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Is Zohran Mamdani Being Backed By Organizations With Links To Pakistan-Based Terror Groups?

By
The Commune
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Zohran Mamdani, the NYC mayoral candidate, was seen doing a temple run recently in order to woo the “Hindu” voters.

On 6 October 2025, as a part of his campaign, he visited Flushing, Queens, to offer prayers at the city’s two oldest temples and “reconnect with his Hindu roots” – this after being part of a mob that called Hindus bastards and denounced the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. That too he was found wearing his shoes within the temple premises.

On one hand, he poses as a proud “Hindu-rooted Indian-American”, visiting temples in Flushing, Queens, and speaking of the values of Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Holi, and seva. On the other hand, his record tells a starkly different story—one of anti-Hindu bigotry, sectarian agitation, and ideological extremism.

But one picture caught the eye of political observers.

The person marked in red circle is Sunita Vishwanath, a dubious activist.

In a video on Instagram, she wrote, “Im proud to be part of a group coming together as #HindusforZohran, especially because some of the attacks against Zohran are coming from hateful divisive forces in the Hindu community.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sunita Viswanath (@sunitaviswanath)

Now you must be wondering who Sunita Vishwanath is.

Sunita Vishwanath is the co-founder of Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), an organization with a misnomer, with ties to Islamist-linked advocacy group that regularly maligns India on global platforms. HfHR was established in 2019 alongside the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and the Organization for Minorities of India (OFMI)—two Islamist-linked advocacy groups. Together, these entities also formed the Alliance for Justice and Accountability (AJA), which organized protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Houston visit in 2019. Vishwanath is also associated with Women for Afghan Women, an NGO that has received funding from George Soros’s Open Society Foundation. She has been a vocal critic of the NRC and CAA, claiming that the policies render millions of Indians stateless and oppress Muslims.

2023 Rahul Gandhi US Visit

Now we come to the main point of this article – the IAMC. Sunita in herself has accepted that one of her colleague is Tazeem Ansari of IAMC.

Who Or What Is IAMC?

IAMC is a U.S.-based lobbying group known for its anti-India stance, persistent campaigns to label India as a violator of minority rights, and alleged ties to radical Islamist networks including SIMI, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Pakistan-backed propaganda fronts.

To jog our readers’ memory, Congress scion Rahul Gandhi met with individuals linked to IAMC during his 2023 US visit. Concerns arose when Gandhi was photographed with Sunita Vishwanath, who is linked to anti-India initiatives like the “Dismantling Global Hindutva” conference. Vishwanath is associated with groups like ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America), known for ties to Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami and promoting anti-India propaganda.

Reports allege that coordinators of Gandhi’s events, such as Tanzeem Ansari and Mohammed Aslam, are connected to ICNA and its affiliate organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood. ICNA has glorified Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin, a proponent of Kashmir’s separation from India. Another coordinator, Minhaj Khan, is linked to the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), an anti-India lobbying group. IAMC has been accused of spreading fake news to incite communal tensions and lobbying against India in international forums.

IAMC’s Executive Director, Rasheed Ahmed, also leads IMANA (Islamic Medical Association of North America), implicated for alleged misuse of funds involving links to Pakistani officials and terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The IAMC is a problematic organization with links to Pakistan-based terror groups. It is known for peddling anti-India propaganda in the international arena and also lobbies with US leaders and bodies against Indian interests.

The IAMC had reportedly collected funds for the cause of Rohingya Muslims and used it to pay Fidelis Government Relations (FGR), a US-based lobby firm for getting India blacklisted by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

It is this IAMC which has been backing Zohran Mamdani’s campaign. The IAMC weekly human rights monitor from June 2025 spotlighted Mamdani as its “Defender of the Week.”

Awards To Leftist Journalists

In June 2022, the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), claiming to be the largest advocacy organization for Indian Muslims in the US, awarded ₹3 lakh in prize money to several Indian journalists and media outlets through its Human Rights and Religious Freedom Journalism (HRRF) Awards. The winners included journalists from Newslaundry, The News Minute, The Caravan, The Wire, Scroll.in, and The New Issue Magazine (UK), as well as news portals Mooknayak and Article 14. The awards recognized reporting on issues like anti-conversion laws, persecution of Muslims during COVID-19, and human rights in Kashmir.

The IAMC has also been criticized for its links to Pakistan-based terror groups and anti-India lobbying efforts, including funding campaigns to blacklist India internationally. The organization has also been accused of violating India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which prohibits foreign funding of media professionals.

Connection With USICRF

During a February 2023 IAMC event, USICRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck advocated for classifying India as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’ He asserted, “The Indian government at the local, state, and national level continues to create policies that negatively impact Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities…Application of these policies has created a culture of impunity for national campaigns of violence against Muslims and Christians. The U.S. must designate India a country of particular concern. We at USCIRF continue to press President Biden and congress to do so.”

Stephen Schneck frequently attends events organized by the Jamat-e-Islami front, IAMC.

Connection With Banned Organisations

The IAMC is very intricately connected with organizations/Jamaat fronts such as ICNA, Justice For All, SIMI, IACSJ, etc. IAMC’s Sheikh Ubaid is friends with Abdul Malik Mujahid, who headed the Islamic Circle of North America, the US front for Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan. It also reportedly has links with the banned Islamist organization Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Image Source: Disinfo Lab

The IAMC’s activities raise serious concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs and the misuse of platforms to incite communal tensions. It is imperative for the global community to recognize the IAMC’s true agenda and hold it accountable for its actions. India, as a vibrant democracy, must remain vigilant against such malicious campaigns and continue to expose the hypocrisy and dangerous intentions of organizations like the IAMC.

A Web Of Deceit

Zohran Mamdani’s campaign is not an isolated story of opportunistic politics: it is the latest chapter in a coordinated ecosystem driven by groups like the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), and their ideological allies. These organizations, long accused of anti-India lobbying, Islamist affiliations, and systematic vilification of Hindu identity, now find political expression through figures like Mamdani. His sudden temple visits and posturing as a “Hindu-rooted” leader serve as convenient optics to mask a record built on anti-Hindu, anti-semitic rhetoric and association with actors actively working against India’s and even broader US interests. Behind the photo-ops and platitudes lies a deeper network of influence — one that uses faith, identity, and misinformation as tools to infiltrate mainstream politics while advancing a divisive, pan-Islamist agenda under the guise of pluralism and rights.

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Mohammed Zubair: A Serial Instigator In The Guise Of A ‘Fact-Checker’

By
The Commune
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Recently, Mohammed Zubair, the co-founder of ‘fact-checking portal’ Alt News, shared a video clip targeting right-wing commentators Ajeet Bharti, Kaushlesh Rai, and Anupam Singh. He accused them of “inciting people to attack the CJI” a week before a shoe-hurling incident. The clip showed a discussion where, while contrasting the “meek” nature of Hindus with Islamists, Kaushlesh Rai made inflammatory hypothetical remarks about Justice Gavai, including suggesting someone “hit him hard against the wall” and questioning the maximum punishment for spitting on him.

For Zubair, this was a clear-cut case of incitement. Yet, a thorough examination of his own extensive record reveals a career defined by a far more effective, dangerous, and consequential pattern of dog-whistling, instigation, and providing justifications for mob violence, often with fatal results. The case against the “right-wing Youtubers” pales in comparison to the trail of real-world consequences left by Zubair’s own actions.

The Nupur Sharma Episode: Clip Cutting And Instigating A Mob

The template was set with the Nupur Sharma case. Zubair did not merely fact-check; he weaponized an edited clip of a news panel discussion. By isolating Sharma’s remarks and amplifying them across social media without the provocative context from other panelists, he single-handedly painted a target on her back.
The result was not a debate but a fatwa. Islamist groups across India and the world issued death and gang-rape threats, forcing Sharma into permanent hiding. Effigies were burnt, and global terror organizations put a bounty on her head. The “fact-check” had morphed into a deadly incitement notice. This act of digital targeting directly set the stage for the next, more brutal consequence.

From Incitement To Execution: The Brutal Beheading Of Kanhaiyalal

The chain of events Zubair helped initiate did not stop at threats. The barbaric beheading of Kanhaiyalal, an innocent tailor in Udaipur, was carried out by Islamists who explicitly cited the defence of the prophet as their motive, a fire lit by the very controversy Zubair amplified.

While Nupur Sharma was forced into hiding and Kanhaiyalal was brutally murdered, Tasleem Rahmani, the individual who originally abused the Shivlinga found in the Gyanvapi mosque, provoking Sharma’s response faced no such threats and continues to appear on national television. The selective amplification and the resulting violence revealed a clear and disturbing pattern: Zubair’s “fact-checking” consistently served to inflame one side while providing the narrative fuel for real-world violence against the other.

The Judiciary Takes Note: Courts Call Out His Motives

Zubair’s methods have not gone unnoticed by the judiciary. In December 2024, the Allahabad High Court delivered a scathing critique of his actions related to his posts on Yati Narsinghanand. The court questioned why he chose to use social media instead of legal channels, accusing him of inciting “social disharmony.”
Justice Siddhartha Varma remarked, “Come to the court. Why create social disharmony through social media? A glance at your tweet shows you are inciting unrest.” The court was unconvinced by his defence of free speech, with the judge pointedly asking, “Is there any law that permits someone to use Twitter instead of approaching the court?”

The Uttar Pradesh government argued that Zubair had distorted Narsinghanand’s remarks to provoke unrest. The seriousness of his actions is reflected in the charges filed against him, which now include Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for acts that endanger India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. An FIR accused him, along with Asaduddin Owaisi and Arshad Madani, of inciting violent protests at the Dasna Devi Mandir, with a lookout notice issued against him.

Justifying A Murder: The Tragic Case Of Gopal Mishra

Perhaps the most chilling aspect of Zubair’s modus operandi is his attempt to justify murder. In October 2024, a 22-year-old Hindu man, Ram Gopal Mishra, was shot 20 times during a communal clash in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, that began over objections to a Durga immersion procession.

Instead of condemning the horrific killing, Zubair swiftly circulated a video showing Mishra removing a green flag and replacing it with a saffron one. His tweet, “A video of Gopal Mishra in the Bahraich violence has surfaced. He is seen forcefully removing a Green flag… Gopal was shot dead later,” was a clear attempt to rationalize the murder by portraying the victim as the aggressor.

This narrative deliberately ignored the context of stone-pelting and the fact that Mishra was dragged into a house and executed. It was a blatant act of providing moral cover for a lynching.al-world implications for how violence is justified or normalized.

The Badaun Double Child-Murder Narrative Play And Police Rebuttal

In April 2024, Zubair suggested that authorities concealed the motive behind the gruesome murder of two Hindu children in Badaun by implying a link to an unrelated arson case allegedly involving the victims’ father. Police issued legal warnings against spreading inflammatory misinformation, and the family itself clarified there was no dispute with the accused; police later confirmed a planned murder by Sajid, with Javed being pursued. Zubair deleted the post, but the episode exposed a persistent tendency: opportunistic insinuation and misleading linkage to redirect blame and dilute public focus on perpetrators and their

The Anand Ranganathan Episode: Misframing A Security Doctrine As “Call For Genocide”

In June 2024, JNU professor Anand Ranganathan advocated an “Israel-like solution” for Kashmir – meaning settlements, rehabilitation of victims, counter-terror operations, and border security. Zubair reframed this as an “open call for genocide of Kashmiris,” equating a hardline counter-terror/rehabilitation doctrine with extermination – a serious and inflammatory mischaracterization. Ranganathan publicly clarified that he opposed genocide and called for preventing “another genocide” by safeguarding victims and fighting terror. The episode fits the pattern: compress complex policy into a moral smear line to mobilize outrage.

Shielding An Ecosystem: The OpIndia Case And DMK’s Xenophobia

In March 2023, Zubair’s role as a partisan actor was further exposed during the migrant worker crisis in Tamil Nadu. When reports emerged of Hindi-speaking migrants feeling unsafe and leaving the state, OpIndia reported on the situation based on Dainik Bhaskar’s report, leading to an FIR against them based on a complaint by a DMK IT Wing member – a complaint that directly referenced Zubair’s tweets.

While Zubair eagerly targeted OpIndia, he completely whitewashed the pervasive xenophobic rhetoric from DMK leaders and their allies, who have routinely used slurs like ‘Vadakkan’ and ‘Paani Puri wala’ and openly incited hatred against North Indians. His “fact-checking” was selectively deployed to shield a friendly political ecosystem from accountability, demonstrating that his mission is not truth, but narrative control.

“Serial Fake News Peddler” – Criticisms, Prior Arrests

Zubair’s detractors note multiple instances of peddling manipulated content, targeting Hindu groups or leaders, and massaging context to produce a volatile, one-sided moral narrative. In June 2022, he was arrested by Delhi Police under IPC 153 and 295 following old posts that stoked religious animosity and for allegedly fueling online hate ecosystems. Police said he was evasive and uncooperative during the probe; the episode framed him not as dispassionate fact-checker but as a political actor wielding virality to target ideological opponents.

The Serial Instigator In A Fact-Checker’s Disguise

Zubair’s operating system thrives on curated clips and moral panic. The judicial concern is not abstract: when a user with vast reach consistently frames targets as bigots and villains, volatile crowds respond.

Across all the above episodes, the pattern is unmistakable: selective posting, incendiary framing, and weaponized virality that courts have flagged as creating social disharmony and proximate triggers to violence. This is not being neutral or doing verification work. It is politico-religious agitation by clip, and it normalizes vigilantism and communal mobilization while providing semantic cover as “fact-checking.”

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17 Instances When Indian Judiciary Regulated Hindu Festivals And Processions

By
The Commune
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From 2021 to 2025, Indian courts have been petitioned repeatedly regarding the conduct of Hindu religious processions, balancing religious freedoms with concerns over public order, environment, and health. This report details 10 significant judicial interventions, highlighting a trend where the judiciary has often upheld the right to worship while imposing conditions, with a smaller number of rulings restricting processions primarily on public health and environmental grounds.

#1 Orissa HC Upholds Hanuman Jayanti Procession – 26 March 2025

The Orissa High Court dismissed a petition by seven Muslim men seeking restrictions on the Hanuman Jayanti procession in Sambalpur, citing fears of communal unrest based on a 2023 incident. The Division Bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Arindam Sinha refused to impose pre-emptive restrictions, noting the state’s assurance of adequate preventive measures. The court emphasized that mere apprehensions cannot justify judicial interference and highlighted the need to balance the right to life with religious freedoms, ultimately trusting the state’s machinery to maintain public order during the festival.

#2 Allahabad HC Rejects Loudspeaker Ban at Mahakumbh – 12 February 2025

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the removal of loudspeakers from the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The petitioners, including Brahmachari Dayanand, claimed the noise disturbed their meditation. However, the bench of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra ruled that the petition lacked substantial evidence proving noise pollution exceeded permissible limits. The court stated that mere photographs and references to Supreme Court judgments were insufficient grounds for judicial intervention, allowing the use of loudspeakers to continue at the massive religious gathering.

#3 Odisha HC Mandates Noise Control for Durga Puja – 03 October 2024

The Odisha High Court issued strict directives to curb noise pollution during Durga Puja celebrations in Cuttack. A special bench comprising Justices Sangam Kumar Sahoo and V Narasingh emphasized that the right to celebrate should not come at the cost of public well-being, noting the adverse effects of loud noise on health, mental peace, and students’ studies. The court mandated that sound levels must not exceed 65 decibels and ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police to file an affidavit detailing arrangements for noise control and traffic management, warning of strict action against violations.

#4 SC Stays Limit on Dhol-Tasha Troupes in Pune – 12 September 2024

The Supreme Court intervened in a cultural dispute, staying a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that limited Dhol-Tasha-Zanj troupes to 30 members each during Pune’s Ganesh Visarjan. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, emphasized the deep cultural significance of the Dhol-Tasha tradition in Pune’s festivities. While issuing notices to the Maharashtra government, the court granted relief to petitioners who argued the NGT’s restriction undermined a key element of the festival’s public celebration, prioritizing cultural expression amidst noise pollution concerns.

#5 Calcutta HC Permits Ram Navami Yatra in Howrah with Conditions – 16 April 2024

The Calcutta High Court permitted the Anjani Putra Sena and Vishwa Hindu Parishad to hold their traditional Ram Navami processions in Howrah. Justice Jay Sengupta allowed the rallies along their usual routes, rejecting the state government’s proposal for an alternative path citing previous communal violence. However, the court imposed strict conditions, limiting participants to 200 and directing that no provocative slogans be raised. The court also advised the state to seek Central Forces’ assistance to ensure law and order during the event.

#6 Calcutta HC Approves VHP’s ‘Shaurya Jagran Yatra’ – 04 October 2023

The Calcutta High Court granted conditional approval for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal to conduct their “Shaurya Jagran Yatra” in West Bengal. The rally, intended to honor freedom fighters and raise awareness of Hindu culture, had been denied permission by state police in certain districts. Justice Jaysen Gupta directed the petitioners to specify their route map and ordered the state government to maintain strict vigilance to ensure the procession proceeded peacefully, upholding the right to assemble while emphasizing regulatory oversight.

#7 Bombay HC Defers Plea for Ganpati Immersion in Aarey – 16 September 2023

The Bombay High Court declined to grant immediate relief to a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) plea seeking permission for Ganpati idol immersion in Mumbai’s Aarey Lake. The court deferred the hearing to September 25, after the festival, as the original bench was unavailable. The plea was filed after municipal authorities prohibited immersion in natural lakes citing environmental concerns from an ongoing petition. The VHP had argued for an exemption or the creation of artificial ponds, but the court prioritized the environmental case over the urgent religious accommodation.

#8 Calcutta HC Allows Ram Navami Yatra in Nabadwip – 30 March 2023

The Calcutta High Court permitted a Ram Navami Shobha Yatra in Nabadwip, directing police to provide necessary security. Justice Rajasekhar Mantha allowed the procession from Chatir Math to Gabtala after the petitioner, Saumen Kansabanik, assured compliance with all regulations, including noise pollution norms. The state government had opposed the plea, citing other ongoing religious functions in the area. The court balanced the competing interests by allowing the yatra while ensuring it would not disrupt other community events, upholding the right to religious procession.

#9 Karnataka HC Allows Datta Jayanti at Disputed Shrine – 30 November 2022

The Karnataka High Court permitted three-day Datta Jayanti celebrations at the disputed Datta Peetha shrine in Bababudangiri Hills. The bench of Justices Alok Aradhe and N Vishwajith Shetty allowed the celebrations under the supervision of a government-appointed committee. The shrine is at the center of a long-standing dispute between Hindu and Muslim groups. The court emphasized that new ritual measures would be subject to its final verdict on an ongoing appeal, allowing the festival while maintaining judicial oversight over the sensitive site.

#10 Orissa HC Allows Regulated Green Crackers for Diwali
01 November 2021

The Orissa High Court permitted the sale and use of certified “green crackers” during Diwali, but within a strict two-hour window from 8 PM to 10 PM. The bench of Chief Justice S. Muralidhar and Justice B.P. Routray ruled that only fireworks conforming to NEERI’s formulation and certified by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) could be sold in designated zones. The court clarified that mere labeling with QR codes was insufficient, upholding the Supreme Court’s precedent of banning firecrackers containing harmful barium salts while allowing environmentally safer alternatives.

#11 Calcutta HC Imposes Total Diwali Firecracker Ban – 29 October 2021

The Calcutta High Court ordered a complete ban on the sale and use of all firecrackers, including green crackers, during Diwali and Kali Puja in West Bengal. The court mandated that the ban would remain in effect for all subsequent festivities that year. The ruling was driven by concerns over deteriorating air quality and the harmful effects of pollution on public health and the environment. The blanket prohibition was one of the most stringent judicial measures taken to curb air pollution during a major Hindu festival.

#12 Telangana HC Upholds Ban on PoP Idol Immersion – 13 September 2021

The Telangana High Court refused to modify its ban on the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols in Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar and other lakes. The bench, led by Chief Justice M Ramachandra Rao, stated it could not pass any order that permits water pollution, even temporarily. It noted that the government had ample time since the previous year to create alternative immersion facilities but had failed to take adequate steps. The court’s firm stance reinforced the environmental rationale behind restricting religious practices that cause ecological harm.

#12 SC Intervention Leads to UP Cancelling Kanwar Yatra – 18 July 2021

The Supreme Court stressed that the Right to Life under Article 21 is paramount and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider allowing a “symbolic” Kanwar Yatra amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The bench of Justices R F Nariman and B R Gavai took suo motu cognizance of the issue. Following this judicial nudge, the UP government subsequently announced the complete cancellation of the annual pilgrimage after discussions with Kanwar Sanghs, prioritizing public health and safety over religious sentiments during a critical phase of the pandemic.

#13 Bombay HC Bans PoP Idols for Maghi Ganpati – 18 July 2021

The Bombay High Court issued an interim order prohibiting the production, sale, and immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols ahead of the Maghi Ganpati festival. The bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharti Dangre directed strict enforcement of Central Pollution Control Board guidelines to prevent environmental damage. The ruling acknowledged the livelihood concerns of artisans but prioritized ecological protection, sparking a debate between environmental conservation and the economic impact on those dependent on the idol-making industry.

#14 Punjab & Haryana HC Limits Diwali Firecracker Timing – 13 October 2017

The Punjab and Haryana High Court restricted the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali to a strict three-hour window from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The bench of Justices Ajay Kumar Mittal and Amit Rawal also prohibited firecracker use before and after the festival and limited the number of temporary licences issued. The court, acting on air quality concerns, declared previously granted licences inoperative and mandated monitoring by authorities and NGOs to ensure enforcement, highlighting the judicial role in managing seasonal pollution.

#15 Supreme Court Restricts Dahi Handi Ritual for Safety – 17 August 2016

The Supreme Court barred children below 18 from participating in the Dahi Handi ritual and upheld a 20-foot height limit for human pyramids. The ruling came in response to a clarification plea by the Maharashtra government and a contempt petition alleging non-compliance with a 2014 Bombay High Court order. The apex court stated that allowing minors in such dangerous stunts was against public interest, prioritizing participant safety. The bench remarked that while Lord Krishna stole butter, he never performed hazardous stunts for it.

#16 Bombay HC Orders Strict Noise Pollution Enforcement – 09 October 2015

The Bombay High Court directed all civic and government authorities in Maharashtra to take strict action against organizations violating noise pollution norms during festivals like Dahi Handi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Navratri. The bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice V.L. Achilya warned that officers failing to act could face contempt of court. The order came from PILs highlighting that noise rules were widely flouted during recent festivals and that authorities had failed to take adequate action, leading to public disturbance.

#17 Allahabad HC Bans Idol Immersion in Rivers – 07 October 2013

The Allahabad High Court ordered a complete ban on idol immersion in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers across Uttar Pradesh. The bench of Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Arun Tandon rejected the state government’s plea for managed immersions, directing that the state’s rivers be freed from this activity within a year. The order was issued during the hearing of a petition raising concerns about river pollution and condition, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in enforcing environmental protection over traditional religious practices.

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PoK Burns: Pakistan Military Gets Humiliated With Belt Treatment From Furious Residents Rebelling Against Repressive Regime, Dozens Killed In Historic Uprising; Here’s What The Western Media Won’t Show

By
The Commune
-

Unprecedented protests have erupted across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) or rather “illegally occupied Kashmir since late September 2025, shaking Islamabad’s control over the region and exposing decades of political repression, economic exploitation, and human rights violations.

What began as a “shutter-down” and “wheel-jam” strike organised by traders and civil society groups rapidly escalated into a mass uprising. Violent clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces have left at least 12 civilians dead, several police personnel injured, and hundreds wounded, according to reports from local sources. Entire towns have been paralysed by continuous strikes, blockades, and curfews.

The containers that had been placed by Pakistani authorities to block the demonstrators’ advance, were toppled from a bridge into the river below.

The Historic Uprising Blacked Out By The West

Organised by a coalition of traders, civil society groups, and local activists, the protests brought major towns to a standstill, marking one of the largest uprisings in PoK in over forty years. Streets that were once bustling with daily activity were now dominated by chants of resistance and mourning. At least a dozen civilians lost their lives, several police personnel were injured, and hundreds more were hurt as clashes turned the region into a hotspot of unrest

 

Information Blackout And Media Censorship

Despite the scale of the unrest, the events in PoK have been almost completely blacked out in Pakistani mainstream media. Internet services have been shut down in multiple districts, cutting off communications and preventing citizens from sharing footage of the crackdown. Independent journalists have reported being threatened or detained by local authorities.

Activists have described the situation as “genocidal,” alleging that Pakistani forces have used live ammunition against unarmed protesters and targeted residential areas under the guise of “restoring order.” Several eyewitness videos that surfaced briefly before the internet shutdown showed armoured vehicles firing directly into crowds, and locals bleeding on the streets. Many of these clips were quickly removed from social media platforms inside Pakistan.

A Revolt Unlike Any In Decades

Observers have called the uprising the largest in nearly four decades. Demonstrators in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Dadyal, and Neelum Valley raised slogans such as “Kashmir is ours, we will decide its fate” and “rulers, beware, we are your doom,” directly challenging Pakistan’s military and administrative control.

The protests saw unprecedented participation by women and youth, with coordination across towns through social media before digital communications were cut off. More than 100 security vehicles were torched, and in several instances, locals briefly held Pakistani soldiers captive.

Economic Exploitation And Broken Promises

Residents accused Pakistan of systematically looting PoK’s resources while denying basic services. Although the region produces significant hydropower through projects such as the Mangla Dam and Neelum-Jhelum, residents face crippling electricity bills and frequent outages.

The

The shortage of subsidised wheat flour and surging food prices amid Pakistan’s wider economic collapse have worsened living conditions. Protesters demanded free or heavily subsidised electricity and flour, as well as tax parity on property transfers—pointing out that PoK’s rates are higher than those in Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Development remains stagnant despite repeated promises. Protesters cited the absence of an international airport in Mirpur as a prime example of Islamabad’s neglect. “PoK generates the power that lights up Punjab, but our homes remain in darkness,” one activist reportedly said before communication lines were cut.

Political Marginalisation And Military Control

Protesters also demanded the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the PoK Legislative Assembly for “Kashmiri refugees” living in Pakistan, alleging that Islamabad uses these seats to manipulate local governments.

The Legislative Assembly itself holds limited authority, with most executive powers controlled by an administrative council chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister. Locals have described this arrangement as “colonial,” arguing that PoK functions under Pakistan’s thumb without real autonomy.

Calls for representation in Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate have grown louder, alongside demands for constitutional reforms, fair elections, and an end to military interference. Videos circulating before the blackout showed angry residents stripping captured soldiers of their uniforms and auctioning them for as little as PKR 10—a striking symbol of public fury and humiliation.

Pattern Of Crackdowns And Unfulfilled Deals

The 2025 uprising follows earlier protests in 2023 and 2024 over similar demands for subsidies and local rights. While those demonstrations led to 3–5 deaths, the current unrest has already claimed at least a dozen lives, marking a sharp escalation.

Pakistan’s initial response involved large-scale deployment of troops from Punjab, extensive use of tear gas and live ammunition, and mass arrests. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif authorised a crackdown while calling the protesters “miscreants” attempting to destabilise the state.

By October 3, Islamabad sent a high-level delegation to negotiate with protest leaders. The October 4 agreement promised subsidised wheat, reduced electricity tariffs, property tax parity, and PKR 10 billion for infrastructure development. It also included plans for a Mirpur airport feasibility study and review of the disputed assembly seats.

However, local activists have dismissed the pact as another deception. Civil society leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir described the government as a “dayan (witch) administration” and vowed to monitor implementation closely.

Humanitarian Crisis Underway

Reports from ground sources indicate a worsening humanitarian situation. Security forces have imposed indefinite curfews in several districts, while food and medical supplies are reportedly running low. Dozens of missing persons cases have been filed by families alleging arbitrary detentions and abductions by paramilitary units.

Activists have compared the situation to “a silent genocide,” saying that entire towns are being starved and terrorised into submission.

India’s Response And International Silence

India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir remains an integral part of India under illegal occupation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned what he termed Pakistan’s “oppressive approach” and “horrific human rights violations,” urging international attention to the crisis.

Despite growing evidence of mass repression, international media coverage has been minimal, with Pakistan reportedly restricting access to foreign correspondents.

A Challenge To Pakistan’s Narrative

Analysts said the unrest has destroyed Pakistan’s decades-old narrative that PoK is a “model of freedom” compared to Jammu and Kashmir. Instead, the protests have revealed a population disillusioned with Islamabad’s governance and increasingly willing to confront the military establishment.

Pakistan’s mounting debt—estimated at nearly 80 percent of GDP—and dependence on IMF bailouts limit its ability to meet PoK’s economic demands. Experts warn that unless Islamabad addresses core grievances, PoK could become a flashpoint for wider instability within Pakistan.

For the first time in recent memory, the people of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir are not just protesting for subsidies or development—they are openly questioning the legitimacy of Pakistan’s rule itself. And as the blackout continues, their cries for justice are being silenced under the shadow of state power.

(With inputs from India Today)

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Deepika Padukone Who Suffered Two Heartbreaks Gets Appointed As First Mental Heath Ambassador, This Joke Isn’t Funny

By
Hydra
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On World Mental Health Day, while millions of Indians are battling real mental health crises, the government decided our first-ever Mental Health Ambassador shouldn’t be a doctor, a psychologist, or a researcher. No, they gave the title to Bollywood star Deepika Padukone.

Why? What are her gold-plated credentials?

Apparently, she once had depression. Specifically, what looked to the world like a really bad breakup. She was even called the “girl with the broken heart” on a talk show.

Deepika Padukone has survived at least two publicly dissected heartbreaks: one with Ranbir Kapoor and another with Siddharth Mallya. She’s admitted that the breakup with Ranbir was especially brutal, so brutal in fact that she had to take a break from dating to focus on herself. Wow, that’s something unusual.

Let that sink in. Her main qualification is the experience most of us would’ve had by the time we’re 25. If heartbreak is the new PhD, then our colleges are useless. We should hand out ambassador badges at every cafe and pub or in the case of Tamil Nadu, a TASMAC.

Here’s a demo of her mental health.

“My Choice” – The Ultimate Hypocrisy

But wait, she also made a video. Remember the “My Choice” manifesto? She stood there, in all her glamorous glory, and told us that her choice was to have sex before marriage, outside marriage, or not at all. To love temporarily. That the symbols of marriage – the ring, the surname- were just “ornaments” that could be replaced.

Powerful, right? A true rebel!

Until she had to go to Abu Dhabi for a tourism ad.

 

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A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

Suddenly, the woman whose spirit was meant to “roam naked” was quietly covered in a hijab. So, “My Choice” has fine print? It only applies when it’s convenient and doesn’t hurt the brand? Her brave feminism mysteriously packs its bags and conforms when a paycheck is involved. This isn’t empowerment; it’s a performance.

Convenient Activism for Camera-Hungry Causes

And let’s talk about her famous “activism.” Her big, brave moment was a 15-minute silent visit to JNU during protests. No speech, just a photo-op, perfectly timed with the release of her movie Chhapaak.

If she’s such a fearless voice for the people, where has that voice been since? Where was she when the genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh was happening? Or on other issues? Nowhere. Because those causes didn’t come with a movie to promote. That wasn’t solidarity; it was a brilliantly calculated publicity stunt.

And guess what – her dream PM was Rahul Gandhi! A 55-year-old who is being launched by his party every single year as a youth leader is her idea of dream PM?

The Real Experts We Just Ignored

Meanwhile, India has real mental health heroes. There are countless qualified people in the country who have spent their lives building mental health care for the world’s poorest or those fighting to change our mental health laws. These are the people who should be ambassadors. People who understand the science, the medicine, the policy.

But the government looked at them and then looked at a famous actress from a controversial viral video, and decided: Nah, let’s go with the star power.

The Brutal Truth They Don’t Want You to See

This appointment is a slap in the face to every person who suffers from clinical depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia. It tells them that their profound, often debilitating, illness is now represented by someone whose core philosophy, as she herself preached, is that love and commitment are temporary and disposable.
It tells every qualified professional that their decades of study and hard work mean less than a famous face and a well-timed PR move.

The government thinks the people are idiots, maybe. They think we’ll see a celebrity and clap, forgetting that what we actually need are hospitals, trained professionals, and affordable care. This move by the GoI only seems to be a PR move to fix the “bad image” of the ‘star’.

This is a joke on the people of this country while the ‘star’ gets to buff up her image. And we, the people, are left with a hollow icon instead of real help.

It’s now pointless for the government to withdraw the decision but we have a right to call out this decision.

It’s not just a bad decision. It’s an insult. And we should be furious. And we are furious.

Hydra is a political writer. 

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India’s Fight Against Student Suicide Starts With Mental Health

By
Purvi Asthana
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India is facing a growing mental health crisis, particularly among students. Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals a 65% increase in student suicides over the past decade, an alarming rise that surpasses the overall increase in suicide deaths nationwide. On World Mental Health Day, this reality underscores the urgent need for decisive action and innovative solutions.

Disturbing Trends In Student Suicide

In 2023 alone, almost 13,900 students in India died by suicide, compared with just over 8,400 a decade earlier. Students now account for more than 8% of total suicides nationally, a proportion that has climbed steadily over recent years. Mental health experts point to mounting academic pressure, high expectations, and a weakened support system, leaving many young people isolated and overwhelmed.

Addressing The Crisis: Sadhguru’s Perspective

Renowned spiritual teacher Sadhguru voiced deep concern over these findings:

“Most deeply disturbing that our children are experiencing such levels of distress and despair. We have dismantled many traditional support structures. It is imperative that we re-introduce methods and practices that enhance our children’s mental strength… If every educational institution invests 7 minutes a day on a simple meditative process, it will greatly enhance the mental wellbeing of their wards and wardens. We must make this happen because no progress of any kind is worthwhile or meaningful for the Nation if young people feel shortchanged by it.”

Miracle of Mind: A Step Towards Mental Wellness

The Miracle of Mind app, a 7-minute meditation platform developed by Sadhguru, has emerged as one of the most popular and accessible tools aimed at addressing the mental health needs of youth. The app exceeded a million downloads within just 15 hours of launch, trending across 20 countries and offering content in five languages. Quick to use and designed for daily practice, Miracle of Mind delivers guided meditation and AI-powered support, helping users cultivate inward access to mental stillness and resilience.

Beyond India, the app has also drawn global interest. Sadhguru recently met Italy’s Vice President Antonio Tajani, where the tool was endorsed at a national level:

“A wonderful catch-up meeting with Italy’s Vice President Antonio Tajani after our impactful discussion during the Save Soil campaign. Today, the Miracle of Mind tool earned strong support from Italy’s Government and will soon be officially implemented nationwide. We hope this powerful meditation tool, as technologies for well-being, supports Italian children, youth, and adults in overcoming the growing mental health challenges that are reaching pandemic proportions worldwide.” – Sadhguru

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPOHZu1Dh79/?img_index=2

This endorsement marks a significant step in recognizing meditation-based interventions as global solutions for mental health challenges.

Simple Steps For A Healthier Tomorrow

Educators and mental health professionals are increasingly recommending structured meditation practices like Miracle of Mind for schools and colleges. Even short daily sessions, when integrated into academic routines, can help reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional strain while fostering resilience and self-assurance.

On this World Mental Health Day, the message is unequivocal: addressing student suicides demands compassionate engagement and practical tools. By embedding emotional wellness into educational policy, and using technology to make it accessible, India can equip its youth to thrive even in the face of modern pressures.

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“They Beat Him Since He Stared Arrogantly”: VCK MP Thirumavalavan Justifies His Goons Thrashing Motorist In Two-Wheeler Dashing Case

By
The Commune
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"They Beat Him Since He Stared Angrily": VCK MP Thirumavalavan Justifies His Goons Thrashing Motorist In Two-Wheeler Dashing Case

After calling the hit and run incident a BJP-RSS conspiracy, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thirumalavan justified his party cadre thrashing the motorist outside the Madras High Court a few days ago.

While new evidence emerged seemingly proving that it was the VCK chief’s car which brushed against the motorist, VCK cadre and supporters continue to push the “planned” conspiracy theory and demanded for extra security for the party head.

Speaking at an event, Thirumavalavan said, “No one seems to be questioning how a man parks his two-wheeler in front of a party leader’s vehicle. Instead, they are asking why Thirumavalavan did not alight from his car and stop the scuffle. Will they ask the same question if something similar happens with Edappadi Palaniswami – that he did not get out of his vehicle? It was not even a minute, I dont know what actually happened. He just came, stood, stared, just because he stared at them (VCK cadre), they beat him up. We don’t know who he is or what caste or religion he belongs to. The escort police asked him to move aside, that’s all. He stared at the police. When the others asked him to move aside since the party leader is in the vehicle, he stared again. He got beaten up because he stared and not because they knew which caste he belonged to. Are you so arrogant and self-conceited? So they beat him up because he arrogantly stared. They gave him 4 knocks, did not even beat him up well. (crowd cheers). That man pretends to have fainted and has chest pain. What a drama. I told the police that he did something unknowingly and to let him off, not to file a case. But these people are spreading lies about “Thirumavalavan ordering him to be beaten up”. I have only told my people to restrain themselves; I have never incited anything. Restrain is a political strategy.”

What Happened

The altercation took place when lawyer Rajiv Gandhi, who was riding his scooter near the High Court premises, came into contact with Thirumavalavan’s car. Video footage from the scene shows a group of VCK members surrounding and attacking the lawyer after the collision.

Rajiv Gandhi later filed a complaint alleging that he was assaulted by VCK cadres at the instigation of Thirumavalavan. His scooter was also damaged during the scuffle. Despite the allegations and available video evidence, the Esplanade police have not yet registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the incident.

Rajiv Gandhi has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment. His family has alleged that since the night of the incident, the lawyer has received over 500 threatening phone calls, and his personal phone number was circulated online by VCK supporters who allegedly encouraged further harassment.

Following public outrage, Thirumavalavan released a video claiming that the incident was an attempt to provoke him. According to his account, the lawyer deliberately tried to block his car and instigate a confrontation.

However, the lawyer’s brother refuted this version, stating that the available footage clearly shows Thirumavalavan’s vehicle hitting Rajiv Gandhi’s scooter. He said Rajiv merely approached the car to question the driver about the collision when he was attacked by VCK men.

The video of the assault quickly went viral, sparking widespread criticism. Several observers questioned why the Chennai police have not filed a case despite visual evidence, while in other cases—such as the incident involving Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay in Perambalur—police registered a “Zero FIR” within hours following an assault complaint involving bouncers.

The delay in registering an FIR has raised questions about police impartiality. Reports have also pointed to the unusual positioning of Thirumavalavan’s police security convoy at the time of the incident. Typically, such vehicles lead the convoy for protection, but in this case, they were seen trailing behind, raising further suspicions about the sequence of events.

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VCK Hit & Run Case: DMK Stooge Director Pa Ranjith Comes To Buttress Thirumavalavan’s False Claims Despite Video Evidence Showing VCK Goons Thrashing Motorist And Vandalizing His Two-Wheeler

By
The Commune
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DMK Stooge Director Pa Ranjith Comes To Buttress Thirumavalavan's False Claims Despite Video Evidence Showing VCK Goons Hitting Motorist

The controversy surrounding the October 7 altercation near the Madras High Court took a political turn, with Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan alleging a “planned conspiracy” against him, implicating the RSS and BJP. The incident, which involved a minor collision between Thirumavalavan’s car and lawyer Rajiv Gandhi’s scooter, escalated when VCK cadres allegedly attacked the lawyer. Despite video evidence showing the VCK vehicle hitting the scooter, Thirumavalavan maintains that the episode was orchestrated to provoke him. Kollywood director Pa Ranjith has now buttressed this “conspiracy” claim of the VCK chief, calling for government protection, further fueling the political narrative.

In a statement posted on his official X handle, Thirumavalavan said, “It has come to light that the incident on October 7, where my car was obstructed in front of the Tamil Nadu Advocates Association near the High Court, was not a random occurrence but a planned conspiracy. It has been confirmed through our investigation that members of the RSS and BJP are behind this. Therefore, we urge the Tamil Nadu government to register a case regarding this matter and conduct a thorough investigation. The conspiracy behind it must be uncovered. Furthermore, we demand that the private television channels that broadcasted this incident be immediately and thoroughly investigated without any bias.”

What Actually Happened

The altercation took place when lawyer Rajiv Gandhi, who was riding his scooter near the High Court premises, came into contact with Thirumavalavan’s car. Video footage from the scene shows a group of VCK members surrounding and attacking the lawyer after the collision.

Rajiv Gandhi later filed a complaint alleging that he was assaulted by VCK cadres at the instigation of Thirumavalavan. His scooter was also damaged during the scuffle. Despite the allegations and available video evidence, the Esplanade police have not yet registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the incident.

Rajiv Gandhi has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment. His family has alleged that since the night of the incident, the lawyer has received over 500 threatening phone calls, and his personal phone number was circulated online by VCK supporters who allegedly encouraged further harassment.

Following public outrage, Thirumavalavan released a video claiming that the incident was an attempt to provoke him. According to his account, the lawyer deliberately tried to block his car and instigate a confrontation.

However, the lawyer’s brother refuted this version, stating that the available footage clearly shows Thirumavalavan’s vehicle hitting Rajiv Gandhi’s scooter. He said Rajiv merely approached the car to question the driver about the collision when he was attacked by VCK men.

The video of the assault quickly went viral, sparking widespread criticism.

Pa Ranjith Buttresses VCK Chief Thirumavalavan

Pa Ranjith, Kollywood director and DMK stooge who claims to speak up for the Dalits through his films and initiatives, endorsed Thirumavalavan’s post and wrote, “The incident of blocking the car near the Tamil Nadu Advocates Association in front of the High Court on October -07 did not happen by accident; it was a premeditated conspiracy, said the leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi party, Annan Thiru. Thol. Thirumavalavan
@thirumaofficial, Taking this into consideration, I request the Tamil Nadu government @CMOTamilnadu to immediately provide protection!!”

While Thirumavalavan and his supporters like Pa Ranjith portray the incident as a premeditated attack, the available video footage and eyewitness accounts contradict their claims, clearly showing the VCK vehicle making contact with the lawyer’s scooter. Rajiv Gandhi and his family continue to face harassment, including threatening calls allegedly circulated by VCK sympathizers. The case remains under investigation, but the involvement of prominent figures like Pa Ranjith in backing Thirumavalavan’s version highlights the increasingly politicized nature of the controversy, raising questions about accountability and the role of party influence in shaping public perception.

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“Even Paaldail Is Speaking, What To Do”, EPS Takes A Dig At DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin

By
The Commune
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"Even Paaldail Is Speaking, What To Do", EPS Takes A Dig At DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami took a dig at DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin after the latter made several comments about EPS at various events.

Speaking at a rally in Erode East, the former Tamil Nadu CM said, “When did Udhayanidhi come, we all know what he did. Who is he, Karunanidhi’s grandson, Stalin’s son. What other effort has he put in? Has he given his efforts for DMK? He is talking about me! Even Paaldail is speaking!”

 Why Udhayanidhi Stalin Is Called “Paaldail Babu”?

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s nickname “Paaldail Babu,” stems from two different stories. One theory behind the name involves the term “paaldail,” which is an insecticide, allegedly linked to rumors surrounding Udhayanidhi’s personal life. These rumors reportedly began when he was involved with actress whose name rings with a numner. It is said that during the shooting of the film Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal in 2014, Udhayanidhi and the female actor became romantically involved. The pair reportedly visited the Palani temple together, fueling speculation about their relationship.

Despite Udhayanidhi being married at the time, rumors of his affair with the lady film star spread. His grandfather, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi, is said to have warned him, but the relationship reportedly continued. In the film Nannbenda, Udhayanidhi cast one specific heroine as the female lead, further intensifying the rumors.

However, when she allegedly rejected his feelings, Udhayanidhi was reported to have attempted suicide, an incident that made headlines in 2014. His supporters blamed the heroine, leading to a significant backlash against the actress. That is why the “polytoil” part came to the fore.

In 2021, actor-politician Radha Ravi reignited the controversy ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections by questioning Udhayanidhi Stalin’s relationship with the heroine. He made a derogatory remark about her, which led to Udhayanidhi’s political party temporarily distancing itself from Radha Ravi. Despite the controversy, Radha Ravi stated that he did not care about Udhayanidhi and the heroine’s relationship.

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A Strategic Blunder: How Pakistan’s Kabul Strike Accelerates Its Regional Decline

By
Kautilya
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A Strategic Blunder: How Pakistan's Kabul Strike Accelerates Its Regional Decline

In the wake of Pakistan’s claimed “precision” airstrike on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) targets in Kabul, regional observers have been quick to question both the success and the strategic wisdom of the operation. The strike, touted as a bold move against terrorism, may have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate tactical objective. While Islamabad celebrates a symbolic show of force, the reality on the ground could spell deeper instability for Pakistan itself, with ripple effects across Afghanistan, the Pashtun belt, and regional geopolitics involving China, Russia, India, and the United States.

Now let us dissect Pakistan’s motivations, missteps, and the broader implications of this operation, arguing that the strike may have accelerated Pakistan’s loss of influence in Afghanistan, while emboldening militant factions and straining regional fault lines further.

Let us assume that the TTP leader(ship) has been eliminated – so what, the group is without leadership for now! Then what, new leadership will emerge and that’s how it has always been. The group will prevail and grow.

Reports to the contrary suggest that Noor Wali Meshud has survived, so what – the strikes were just symbolic and unsuccessful! Then what, the scale and intensity of actions and operations by TTP in Pakistan especially in KPK province is going to skyrocket.

Neutralising terrorist leadership may delay terrorism but is not going to stop it.

Pakistan has just implemented India’s playbook. They are good and fast learners.

Timing and location of these strikes has just ensured the snapping the last thread of leverage that Pakistan and ISI had with Taliban. They have a more hostile neighbour to their west than to their east. This will have serious ramifications in terms of Pakistan – Afghanistan relationship, role of Afghan refugees within Pakistan, Pashtun dynamics in the region and involvement of extra regional players. Pakistan just lost Afghanistan.

Somewhere a hunch in me suggests the involvement of a likely pro Pakistan faction of Taliban in enabling these strikes – may be the Haqqanis! If it is them – the wedge between different factions of Taliban widens. Either they get into a fight in disarray or the pro Pakistan factions will be eliminated. If this hunch of mine isn’t true, then Pakistan has lost any semblance of leverage over any faction within Taliban.

This strike doesn’t bode well for the interests of China and Russia in this region, and they won’t take it lightly. What happens to Trump’s greed for Bagram base? No idea – but one thing is sure – intel and surveillance support for this strike for sure has come from the Americans. This makes the regional dynamics more complex.

With the acting FM of Afghanistan in India, India will hedge with a statement castigating Pakistan for violating the sovereignty of Afghanistan but will have a wide field for play in the covert background. Our leverage will further increase with and in Afghanistan (read Taliban). We should quietly secure and grow our interests in Kabul (rest is better unsaid here).

Prognosis

Taliban will up the anti-Pakistan ante in Kabul. Pakistan will support ISKP against Taliban (NRF is a small inconsequential player as of now). TTP will intensify its actions and operations in KPK and Balochistan. Pakistan is going to see a wild-wild West. Afghanistan will again witness a complex turmoil and so will western provinces of Pakistan. We should just cement our interests and watch the play unfolding with popcorn in our hand, without losing sight of internal security within Bharat. TTP leader eliminated or alive doesn’t matter – TTP ideology has survived much more than these strikes and is still alive and until Pakistan stops supporting any form terrorism, it will remain a victim to the same of its own doing.

Kautilya is a defence enthusiast.

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