NEW DELHI: For the first time, a Kashmiri separatist leader has gained acceptance in Western academic circles, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, currently on a visit to New York, has been invited to, interact with scholars at the prestigious Columbia University later this month.
The youthful Mirwaiz, who is in the US to address the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) ministerial contact group on Kashmir, is one of a select few leaders from the third world who have been invited to a conference at Columbia, one of the seven famous “ivy league” universities which are regarded as the pinnacle of American academia.
This has helped enhance the stature of Mr. Farooq, who became the chief priest of Kashmir at the tender age of 16 after his father was assassinated in 1900. An it is, he heads the J&K All Party Hurriyat Conference which says it is the true political representative of Kashmiris.
Following his engagement at Columbia University, Farooq is also to address a seminar sponsored by the Kashmir American Council, headed by Ghulam Nabi Fai. Mr. Fai shot into prominence two years ago when US President Bill Clinton replied to his letter addressing him as “Dear Ghulam.”
Consequently, the Mirwaiz is extending his stay in New York, and is not expected back in the Valley be- fore November.
Respect for Mr. Farooq amongst Kashmiris has been steadily rising ever since he attended the OIC ministerial meet in Casablanca, Morocco, a year back. His performance at the meet, as well as his appearance in some television interviews, where he staunchly defended the Kashmiri right to self-determination, made many in the Valley feel that the young leader had “come of age.”
At the New York OIC contact group meeting, held at the end of last month, Mr. Farooq reiterated that a “fradulent” political process should not be imposed on the people of Kash- mir, and that elections should only be held under UN or US auspices. As a result of his rising stock, the Mirwaiz has become a favorite of the Pakistanis as well.
His gain in stature, however, has not been without its share of controversy. Sources close to the Hurriyat Conference executive said that his colleagues are quite miffed that he was alone allowed to visit New York.
Privately, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Ali Shah Gilani is reported to have felt that either the entire Hurriyat executive should have gone to New York, or none at all. Another leader, Prof Abdul Ghani had in fact submitted an application to accompany Mr. 5 Farooq, but was turned down.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 20, 1995
