Saman Hamid
On April 10, Pakistan’s Field General Court Martial (FGCM) sentenced Kulbhushan Yadav to death for espionage and sabotage activities against Pakistan. Arrested on March 10, 2016, roughly a year ago while infiltrating the Saravan border of Balochistan from Iran, Mr. Yadav was a commissioned officer of Indian Navy and joined RAW in 2013. There has been lots of discussion on the issue ever since Mr. Yadava was arrested. Some also cited lack of reaction from our foreign office. Even now after the death sentence, he has been very aptly made an example none would want to follow, after of course an open admission to facilitating terrorist activities. Yadav openly admitted to carrying out meetings with Baloch insurgents and carrying out terrorist activities with their collaboration. Baloch Students Organization’s name was also mentioned in his admission.
It is interesting how the Indians have reacted to the entire situation so far. Initially when the arrest was made last year, the whole event was downplayed across the border. Outlets like the Hindu and Hindustan Times openly questioned the authenticity. Indian Express admitted that Yadav was one of the highest ranking officials arrested, citing the need to initiate a spy swap program. Essentially the coverage clearly indicates the truth in Yadav’s confession. A year later it seems that whole of humanity is out to protect Yadav. A noted Indian politician went on to suggest that Indian’s should do what US has done in Afghanistan to save their man. Sushma Swaraj also proclaimed that they will do anything to “get their son”. The paradox a year on in is clear last year PM Modi had just “whizzed” past Lahore in the plethora of criticism in home the Indian media had some other directive. Now however suddenly endorsing Yadav is not a problem at all. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stated that if the sentencing is carried out then it will be considered “pre-meditated” murder.
On the onset it seems very simple but for every Pakistani Yadav was more than a spy, he was not just gathering intelligence; he was involved in terrorist activities and spreading dissent in Karachi and Balochistan. Mr. Modi recently admitted to Indian involvement in Bangladesh’s creation, and no one can forget his statements and support to Baramdagh Bugti last year in August in his Independence Day speech. Gilgit Baltistan and Balochistan are two key areas that have witnessed “separatist” elements for many years and the admission is proof and is seconded unfortunately by Mr. Modi. The two are integral for China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Chinese investment has reached $62 Billion and developmental work along Balochistan’s coast line, Gwadar and all four provinces is going with full swing. The most vocal opposition of this is coming from the Eastern border and in addition to spies like Yadav fueling hatred towards establishment visa false propaganda and negative champions, Afghans are also acitively creating problems on the Western front, Indians have been actively investing in various developmental projects in Afghanistan. The US has also over the years have shifted their focus on containing the Chinese and Indians are at the forefront of this policy. Of course Yadav is just a pebble part of the very big agenda.
The message from Pakistan by this verdict is loud and clear. It is a very apt response in the present circumstances. Meddling in our affairs carries a price. Indians started last year with downplaying Yadav and now the victimizing continues, perhaps they should reconsider their Kashmir policy in light of the current situation where ordinary citizens are all working on foreign agendas which has nothing to do with their own atrocities. With CPEC opening unprecedented avenues for the country we have to ensure security and prevent elements spreading chaos. Another recent development is the disappearance of a former officer of Pakistan’s army Lt. Col Habib Zahir earlier this month in Khatmandu, Nepal. So far three Indians; Safal Chaudhry, Sabu Rajora are the two names emerging along with a third individual. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stepped in condemning the disappearance. Pakistan has to tread with caution. Diplomacy has to come at the forefront and internal political forces must come together.
