Pahalgam and politics of deception: revisiting false flag allegations

Understanding some important false flag operations of the past

NEWS ANALYSIS

April 25, 2025

EVER since the militant attack in the Pahalgam area of Occupied Kashmir, Islamabad has consistently denied any involvement. Instead, it has alleged that the incident may yet be another example of a false flag operation mounted by Indian authorities. In this context, it is worth revisiting what exactly constitutes a false flag operation — and when was New Delhi last accused of orchestrating one.

A false flag operation is a covert act designed to deceive by making it appear as though it has been carried out by a party other than the actual perpetrator. The term originates from naval warfare, where warships would fly the flag of another nation to trick opponents, only revealing their true identity just before combat.

Over time, the term has come to describe political or military actions aimed at manipulating public opinion, justifying retaliation, or shifting blame to an adversary.

Historically, false flag operations have been used to justify invasions or suppress dissent. The Gleiwitz incident in 1939, staged by Nazi Germany to legitimise its invasion of Poland, and the Mukden Incident of 1931, fabricated by Japan to occupy Manchuria, are classic examples.

These events highlight how such tactics exploit nationalistic sentiment and serve broader strategic goals. In today’s media-driven world, false flag operations are also instruments of psychological warfare and propaganda.

The Pulwama attack

On February 14, 2019 a deadly suicide bombing targeted a convoy of Indian paramilitary forces in Pulwama, located in Occupied Kashmir. The attack resulted in the deaths of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. The militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed, based in Pakistan, was said to have claimed responsibility, triggering a sharp escalation in India-Pakistan tensions and leading to cross-border airstrikes.

However, almost immediately, questions were raised about the official Indian narrative. Several Indian opposition leaders, independent analysts, and political commentators began to suggest that the Pulwama attack may have been a false flag operation. The timing — just months before India’s general election — was viewed with suspicion, as the incident galvanised nationalist sentiment and arguably strengthened the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s position.

Further doubts were raised about lapses in intelligence and security. Observers questioned how a convoy of such size was permitted to travel through a high-risk area without appropriate safeguards. Critics suggested that the incident might have been allowed to happen — or even orchestrated — to justify a more aggressive posture on Kashmir and towards Pakistan.

While no conclusive evidence has emerged to support these claims, Pulwama remains a subject of deep controversy. It is frequently referenced in discussions about state-sponsored deception, political opportunism, and the strategic use of national security narratives.

According to some independent analysts, Pahalgam could very well be another false flag operation. The Indian government is currently facing a tough challenge as several opposition groups and the Muslim community are up in arms over the promulgation of the deeply divisive Waqf Act, which the minority communities have described as the toughest problem they have faced since independence. They have jointly as well as individually challenged that law in the Supreme Court of India. The Pahalgam attack may have been orchestrated to divert attention from that issue, add the analysts.

Image published in a Kashmiri publication after the deadly Pulwama attack