Indresh Kumar, a national executive member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has voiced concerns over alleged foreign influence in the recent protests led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Kumar urged Wangchuk to ensure his movement remained distinctly Indian, asserting that external forces had infiltrated the agitation. He also appealed to political parties to engage in constructive politics and refrain from endorsing activities he characterized as anti-national.
Kumar, addressing the media following the conclusion of Wangchuk’s hunger strike, drew a distinction between the activist and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), suggesting the latter was acting as an instrument for foreign interests and attempting to co-opt Wangchuk’s campaign. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Kumar claimed, “Sonam Wangchuk is one person, and the CJP is totally different. They have mixed it together to defame everyone’s character. That is why Sonam Wangchuk has distanced himself from it.” Without presenting evidence, Kumar alleged that the movement had been compromised by external agendas, stating, “He should understand that his movement has been taken over by foreigners. Therefore, he should keep his movement Indian. He should not become a puppet of foreigners.”
The RSS leader also cautioned young individuals participating in protests against becoming unwitting agents or pawns of entities allegedly working against national interests. He implored political parties to pivot from exploiting public discontent for political mileage and instead concentrate on nation-building initiatives. Kumar cited the recent protests concerning the NEET examination as an example, alleging that opposition parties initially raised concerns but subsequently manipulated the movement for their own political objectives. He reiterated, again without providing substantiation, that both domestic and international forces were actively working to impede India‘s developmental progress.
Despite these alleged challenges, Kumar maintained that India was progressing significantly in areas of peace, harmony, education, and overall development. He highlighted the nation’s robust innovation ecosystem and the proliferation of thousands of startups as factors contributing to India’s emergence as a global role model. He encouraged citizens, particularly the youth, to actively contribute to the country’s positive development trajectory. The RSS leader also directed criticism towards Pakistan, accusing it of continuing to instigate violence within India, referencing the recent killing of a police constable. He alleged that Islamabad’s policies were aimed at destabilizing India while simultaneously suppressing its own populace, including Pashtuns, Ahmadis, and Kashmiris. Kumar urged Pakistan to abandon these policies and instead pursue peace and development.
Kumar’s remarks were made on the sidelines of a program commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas. He took the opportunity to pay homage to civilians, police personnel, and members of the armed forces who have made sacrifices since the Partition of India. He expressed approval for the establishment of a Shaheed Stambh (Martyrs’ Memorial) and issued an appeal for people, especially children, to visit the memorial on July 26, carrying the national flag to honor the nation’s martyrs.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.