AMRITSAR: Pakistan has displayed a large photograph of the Kashmiri separatist leader late Syed Ali Shah Geelani, of Hurriyat Conference, at the site of flag-lowering ceremony at the joint check post at Attari (India) and Wagah (Pakistan).
The display of Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s photograph at the border comes against the backdrop of the recent escalation in the incidents of terrorism and upcoming elections in J&K.
“It is a deliberate provocation aimed at India. Geelani was a prominent but highly controversial figure in the Kashmiri separatist movement. Displaying his image at the international border, which is a high-profile location, is likely to be intended to generate tension and draw a reaction,” Indo-Pak geopolitics expert Ravinder Singh said, adding that this could also be part of a broader strategy to highlight Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and fortify its support for the separatist movement.
“This timing suggests a deliberate strategy to heighten tensions and publicly display Pakistan's support for the separatist movement,” observed an intelligence official, who requested anonymity because of the nature of his job. “By prominently displaying Geelani’s image at the Attari-Wagah border, Pakistan aims to attract international attention and strengthen its position on the Kashmir issue,” he added.
Another reason for Pakistan displaying Geelani’s photograph at the border could be to divert attention from its own domestic issues.
“By drawing international focus to the contentious Kashmir issue, the Pakistani govt may be attempting to shift public and media scrutiny away from internal challenges, such as economic difficulties, political instability and governance issues. In this context, the provocative display serves as a strategic move to stir nationalist sentiment among the public and divert attention from domestic discontent,” Ravinder Singh added.
Regarding the timing of Geelani’s photograph display at the Wagah border, a senior BSF official opined, “This provocative act seeks to heighten tensions and highlight the Kashmir issue. Although the BSF and Pakistani Rangers focus on celebrating their nations during the daily flag-lowering ceremony, we believe this move is intended to influence the visitors, voter sentiment and shape international perceptions.”
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