India’s claim of Pakistani currency recovery in Poonch seen as diversion from Kashmir realities
Jammu: In yet another attempt to externalize the Kashmiris’ indigenous struggle for their right to self-determination, Indian forces have claimed to have recovered Pakistani currency notes and a slip containing several Pakistani mobile phone numbers during a search operation in Poonch district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian officials said the alleged recovery was made by a Road Opening Party (ROP) of the 118 Territorial Army during an area domination and search operation near Bhattaduriyan in the Mendhar sector.
The officials claimed that Pakistani currency notes and a handwritten slip bearing multiple mobile phone numbers allegedly linked to Pakistan were recovered during the operation. The material has reportedly been taken into custody for further examination and analysis. They said an investigation had been launched to ascertain the origin of the recovered items and explore any possible cross-border links.
However, Kashmir watchers said that New Delhi has long attempted to link the Kashmiris’ freedom struggle with Pakistan, while ignoring the ground realities and growing public resentment in the occupied territory.
They said India frequently resorts to such unsubstantiated claims to divert attention from its failures in Kashmir, and to project the internationally recognized dispute as a security issue rather than a political one.
Political observers added that such narratives are used to justify continued militarization and crackdowns in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, while deflecting attention from the political aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
