The Kashmir Pulse

DataWind CEO, Suneet Singh Tuli

The leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who has turned the residence of his in-laws at Hyderpora in uptown Srinagar into a coordination camp to oversee relief and rehabilitation work for the flood affected people, shares his views about the devastating floods which hit Kashmir with GK Senior Editor Javaid Malik.
You were present in Srinagar when floods submerged Kashmir. Was it a coincidence or you had rushed to the Valley?
Azad: I reached Srinagar on August 30 without knowing there would be floods. I had come on one week holiday. Well it’s a coincidence it started raining after I arrived. During first three days I visited many areas and took the stock of the emerging situation. Things worsened from September 6. It was difficult to move around as water level was high. I got stuck in this part of the town (Hyderpora). After assessing the situation I realized that coming days are going to be tough. I called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Kashmir and informed him that entire Kashmir is under water. I requested him to declare it as national calamity. Prime Minister visited Jammu and Kashmir the following day and he called it as national disaster.
Soon after Kashmir got marooned I flew to Delhi for one day and spoke to Army chief and top union ministers. I informed them that rescue and relief are two important missions and people of Kashmir need all possible help.
I have been in Srinagar for past three weeks. This is for the first time in past three decades I had no government vehicle and security for the first ten days. One of my PAs was my driver and I personally used to go and collect relief material from Airport, especially medicines. I managed to call doctors from south India and succeeded in setting up free medical camps at different places.
I spoke to chairmen of medical companies who dispatched the consignments within 24 hours. There was no human resource available in Srinagar, so I had to get some people from Chenab Valley and other places to help us out with the relief work.
We have been working for 18 hours since the day floods hit Kashmir and are trying to do our bit without much publicity.
You have been virtually acting as a chief minister?
Azad: (Laughs!) No. I don’t want to do that. I am a very silent worker. At the moment my official duty as the leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha is to oppose the government. At present I am neither opposing the central government nor the state government neither any individual. I think this is the time when all the political parties should work together irrespective of keeping an eye on the elections. I am very unhappy rather that most political parties are not working to the extent they should. Some people are not working, even while they may be in government. When I say government that doesn’t mean chief minister and ministers only. What I am hearing from the media, chief minister is doing whatever he can do. But government doesn’t mean chief minister alone. It means ministers and entire official machinery. To my utter surprise I am not seeing any ministers and officers. I must have visited 100 places in Budgam, south Kashmir and Srinagar. I was expecting that every officer from junior to senior should have been on the streets. I visit various parts of the city during night without any security but I haven’t seen anyone from the administration out.
Had you been the Chief Minister of JK at this point of time, how would have you reacted?
Azad: I am not criticizing the Chief Minister. I am saying when a national calamity takes place, the call is for the nation, not for chief minister alone. Each and everybody be in the government or in opposition, senior or junior officer should rise to the occasion and should not hide behind the excuses. I know the ministers and senior officers who fled the Valley. When people were fleeing I brought my wife from Delhi to Srinagar to see the situation. Best minister, best officer is one who would have died with people. When everybody would have drowned they would have too.
I don’t hold the Chief Minister responsible. I faced the same situation when I was the chief minister. No officer, no minister came forward to save the situation and I had to quit. I am not acting as chief minister’s spokesman but as a former chief minister I can realize the difficulties he would be facing as his instruments and tools are not cooperating. It’s unfortunate that they are hiding and are not shouldering their responsibilities. I have not spoken to him (Chief Minister) for the past one month, that is besides the point.
Do you mean to say that all government employees failed to deliver?
Azad: I am not saying that all the government employees have failed. Some officials have done a commendable job, but some government employees are hiding behind the excuse. It’s a deliberate attempt as in Jammu and Kashmir the bureaucracy is highly politicized. Some people are doing it by design. They want Omar Abdullah government to die like this. That is not done. If our people survive, we can play the politics and if they don’t survive what shall we play the politics for.
There are two kinds of people. One category is that which never works. They get promotions, construct properties in Jammu, Delhi and other places. Why should they be bothered? They are bothered about their children and properties. Other category is that which work selflessly, but they are very few and they cannot run the government alone.
Many areas in Srinagar are still submerged and people are saying administration has failed. What is your take on this?
Azad: My greatest worry is that many areas are still submerged. Jawahar Nagar, Rajbagh and Bemina are still submerged. I cannot bear the pain and hardships which people of this area are facing. It is something intolerable. I have spoken to people in Delhi. The Union Home Secretary had sent six pumps to drain the water out and all these are working. I am in touch with whoever matters to get the pumps and other equipments airlifted. Today I had called senior officers of the Flood Control Department. I made them speak to the Home Secretary. Employees of the Flood Control department have assured me that all these areas would be cleared within 3 to 4 days. Once these areas are cleared I would have a sigh of relief.
Why Central Government is not declaring Kashmir floods as national disaster?
Azad: I spoke to the Union Home Minister that there is a big debate in Kashmir about it. He said that the Prime Minister has already announced it.
The Prime Minister said that the flood is a national disaster, but he never declared it?
Azad: I and Soz sahib (Saif-u-Din Soz) and my party are very clear that we are not going to accept anything short of national calamity. We are not going to accept Rs 70,000 for reconstruction of the houses. This amount is peanuts for a person who has lost the house worth Rs 1 crore. We suggest that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should lead an All Party Delegation to Delhi. We don’t mind joining him. We have to collectively plead the case of our people. Some people wanted to distribute cheques of Rs 70,000 among the people whose houses have been completely damaged but I asked my people not to allow locals to take these cheques. We cannot expect Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 formula. We have to ensure that farmers, businessmen and others who have suffered huge losses get adequate compensation. If these floods are not declared as national disaster, I would take up this issue in the parliament. The devastation caused by floods is huge and it has to be compensated. I want that state government should come forward and make it clear that it won’t accept anything less than a national disaster. If we accept this formula of Rs 40,000 or Rs 70,000, they won’t declare it as national disaster.
Impression is being created that the Centre wants to take the charge of the relief and rehabilitation operations in J&K, keeping the state government at a distance. Do you think it would be feasible?
Azad: It is not desirable. I don’t mind involving all other political parties also. No politics should be played over this catastrophe and distributing the relief material. There should be no partisan approach. Government of India should not get involved in the politics of who gets credit for it. When we were in the power we faced many disasters but we always allowed state government to carry forward the relief and rehabilitation operations.
Do you think Assembly elections should be postponed?
Azad: I believe elections can be held on time. Polls were slated to be held in November or December. There is still one and a half month to go. The real rehabilitation is not going to be a one day job. It would take place after winter is over. There are no labourers available in Kashmir at present. Postponing elections won’t serve any purpose. Rehabilitation work should be carried out by the elected government. Imposing Governor’s rule can worsen the situation and politics would be played over the relief distribution. People won’t work and they would hide behind the excuses. It would be complete misrule. I personally feel that elections should be held on time to avoid chaos and confusion.
There are apprehensions that epidemic may break out in flood hit Kashmir. Are you satisfied with the measures being taken to deal with any such eventuality?
Azad: I had cautioned union health ministry about the possibility of epidemic breaking out after floods. I had told them that we have to be prepared. At present lot of NGOs and doctors are coming from other parts of the country and are providing the medical aid. I had called the State’s health minister Taj Mohiuddin. He assured me that by Monday top hospitals in the city would be made functional. We have got enough medicines and doctors and I hope situation won’t take an ugly turn.
Do you support the idea of international aid reaching Jammu and Kashmir to benefit the flood affected people here?
Azad: If somebody is supporting us, what is the problem.
Government of India is not inclined to take the help of international organizations…?
Azad: As long as we are competent enough there is no problem. At present we have no dearth of doctors or medicines. Drugs being provided to people are coming from quality companies.
What about getting international aid for reconstruction as JK’s infrastructure has suffered huge damage in the floods?
Azad: For reconstruction state government and centre government should sit together. In this backdrop I was saying that concerned officials should have been on the field to assess the situation so that case for any sort of the aid is build up. The first priority should be the assessment. Officials should ensure that they carry out a thorough survey and it should not be a halfhearted effort. From top to bottom everyone should be on the job.
Don’t you think we should fix responsibility for this devastation?
Azad: When we say devastation, all of us are responsible for it. When I was a student, I remember that entire area from Barzulla onwards to Hajj house till University of Kashmir were all low-lying areas which were meant for water to flow and were water bodies. Now we see houses everywhere. This time whatever came in water’s way, it washed it off. I have seen entire south Kashmir where all the river beds and flood channels are full of trees as people want to make money by selling them. There are trees and houses in water bodies. Where will the water go? We can’t blame one particular person or a particular government for the devastation caused by the floods. All of us are equally responsible. We should learn a lesson from this catastrophe. We have to draft a new flood control master plan for entire Kashmir as water came from south Kashmir and reached Sopore in north Kashmir.
In 2010 J&K Government had sought assistance from Centre for the infrastructure to prevent floods from submerging Kashmir? In fact state had sent a detailed report to the centre but no one responded. What is your take on this?
Azad: By sending a report you don’t get any work done. Whenever you send any report you have to follow it up. Unfortunately Jammu and Kashmir never follows any of its report or proposal. We say that we have sent the report to Government of India and our job is done, but that is not the case. If one has to get work done, somebody has to sit there and ensure that GOI takes note of it. Even if Centre would have acted on the proposal, it would not have saved Srinagar as water came from south Kashmir. Six rivers flow in south and central Kashmir. As I said we need a flood control master plan to deal with the situation.
You said Rs 70,000 is not acceptable. If GOI doesn’t declare it as national calamity, then what happens?
Azad: We will fight for it. The amount should be realistic. People whose houses have collapsed should be given Rs 5 lakhs at least. We hope GOI realizes the intensity of the catastrophe and helps people to rebuild their shattered homes.
Lal Chowk, the commercial hub of Kashmir, is completely devastated. Do you think special package should be announced for the businessmen?
Azad: It’s a cause of worry. It’s not Lal Chowk only. All the commercial centres from Lal Chowk to Anantnag have suffered huge losses. You can see heaps of material. People think that it’s something which has come out of streets. It’s not the case. When shopkeepers opened their shops, they found their entire merchandize turned into muck. They have lost everything. All bazaars are ruined.
What about the bank loans which people have taken?
Azad: I think there should be a moratorium for at least two years and people should be allowed to settle down. I will personally take up the matter with the finance minister and see what best can be done. On the other hand insurance companies should rise to the occasion and settle the claims of the people forthwith.
Any message for the people?
Azad: I want to salute the people of Jammu and Kashmir especially the people from Chenab Valley who left no stone unturned to reach out to the flood hit victims of Kashmir. NGOs played a vital role and did whatever they could. I salute the young boys of Kashmir for being on the forefront and rescuing the marooned people. They rescued more than 80 percent of the population and saved precious lives. They used every possible thing which could float on the water. Young boys of Srinagar are so innovative that I too have learnt a lot of things from them. They have proved that they have huge potential and if their energy is used in proper way, they can bring a revolution.

How do you feel about your successful series in India?
There is a unique thrill and passion involved in Pakistan-India matches. I am proud of how I did there. I enjoy playing against India, and every time I have played them, at the Under-17 or U-19 level or for the national team, I have scored runs.
All your three hundreds have come against India, and most of your runs too.
Playing against India is very important, not only for a player but also for fans. The one who performs well against them is an unforgettable hero. The Indian crowds are very supportive towards their team. They clap hard, shout hard, hoot a lot, and sometimes become hostile towards the opposition. Every single voice within the stadium is against you. That increases the pressure on you. The only way to be heard in such a crowd is to overwhelm them with your performance.
I talked to myself, kept my nerves calm and waited for my turn to perform. I enjoyed that. I really wanted them to be quiet and feel the pressure I did on the field.
You spent nearly three years away from the national team after an impressive start to your international career. Why did it take so long to come back?
I was distracted and lacked a basic awareness of cricket. I was a raw cricketer. I was a talented batsman but my goals were all blurred. I was immature, didn't know the tactics of playing according to the conditions, didn't know how to tackle scoreboard pressure, and I struggled to convert fifties into hundreds. I did manage to play international cricket in 2008 but didn't improve, so I was pushed back into the wilderness.
I regret not keeping myself in the best shape. Had I maintained myself earlier, those years might not have been wasted. Perhaps I wasn't serious about my cricket and life was moving ahead unplanned.
But I think there may have been some good to it. Since I wasn't settled three years ago, it brought the best out of me. It took time, but I am now an improved batsman, and the process of learning never stops.
I worked hard, especially on my fitness, and now I am more consistent with the bat. I have grown a lot more mature than before and now have an assured place in the side. I can't afford to be complacent anymore since I am in a situation where teams will have done their homework on me. I have to think ahead and give them nothing.
How do you maintain your fitness when you are not playing?
Cricket is my life and my ultimate priority right now. When I return from any tour, I spend a day or two with family and then head to the academy to start my demanding routine, just like any office-going person starts his day in the morning and returns home in the evening. I am here all day, practising and training under the specialist trainer and coaches. I do enjoy stuff outside cricket, like socialising with friends, but most of my friends are also cricketers, so in every way I end up with cricket.
Who were the people who helped you build your career?
My brother Yasir and a friend, Kashif Siddiq. Choosing cricket as a career isn't a straightforward business in Pakistan, but seeing my infatuation with the game, my brother chose it for me. He would take me to the ground when I was about ten or 11. I was never allowed to watch TV, because he thought it might affect my eyesight. He developed a strict routine for me. I had to sleep around 9pm, because we had to get up early for a morning practice session at the Muslim Model School's nets at Minto Park. In the afternoon, I went to the Ludhiana cricket club.
Your parents emigrated to the US when you were young. Why did you choose to stay back?
It's mainly because I don't like it there. I have a lot of friends and I love spending time with them. I had limited social contacts and friends in the US. Apart from that, I have a future in cricket in Pakistan. When I was in the US in 2006, I got a call from the PCB about my selection for the U-19 World Cup. Things started to turn my way so quickly in cricket that I never gave a thought to returning to my parents. I live here in Lahore with my sister and my brother mostly.
You haven't batted outside the subcontinent so far. Do you think the real test for you will be the upcoming tour to South Africa?
There is a big gap between an average player and a world-class player. A world-class player can adapt himself to any condition within no time. I haven't played outside the subcontinent so far in my career, so I am yet to face a tough bowler. The South Africa series, without a doubt, will be my first real test. I am prepared to face the world-class bowlers in their backyard. They are the No. 1 team, have the best fast bowlers, and I am desperate to face them.
After success in limited-overs cricket, do you think you are ready for Test cricket?
Test cricket is what every player dreams about. I have done well in limited-overs cricket so far, and I'm ready for the Test challenge. As a batsman, adapting to a lengthy format isn't a big thing. I have all the strokes and am working on my defence to make it more sound. Test cricket requires a lot of mental strength and fitness. I can't claim to have achieved these but I am improving.
In India, where conditions are never easy, my target was to stay at the crease throughout the 50 overs. It tested my temperament and fitness, but when you have settled, you start enjoying it. Now I can easily shift gears to Test cricket.
Pakistan's opening slots have been unsettled since Saeed Anwar and Aamer Sohail retired. Do you think you can serve Pakistan for long in that role?
I don't rate myself that high at the moment. There is plenty to learn and it's an ongoing process. I know people have started comparing me to some former great batsmen, but they have to be patient and give me some time. To be compared with the likes of Saeed Anwar and Aamer Sohail is huge. It takes time to reach that level. I have just reclaimed my place in the side and want to concentrate on strengthening my position.
I have played with various openers, but we are yet to find a permanent one in all forms of the game. But whether it's Ahmed Shahzad, Kamran Akmal or Mohammad Hafeez, I am comfortable with all of them. We have opened at the domestic level. What is important is to know your plan. As an opener my role is clear: to score runs. The objective is to help my team, and the style is to play hard.
People say you are a safe batsman at the top, and one with sound technique when compared to most batsmen at the domestic level. How do you see yourself?
I have learnt the value of my wicket and I am afraid of losing it. You might have observed that I normally don't walk down the track for runs. Instead, I play my shots while standing inside the crease.
It didn't come naturally. I mastered it to reduce my chances of getting out. If you walk down the track, you give the bowler a chance to get you out. It can sometimes help to unsettle a bowler's line and length, but you could also get trapped. So as an opener, I think I have all the control to execute my shots by manipulating myself within the crease.

As Kashmir students increasingly drive to social networking Fiza Farooq, third position holder in Class 10th from Prime Public School while sharing some lighter moments with Muhammad Kamran Shamshad says 'Facebook is a wastage of time'.

How do you feel securing third rank in matriculation?
I am in a state of bliss right now. I was extremely overwhelmed when I heard that I have secured third position in the Valley. Though I was expecting any of the first five positions, but was sure of getting fourth or fifth. So when I heard I have secured the third position, it felt like a pleasant surprise and beyond words.
To whom do you attribute your success?
First of all, it is by the grace of Almighty Allah and then it is definitely my parents and maternal and paternal relatives who encouraged me at all levels and prayed for my success all the time. At the same time, I cannot forget the efforts of my teachers who helped me to materialize my dream.
Do you believe in luck? Do you think luck has got a role to play in your success?
No. I think its dedication plus hard work. And I would say, it is 99 per cent dedication and only one per cent hard work.
What was your studying schedule?
Initially, it was six hours but later, in the last two months, I stretched it to 10 hours a day. But I make sure that I get 6-hour sleep daily.
Tell us briefly about how you used to spend your day?
I would start my day by offering morning prayers. As mind is fresh at that hour, I recapitulated previous day's work and then go for the tuition and school respectively. After coming back, I would take rest exactly for an hour. In that hour, I would do some painting, watch cricket even if it is a repeat telecast. And then go back to studies only to get up to offer Nimaz, have snacks and dinner.
What is your ambition in life?
I want to become a gynecologist so that I contribute towards the welfare of females of our society.
Is it your own choice or you want to take up medical profession just because your parents want it?
No. it is categorically my own choice. My family especially my maternal uncles encourage me to do whatever I aspire to be and not to do anything which I don’t want. Also, I don’t think that I can do justice with anything I don’t want to do.
So tell us something about your family background?
I belong to a middle class family. My parents work in the department of Health.
Do you have any role model in life?
Yes. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is my role model. He stressed on the importance of education that is beneficial for this world as well as the world hereafter. The first verse revealed to Him was “Iqra” which means “read.” And He (PBUH) gave us moral education which we see lacking in today’s world.
How do you view the education system in the Valley?
I don’t see any problem with the education system. When students get below average marks, they start blaming the system. It actually depends on how dedicated you are.
Did you go for private tuition?
Yes I used to go to private tuition. And that helped me to some extent. Private tuition, along with my school, definitely contributed towards my success.
Since you were already enrolled in a private school, why did you feel the need to go to private tuition?
Since there is so much competition around, you have to be many steps ahead of your batchmates. So both private schools and private tuition together help you to be the best.
Had you been studying in a government school, do you think you would have secured the same rank?
Of course I would have secured the same rank. In my opinion, it hardly matters where you study. The only thing is how dedicated and hard working you are.
Which school do you want to join now?
I would like to join a government school and prove my mettle there also.
What are your extra-curricular activities?
I like contemporary painting and watching cricket which helps me to take some respite from my long studying schedule.
Do you have a personal mobile and Facebook account?
No I don’t have any of the two. As of now, I don’t need any mobile phone. And about the Facebook, I think it is nothing but a wastage of time.
What else do you read other than your academic books?
I read newspapers and magazines to keep myself updated.
What message would you like to give to youngsters?
I would like to tell them to put their best efforts into academics and be committed to their studies. And for those who scored less in examination, I want to tell them nothing is impossible, you can reach the sky by dint of grit and determination.
-KDNN

Srinagar: United Jihad Council Chairman and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen supremo, Syed Salah-ud-Din, Wednesday termed reports that Kashmir issue will be frozen for next ten years, baseless and media speculations.
In a telephonic interview, Salah-ud-Din said, “It is baseless and mere speculation. It might suit Indian interests, but Pakistan can’t even think about it. Such rumors are being spread to see what will be the response of Kashmiris. We can’t freeze Kashmir issue even for a fraction of second.”
On Pakistan ’s invitation to Hurriyat Conference, he said, “There is no harm if Hurriyat leadership comes here as Pakistan is one of the basic party of the dispute. But talks shouldn’t be for the sake of talks. If talks are held on core issue of Kashmir and it is tripartite and in the background of UN resolutions, there is no harm.”
Asked if such an invitation comes from New Delhi, what should be separatist leaderships response, the UJC Chief said, “Government of India doesn’t accept ground realities of Kashmir while as Pakistan’s stand is that Kashmir is a dispute between the three parties to be resolved in accordance with wishes and aspirations of its people. It is international resolution. If India accepts it also, then there is no problem in entering into a dialogue with India.”
“But India and its seven lakh troops are doing human rights violations in Kashmir and has occupied Kashmir. On one hand you will occupy Kashmir by force, term Kashmir as integral part and on the other you will invite for a dialogue, it is a mismatch. There is no fun to enter in such a process,” he said.
On Pakistan stand of granting Most Favored Nation status to India, the UJC Chairman said, “It is all for international and public consumption. Manmohan Singh and Raza Gilani Sahib praise each other and term each other peace loving. It won’t change the ground reality. Core issue is Kashmir. In last 65 years, three wars have been fought on Kashmir and fourth is on cards if Kashmir isn’t solved. By trading onions and potatoes, Kashmir can’t be solved.”
“In the times of (Pandit Jawahar Lal) Nehru and President Ayub and later in the times of Atal Behari Vajpayee and President Mushraf such talks were being held. Meetings and photo sessions were held without yielding any results,” Salah-ud-Din added.
Asked whether there was any possibility of Hurriyat leaders entering in track II diplomacy mission, Salah-ud-Din said, “I don’t think so. If respected Geelani sahib or other Hurriyat leaders will represent aspirations of Kashmiris in any forum of the world, it is need of the hour and there is no harm in it. But track II exercises have yielded nothing till now. Track II diplomats are trying to bring India and Pakistan closer. But till core issue of Kashmir isn’t addressed, it is never possible.”
On strategy of militants in the dialogue process, the UJC chairman said,“Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq everywhere occupational forces vacated only because of armed struggle. In J&K, a coordinated, united political and armed struggle is inevitable. We have said it in past and I say it now. Ground situation is in our favour. For complete withdrawal of Indian troops from J&K, there is need for a statewide armed struggle. Also there is need for statewide political struggle.”
Asked to comment about disunity between separatist leadership, he said, “We have been trying to bring the Hurriyat forum under one platform. Because of the policy of Musharaf regime, the Hurriyat got divided. But now everybody says that unity is inevitable. There is no dispute now. Atleast now there is a change. Both the forums have stopped issuing statements against each other. It is a welcome step.”
“Government of India is afraid of unity between separatist leadership and its agencies are working overtime to keep the leadership divided. That day isn’t far when the leadership will again unite,” he alleged.
Asked whether efforts were on to unite the Hurriyat, he said, “My direct and indirect efforts are to make the Hurriyat united.”
Asked whether Hurriyat leaderships visit to Pakistan would make any headway in uniting two Hurriyats, the Hizb supermo said, “Pakistan is basic party to Kashmir dispute. If they invite separatist leadership, they should come and make aware the Pakistani leadership about the gravity of Kashmir issue. Their visit will be beneficial as consensus will be developed.”
The UJC chief said that there was no scope for unilateral ceasefire from their side, “Not one or two, hundreds of efforts have been made in the past. But talks have yielded nothing. Till root cause isn’t addressed, no crisis can end.
We were neither against talks in past nor will be in future. But we don’t have faith on such meaningless dialogue process. It is an endless futile exercise,” he told said.
Asked to comment on government’s recent statement that militancy has declined by 50 percent, he said, “When we started armed struggle we didn’t announce that we will confront Indian troops face to face, but will engage them in guerilla war. Our fight is a long drawn battle. Sometimes it is in hibernation period. After 9/11 and present world scenario, we have changed our strategy. After 2008, 2009 and 2010 when people came on roads everywhere in Kashmir, we announced to shift the armed actions towards borders only so that army will not fire on civilians in the garb of fighting militants.”
“Our whole attention is towards borders and we have decided not to carry any actions in populated areas. But tomorrow if we feel there is need to confront the troops anywhere, we will not hesitate,” he added.

In an exclusive interview with The Vox Kashmir, Pro-freedom leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani talked about the walk out from ‘The News Hour’ hosted by Arnab Goswami Editor-in-Chief, Times Now. Geelani said he (Arnab Goswami) was provoking me to say something in a rush that might give him any single chance to tighten my neck regarding these false claims which he wants to thrust on me.
TVK: Was it the right decision to walkout from Times Now show? Arnab Goswani said you don’t want to face questions about your Lashkar e Toiba (LeT) links?
SAS Geelani: Let me tell you that Arnab Goswami was not behaving like a professional journalist. He was provoking me to say something in a rush that might give him any single chance to tighten my neck regarding these false claims which he wanted to thrust on me. But I didn’t do any such thing. He was posing the same questions many a times. He behaved like activist in the show who was speaking on the behalf of government, with his angry accent of asking me these questions made it all clear. Mr Arnab also tried every attempt to create confusion among the audience. He tried to thrust his views upon me but he failed in doing so, still I answered his questions patiently. But when he started to pose same question over and over again trying to malign in a way, my family members couldn’t control their emotions and then I walked out from the show. I had answered all his questions in a proper way and sitting there and listening to his false claims was not what felt to me resulting in my walkout from his show. That show was a preplanned conspiracy against me.
TVK: Arnab said that you, Syed Ali Shah Geelani recommended the Lashkar e Toiba (LeT) terrorists for Visa to Pakistan who were planning blasts in Delhi? How do you react to his claims?
SAS Geelani: Look, we all know that half the Kashmiri’s are now residing in Pakistan after partition or during the insurgency in early 90’s. They crossed over to other part of the Line of Control (LoC) and many of them now want to see their beloved ones and family members. Hurriyat or Syed Ali Shah Geelani is not that person who will not allow anyhow these persons to meet their family members. We only recommend the people for visa but passport is issued by the government, so how can they blame me for this. Passport is issued after the proper verification by security agencies, and then I give a Visa letter to the person but only when he is given a green signal from the Indian authorities. Now how can they allege me of giving a visa letter to a militant? It is a sheer conspiracy against me to defame my personality among the masses either in Kashmir or outside Kashmir which they are now doing from decades but have failed till now.
TVK: Media reports say that you may be questioned for LeT links by Delhi police? Your views on this?
SAS Geelani: It is not a new thing for me and I am ready for questioning by any of the Indian agencies whenever they want me to. I have proved them wrong many a times.
TVK: During the past, many Kashmiri students were linked with some militant outfits and charged with many false cases but then some were later released and some are still behind the bars? Now as thousands of Kashmiri students are studying outside Kashmir do you think that Kashmiri’s are Safe outside the state?
SAS Geelani: [laughs] It is an admitted fact that a common Kashmiri has never been nor will be safe in India. You see yourself; students get attacked in many places across India. Actually they think these are those people who are against our country and the other reason for this harassment of Kashmiri students outside Kashmir is the ideology made by the government and its agencies against Kashmir which makes every Kashmiri feel insecure in India. Yes, many of innocent Kashmiri students, businessman and even tourists have been booked behind bars with false claims from past few decades and they are still doing it. Police raids are being domain place where Kashmir’s are living in large numbers. They harass Kashmiris as they suspect them anti-Indians and militants and I condemn that. The Indian media which I openly say is the cheapest media particularly the electronic media is portraying such an image of Kashmiri that every other person thinks us like second Osama Bin Laden. But my dear innocent Kashmiri brothers and students residing outside Kashmir should not succumb to these false claims and conspiracies. We all are witness to the two young persons from Lal Bal namely Mirza Iftikhar and Mirza Nissar who were arrested in 1996 regarding Lajpat Nagar blast. They were innocent but still spent their half-life in Tihar Jail and when they were released in early 2011 the Supreme Court and the government of India apologized them and said a mere “Sorry”. What can a sorry do to them now? Their career is ruined and they now want to do same to the other Kashmiri people outside valley.
TVK: Recently a news report was published about Hurriyat (G) that you are engaged in talks with Government of India. What you have to say about that news story?
SAS Geelani: I totally deny that news report. It was baseless and a story which was done by that person who has vast experience in the field of journalism made me disappointed. Some stories are planted and the main motto behind these stories is to defame the Kashmir cause and Hurriyat leaders in public. Whatever I have done or said was always publicly and if people now don’t understand that the man who is fighting against injustice and illegal oppression from past 55 years is honest. Then when will they? Is it then, when I will be in grave and then they will come to my grave to say that now we trust you?
TVK: Why did you meet BJP leader Ram Jethmalani and actor turned politician Shaturgan Sinha who is against the separatist leadership in Valley?
SAS Geelani: Our many political prisoners are languishing in different jails of country. It was a small private function where I talked about the prisoners including Dr. Qasim Fakthoo, husband of Dukhtar e Milat’s patron Syed Asyia Andrabi. Earlier their families have requested to these lawyers that they should take their cases. So what is wrong in meeting these people who can take the cases of political prisoners? And talking about Shaturgan Sinha, I still don’t know who that person is. I don’t know why media gave such hype to that incident. It was just a coincidence that a person came to me and had a hand shake and left. After that I came to know that he was Shaturgan Sinha.
TVK: Dr. Farooq Abdullah recently said that Afzal Guru should be hanged? What is your take on that?
SAS Geelani: It is nothing new from Dr. Farooq Abdullah. He is giving such statements from long time. He is the man who said during early 90′s that don’t bring people into the jails. Shoot them on spot. So how can you expect any positive statement from this man? But still one thing related to Afzal Guru is that he didn’t get fair trial in the court and he was not involved physically in this attack and he has every right to justify himself.
TVK: The government authorities also blame that you provoke public particularly youth to instigate violence in Valley? How do you react to it?
SAS Geelani: I have never been the sponsor of violence in Kashmir; in fact our movement is peaceful and will always remain peaceful. I can recall an incident back in 90’s which I have also penned down in one of my books titled “Maqtal sey Waapsi” which I wrote when coming back from Ranchi Jail. It clearly mentions that during a funeral procession of some civilians, who were burned to death, a person was chanting slogans in Iqbal Market Sopore against Indian Constitution and I myself felt that this particular slogan didn’t carry the message which we wanted to convey. The slogan was “Aag lagado, Aag lagado. Bharat ke aivanon mein” (Burn down the Constitution houses of India). I stopped that youth and others also not to say these slogans and this incident is dated back to early 90’s when militancy was at its peak. This shows how peaceful our movement is and do I instigate violence or not.
TVK: In that particular interview Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwary asked you about the high voter turnout in previous elections irrespective of boycott call by Hurriyat (G)? Where do you rate his statement?
SAS Geelani: Common people back in Kashmir have voted for Bijli, Pani and Sadak. But they don’t understand that it hampers the cause of Kashmir dispute. The people have also voted under the barrel of guns but government of India linked every election with Kashmir dispute and wanted to show the international community that people of Kashmir are with them which is not true in any sense.
TVK: Are you giving any boycott call for municipal elections which are going to be conducted in April this year?
SAS Geelani: I am coming to Valley on March 10 then I will be able to say something about this. We will have a joint meet regarding this matter to discuss the further course.
TVK: Has Indian government ever approached you to compromise over Kashmir issue?
SAS Geelani: Yes of course, they have tried it many times. They wanted to corrupt me but always failed to shake my faith. During 2003 elections then IB Chief Avinash approached me on 24th April and asked me to moderate my thoughts regarding India but I clearly objected. Before leaving he said that he was unable to convince me and after few weeks when I said the same thing at a gathering in public they arrested me and my family members including Iftikar Geelani (A well-known Journalist from valley). There are many occasions when they tried to buy me but how can we forget our 6 lakh martyrs who laid their lives for the same Kashmir cause.
TVK: Hurriyat (G) is not strong at grass root levels in Kashmir Valley. Any particular reason behind this?
SAS Geelani: As, you know hundreds of Hurriyat workers are languishing in jails and I myself was house arrested for a long time. I was not even allowed to participate in funeral of daughter’s father-in-law in Sopore and I was not even allowed to attend my grand daughter’s Nikkah. I was stopped many times to address the public gatherings at many places so this is the main reason that Hurriyat is weak in some far flung areas. Every Kashmiri does support the Kashmir cause but these areas are under the cover of arms day and night and this is also a big reason that they can’t show their support for us. But it is not so weak, we have committees working on district levels and they are working day and night to raise the standard of Hurriyat at grass root level throughout Kashmir.
TVK: In future will you participate in any dialogue regarding Kashmir issue?
SAS Geelani: There has been almost 155 dialogue processes in the past on Kashmir issue but we all know what has happened till now. It was back in 1948 when UN passed a resolution regarding Kashmir issue and India accepted Kashmir being a disputed territory. They even promised every single Kashmiri citizen for right to self-determination but on the ground reality they have failed to fulfill their promises. They should fulfill their promises regarding Kashmir which include “Right to self-determination”. And this is all we want from India.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani is known for his unflinching resolve. For years, people followed him for this fact. In the recent past, Geelani locked horns with the local Shariah court and condemned the banishing of four pastors from the valley. In Delhi, acknowledging his support to the minority Christian community, he ensures that no harm should be caused to the community. Before this interview, he was in conversation with the Christian Priest Father Samuels.
SAS Geelani (to the priest): As long as we’re there, there’ll be no harm to our brothers of the Christian faith by our community. But we are ourselves not safe under the Indian occupation, so how can we guarantee safety to others. But you can come to Kashmir any time, you’re most welcome.
Priest: A word from you is really a great support for us.
SAS Geelani: We’ll support you, not only to please you, but it’s our duty too. I’ve a gift for you - The Holy Quran.
Kashmir Currents editor Samreen Mushtaq talks to Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Gilani about his diplomatic mission at his Maliviya Nagar residence, Delhi.
SM: When you left for Delhi in December, you said you’d try to meet the diplomats of several countries and also reach out to the Indian people. What has been the progress of this political visit?
SAS Geelani: Efforts are going on. I first met people at Pakistan Embassy, the Ambassador of Pakistan and the Director of Kashmir Affairs. I made them aware of the current situation in J&K. Next I met a BJP leader, Dr. Jain. He’d come to Kashmir in 2008 with a deputation, that’s how we got acquainted. When I came here, I heard he was ill. So, I went to see him. I also met Ram Jethmalani, who’s the Chairman of Kashmir Committee, though the government hasn’t recognized it.
SM: Why did you meet Ram Jethmalani even when BJP has always been repulsive of Kashmiri separatist leadership, especially you?
SAS Geelani: Ram Jethmalani had invited me to a private function. It had nothing to do with the government or BJP. It was a gathering of 30-40 people, who were all retired officials and bureaucrats. There I spoke like I do in Srinagar, stressing that Kashmir is a disputed territory and we’ll continue our struggle till we get our Right to Self-Determination.
Our policy is that we won’t meet any officials or representatives appointed by the government directly because it serves no purpose as long as India continues to call Kashmir its ‘integral part’ and refuses to accept our five points. That’s why we even refuse to meet the interlocutors.
SM: Being well aware of India’s age old insincere stand on Kashmir dispute, do you think such a mission of yours will prepare ground for a meaningful dialogue?
SAS Geelani: No, this kind of activity has only one goal - to create awareness among common people regarding Kashmir. Like when I went to see Dr. Jain at his house, I narrated to his family the sorrowful tales of Kashmir and the kind of torture we go through. They couldn’t stop their tears. This is how the common people get to know the reality; otherwise the Indian media always distorts the facts or doesn’t mention Kashmir at all. Even the mainstream leaders from Kashmir who come here spend their time enjoying and drinking rather than informing people about the reality of Kashmir. Because all they care about is to stay in power. So the responsibility of creating awareness comes to people who’re true to Kashmir cause and want it to be solved as per the wishes and aspirations of its’people.
SM: What’s your take on the work of interlocutors?
SAS Geelani: No doubt, the appointment and work of interlocutors was much hyped. But look at their weakness; they haven’t even made the report public yet. They are only concerned about making the Government of India happy by making recommendations that suit them. They haven’t addressed the real issues.
SM: Muslim League Jammu Kashmir detached itself from your political activities in Delhi. What do you have to say about it?
SAS Geelani: Muslim League is a part of our forum. We’ve made it a policy that whenever we get a chance to put across our point in a gathering of common people which isn’t sponsored by the government and where government agencies are not present, we should talk there. We’ve just gone ahead as per our policy, there have been no deviations.
SM: Few days ago, Pakistan’s Kashmir Affairs Minister Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo was quoted as saying, “We’ve no issues if Kashmir wants to stay with India”. How would you comment on that?
SAS Geelani: Well, it’s his personal view. It’s not the policy of the Government of Pakistan. When Pakistan observed the Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5, they made it clear without any ambiguity that they’ll support the Kashmiris’ demand for Right to Self-Determination morally, diplomatically and politically.
SM: But don’t you think Pakistan is not as enthusiastic about Kashmir now as it used to be?
SAS Geelani: The solution to Kashmir issue holds as much significance for Pakistan as it has for us. But they’re held back by their own limitations - they’re under America’s pressure and the unconditional surrender agreed upon by Musharraf after 9/11 has been responsible for all the damages and difficulties Pakistan is facing. It is because of his wrong decisions that the whole nation of Pakistan is suffering!
But the most important thing for us is to have faith in Almighty and also, our people should show unity for the cause and support for resistance. Allah will help us then.
SM: In 2010, every killing was followed by a shutdown call by Hurriyat (G), then why didn’t it happen in case of the Sopore teenager killed by Army a few days ago?
SAS Geelani: Because there had already been a shutdown on February 7th following our call and on February 11th because of Maqbool (Butt) Sahab. So we couldn’t extend it to another day. We’ve to think of people’s convenience too.
SM: But in 2010, there used to be hartals for days together. Didn’t the same thing apply then?
SAS Geelani: In 2010, there was a completely different situation. There were killings every day. Even the funeral processions of martyrs were fired at. So, it was different altogether.
SM: Will you ever engage in any dialogue with India without Pakistan’s participation?
SAS Geelani: We’ve made our stand clear enough - we aren’t going to engage in any dialogue with India unless it accepts our five points. We aren’t against dialogue, dialogue is a process of solving issues; violence only creates more problems. But a dialogue can be successful only when the right issues are addressed and realities accepted. And the reality is that J&K is a disputed territory. It’s neither a part of Indian or Pakistan till the same is decided by the people of J&K.
SM: Is there any chance of unification of Hurriyat factions?
SAS Geelani: Not really! We continued to work under the same forum for 10 years despite facing many hardships and tolerating much criticism. But then we had some ideological differences. When there were some deviations from the constitution, we realised that in order to safeguard it and prevent the sacrifices from going waste, we would have to follow our constitution in letter and spirit. That’s why we turned separate ways.

Srinagar: United Jihad Council Chairman and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen supermo, Syed Salah-ud-Din, Tuesday, appealed the people to boycott the ensuing municipal polls stating elections can have negative impact on ‘freedom movement.’
In an exclusive telephonic interview with KNS, he said, “For the sake of movement, I appeal people to boycott these elections, as India and its puppet regime exploit it. But this is my personal opinion. I am chairman of a forum (UJC) and we haven’t discussed it yet. I’ll give my final comment on it next time.”
The UJC chairman endorsed separatist leaderships recent statements about taking up day-to-day issues of people. “Leadership must talk about these issues. India isn’t giving any charity to Kashmiris. It is importing electricity worth billions from Kashmir and people in the Valley are reeling under darkness. India is looting resources of our state. It is a good decision. They (Hurriyat leaders) must take up day-to-day issues of people,” he told KNS.
About phase wise hartal in Kashmir which he had proposed in 2010, Salah-ud-Din, said, “85 percent people in Kashmir are dependent on daily earnings. To keep movement alive, we have to keep our weaknesses in front of us and ensure that people don’t suffer. Our patients shouldn’t suffer for medicines, kids for milk. To sustain the movement there is a need for wise decisions.”
Asked to comment on Union Home Minister P Chidambaram’s recent offer to separatist leadership, he said, “In last 60 years 150 rounds of talks have been held. India was neither sincere in past nor is today. Offer of talks is just to dilute the movement. On one side its troops are violating human rights in Kashmir and on second they are making offer of talks.”
“Unless India won’t accept historical facts and solves Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions, talks are futile,” he asserted.
On the role of gun been marginalized in the present world scenario, he differed saying, “Fact is that role of gun is increasing day by day. Example is Iraq and Afghanistan. NATO has accepted defeat in Iraq. Who forced NATO out of Iraq? Not talks but mujahideen.”
“There is no comparison between NATO and India. NATO is world’s biggest power. But now they are pleading before Pakistan to allow their safe exit from Afghanistan. Give me one example in world where occupation has ended without gun. Gun has an important role in freedom struggles. Occupation only ends by armed struggles,” the UJC chairman claimed.
“It is true that after 9/11, world powers launched an assault against freedom movements’ world over. NATO and US forces launched an assault on the borders of Pakistan,” he added.
The Hizb supermo warned of increased attacks in Kashmir in future. “J&K will be freed soon. In 2008, 2009 and 2010 lakhs of Kashmiris came on streets demanding freedom. That time UJC decided to halt its actions in inhibited places so that Indian troops won’t get an excuse to fire on unarmed protesters. We said we will attack in border areas only where we have been taking on troops always,” he told KNS.
“Decisive phase of movement has come when we have to carry attacks in streets of Kashmir. Our infrastructure is intact and we can carry attacks wherever we like,” the UJC chairman warned.
Asked whether that means attacks would increase in coming months, he declined to comment. “I can’t comment on it as it is against policy.”
On recent attacks in civilian areas, he said, “Outside UJC who are carrying such attacks we don’t have any information. UJC’s strategy is that no attacks would be carried where civilians will suffer. Our policy is to carry attacks against Indian targets like Army and intelligence.”
“UJC’s unanimous decision is that no civilian should be targeted,” he claimed.

Srinagar: Syed Ali Shah Geelani has robustly allayed speculation he plans to retire from active duty as Kashmir’s arch secessionist and said the idea of naming a successor to man, the separatist front hasn’t yet occurred to him.
“The Almighty has blessed me with good health and there will be no let-up in my struggle to liberate our people from Indian imperialism,” Geelani, 82 and ailing, told The Telegraph in an exclusive hour-long conversation at his Hyderpora residence on the outskirts of town.
He added, a touch wistfully, that he can’t see his dream being fulfilled anytime in the near future and he could well not live to see the day.
“I may not be around to see Kashmir free, but the cause and the movement will live,” he said. “I cannot put a time-line on how long, but I can tell you the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will become reality one day because it is just aspiration.”
Geelani was preparing to leave for his north Kashmir pocketborough of Sopore, permission for which had been granted for the first time after month-long restrictions during Ramazan. A police guard stood outside his gateway monitoring entry and exit, and not far, stood an unmarked vehicle which was probably detailed as shadow on his movements.
“I think I have set some sort of record for the number of jummas (Fridays, the Muslim Sabbath) I have spent under house arrest courtesy the Government of India, more than a hundred Fridays, they tell me, but keeping me in jail or housebound is not going to demoralise this movement.”
Asked who would eventually take over reins from him, Geelani sounded sanguine. “I do not know, whoever the party (Tehrik-e-Hurriyat) decides, but this is not a movement of leaders,this is a movement of the people, every Kashmiri will participate in waging the struggle against India’s forced military occupation of our homeland.
“The Indian Army cannot control Kashmir forever, your government cannot kill the sentiment for freedom with the gun.”
He appeared annoyed that the name of his son, Syed Naeem Geelani, has come up as possible successor. “All sorts of wild allegations have been made about me with regard to my son. I am not going to name or nominate any successor, you can take it from me in writing. That question is for the party to decide when the time comes.”
Naeem Geelani, a doctor by training, returned quietly late last year after more than a decade in Pakistan. The younger Geelani had allowed his Indian passport to lapse while in Pakistan and for a while the government had denied him renewal of travel documents.
However, backdoor negotiations whose content is not known, resulted in the issuance of one-way travel arrangements being granted to him. “My son’s decision to return home should be seen strictly in the personal context,” Geelani said. “Should a man furnish specific reasons for wanting to come home, is that not only natural?”
At this point, Geelani impatiently readjusted the trademark “karakul” cap on his head and gestured to the clock in his bare living room. “I must be going,” he said, “Is there anything else you wanted to ask?”
A timely tray of “kahva” (Kashmiri tea) saved the meeting an abrupt end. But Geelani was angered enough by then to fume on unilaterally. “The Indian occupation of Kashmir is a barbaric act, it must end,” he railed.
“Our people are being butchered, our youth are been arrested in droves and being sent to jails elsewhere so they can be tortured, unending curfews are imposed on us, entire generations of Kashmiris are being put to ruin, tell your people they must end this if they believe in democracy.”
At the very hint that elections have been held in Kashmir, the last few with huge voter participation, Geelani turned incensed. “These are fraudulent affairs, everybody knows that. I have contested elections myself and there came a point I realized that contesting elections was no means to a final settlement of our problem.
“Those who claim to be elected, and those that govern, both the National Conference and the PDP, are actually hands that feed the occupying forces. Elections have no meaning in a place you govern with military might.”
He did not regret forsaking elections, or a chance to govern Kashmir as elected head, he said. “What is the point of seeking election under foreign rule?” he asked. “I have no misgivings, none whatsoever, about my chosen path because the path of self-determination is the only one.”
His kahva ignored and cold in the cup, Geelani turned to defend the stone-pelters in the same breath.
“The allegation is we are violent. Have you ever seen me move around with a gun, or even a stick? The arms in Kashmir are all with your security forces. And our only means of self-defence is stones. That is not violence, that is a defence mechanism, the only one left to us, because we are not even allowed peaceful protest in this place, we are not allowed to express our will.”
That said, he motioned to an aide and got up to leave.

By: Arpit Parashar
Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from the Langate constituency in Kupwara district, Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rashid is probably the only politician in the state who does not avail of the officially security cover that is provided. He quit his job with the state government to contest Elections in 2008 as an independent candidate and won by one of the largest margins in the state; he claims this was because he refused to join any political party. On 1 September, Rashid moved a controversial resolution in the state Assembly seeking clemency for Afzal Guru, facing the gallows for his involvement in the Parliament Attack case. In an exclusive interview, Rashid tells Arpit Parashar about the resolution and the importance of the case for the people of Kashmir.


Excerpts:
Why did you move the resolution?
Simply because the right to live is the supreme human right. There is no need to hang a man who has admitted his guilt. He should be given a chance to reform.
Does your move have anything to do with the resolution passed in the Tamil Nadu assembly asking for clemency to the killers of Rajiv Gandhi?
No. I had been planning to move this resolution for many months now. My application was submitted on 29 August in the J&K Assembly, a few days before the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed its resolution. It was moved on 1 September, this is merely a coincidence.
Afzal Guru has been proven guilty and sentenced by the Supreme Court. Why do you think he should not be hanged?
I respect the law, condemn the Parliament attack and have deepest sympathies for the families of the people who were killed in that attack. However, this issue has a different emotional appeal with the people of Kashmir. Afzal Guru is viewed as someone who dedicated his life to fighting against the atrocities perpetrated by the State. People relate to the cause he took up. It is not as if they want him to escape punishment. Of course, he is guilty. Nobody is condoning violence and murder, but hanging him would send out a strong message that India will not respect the emotions of Kashmiris who took to violence because of the atrocities of the State. People feel he should be allowed to live his life and reform himself.
It is the law you respect, that has sentenced Afzal Guru to death. There is an urgent need for reform in the clause that calls for death.
It is not right to ask for killing someone for exactly the reason he is being punished - for murder. There are examples of this in so many countries. Politicians in India have spoken out on this too. If he is allowed to live, the hearts of Kashmiri people will be won. It will be a progressive step and a victory for democratic and liberal India, which is a symbol of tolerance and brotherhood.
What if Afzal Guru’s mercy petition is rejected by the President?
In a lot of ways this case will resemble the hanging of Maqbool Bhat (in 1984). At a time when we are longing for peace in Kashmir this will be another jolt. It could send out a message to the youth in Kashmir that the State is not ready to entertain any dissent against it. Innocent boys who feel helpless after witnessing the atrocities by security forces could easily be led into anti-India activities after this by anti-national forces. This needs to be taken into account, especially since the most important aspect here is that Guru is not directly involved in killing anybody; that is why there is a feeling that he should be pardoned.
Why do you think young boys could be misled by the hanging of Afzal Guru?
You see, the youth in Kashmir are already frustrated with the state of affairs. Governance has been extremely bad, there are no jobs and the police run the state like their jaagir (inheritance). This issue [Afzal Guru’s death sentence], has a nationalist appeal and is about the identity of the Kashmiri people in India; and so is fraught with serious ramifications for the state government and the Government of India.
The popular sentiment in the country is that he should be hanged. Most political parties, have been demanding that he be hanged. Do you think they will support your resolution?
I think the people of the country understand our situation but the politicians are misleading them. Just like Kashmiris understand the emotion behind the Tamil Nadu assembly’s resolution asking for clemency to the three Sri Lankans (who have been convicted for killing Rajiv Gandhi) the people there will understand too. Most Indians understand it. There is hypocrisy in what the politicians say, for some strange reason they forget their humanity when it comes to Kashmir. I fail to understand this. Then they talk about Kashmir being an atoot ang (inseparable part) of India. Why should Kashmiris be labeled anti-national for talking about something that is a supreme human right? I have not spoken to the BJP leaders but will try to do so in my state and try to convince them. I think they will understand my point.
Which political parties have you spoken to till now? Do you have support from them on your resolution?
I have met people from the PDP (People’s Democratic Party) and they have said that they will support the resolution. I am yet to speak to people from the Congress, BJP and National Conference.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently posted on Twitter about this issue. Do you think he will support the resolution?
He should. From what I know he has expressed support to such a move. His Tweet also hinted at how the civil society and the politicians in India change tones when it comes to issues concerning Kashmir. I hope he and his party support this resolution.
What about the Hurriyat leaders?
They [both moderates and separatists] have supported the call for clemency [to Afzal Guru] but then they have their own agendas. In a way they do not have any choice but to support this resolution if they want to connect to the voice of Kashmir on this issue. However, they are not elected leaders and so do not have any say [on the resolution in the Assembly].
*Arpit Parashar is a Senior Correspondent with Tehelka.com
Contact: arpit.parashar@tehelka.com

Roushan Illahi isn’t like any youth in Indian-administered Kashmir Valley. He’s special. He’s a rapper. A poet. His rhymes are as much about him as they are about the countless youth who live in Kashmir — the world’s highest militarised zone , which also has the highest suicide rate in the world.

Born in 1990, at the peak of the armed insurgency, Roushan, who calls himself MC Kash, and hails from a middle-class family says he has seen “no fancy stuff in all the little time I’ve been alive.” At 20, Roushan is a man on a mission. He sees himself “as a storyteller who walks the graveyards”. He laughs, “I am astudent who’s in love with truth. See, my father taught me three H’s - honesty, humility and hard work. That’s all I get reminded of whenever I do something.”
Roushan shot to fame in 2010 — the year where 123 people were shot in the Valley during pro-freedom demonstrations with — I Protest (Remembrance), dedicated to Kashmiris. The mellow beat peppered with gunshots betrays the angst felt by not only those who have lived to see atrocities by the Indian security forces over two decades, but also the future generations grapple with brutal state violence marred to a culture of impunity.
[youtube src="DFDrRaLcUvQ"/] In this song, Roushan makes a reference to the “sponsored media who hide this genocide”. There is also a line about the mass rape of the Kashmiri women of Kunanposhpora village in the northern district of Kupwara by a battalion of the Indian army in the early nineties. The song ends with Roushan chanting the names of  “all those martyred” in the summer of 2010.
Mostly all of Roushan’s songs depict the perils of living in a militarised society, under “occupation”. One of them goes like this, “They told me I’ll lose my dreams if I blink/Walk with my head down and get shot before I think/Kiss the soil of Kashmir and get stabbed in the back/Talk in simplicity like Gandhi and still get clapped.”
Also ‘Truth’ is a central theme in Roushan’s rhymes. In Bow to the Ground, he chants, “When truth is your weapon, you don’t have a shield. But Allah protects you and faith is all you need.”
Finally, the world can put a face to the voice and the words. Roushan’s latest video Beneath This Sky was released a couple of weeks ago. It got many hits on Facebook’s MC Kash (Official) page. Despite the recognition, Roushan remains firmly attached to his past and is able to trace its influences in his work.
[youtube src="bPiCzV7-irI"/] About his life, Roushan reveals that he has “grown up and spent my first six years in an area where the ‘Kashmiri sentiments’ run deeper than blood… where a number of mujahideen came from, where the martyrs have special graveyards (that’s the same with every locality out here in Kashmir).  I’ve seen and shivered in crackdowns, cried at funerals, inhaled tear gas too many times, got used to gun shots and blasts and you can picture the rest,” he says like one of the thousands of children who have never known peace.
The environment was not conducive and Roushan’s family decided to move out. “We shifted to another place where we practically had a house and a more ‘calm’ neighbourhood. I mean nothing happened out here. No protests. We had army all around us. It’s like one of the biggest camps here in Srinagar. In a way, I got a chance to breathe in an air that never smelled of tear gas.” Recalling the past, Roushan reflects, “I’m blessed to have been brought up by such beautiful parents. They always gave me that freedom to be what I wanted to be… to do what I wanted to do. They did their best to keep me and my brother safe”.
Inspired by the slain American rapper Tupac Shakur, Roushan was never motivated to rap. Shakur was shot when Roushan was only six years old.
For Roushan, rap happened as a way of blowing steam - a mode of expression. “I would say some pretty ugly personal experiences had me contemplating, like I needed to ‘express’ myself and the way I felt about different stuff. Then I started to rhyme. Nothing happens in one day. I was a shy guy at school, never took part in nothing, you know what I’m saying? All I know is that I needed to speak out and hip-hop was the best platform I knew.”
Roushan likes to read. He also loves to write. He elaborates, “I like to learn, most importantly.” Roushan also smokes cigars and hangs around with his friends. “Manchester United. I mean, I’m 20. I got all that you see in a twenty year old. I’m nothing different, just one thing that I stood up for my people and I know how beloved truth is to me ‘cause I have seen it inspire people,” he plainly states.
But unlike any 20-year-old, Roushan has more than one icon who motivates him and that resonates in his lyrics. “See all the Holy Prophets, they are an inspiration for me. I mean you will hear the names of Moses and John the Baptist too. I derive a lot of motivation from their stories. How, they would fight for the truth. How they believed and got through.”
Roushan wants his music to play a role - educate and inspire. He adds, “Probably all I want is to make people ‘think’. Hey! I’ve just sowed a seed. People need to sit back and watch it flourish. Insha’Allah.”
This articulate and bright youngster has his own take on the several decades-old conflict that plagues his beautiful land. The resolution, he says, is simple. “Let the Kashmiris decide. It’s our land. Our soil. No Pakistan. No India. It’s we who die. It’s we who suffer. I don’t know why everybody else is blind to this basic fact. This ‘conflict’ is fought on our soil, so let us decide how to end it.”
This singer and songwriter had a couple of offers of touring from Delhi and Mumbai but nothing formulated. “I guess nobody wants riots. Don’t know what future will hold for me, all I can do is work hard and stay true. But I would love to be at places and express myself.”
Roushan has also faced flack from the security agencies for his anti-India lyrics. But that has not deterred him off track, “It’s funny the way my studio got raided by the police. I mean what did the studio people do? Nonetheless, because of it, I’ve been without a recording space for three to four months now. Every other studio just doesn’t want me to be around, you know what I’m saying? Lord keeps me strong though and my mother’s blessings have kept me safe.” (Dawn)