Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has strongly criticized the Modi government regarding the decision to play a cricket match between India and Pakistan, particularly in light of recent events.
Owaisi's criticism came in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Owaisi questioned the government's decision to proceed with the cricket match despite the suspension of trade relations between the two countries. He directly challenged the government, asking whether their "conscience allows for it" after such a tragic incident.
He didn't stop there. Owaisi called for accountability regarding the security failures that enabled the attack to occur. He questioned the effectiveness of the government's policies in Kashmir, especially considering the abrogation of Article 370, and the strategies in place to deter such attacks. Owaisi has been a vocal critic of the government's handling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly regarding the claims that the situation has improved since the revocation of Article 370. He argues that targeted killings and other security issues persist, indicating a failure of the government's policies.
Beyond domestic policy, Owaisi also targeted India's foreign policy. He specifically mentioned the United States announcing a ceasefire on India's behalf, which he views as a matter of national sovereignty. He questioned the implications of a foreign power making such announcements and how it reflects on India's standing on the global stage.
Owaisi referenced Operation Sindoor, congratulating the armed forces for their success. However, he lamented that the government failed to capitalize on the unity generated by the operation. He emphasized that certain elements within Pakistan, such as the Pakistani army and the ISI, are perpetually aiming to destabilize India.
This isn't the first time Owaisi has raised concerns about India-Pakistan cricket matches amidst heightened tensions. In the past, he has questioned the logic of playing cricket with Pakistan when Indian soldiers are being killed in Kashmir. He has also drawn attention to Prime Minister Modi's earlier criticisms of the Manmohan Singh government for engaging with Pakistan while Indian soldiers were being killed.
