Alarmed over the friendly overtures of the new leadership to India, the militant leaders are day by day becoming jittery in Pakistan. They are worried lest the prevailing cordial and friendly relations may deal a fatal blow to the two decade militant movement in Kashmir. Nonetheless the fact is that the militancy is on its lowest ebb this time around in the J&K state. Predictably, the Pak based militant leadership is apprehensive that "Jehad" in Kashmir is passing through a sensitive period as their traditional supporters have turned their back on them. The changing scenario has virtually forced the perturbed Jihadi leaders to shift the base of the movement from Islamabad to Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
In a bid to hold the ground the top leaders of the Jehadi groups, guiding operations from across the borders have held two meetings during this month to discuss the future course of action. The first one was held on April 5 at Rawalpindi while the other at Muzzafara-bad on April 21, 2008. Both the meetings were attended by the top most Commanders of almost all major outfits. The first meeting, held in Cantonment area was addressed by UJC and Hizb Chief Syed Sallahudin, Al Badr Chief Bakht Zameen Khan and leaders of Lashker-e-Tayaba, Hizbi- Islami-Kashmir and other Jehadi group leaders.
Incidentally, the first meeting- dubbed as the largest ever gathering addressed by militant leaders in the last many years- was convened to discuss as to how to revive "Jihad' in the valley. While the other meeting in Muzzafarabad (PoK) was specially held to reaffirm Jehadi group's commitment to rejunevate militancy in Kashmir. Feeling let down by their own masters and finding no way out of the quagmire the leaders of United Jihad Council, Lashker-e-Tayaba, Hurriyat Conference, Tehreek-e-Ul Mujahid- een, Jamait-e-Ul Mujaihd- een, Al badr, Hizb-i-Islami, Pasban-i-Hurriyat and other groups discussed the future of Jihad threadbare. But by sheer coincidence the final outcome of both the meetings was same- vow to continue militancy in valley.
By organizing repeated meetings the militant leaders have not only shown their growing disillusionment with the new regime but also heaped more embarrassment on its leadership for denying the presence of any militant group and existence of training camps in Pakistan. Moreover, so far the new regime has exhibited no new found love for Kashmir or Kashmiris. Having been left to fend for themselves the militant leaders are apparently flogging a dead horse by asking PoK government to frame an independent Kashmir policy and set a heavy budget for reviving Jehad in Kashmir. Likewise, their counterparts on this side have also started feeling the heat as the separatist leaders are calling on the people not to attend the public meetings addressed by leaders of mainstream political parties- National Conference, Congress and PDP. All this makes it clear that separatists and militant leaders on both sides are sensing that movement is fizzling out and as a natural consequence to that militancy is falling to pieces.
There is no denying the fact that the new leadership, yet to assert fully, has put Kashmir cauldron on hold as they want to remain in peace with India. Moreover, PPP and PML(S) leaders are also aware of the fact that when Kashmir issue couldn't be resolved through three full-fledged wars, international propaganda and sending across militants how can they do it at the peril of other important bilateral issues-relaxing of visa rules, opening up of barriers for trade, facilitating visits of pilgrims from both sides and exchange of social and cultural groups etc. etc. Needless to say, since the new regime took over there has been a substantial increase in the number of Hindu and Sikh pilgrims crossing borders to pay obeisance at temples and Gurdawars in different cities of Pakistan.
Indeed, as the situation is witnessing a remarkable turn around, both the governments are considering to further liberalise the visa rules within the coming three months. In addition to that, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has come up with a plan to woo Indian pilgrims (Hindus) to visit Kali and Shiva temples. Pakistan expects a good number of pilgrims to visit these religious places. Both the countries are trying to promote friendly environment in other areas as well. In between, United States has also offered India its help in effectively combating "fundamentalist Islamic Terrorism" in Jammu and Kashmir by sharing training and expertise. While addressing a global forum former US Commander-in-Chief Admiral (retired) Denis C Blair said "India in Jammu and Kashmir and the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq are facing fundamentalist Islamic Terrorists who probably get trained at the same centers." Given the fact, the US unconditional support to India in combating terrorism should serve as a warning to the separatists and militant leaders.
Moreover, strictures passed against Pakistan by some prominent members of European Parliament should also serve as an eye opener to Pak based Jehadi leaders. Giving a dismal picture of "lack of development in Gilgit and Balistan areas of Pakistan occupied Kashmir" a report presented in European Parliament by Baronness Emma Nichol- son states "while Pakistan was seeking self-determination in Jammu and Kashmir, it was not even prepared to allow democracy on its side of the border. Even UNPO Chief Marino Musdaschin said "there could be no progress on Kashmir, till the initiation of full political process in PoK." It is a paradox that instead of initiating Jihad against Pakistan for usurping the freedom of Kashmiris in PoK they are vowing to revive militancy against Indian occupation in the valley. At the same time, the militant leaders should also take cue from the political developments in West Asia where Hamas-the militant Islamic group that has called for destruction of Israel-is prepared to accept its right to "live neighbor next door in Peace."
Sushil Vakil, NPA
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