India raises concerns over Pakistan’s military infrastructure while Ladakh faces scrutiny after recent protests.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has raised alarms regarding the expansion of military infrastructure by Pakistan along the Sir Creek, an estuary that separates Gujarat’s Kutch district from the Sindh province of Pakistan. Singh cautioned Islamabad against what he termed as potential “misadventures” in this disputed area. The 96-km stretch of the creek is a contentious point between the two nations, with India asserting that the boundary lies in the middle, while Pakistan claims it is located along the eastern bank. Singh further accused Pakistan of harboring “ill intentions” regarding the creek and emphasized that India has persistently sought resolution through dialogue.
In his remarks, Singh referenced the 1965 war, noting that the Indian Army demonstrated its capability to reach Lahore, thereby reminding Pakistan of the strategic importance of the creek. He stated, “Today, in 2025, Pakistan must remember that one route to Karachi passes through the creek,” highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding territorial claims.
In a different context, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the issue of political unrest during his annual Vijayadashami speech. He expressed concerns about the effectiveness of violent protests, drawing parallels to recent events in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Bhagwat argued that historical patterns of political revolutions rarely lead to successful outcomes and emphasized that discontent, if expressed through violent means, ultimately benefits no one. He advocated for social change to occur through democratic processes rather than through unrest.
Meanwhile, the Ladakh administration has initiated a magisterial inquiry into the police firing incident that resulted in the deaths of four individuals during protests in Leh on September 24. The investigation, headed by the Nubra sub-divisional magistrate, aims to uncover the facts and circumstances surrounding the breakdown of law and order, the police response, and the subsequent fatalities. The inquiry officer has been tasked with providing a report within four weeks.
The tragic incident occurred amidst protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which is designed to offer protection for land and provide nominal autonomy for citizens in tribal areas. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested shortly thereafter, with the Union government alleging that his statements incited the violence. This inquiry and its findings are expected to shed light on the complexities surrounding the demands of the Ladakhi people and the government’s response to their grievances.
