Indian student says 'Pakistani agent' label used to silence dissent amid protests

The Indian government's framing of protests as a threat to national security is a thinly veiled attempt to silence critics and maintain its grip on power.

This narrative is rooted in the BJP's characterization of protesters as 'Pakistani agents' and the media as being unfairly targeted. The contrast between India's emphasis on individual labeling and Pakistan's focus on broader silencing reveals a deeper pattern of power manipulation. By framing protests as a threat to national security, the government can justify its response without addressing the root causes of dissent.

This is our editorial interpretation of the cross-source evidence above, not a report of established fact. The sourced coverage it draws on is listed below.