As soon as India launched Operation Sindoor to strike terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK), the so-called ‘Aman ki Asha’ brigade, comprising left-leaning activists, commentators, and media personalities, suddenly found their voice, advocating for peace and de-escalation. Their reaction came not only as a surprise but also as a glaring contradiction, given that many of these individuals had previously criticised the Modi government for not taking action after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Digital Warfare: India Calls Out Pakistan’s Lies
In the wake of India’s decisive action against terror infrastructure, a parallel battle erupted online, a digital warfare aimed at countering Pakistan’s false narratives. Indian officials and defence personnel, during a series of press conferences, shared irrefutable evidence of Pakistan’s cross-border aggression, including intercepted communications and drone strike data. Even Pakistan, initially in denial, was forced to admit the strikes, although downplaying their impact. However, this did not deter a section of Indian society from calling for de-escalation.
From War Mongers to Peace Advocates: The Sudden U-Turn
As India carried out retaliatory strikes against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism under ‘Operation Sindoor’, a section of the left-liberal ecosystem, often branded as the ‘Aman ki Asha’ brigade, rose up in unison, calling for peace and de-escalation. This sudden wave of ‘peace activism’ emerged right after India launched strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK).
One prominent voice among the ‘Aman ki Asha’ chorus was filmmaker Vinod Kapri, who had previously demanded strong action after the Pahalgam attack. However, as Operation Sindoor unfolded, Kapri took a sharp turn, tweeting, ‘Say No to War.’
1 More Pakistani dalla @vinodkapri pic.twitter.com/gboWUB9zKX
— Tajinder Bagga (@TajinderBagga) May 8, 2025
Similarly, controversial folk singer Neha Singh Rathore, who had earlier urged the government to respond to the terror attack, was now advocating for peace, reflecting a sudden shift in stance.
लाशें भारत और पाकिस्तान में गिर रही हैं
हथियार यूरोप वालों के बिक रहे हैं
बताओ युद्ध कौन जीत रहा है?#SayNoToWar
— Neha Singh Rathore (@nehafolksinger) May 8, 2025
Propaganda journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani from ‘The Wire’, who had previously criticised the Modi government for not responding to terror provocations, tweeted, ‘Peace is patriotism. War is destruction. Borders don’t bleed—people do. Stop the war. Deescalate NOW!!!’ This statement sparked considerable debate, with many pointing out the inconsistency in her stance.
Another media figure, Shyam Meera Singh, was also seen voicing similar sentiments, condemning India’s defensive actions and suggesting that calls for border protection were mere warmongering. Raju Parulekar and notorious social media handles like ‘The Cancer Doctor’ echoed this sentiment, emphasising the futility of war and the need to de-escalate.
Saba Naqvi, a prominent commentator known for her critical stance towards the government, also tweeted, ‘War is a disaster for all concerned… Wars are not fought on social media or TV studios. Jai Hind. Prayers for all the places under blackout today.’ In a similar vein, Karthik Krishnaswamy and Nikhila Henry appealed for peace, urging both sides to de-escalate.
Alt News founder Pratik Sinha, who often targets the government for its policies, also joined the chorus, calling for de-escalation as Pakistan ramped up drone attacks targeting civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
Hypocrisy Exposed: Peace Calls Amid Pakistan’s Aggression
While Pakistan intensified its strikes targeting civilian areas and critical installations in India, the ‘Aman ki Asha’ gang appeared more concerned about India’s response than Pakistan’s provocations. Social media was flooded with calls for restraint from usual suspects like Pratik Sinha of Alt News and Darab Farooqui, who argued that “humans are the carbohydrates of war.” Despite Pakistan’s own admission of the strikes, these individuals continued to portray India’s response as unnecessary warmongering.
The Unspoken Irony
The sudden rise of these ‘peace advocates’ at a time when the Indian Armed Forces are defending the nation against aggression left many questioning their motives. Was it genuine pacifism or selective outrage? As India stood resolute against cross-border terror, the ‘Aman ki Asha’ gang inadvertently revealed their bias, condemning the government’s inaction earlier but decrying its resolute action when it came. In times of national crisis, the need for unity and clarity cannot be overstated, yet some seem more invested in maintaining a narrative and running Pak-propaganda than standing by the nation.
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