New Delhi (Sputnik) — Indian armed forces claim to have recovered ‘seditious anti-India publicity materials’ like leaflets and pamphlets, national flags of the Peoples’ Republic of China, letter heads of terror organizations, crude bombs and unauthorized mobile phones from around 700 homes in northern part of Kashmir in a raid which lasted over 12 hours on Tuesday.
The Indian Army said they have apprehended 44 people from ten “sensitive localities,” including Qazi Hamam, Ganai Hamam, Taweed Gunj, Jamia and other small settlements.
44 persons ‘involved in terror activities arrested in Baramulla (J&K); 700 houses searched in 12 hours, Chinese & Pak flags seized: Army pic.twitter.com/sc9MQS7Xlf
— ANI (@ANI_news) 19 октября 2016 г.
Notwithstanding the concerned raised by a section of the Indian media, Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (Retired), Distinguished Fellow, Institute of Defense and Security Analyses, says, “It would not be appropriate to read too much into this at this stage. However, it could be part of Pakistan's efforts to drum up support for China's interests in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Nonetheless, the Indian establishment is concerned about the incessant violence in the valley and suspect locals of supporting militants. However, the Indian government has chosen not to comment on the recovery of Chinese flags in the recent raids.
Manoj Joshi, Senior Fellow at Observer Research Foundation says, “I think these are just an expression of protest. That is why you often see Pakistani and ISIS [Daesh] flags in demonstrations. These do not reflect any closeness to these countries or organizations, but just as a means of protesting against India. I don't think India should get too worried about this.”
