BSF protests Pakistan’s move to display Geelani’s portrait at Wagah Border

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 29

The Border Security Force (BSF) has lodged its protest on Pakistan’s move to display a portrait of Kashmiri separatist leader Late Syed Ali Shah Geelani of Hurriyat Conference at the Wagah border.

This objectionable portrait was set up by Pakistan recently on its side at the Attari-Wagah joint check post where thousands of Indian and Pakistani nationals watch the ‘Beat-the-Retreat’ ceremony, a traditional military ceremony marking the end of the official day, every evening.

This portrait was quite visible from the Attari (Indian side) and was apparently placed to arouse public sentiments.

Dr Atul Fulzele, Inspector General, BSF Punjab, said that as soon as this objectionable portrait came to notice, BSF lodged its protest with Pakistan Rangers.

“We have protested that this location was meant exclusively for the regimental and ceremonial purposes and should not be misutilised for any political purpose. They (Pakistan) have not yet removed it but we will follow it up”, he said.

Geelani was a prominent figure in the Kashmiri separatist movement. The move is seen as a deliberate attempt by Pakistani authorities to draw global attention and escalate tensions, particularly in light of recent terror incidents and upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

An anonymous official has questioned the intention behind displaying the poster at a globally recognised location. “This move suggests Pakistan’s hidden agenda of supporting the separatist movement on the Kashmir issue and heightening tensions,” the official said. “The location was chosen to attract global attention and influence public perception, as citizens of both India and Pakistan gather daily to watch the flag-lowering ceremony in large numbers,” he added.