Special Editorial: ‘Udaipur Files’, Al Jazeera and Balochistan!

With the release of the film Udaipur Files, it can now be said that the concept of “cinema jihad” has been firmly established. Many may not be aware of what happened just two and a half months ago to the film His Story of Itihaas. It was given a meagre number of theatres. Back in 2017, historian Neeraj Atri had exposed the communist and Muslim-leaning face of NCERT. This film was based on that struggle. As a result, it could collect only ₹50 lakh. Similar fate should not befall Udaipur Files, and efforts must be made to prevent it.

In its first three days, the film earned ₹27 lakh but faced fierce objections from Muslims. So much so, that its producer Amit Jani received “sar tan se juda” (beheading) threats. Normally, those who sit in five-star hotels preaching freedom of expression do not dare even think of supporting Jani. As for the Congress — that’s a different story altogether! When the producer of a film in our sovereign democratic country receives death threats for beheading, the “Grand Old Party” does not utter a single word. And why would it? Congress has a history of murdering democracy in this manner.

On the other hand, this very same Congress is restless about the situation in Gaza, Palestine — which is 4,112 km away from the national capital Delhi. In the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury expressed opposition to the Israeli military’s bombing of Gaza, saying, “There can be no justification for such acts.” For Congress, values like ‘democracy’ and ‘humanity’ exist for Muslims, but certainly not for those who expose their real face. If anyone tries to corner them on this double standard, they will casually claim it is all in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

The ‘Sharif’ Journalist!

Now, it’s not just Congress but its entire international clique that is attacking Israel over the ongoing Gaza strikes. Take the self-proclaimed humanitarian news channel Al Jazeera! It mourns the death of its five journalists in IDF strikes and condemns attacks on journalism. But for whom should such condemnation apply? For journalists who remain neutral and uphold their social duty!

If we are to believe Israel’s allegations, one of the dead, Anas al-Sharif, was in fact the head of a Hamas terrorist centre. Since 2013, he had been working for Hamas. His public face — that of a journalist — concealed a jihadi terrorist working behind the scenes! Israel claims he was involved in orchestrating rocket attacks against Israeli citizens and military. Even if one argues that Israel made these accusations to push its own narrative, how does one explain the numerous photographs of al-Sharif with Hamas’ most notorious leaders — Khalil al-Hayya, Yahya Sinwar, and others? There is even a photograph of Sinwar kissing al-Sharif on the forehead.

Al-Sharif and his Al Jazeera kept claiming to care for the lives of innocent civilians in Gaza, while drawing a distinction between ordinary civilians and Hamas. If that were true, why was al-Sharif mingling freely with Hamas’ top brass? Those who are pressuring Israel today must be asked this question. Al-Sharif was publicised everywhere as the “Voice of Gaza” — a greater irony could hardly exist! Whenever an attack occurred in Gaza, al-Sharif was right there, eager to capture Palestinian tears and paint Israel as the villain.

In today’s world, wars can be won not only with weapons but also with information — something Hamas and its ‘Sharif’ journalist understood well. In short, should Al Jazeera now be considered a terrorist mouthpiece? That too must be investigated.

Global Opposition to Israel

From the United Nations to the European Union, almost everyone is condemning Israeli attacks. Even Australia has now indicated it will work to recognise Palestine as an independent state, sending a message to Israel. Germany — one of Israel’s staunchest allies — has stated that if Israel uses German-supplied weapons in Gaza, it will stop arms exports to Israel altogether.

What was once limited to a few NGOs, universities, Islamic organisations, and Muslim nations has now spread to sovereign states. Yet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared with iron resolve: “Whatever happens, whether we get support or not, we will win this war!”

The Balochistan Question!

India needs this Israeli spirit now more than ever. The Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and later Trump’s tariff war have already begun to radically alter India’s foreign policy. The recent Russia visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and PM Modi’s upcoming meeting in China with the Chinese and Russian presidents are signs of this shift.

Amid this, an agitated United States has declared the Balochistan Liberation Army — which fights for Balochistan’s independence — as an international terrorist organisation. This move, in collusion with Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir, is a cunning ploy to undercut India’s strategic interests. Looking at the past decade of India–US relations, India has learned well the truth in the words of 20th-century American diplomat Henry Kissinger: “No one has permanent friends or permanent enemies; only permanent interests.”

Therefore, India must now work towards a strategic framework to recognise Balochistan as an independent nation.

Even if the whole world stands against you, “The Nation First” — this Israeli resolve must be embraced by India.