Srinagar, June 9: Former Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid has shared his insights on the anti-Pakistan protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), India’s increasing defense expenditure, and the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. He also reflected on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s twelve-year tenure.
Vaid stated that for the past 75 years, Pakistan has propagated a false narrative regarding Kashmir. The residents of the region, currently under illegal Pakistani occupation, have made it clear that they do not wish to remain with Pakistan.
He pointed out that protests both outside the Pakistani embassy in the UK and within POJK have exposed Pakistan’s claims. Those who were once used for anti-India demonstrations are now openly voicing their dissent against Pakistan.
The former DGP emphasized that the people of POJK are not making unreasonable demands; they simply seek their basic rights. With soaring inflation, essential goods like flour have become extremely expensive. The populace lacks access to better hospitals, medical colleges, engineering colleges, and other fundamental facilities. He accused the Pakistani military of having disappeared thousands of individuals over the years and denying the public the freedom to express their views.
Vaid also criticized Pakistan for misusing international agencies and spreading false narratives. He noted that the democratic system in Pakistan is weak, with the military holding significant power. He claimed that in the last two decades, ten prime ministers have changed in POJK, while elected governments in India’s Jammu and Kashmir have completed their terms. He urged the people of Pakistan to recognize that the root of their problems and devastation lies with their military and the intelligence agency, ISI.
Regarding India’s rising defense budget, Vaid mentioned that according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India’s military expenditure has reached $92.1 billion, significantly higher than Pakistan’s. He asserted that India’s primary focus is to improve the lives of its citizens, a goal Prime Minister Modi is consistently working towards.
Since 2014, the Modi government has prioritized providing basic amenities to the underprivileged, lifting 300 to 400 million people out of poverty. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by a radical and unstable neighbor like Pakistan, as well as an expansionist China, necessitating increased defense spending for national security.
Vaid also referenced the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, highlighting that under the efforts of Prime Minister Modi and the Defense Minister, India is now manufacturing a significant portion of its weapons domestically. Currently, about 60 to 70 percent of defense equipment is produced in India, leading to reduced costs and promising better outcomes in the future.
On the tensions between Iran and Israel, Vaid expressed hope that a resolution could bring relief to the world. He noted that such an agreement would keep the crucial Strait of Hormuz open for maritime trade and positively impact global inflation. He expressed optimism that U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements regarding a ceasefire would prove true, leading to peace between the two nations.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Modi’s twelve years in office, Vaid stated that India is fortunate to have such leadership. Today, India stands as the world’s fourth-largest economy and is rapidly moving towards the third position. The significant reduction of millions from poverty is a remarkable achievement.
However, he made a plea to the Prime Minister, noting that while there have been substantial improvements at the central level, colonial mentality and corruption still plague lower-level bureaucracy. Citizens continue to face numerous challenges in government offices. He believes that further reforms in this system could accelerate the country’s development.
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