Ajaz, from the University of Kashmir, shares his perspective
We’re Victims of Selfish Politics
“No political party works with good intentions to resolve the Kashmir dispute”
Aijaz Hassan
The Kashmir conflict has its origin in the notorious March 16, 1886 Treaty of Amritsar. After Independence it was due to stubborn and egoistic attitude of both India and Pakistan that Kashmir dispute remained unresolved despite lapse of more than 62 years.
Till date lot of agreements, bilateral talks, conferences were held between the two countries but all in vain. Leadership of both sides use Kashmir dispute for their own political gains. India betrayed Kashmiris since 1953 and role played by Pakistan since 1947 towards Kashmiris is well known to all of us.
Now if we examine politics of the state, we will find that all political parties have their own policies and theories regarding Kashmir. The Hindu rightwing extremists not only use Kashmir card in Jammu region but also in the entire India for banking votes. All political parties whether mainstream or separatists have never been sincere to resolve the Kashmir conflict. They always use blood of young innocent Kashmiris to fulfill their own needs. If we talk about National Conference it has lost its credibility since 1984 elections and present government of Omar Abdullah instead being on the side of people has waged a war against them. Another big regional party PDP changes its stand day in and day out. During present crisis one of its top brass leaders was speaking on one of the T V channels that destination of Kashmir lies with India and another leader of the same party was contradicting him. Why this double standard one fails to understand it? Congress never acted with good intensions to solve the Kashmir dispute. I deem Congress and BJP as two sides of the same coin as these parties use Kashmir sentiments to garner support in India and earn votes.
The separatist camp is also sailing in the same boat. I was shocked to see the strike calendar issued by Hurriyat (G) on August 25. On one side it urged people to observe September 2 as ‘Youm-e Tahafuz Khawateen’ and asked womenfolk to march towards Ali Masjid Eidgah on the same day, despite knowing fully the prevailing situation of the valley and the consequences of such action. I also fail to understand why not strike for three or four days including Sunday and routine work for next four days in a week because a particular section of people is suffering by the continuous strikes. The leaders should keep in mind that the flame of agitation keeps on burning because of these people. Therefore it is Hurriyat’s moral duty to think something good for them, otherwise at some point of time they will become answerable to them and at that time nobody will come to their rescue. History bears witness that even towering leaders like Sheikh Abdullah did not escape the wrath of people who at one time would write his names on leaves. Now his grave stands protected by several guards who fear its demolition by the same people.
Therefore it will be sooner the better if these leaders work out a strategy which will be poor-people friendly, good for student community because they are the future of our nation. Everybody is fully aware of the fact that the resolution of Kashmir conflict will take time. I hope when the new calendar is released due consideration will be given to poor people and students community