On Eid, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Provokes India at LoC

KKN Gurugram Desk | In a provocative move on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, visited forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) and used the religious holiday to deliver a politically charged message against India. During the visit, Munir repeated Pakistan’s long-standing position on Kashmir, accused India of aggression, and urged Pakistani soldiers to remain vigilant.

According to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, General Munir spent Eid with troops stationed at frontline positions and “boosted their morale” amid recent regional tensions. However, his remarks have drawn sharp criticism for weaponizing religious occasions for military propaganda.

 General Munir’s Eid Address from LoC

General Munir’s appearance at the LoC was framed as a routine troop interaction, but the messaging had clear strategic undertones. While wishing Eid greetings, he launched into a familiar anti-India tirade, asserting that Pakistan had given India a “fitting response” in recent confrontations.

“We have avenged our martyrs. Pakistan has demonstrated its capability in response to Indian aggression,” Munir declared, referring to the recent escalation between the two nations.

This rhetoric, delivered on a day symbolizing peace and sacrifice, has been interpreted by Indian officials as a deliberate provocation.

 Context: April-May Escalation Along LoC

General Munir’s comments follow a period of high tension between India and Pakistan. On April 22, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir) claimed 26 civilian lives. Intelligence inputs later confirmed the involvement of Pakistan-based terror outfits.

In response, India carried out precision airstrikes on May 7 targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and border areas inside Pakistan. These operations were seen as part of India’s zero-tolerance policy toward cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan attempted retaliatory military action, which reportedly failed to inflict any significant damage. Several of its key airbases and radar stations were exposed to Indian firepower, prompting emergency shutdowns.

 A Four-Day Standoff

From May 7 to May 10, both nations experienced a quasi-war scenario, with heavy troop mobilization, intense shelling, and air surveillance across the LoC. It ended only after a DGMO-level conversation between the two sides led to a ceasefire understanding on May 10.

Despite the agreement, statements like Munir’s threaten to undermine diplomatic efforts and raise fears of renewed confrontation.

🇵🇰 Kashmir Rhetoric Repeated—Again

Asim Munir’s speech also saw a revival of Pakistan’s standard Kashmir narrative. He said:

“Kashmir remains a core national issue for Pakistan. We will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people in their struggle.”

He also appealed to the international community to “act sensitively” on Kashmir, a request India has routinely rejected as interference in its internal affairs.

This position contradicts India’s stance that Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India, and that any discussion on the matter is strictly bilateral under the Simla Agreement.

🇮🇳 India’s Firm Stand on Kashmir

The Indian government has repeatedly reiterated:

• Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are internal matters

• Any external claim or interference is completely unacceptable

• Efforts to internationalize Kashmir are futile and legally invalid

A senior Indian defense official, speaking to KKNLive, responded to Munir’s remarks:

“Pakistan continues to provoke and propagate falsehoods. General Munir’s speech is meant for domestic optics but reveals their continued obsession with Kashmir.”

 Military Analysts React: “Symbolism Over Substance”

Several regional analysts believe Munir’s visit is more about domestic posturing than actual military messaging.

Defense analyst Major General (Retd) G.D. Bakshi said:

“Such LoC visits on festive days are not unusual, but using them to deliver hate-filled speeches shows Pakistan’s desperation. This is more symbolic than strategic.”

Others say Pakistan’s leadership is under pressure to project strength after recent failures in countering Indian operations and ongoing economic and political instability at home.

 Domestic Turmoil in Pakistan a Possible Trigger

General Munir’s statements must be seen against the backdrop of:

• Severe economic crisis with record inflation and IMF-dependency

• Political instability, with ongoing confrontations between the civilian government and opposition

• Security challenges, including insurgencies in Balochistan and rising extremism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Experts argue that externalizing internal issues—by reigniting anti-India sentiment—is a time-tested tactic used by Pakistan’s military establishment.

India’s Diplomatic Approach: Resolve Over Reaction

Despite Pakistan’s posturing, India has chosen not to escalate verbally. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has emphasized regional peace, but with firm deterrence in place.

An MEA spokesperson, in a recent briefing, said:

“India believes in peace but will not tolerate terrorism or territorial propaganda. Our armed forces are fully capable of defending our sovereignty.”

 Where Do India-Pakistan Relations Stand Today?

While no formal diplomatic dialogue is ongoing, back-channel communication continues, primarily to avoid full-scale escalation. However, repeated provocations—especially public ones—put those delicate links at risk.

Current Status:

• Embassy staffing remains minimal

• Trade remains suspended

• No bilateral cricket or cultural exchanges

• Line of Control remains volatile

General Asim Munir’s Eid address from the LoC, loaded with anti-India rhetoric and Kashmir-centric provocations, appears aimed more at internal consolidation than at real military signaling. For India, the priority remains security stability, diplomatic clarity, and assertive defense of its territorial sovereignty.

While the Indian government has maintained restraint, the armed forces continue to remain on high alert along the LoC. In the face of repeat provocations, India’s doctrine is clear: respond with strength, not sound.