The recent controversy surrounding a Netflix series retelling the 1999 IC-814 hijacking has ignited a debate about the portrayal of terrorism and the role of the Indian liberal ecosystem. While the series director Anubhav Sinha is accused of “normalizing a crime against the nation,” critics claim the series attempts to portray Islamist terrorists in a sympathetic light by using Hindu aliases and minimizing their religious affiliation. This accusation has been met with counter-arguments from the liberal ecosystem, highlighting their long-standing commitment to peace and dialogue with Pakistan.

The Controversy Surrounding the Series

The series has sparked outrage among certain sections of the Indian public, who see it as a deliberate attempt to whitewash the crimes of Pakistani terrorists and project Hindus as aggressors. Critics allege that the series, by using Hindu aliases for the hijackers and portraying them empathetically, seeks to mislead viewers into believing that Hindus were responsible for the hijacking. This, they argue, is part of a larger agenda to erode national security by blurring the lines between perpetrators and victims.

The Role of the Liberal Ecosystem

This controversy has also brought to light the contrasting views of the Indian liberal ecosystem, often accused of being overly tolerant and apologetic towards Pakistan. Critics argue that the ecosystem’s persistent pursuit of “Aman ki Asha” (Hope for Peace) with Pakistan has resulted in a sentimental approach to India-Pakistan relations, blind to Pakistan’s continuous use of terrorism as a state policy.

They point to instances like the 2019 Pulwama attack, where the ecosystem’s initial reaction was to urge restraint and avoid war-mongering, even as 40 Indian soldiers were killed by a Pakistan-backed terror group. Similarly, the response to the 26/11 Mumbai attack, where the government, according to a military commander, ignored advice to conduct counterstrikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan, is seen as an example of the ecosystem’s passivity in the face of terrorism.

The “Aman ki Asha” and its Implications

While the quest for peace between India and Pakistan is a noble goal, the “Aman ki Asha” approach, argue critics, often overlooks the realities of Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism and its deep-rooted involvement in promoting instability within India. This blindness, they argue, fosters a sense of appeasement and encourages Pakistan’s “thousand cuts” policy, which seeks to bleed India dry through persistent low-intensity warfare.

The 2009 Sharm-el-Sheikh joint statement, where India delinked terrorism from the dialogue process with Pakistan, is often cited as an example of this detrimental approach. Critics contend that this concession undermined India’s ability to pressure Pakistan over its terrorist activities, giving it a free pass.

The Illusion of Muslim Victimhood

Ultimately, critics argue, this whitewashing of Pakistan’s actions by the Indian left is part of a larger agenda to perpetuate the illusion of Muslim victimhood in India. They assert that projecting Hindus as aggressors is a tactic to garner political advantage, especially during elections.

The controversy surrounding the Netflix series thus becomes symbolic of the larger ideological clash in India, highlighting the divergent perspectives on dealing with terrorism and navigating complex relations with Pakistan.

The Need for Nuance and Realism

The ongoing debate around the series highlights the crucial need for a nuanced and realistic understanding of India-Pakistan relations. While pursuing peace is a worthy objective, it should not come at the cost of ignoring the realities of Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism.

The series’ controversial portrayal of the hijackers, argue critics, undermines the sacrifices made by the victims and the security forces who fought valiantly to secure the release of the hostages. It further risks minimizing the role of Pakistan’s deep state in perpetrating terror attacks against India.

The Indian liberal ecosystem must recognize the limitations of “Aman ki Asha” and embrace a more nuanced approach, one that acknowledges the complexities of India-Pakistan relations and holds Pakistan accountable for its actions.

Takeaway Points

• The controversy surrounding the Netflix series reflects the deeply rooted ideological divide in India concerning how to approach Pakistan and terrorism.
• The series is accused of minimizing the role of Pakistani terrorism and attempting to portray hijackers in a sympathetic light.
• The Indian liberal ecosystem is often criticized for being too accommodating towards Pakistan, and their “Aman ki Asha” approach is seen as contributing to Pakistan’s impunity.
• Critics argue that the series reinforces the notion of Hindu aggression and contributes to the perpetuation of the Muslim victimhood narrative.
• The controversy highlights the need for a realistic and nuanced approach to India-Pakistan relations, one that acknowledges the realities of Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism while simultaneously pursuing peace.