BY IRFAN BABA
Before fleeing away from Germany, Jews had already made a plan to settle in Palestine by dejecting the native population, using the mechanism, exercised on them by the Hitler regime, i.e. ‘ethnic cleansing.’ The gimmick was designed by some elite Jews including Albert Einstein. This was the biggest hypocrisy of the past century. The exit of Sajad Gani Lone from PAGD may not be hypocrisy. He left the alliance not to replicate the mischief of PAGD albeit there is some resemblance with the exodus. Sajad did already what he left the alliance for. He fielded proxy candidates in 2002 assembly elections when Hurriyat Conference had decided to boycott the elections comprehensively. This immorality led to his exit from Hurriyat. He advocated his decision hard but people never accepted that. The speculations about leaving Hurriyat proved true as soon after he switched the side. He joined mainstream leadership. Since then he has been seen as an intrigant. The backlash of this decision never let him establish his party outside the domain that his father had created.
Sajad plunged into the politics as a resistance leader by taking the position of his father Ab. Gani Lone who as per ‘Spy Chronicles’ (a book emerged through a meeting of two heads of rival agencies ISI and RAW, proving a fact that enemies can shake hands and work together) was assassinated by the former agency for his growing ties with the later. Sajad took control of his father’s party. He managed to remain in news all the time which is must for a leader but could never emerge as a politician with distinction, like his father was. He could neither create a niche in Hurriyat nor in the mainstream leadership. His popularity declined further when he got associated with BJP, commonly seen as an anti Kashmir organization. This also squeezed his possibilities of expansion. The association can land him in more trouble and may lose someday to his close opponents like as Er. Rasheed, who, once an ally of BJP could manage to maintain the image of pro people.
Comprehensively relying on Centre cannot fetch much in present times. The scenario has changed. Centre has many leadership options in valley. Gh. Nabi Azad may be the new addition. Hence the time is gone when Farooq Abdullah or Mufti Syed could use the formula successfully to establish themselves. Even then they could not sustain longer. A true politician subsists through his people. This is an open truth that people of Kashmir do not like the ruling party (of Centre). This has been proved in DDC elections. Altaf Bukhari knew the fact that is why his party which is speculated as B party of BJP had to field independent candidates to win handful of seats. Another fact is that Centre also does not trust Kashmiri politicians. Sajad must remember that he claimed and was an apt candidate to foam government, probably when PDP was reluctant to collate with BJP, however centre paid a deaf ear. Perhaps his past links with Hurriyat Conference may have hindered New Delhi. Ironically every politician has some association with the resistance camp. Mr. Geelani and Mirwaiz are regarded by all. Everyone had objection on Afzal Guru’s hanging and wailed invariably on the abrogation of the articles.
Sajad’s exit from PAGD is not going to make any difference. PAGD is otherwise going to split by Assembly election. The alliance that floundered while distributing the seats in DDC election cannot be expected to handle a major election. The discord and poor planning can be understood by the fact that instead of permeating into the territories of BJP i.e. Jammu, they fought against each other in valley. There is no surprise that BJP won a seat in Pulwama belt. The alliance fizzled to educate and convince people about their agenda. PAGD undoubtedly won but their win cannot yield anything by restricting themselves to valley only.
Another fact is that PAGD is apparently formed to reinstate Article 370 and 35A. Had it been true, its supremo Dr. Farooq Abdullah would not rely on Supreme Court? His statement that he has full faith in Apex Court regarding the Articles is a clear gesture that he knows that PAGD does not hold any potential. PAGD however can help in restoring the statehood which will majorly benefit the politicians. They can get back in power. The only thing which the alliance can do for masses is that BJP can be impeded to foam government in the state.
There is no doubt that Sajad deceptively left Hurriyat, sworn by touching Holy Korran yet changed his camp, associated himself with right wing and gave numerous statements which hurt the sentiments. This is however an equal fact that the man has mettle. He is not only a good orator but a strategist too. His book ‘Achievable Nationhood’ speaks much about his caliber, though much of the idea is borrowed. A. S. Dulat, the Ex-RAW Chief stated that Hurriyat leaders had come unprepared when he arranged their meeting with the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L. K. Advani, a forgotten man. This meeting was potentially meant to break the ice. Realizing the fact Prof. Gani distressfully said that they did not have a frame-work; in fact they never had the one. Sajad’s sincerity with Hurriyat and vice versa could have been fruitful in such situations.
Sajad is now out of the alliance but he can stick to his commitment to keep working on the agenda of alliance. This can benefit him too. He can regain the lost trust. Besides the cease fire between India and Pakistan will pave way for back channel process. Thus throw opportunities. Sajad needs to brood seriously and sincerely. He may have a role to play provided he chooses people’s will against his own.
Irfan Baba is author of a novel entitled ‘Love and the Other World’. He mostly writes fiction, deals with Kashmir conflict current affairs, politics and religion.
