‘We are not involved in any talks with Indian or Pakistani government’
Once described as Kashmir’s ‘last and greatest hope’ by the influential Time magazine, Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq has exhorted more on dialogue for resolving the vexed Kashmir issue. While conversing to Rising Kashmir's Online Editor Daanish Bin Nabi, Mirwaiz talks about the dialogue process and the splits in Hurriyat conglomerate. Excerpts:
• Goals of every Hurriyat
group are more or less defined and same
• We should completely
focus on non-violent struggle
• Turkey is the only
country which is very vocal on issue of Kashmir
• UN resolutions provide
the basis for our struggle
• Elections held in Kashmir
should never be seen as a referendum in Kashmir
·
Why is separatist camp
divided?
It is a fact that if there would have been unity among our ranks
we could have strive for our common goal in a more coordinated way. On number
of occasions I personally have strived for unity. One needs to understand there
is one perspective of unity that is “thought and purpose” and I feel that is
inbound in other words it is very much present in every group of Hurriyat.
Goals of every Hurriyat group are more or less defined and same which is
striving for Azadi, Self Determination, Reunification of Jammu and Kashmir and
people of Kashmir to be given a chance to determine their own future. Within
the frame work of the Indian constitution no group considers any solution for
the Kashmir. But at the same time one cannot undermine the fact that from last
20 to 25 years our movement has graduated in a sense that in present times when
we analysis the situation there are number of issue on which we think we can
discuss and debate. There are numbers of ideas and issues which appeal us. But
unfortunately whenever we feel that we can discuss and debate and should break
status quo our other members try to malign us and think we are sell out which
is not the case at all. For example, there is no doubt that the solution of the
Kashmir should be according to wishes and aspirations of the people which is
the fundamental policy of our Hurriyat as well. At the same time we cannot
disagree with the fact that it is a gradual process and would not come to us in
one go. In present situation we have keep everything in mind the political
scenario in Pakistan in India and on United Nations as well. I am dismayed at
one thing that when I say lets weigh our options on the basis of logic and
reason and on merit everyone thinks Hurriyat M has sold its consciousness. In
separatist politics we give more air to “I am right and everyone else is
wrong”. We respect every separatist leader and his or her credibility and I
know every one of us is trying to achieve self determination for Kashmir. We
have never accused any separatist leader for anything and we want same from
other groups for ourselves as well. I am of the view that instead of our
smaller differences we can work together again. I have only Shikwa (grievance)
with my other brother leaders of other Hurriyat, that if we have differences
lets discuss them within the forum and not outside of it and try to stop create
confusion among the masses. We should not discuss issues publicly. That is what
we have to learn. At the same time I know everyone among us has contributed to
this movement in one way or the other. We can’t deny the fact that in present
time’s separatists highly needs to look inwards and also outwards and also need
to do introspection among our ranks.
·
But Geelani says the same
thing, that cause is the same? Then why these divides?
To be frank enough it is about egos from both sides. Sometimes
it’s from their side on certain issues while on other issues it from our side
as well.
·
Does it mean divide is only
because of ego problem?
Yes it is true that we are divided because of ego and temperament
problems.
·
Have you tried to resolve
problems between Hurriyat groups?
Yes, both groups have tried best to solve the problems. I have
personally met Geelani Sahib as well on three occasions. And we will try in
future as well.
·
There is also difference on
the issue of dialogue process between both the groups?
Yes, we have issues on how to proceed with dialogue process. So
let Geelani Sahib come directly to me or write to me.
·
Do you feel alone now after
more leaders have left you?
Basically APHC is a forum of different organizations. When we came
up with the idea of Hurriyat in 1993, it was made of General Council and
Executive Council and had seven executive council members. There were bigger
parties and smaller parties as well. But I think if we look at any movement in
the world there too are different set of leader and everyone has its own
ideology and way of thinking. Leaders to a party come and go but things don’t
cease to happen. It is not of feeling alone. Goal is defined we don’t have
confusion on our goals. Yes I think approach may be different in reaching to
the goal. What is applicable to every movement of world is applicable to us as
well. When one disagrees to agree it is democracy.
·
What really happened
between you and Shabir Shah?
Hurriyat has a mechanism of working. Before taking any decision
Hurriyat goes by consensus or majority vote. If anyone thinks that I am not fit
in Hurriyat camp, it is his choice to be part of us or leave us. For one and
half years he didn’t come to Hurriyat meetings, it is even in Hurriyat
constitution that if you don’t attend three to four meetings you will be
compelled out of the Hurriyat. We have to work as a team. So, we tried to
accommodate his opinion as well. But Shabir Sahib thought that he can serve
movement better by remaining outside. So it was his decision and we let him to
do so.
·
Is Hurriyat M involved in
any direct or indirect talks with Indian government?
No. Let me make it very clear; Hurriyat M is neither involved in
any direct talks nor in a secret negotiation with Indian or Pakistani
government. No dialogue is taking place at any level between us and government
at any level neither at Track I nor at Track II. See, we should trust each
other. As being a leader of a community everyone come and meet us. Our doors
are open to everybody. Leaders and Chiefs of various groups, officials from the
both the governments, think tanks of various international forums and civil
society members come and meet us and we always take up the Kashmir issue with
everyone and at every forum. But these meeting do not at any cost mean that
Hurriyat M is a sellout or any negotiation is taking place.
·
Do you think gun has still
a role in Kashmir?
I think gun was instrumental in bringing Kashmir from cold storage
to lime light but now global scenario is fast changing. After 9/11 non-violent
movements were acceptable to international community. From 2008 to 2010,
Kashmiris were completely non-violent in forwarding our movement which garnered
us much more international attention. GoI is much more comfortable in dealing
with militancy rather than with non violent protest because it hurts their
claims of democracy in a big way. We should completely focus on non-violent
struggle. If GoI try to push Kashmir against the wall then they will be solely
responsible for the repercussions.
·
Do you think there is
resurgence in militancy?
No, I don’t think so. Kashmir still wants to propagate their view
through non-violent ways. But yes if India doesn’t provide our youth ample
space day is not far when we can see resurgence of militancy.
·
Why there is no positive
impact of meetings with Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC)?
Firstly, we have to understand the functioning of the OIC not only
vis-à-vis Kashmir but also vis-à-vis Palestine. OIC has not been able to
implement its decision because of one reason or the other. Although it is an
alliance of 56 countries but they lack the will to implement their decisions
because on every issue pertaining to Islamic World they are divided because of
their own national interests. They keep in view their own national interests
rather working for Muslim Ummah. As far as Kashmir is concerned they pass the
resolution but they don’t implement them because every Muslim country has
bilateral ties with India like Iran and Saudi Arabia. Turkey is the only
country which is very vocal on Kashmir.
·
As you said OIC resolutions
do not carry any significance then why do you attend OIC meetings?
After UN, OIC is the only forum which recognizes the Rights of
Kashmiris and Right to Self Determination given to Kashmiris. Every year OIC
passes resolution on Kashmir and UN never does so. Every year OIC try to send
“Fact Finding Mission” to Srinagar but GoI denies it every year. At least
Kashmiris have a forum at International Community were we put forward our
problems. OIC is the only window present with us which connects Kashmir with
global community. Above all the very important thing is it is the only
international forum which has recognized the Hurriyat till date. OIC uses the
word “True Representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir” for us when we
go there. They recognize the “Resistance of Kashmir” so I think OIC forum for
Kashmir cause is very important. Yes we are dismayed that OIC is not that vocal
and effectives on Kashmir issue but it does not mean that we should sideline
the OIC once and for all.
·
Recently OIC said that aid
is not given to Kashmir because of ‘leadership crisis’. Your views?
It is very simple because India does not recognize OIC. We tried
to get scholarships and admission for our students. We tried to bring OIC in
health sector and education sector here in Kashmir. We even tried not to get
OIC to Kashmir through Hurriyat forum because otherwise we would have been
alleged with “Hawala money”. So, we advised them to work with the help of
universities and with NGO’s in Kashmir. But as one knows India is the biggest
hurdle in all this. And Government of India categorically said that we are not
going to allow any activity of OIC in Kashmir.
·
Are UN resolutions relevant
on Kashmir?
UN resolutions provide the basis for our struggle. My only issue
is that we should dig out for other alternatives. Explore the other
possibilities as well.
·
Were you ready to accept
Musharaff’s 4 point formula?
We supported his formula because of one of the main points was
complete de-militarization of Kashmir. It was the first step in breaking the
ice. There was also “review clause” as well. It was only because of “review
clause” that we were ready to accept the 4 point formula of Musharaff.
·
Do you consider dialogue a
part of the ongoing struggle?
Firstly, as I said we must trust each other. Everyone says that
Sheikh Abdullah also went for dialogue but in the end achieved nothing. When he
did dialogue may be he had only his own contribution towards Kashmir. But in
today times things have changed a lot and we also have to keep in mind
tremendous sacrifices rendered by the people of Kashmir. Any leader which goes
in parleys with India or Pakistan will be living in fool’s paradise by thinking
that whatever he wants to do can do it without having people on board. Same
applies for any under table negotiation with GoI as well. Our stand is quite
clear. We need to talk to both sides India as well as Pakistan but keeping in
view the demands and aspirations of the people. GoI has portrayed our struggle
in a wrong way by labeling us as ‘terrorists’. In that contest we have to try
to show our indigenous nature as well. We are a part of global community we
should not isolate ourselves like Taliban. However, I agree that it should be
through a proper channel. We are not desperate for dialogue without proper
discussion or discourse and atmosphere has to be conducive or favorable for
dialogue. We did dialogue with BJP and Congress during 2002 to 2007 but
dialogue didn’t succeed. By going for that dialogue then, international
community also knows now that it is Indian government who is not ready and a
big hurdle in dialogue process and not the Kashmiris. Ball is entirely in
India’s court now.
·
Lately you have been
talking about master plan violations, electricity and other civic issues. How
does it make you different from a mainstream politician?
If we talk about Azadi (which is our main goal), it in no way
means that we should not talk about people’s problems. If we say that we
represent aspiration of the people then day to day issues of people also need
to be addressed. On electricity, we have been talking very clear that there is
a violation of our waters resources. And it is not necessary that on every
Friday sermon I talked about Azadi only there are other issue of the society as
well which needs to be addressed.
·
Will APHC contest
forthcoming elections?
APHC is not going to participate in any elections this year or any
years to come. Elections are completely non issue for Hurriyat M and elections
do not go with our constitution. We have to come out of these feelings. I am
amazed to know how elections will fit in our stand. Hurriyat’s main issue is
the resolution of Kashmir and we will continue to strive for that only.
Elections held in Kashmir should never be seen as a referendum in Kashmir.
·
Do you think Aam Admi Party
and Pakistan’s Tehreek-i-Insaf can help in solving Kashmir issue?
Yes, I think they can help in solving this issue. There are voices
coming out of these parties who are looking at Kashmir issue from a different
perspective. AAP’s Shanti Bhushan clearly said that we need a referendum in
Kashmir. So let us wait and see how they tackle this issue when any of the
party comes to power.
·
Did you meet Imran Khan?
Yes. Let me tell you it was very an interesting meeting. He is a
visionary and has very good ideas about Kashmir. I clearly remember he said to
me, if I come to power our first initiative regarding Kashmir will be the
de-militarization in Azad Kashmir (PaK).
·
Do you think BJP led
government in India is better than Congress in solving Kashmir issue?
There is general perception that we need Hindu fundamentalist
party to be in power to resolve this issue. In a sense they will be in better
position to sell it to their people rather than Congress. Although on Congress
secularist stand is also a big question. Unfortunately BJP on one hand talk of
abolition of article 370 but at the same time most of the development on
dialogue front has been during BJP’s time when Vajpayee and Advani were there.
Congress had many opportunity but they have done nothing. To be frank enough I
see much opportunity with BJP led government to resolve this issue.
·
Have you taken any steps
regarding the use of Pellet guns and Pepper gas in Kashmir?
Yes, of course. We have gone to the court and they have upheld our
case. We are working with various international organizations as well. Amnesty
International is going to publish a detailed report this year on use of pellet
and pepper guns in Kashmir. We are in touch with SHRC and Human Rights
commission also.
·
Why you visited Afzal
Guru’s home exactly after one year?
The fact is we tried many times. We were not allowed and when I
got the chance I went to their home. Although a delegation from my side had
already visited his kith and kin and we were in constant touch with them.
·
How do you view the recent
case of ex-MoS Shabir Khan?
I have been most vocal on Shabir Khan case. It is a shame that
government is protecting such politicians. By protecting such politicians
authorities are encouraging these activates in our society. He should have been
punished like any other ordinary criminal.
·
What do you think of Indian
media?
The bottom line is that Indian media portrays Kashmir issue in
such a way to suit their national interests. The difference between Indian and
Pakistani media is that in my view Pakistani media is much free than Indian
media vis-à-vis Kashmir. Indian media has a biased approach towards Kashmir.
They never portray people’s aspiration in right perspective. In India there are
only some persons who portray Kashmir in right perspective such as Arundhati
Roy, Ghutam Navlakha and Shanti Bhushan but then again they are not part of
main stream media and don’t have much impact on Indian masses.
·
What steps have you taken
to stop moral degradation in Kashmir?
As Mirwaiz, I am aware of it. I must add it here that Mirwaiz and
other Ulema Forums are doing their best under our capabilities but it is high
time now that people also need to take responsibility. As saying goes God help
those who help themselves. From our end we try our best. However, there are
clear indicators that India through their agents is spending heavy money in
Kashmir. They have set up NGO’s as well who try to keep Kashmiri society
divided and fragmented in various sects like Deobandi, Barively, Al Hadith,
Shia and Sunnis. Same is the case with our youth as well. It is not only the
Indian agencies but Indian Home Ministry is trying to do everything to keep
Kashmiris society fragmented and divided. There are at least 65 NGO’s workings
in Kashmir. What are they doing in Kashmir and who is responsible for their
activities? Another issues is of Christianity and we have ample proof that how
NGO’s are trying to convert our youth to Christianity. I know for sure that GoI
is trying to fragment the Muslim character in Kashmir. Another issue is of drug
addiction. There is ample proof that Jammu and Kashmir police and local
missionaries are involved in providing drugs to youth. On one hand they are
running these drug addiction centers but at the same time police is portraying
that they try to stop drug addiction and on the very other hand they provide
money for these drugs addicts. Downtown area of Srinagar have seen good
resistance over past few decades so they are trying to fragment the youth of
resistance areas in some place by provide money and in other place by making
drug available in huge amount.
·
What led to the downfall of
Nusrat-ul-Islam School of oriental College?
Many factors are there for its downfall. This school was always
subjected to political vendetta. Though being the first Muslim school of the
valley but permanent registration was not given until 1998. Every year we had
to fight for its registration. We applied to upgrade it to 10+2 school and then
tried to apply for a college again problems were created. Still our members
have not been given clearance. Now we are trying to upgrade it to the
university level and again clearance is not given.
