JAMMU: Following opposition by all-party Hurriyat Conference leaders to the proposal moored by People’s League supreme Shabir Ahmed Shah calling for a merger of all organizations into a single party, separatists in the Kashmir valley are beading for a sharp political polarization with one section seeking state’s merger with Pakistan and the other favoring Independence.
Mr. Shabir Shabad, while addressing the general counsel of the Huriyat Conference last month. Suggested to all separatist groups to form a single organization and work under one leader. He had for all these weeks been waiting for a reply from the Hurriyut Conference. The matter could not be discussed because the Hurriyat chairman, Maulvi Umar Farooq, and another senior leader. Maulvi Abbas Ansari, were out of the country.
However, without waiting for these two leaders to refund to Kashmin. leaders of the three constituent units of the Humiyat Conscience have announced their opposition to the plan.
The pro-Pakistan Jamait-e-Islami has opposed the proposal on the place that the Jamaal, having a distinct character, could not dissolve its identity by merging itself with a single organization.
Prof. Alxlul Gani Bhat of the Muslim Conference has said that the proposal was “impracticable” and should be rejected. He is supported by other constituent unit Leaders who argue that since the conference comprises over 34 political, religious, militant and employees’ groups, it will not be causable for all such organizations to merge into a single party.
Prof Bhat has said that Hurriyat Conference is by itself a united front representing the interests and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
It is only Abdul Gani Lonc, Chairman. Peoples’ Conference and a senior leader of the Conference, who has said that the proposal deserves to be discussed seriously.
Shabir Shah seems to have been lost with no alternative. He has the backing of a number of separatist and militant groups, including the JKLF. to support his viewpoint.
Despite the return to Kashmir after several years of stay in Pakistan, the Mahazi Azadi Icader. Azam Inqilabi, is hardly likely to set the river Jhelum on fire. His announcement that he has given up the gun is significant Inqilabi was the first senior separatist leader who had in 1988 called for an armed struggle against the security forces. He, 100, seems to have shifted his stand. From being a supporter of Pakistan he has now tilted in favor of independence.
It appears that pro-independence forces, especially the JKLF and its supporters, have distanced themselves from pro-Pakistan elements. The former banks on the support of the people and the latter seems to be confident on the strength that they enjoy from powerful groups of militants.
Three insurgent groups – Hizbul Mujahideen. Harkatul Ansar and Lashkar Toiyba – continue to back pro-Pakistan forces in Kashmir and other parts of the Jammu region.
As far as the pro-independence tabbies are concerned, they are for a political movement for resolving the Kashmir turmoil but the pro-Pakistan groups do not hesitance saying that the role of the gun is paramount for the ongoing “liberation” struggle.
The government, particularly the security forces, seem little concerned about these developments.
The security forces have been given the definite tasking and arresting their gun-lotting Youths in order to reduce the incidents of violence and strikes against the Army and military forces. it is in this context that despite the sub-zero temperature, snow and icy w Security forces remain active in carrying out search operations every day.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 13, 1995
