ISLAMABAD: A leaked classified cable has surfaced, allegedly detailing a covert Indian operation aimed at orchestrating civil unrest in Pakistan administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) ahead of a key session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.
The document, seen by WE News English, marked “TOPSEC / REL TO GOI” (Top Secret/Released to Government of India), outlines a high-level meeting between a “Special Liaison Officer” and leaders of the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), held on September 2, 2023, under tightly controlled conditions.
International attention
The five-hour meeting reportedly focused on mobilising protests in AJ&K using local grievances, especially high electricity bills, as a cover to gain international attention.
The cable directs UKPNP operatives to organise rallies, collect petitions and visual evidence of public discontent and amplify the issue through social media and diaspora-linked events timed with the UNHRC session.
Messaging strategy
A detailed messaging strategy is included in the cable, accusing Pakistan of exploiting Kashmir’s river-based electricity while offering no benefits to locals.
It claims, contrary to facts, that Kashmiris are charged exorbitant rates despite low production costs. Other themes include land grabs by the Pakistani military and a contrast with development in Indian-administered Kashmir.
“Friendly fronts”
The cable also mentions funding complaints from UKPNP leaders, who allege financial support was recently diverted to Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) activities in Europe. Indian officials allegedly assured future funding through “friendly fronts” on a cashless reimbursement basis.
Security measures described include operating under the guise of community welfare groups, avoiding photography near Indian missions and coordinating movements to avoid detection.
The UKPNP was also instructed to support other ethnic dissidents, during the Geneva session without overt co-branding.
