Video: Bank of India Staff Union in Kerala paid Tribute to Pervez Musharraf, Protests start over anti-national acts

In a surprising turn of events, the Bank of India Staff Union in Kerala found itself at the center of a major controversy after it planned to honor former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf during its state conference. This decision came just days after the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War, where Musharraf was a key figure as the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan. The 23rd State Conference of the Bank of India Staff Union (Kerala) was scheduled to take place on July 27, 2024, at Poly George Nagar, Alappuzha. The conference was inaugurated by Congress MP KC Venugopal, and a range of dignitaries from various fields were set to be honored. Watch video below 👇

Bank of India Staff Union in Kerala paid Tribute to Pervez Musharraf, Protests start over anti-national acts pic.twitter.com/QETYgautif

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However, among the honorees, the inclusion of Pervez Musharraf sparked intense backlash. The decision to pay tribute to Musharraf, known for his role in the Kargil conflict, was met with outrage from various quarters. Critics were particularly incensed as the tribute came so close to Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day commemorating India’s victory in the war. Following a wave of criticism and protests, including demonstrations by BJP workers at the conference venue, the Bank of India Staff Union decided to remove Musharraf’s name from the list of honorees. Despite this, the controversy continued to simmer, with many accusing the union of anti-national sentiments.

The National Organisation of Bank Workers and the National Organisation of Bank Officers have strongly condemned the decision, labeling it as a grave insult to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the Kargil War. They criticized the Bank of India Staff Union for what they perceived as an intentional slight against national pride and urged immediate action from the Finance Ministry.

The statement from the bankers’ organizations also highlighted past grievances with the union, citing alleged support for anti-national activities and groups. They have called for the Bank of India to take strict action against the individuals involved and to disassociate from the trade union responsible for this incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, had issued a stern warning to Pakistan, labeling it as a supporter of terrorism. The timing of the planned tribute to Musharraf was seen by many as particularly insensitive given the current geopolitical tensions.

As of now, the Bank of India management has not issued an official statement regarding the controversy. The incident remains a point of contention and highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding national security and historical events.