Recent revelations of Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq that amalgam would strive to highlight the economic, humanitarian and other aspects of the Kashmir issue at various levels has a potential to dislodge many mainstream parties, as these parties have been highlighting these concerns for their electoral gains.
If Hurriyat (M) succeeds in creating awareness about misuse of JK’s water resources by New Delhi based power companies and the losses which Kashmiris have suffered due to Indus Water Treaty signed by India and Pakistan it can open a new chapter in Kashmir’s history. Hurriyat won’t be highlighting these issues for electoral gains as it has never shown any inclination towards taking part in elections as most Hurriyat leaders believe that if they contest the elections they would lose the legitimacy which they enjoy.
Soon after Mirwaiz revealed that Hurriyat leaders in the form of delegations would visit different embassies and foreign countries to make the international community aware about the discrimination which Kashmiris face, one of the mainstream leaders, who has become famous due to his habit of acting more like a separatist rather than a legislator, asked Hurriyat leaders to list their achievements and reminded them that Kashmiris have not rendered sacrifices for Sadak, Bijli and Pani. However, major mainstream players preferred to remain silent. Otherwise whenever any Hurriyat leader in the recent past has spoken about issues concerning common man, mainstream politicians have always welcomed their move. Surprisingly this time around no one welcomed Mrwaiz’s statement. 
Hurriyat leaders, it seems have realized that Kashmir issue is not only about its political settlement and other facets are as important as the political one and they can’t allow mainstream parties to use these issues for their own gains.
Other important point which Mirwaiz mentioned was that Kashmir is a “prison” as its people are dependent heavily on one road i.e. Jammu-Srinagar highway for their survival as its blockade due to inclement weather conditions or other reasons threatens the very existence of Kashmiri people. Amalgam planning to launch a campaign to seek reopening of traditional routes connecting Kashmir Valley with central Asia can put leaders in New Delhi in a tight spot as they would have to come up with very strong reason to decline any such demand.
It looks as if Hurriyat leaders have decided to move towards Kashmir settlement in a more systematic way.  Apparently it seems as if they have given up the idea of being rigid on their demand of having Kashmir settled in one go. They seem to have started believing that they would have to take small steps to achieve a bigger goal.
Implementing the new strategy can prove to be a tight rope walk for Mirwaiz and his men as they are bound to face criticism and stiff opposition from within and outside. Mainstream politicians who would feel threatened can even go to an extent of claiming that Hurriyat is making ground to join the mainstream camp.
Hurriyat (M) leaders need to bear one thing in mind that when any bold decisions and new initiatives are taken these are bound to create ripples and they have to remain firm in their resolve to handle the aftershocks of their initiatives. If they believe that whatever they decided during the recent meeting of Hurriyat (M’s) executive council is a right step then they should go ahead with their new mission; come what may.
With India and Pakistan deciding to talk and bury the burdens of history, Kashmiri leadership has been left with very few options and they have to ensure that they remain relevant in the changing world scenario.
Hurriyat (M) deciding to change its strategy and approach towards seeking Kashmir settlement could compel India and Pakistan to include Kashmir leaders in talks. Kashmiri leaders can put forth their point of view and ensure that no readymade solution is imposed on Kashmiris. It is only possible if they make India and Pakistan concede to a few of their demands before the talks for any settlement are held. It seems after a long time Hurriyat leaders have done their homework well and have anticipated where India and Pakistan are heading towards.
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Lastupdate on : Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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