SRINAGAR: The “Azadi” eu Phoria is back in Kashmir, with difference, that it is anti-Pakistan ‘Sentiments riding the popularity crest,
IKLF chief commander Javed Vir’s bitter criticism of Pakistan for disrupting Amanullah Khan’s ‘march across the Line of Actual Control and the shock with which the news of 13 JKL men killed in Pakistan Amy action on marchers in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, reflected the disillusionment of Kashmiris with Pakistan.
It amounts to stabbing us in our back”, lamented Javed Mir flowing Pakistani authorities’ categorical announcement of disallowing the JKLF marchers from their venture. Mir continued his tirade against Pakistan accusing it of bucking under Indian pressure fooling Kashmiris” and “committing ahistorical blunder.” He declared “Whatsoever will try to stop the JKLF March will be considered as enemies of Kashmiris.
Pakistan’s use of force to disrupt ‘the marchers near Chinas, killing 13 JKLF men and injuring about 100 others, has brought home the fact to Kashmiris, Pakistan can sacrifice them for its own ends.
Javed Mir only said the truth when he alleged that Pakistan, despite its proclaimed support to the UN resolution on the Kashmir issue, was actually adhering to the tenets of the Shimla agreement in its relation with India, The UN resolution grants free movement off Kashmiris across the Line of Control, yet by denying the permission to marchers. Pakistan has ‘only shown its commitment to the ‘Shimla agreement,” said a militant leader.
For the ordinary Kashmiri, Pakistan is not only the “dreamland ‘which has been providing shelter, training, arms and funds to the “mujahidin” so far, but also the land of ruthless killing of unarmed Kashmiris.” When it comes to realpolitik, Pakistan can be harsher than India in suppressing Kashmiris, is the opinion expressed in discussions in restaurants’ and other public spots.
‘The state administration fears that once the four day old curfew is relaxed, Kashmiris would come ‘out on the streets in protest against the stoppage of the JKLF march ‘and demanding “Azaadi Promilitant intellectuals hope culture gives way to political ‘demonstrations in the valley.” Incidentally, there has been decrease in hurling of grenades and firing and rocket attacks on the security forces pickets for the past 10 days or so. The slump began with a” ceasefire”, during MehrajulAlam last week, Whether the present is a strategic change or a long term policy, there are contradictory signals.
Simultaneously, Amanullah Khan was resurrected as the prominent leader of JKLF, which had been gradually losing its appeal to the Kashmiris, in the face ‘of growing Islamic fundamentalist ends. The march proved a major political victory for Khan, ‘who otherwise was rated as rick” and “paper tiger” even among sympathizers. However, observers feel that the Kashmir unit of the JKLF did not “rise to the occasion” to compliment the international news waves the ‘march made .
Fallout of the JKLF march might be the increase in conflicts between the pro Pakistani militants and the JKLF. The JKLF supporters claim that inter group clashes may not occur tall as “no militant organization can defy the public mood.”
In a preemptive statement, Javed Mir has “thanked” the pro Pakistani Hizbul Mujahedeen for helping the recent demonstration.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 28, 1992
