Jammu and Kashmir remained steadfast and did not fall prey to these manipulations.
Terrorism does not exist in isolation; it relies on diverse forms of support, including funding, training, political alliances, and logistical aid, to carry out its sinister objectives. Pakistan’s “Deep State,” comprising the Pakistan Army, intelligence agencies, and the terrorist organizations they nurture, has perfected the art of exporting terrorism. It is well-known that Pakistan has long been regarded as the epicentre of global terrorism.
Despite Pakistan currently teetering on the brink of total economic collapse and facing the threat of starvation, with its foreign exchange reserves barely sustaining it for a mere thirty days, it persistently pursues its nefarious agenda of revitalizing the “Khalistan” movement, both in Western nations and notably in Punjab, a strategically important border state of India.”
Kashmir also is back in news after relatively calm short period for two reasons, one the G-20 summit and second revival of terror in South of Pir Panjal ranges. Pakistan has been vehemently opposing the change of special status of J&K post abrogation of articles 370 & 35A on all international platforms. With India deciding to conduct G-20 summit in Srinagar and most of the nations agreeing the participate in the summit somewhere gives an edge over Pakistan on its claim over J&K, besides now people in India have started talking about reclaiming POK, which further irritates the “Deep State” in Pakistan.
G-20 summit is going to bring J&K on a different pedestal and with the kind of projection and FDI expected, region has potential to become one of the fastest growing states of India. Post abrogation of special status the current Indian government is paying special attention towards the overall development of the state. The pace with which entire state is being connected with rest of the country is phenomenal, four major NH highways have been completed and 25 more road projects are likely to be completed by 2025, to further enhance the connectivity new railway projects have been approved.
There are 53 projects in various sectors such as roads, power, health, education, tourism, agriculture, skill development being implemented. 456 MoUs with various firms for a potential investment worth USD 3.17 will generate lakhs of jobs in the state. Government has allocated a whooping 1.12 laks crore budget for the UT of J&K and is making sure not to leave any stone unturned to bring the UT at par with the rest of states in area of education, jobs and infrastructure which J&K could not achieve in past 76 years of Independence.
The pace at which J&K is opening its stride for development, Pak deep state is getting perturbed, political turmoil economic breakdown and divide in the Pak Military has again forced to its higher echelons to divert the attention of masses from military establishment. The recent attacks in J&K, one specially before the visit of Pak’ foreign minister and his statements after the visit is small endeavour to divert attention and bring back issue of J&K on international platform to convey the world that all is not normal in J&K.
Pakistan’s Kashmir and Khalistan 2 Agenda signifies a multi-dimensional approach to challenge India’s control over Kashmir and sabotage plans for the region. Through opposition to external meddling, annexation of Gilgit-Baltistan, and pursuing separate agendas for Kashmir and Khalistan, Pakistan aims to advance its interests in the region. However, it is important to consider the aspirations of the Kashmiri people which are only interested in development of Kashmiri society and has already shun the gun culture.
