A large billboard featuring a photograph of the Kashmiri separatist leader late Syed Ali Shah Geelani of Hurriyat Conference was seen at the joint integrated check post on the Pakistani side of the Attari-Wagah border. The display of Geelani’s photograph at the Wagah (Pakistan) side of the border comes against the backdrop of the recent escalation in the incidents of terrorism in the Jammu and Kashmir region and the upcoming assembly elections in the Union Territory.
As per reports, Geelani’s photo was put up near the site of the flag-lowering ceremony at the joint integrated check post on the Wagah side in Pakistan. The Border Security Force (BSF) has lodged a protest with Pakistan Rangers in connection with the incident, according to a report by New Indian Express.
Border Security Force (BSF) registered a strong protest with the Pakistan Rangers after a big picture of the late Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani displayed at the Attari-Wagah joint checkpost pic.twitter.com/6zqCH08vNU
— Jhelum 𓂆 (@Jhelum34) August 29, 2024
Quoting a senior BSF official, who spoke with the publication on the condition of anonymity, the report said the Hurriyat Conference leader’s photograph was put up by the Pakistani authorities recently, and the security agency urged for the photograph’s removal because joint integrated check post area is designated for ceremonial purposes, not political displays. “We have lodged a strong protest with the Pakistani Ranger as this area is for regimental and ceremonial purposes and thus should not be used for political purposes or posturing and this photograph should be removed,” the official said.
Another BSF official quoted by the publication pointed out that the recent move seems to be Pakistan’s latest tactic to draw international attention and focus on the Kashmir issue.
Another reason for the neighbouring country displaying Geelani’s photograph at the border could reportedly be to divert attention from its domestic issues. Recently, a string of attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have killed at least 54 people. The militants targeted security personnel and bus passengers from Punjab.
