Page 10 - The Indian EYE 041924

OPINION APRIL 19, 2024 | The Indian Eye 10

The Implications of

Rising Violence on CPEC

and Regional Dynamics

India views the expansion of Chinese influence in its neighborhood and along its borders with concern,

particularly CPEC, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The prospect of Chinese security forces
or PSCs operating in close proximity to Indian territory, under the guise of protecting Chinese interests, could

exacerbate regional tensions and lead to an escalation of a military presence by both sides

NAMITA BARTHWAL

ecently, there has been an in-
crease in attacks on the Chi-
Rna-Pakistan Economic Corri-
dor (CPEC), with four consecutive
attacks between March 20, 2024,
and March 31, 2024, resulting in
the deaths of nine people, including
five Chinese workers. These attacks
occurred in both the northwestern
province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
and the southern western province
of Balochistan. Since 2016, attacks
on CPEC projects and Chinese na-
tionals have claimed the lives of sev-
enteen Chinese individuals.

According to data, the Baloch-
istan Liberation Army (BLA) is
responsible for most of the at-
tacks on CPEC, with the mode

of attack predominantly being
suicide bombers. Interesting-
ly, no terrorist groups have
claimed responsibility for two

major attacks that occurred
near the Dasu Hydropower proj-
ect in a similar manner. The attacks have cast a darker shadow on the CPEC projects, with work on three critical hydropower projects- Dasu Dam, Diamer-Basha Dam
and Tarbela 5th Extension- suspended for the immediate future (File photo)

IMMEDIATE REACTION
Extension- suspended for the imme- some to propose a departure from counter these threats effectively. In
he attacks have cast a darker diate future. Apart from the fact that the country. response to the deaths of its citizens,
shadow on the CPEC proj- vital infrastructure projects have As per sources, while maintain- China called for a detailed investiga-
Tects, with work on three criti- been hit, reports indicate concerns ing a public appearance of calm- tion, sending a team of investigators
cal hydropower projects- Dasu Dam, among Chinese nationals regard- ness, China has exerted significant within two days of the attack. In
Diamer-Basha Dam and Tarbela 5th ing their safety in Pakistan, leading pressure on Pakistan in private to Continued on next page... >>

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