Category: Interviews

“I feel 90 per cent of the people in Kashmir look for development, growth, employment opportunities, (where) their future is secure, and they are safe,” Murmu said.

As the countdown begins to mark one year of the abrogation of special status, splitting and downgrade of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the first Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of J&K, G C Murmu, speaks to The Indian Express. Excerpts:

On August 5, Jammu and Kashmir will mark one year since its special status was abrogated and the state was split. What has changed?

August 5 is not a milestone…that was a decision taken to abrogate a temporary provision. Our horizons are long-term, (for) all-round well-being of the people of the Union Territory. We have started our journey.

What’s your assessment of the implementation of the Prime Minister’s J&K package?

The PM’s package was declared in 2015. Only 27 per cent expenditure (was recorded) by the end of 2018. We have now reached 54 per cent. Projects completed (have gone up) from seven to 17. The Ranbir canal in Jammu has been cleaned up after 11 years. In the Keran sector, electricity supply was not there, we had to use DG sets. For the first time, we have laid an electricity line there. Our idea is to expand employment opportunities for the youth by bringing investment…We formulated some 14 policies to promote industries, start-ups, we planned an investment summit in May but due to COVID-19 pandemic, we had to postpone.

What’s the progress in attracting private investments? How much land has been allocated to private sector?

We have not yet allotted land. We have identified 6000 acres of government land. Our policy is that we will only bring environment-friendly industries, non-polluting industries. We will give preference to local youth and entrepreneurs. We have seen that no agricultural land is diverted for the industrial purpose.

What are your expectations on restarting the political process?

The political process has started. We conducted Panchayat elections… we planned elections for the remaining seats in February-March but then Covid-19 came and we had to postpone it. We wanted to establish the three-tier Panchayati Raj system…local bodies are getting direct funds from the Government of India and under the finance commission. But they don’t have structure, we had tried to create a structure, but we had this setback…We have already chalked out a plan to create a separate cadre for the Panchayats… That is half done. Second part is that the delimitation committee is already appointed, now delimitation will start. The Assembly elections should also come simultaneously or after that. So this parallel work is going on. I think this vacuum is temporary.

When are Assembly elections expected?

The Election Commission has to take a decision, whether they will do it as per earlier delimitation, or they will work as per the new delimitation. I hope that by the turn of this year, some kind of process will start.

Key mainstream political leaders, three former CMs, a sitting MP, former ministers, former legislators were kept under detention, many of them under PSA. And even released, they have been kept under house arrest. Besides, lot of people were arrested ahead of August 5 decision last year.

Over a period of time, most have been released, a few are there. There is a process, a committee which looks at threat perception and other things. Even the courts are monitoring it. Those who are released are not under house detention. Wherever we have house detention, there are clear-cut directions… some of the released leaders even have travelled to Delhi as well.

PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti is the only one still detained under PSA, why is she not being released?

The committee is reviewing it from time to time and they take decisions accordingly.

Almost all separatist leaders are in jail. Did the government try to reach out to them since you took over?

I think there is a different mechanism to reach out to them. But personally I have no knowledge of that.

How do you address concerns that the new domicile policy will change the demography of the state?

This domicile issue is nothing to worry about. You had a Permanent Resident Certificate that has a new name of domicile. Changes are very few. Changes are those who are here for the last 70 years, who didn’t have PRC. Only they have been made eligible, like Gorkhas. In the Maharaja’s time, there were 10,000, but maybe they are 30,000 now. They were living here, but they have no rights. So they have been given this. All PRC holders automatically will get the domicile. Then Valmikis, who were brought from Punjab, 2000 families, now they may be 20,000. They have been working here but they have no rights. They can’t go for higher education and they cannot get equal job opportunities. Then the displaced people, in 1947 they have come, but they have nothing. So, no new person will be jumping and coming. Unnecessary politicking is going on, nothing else.

Locals fear their land will be taken away?

Land is protected. We will not touch agriculture land, and only government land. If some local person wants to convert his land to industry, there can be a different procedure. But we are not touching that right now. Land is very scarce. 30 per cent of GDP comes from agriculture. Then hospitality and tourism. These two cover 50 per cent GDP of the state. We cannot disturb that thing. That will remain.

Until last count, 128 militants have been killed by security forces this year. Most of them are said to be local militants. How much of a concern is that?

Definitely, it is a matter of concern because this is some kind of misplaced notion and misguided people. These youngsters don’t know for what they are fighting for. They are not just militants, they are a threat to the common people…We take parents when there is a cordon but they don’t listen. They have been indoctrinated…they should be more aware that picking up arms is no solution. Nowhere in the world, has this been a solution.

Is there any surrender policy for militants?

That we have flagged, because that policy decision has to be taken at the highest level. We alone cannot take a decision. At our level, we are trying to persuade them. And if they surrender, we will treat them properly, we will not treat them as criminals.

Recently a BJP leader was killed along with two family members. How big a concern is political violence?

These people (those opposed to the political process) have handlers and they want to create sensation. So wherever, they can create a sensation, they pick targets. We will ensure no one is exposed to these things, whether it is BJP or non-BJP or anybody.

There is talk about return to statehood. Is something happening in this regard?

The government has already promised that statehood will come back. But it is a matter of timing — what and when to do. All major developments, infrastructure development, job creation…all this has to be done very quickly. That is why it was deliberately kept as a UT…

Your new media policy…now the government will decide what is news/what is permissible to publish etc.

I think media policy has been read very wrongly. Our idea was like DAVP and other things, how to accredit and how not to accredit them…We introduced media policy as there was no earmarking for electronic and social media.

There have been cases filed under UAPA against journalists, FIRs regularly… many have been summoned to police stations.

That is circumstantial evidence. If somebody is indulging in that kind of thing, which attracts IPC or CrPC, then I have nothing to say.

Besides Pakistan, now China has been making statements on Kashmir. Do you think this affects the situation in J&K?

I don’t see it that way because it is an integral part of the Union of India. It is internationally recognized…Anyone is free to give any statement from their side.

4G internet is still not allowed in J&K. Why?

Court has formed a committee, it’s monitored by the court. I wish that we should be given this permission, so that 4G should start.

If the decision to abrogate special status and downgrade the state into UT is so unpopular that the government doesn’t allow normal activity of mainstream regional political parties, how will is the government going to ensure peace in Kashmir?

A narrative was created here that 370 is protecting them and because of that there is autonomy. In fact, 370 was not giving (any) advantage. After I came here, out of 890 Union laws, 350 were already implemented; another 370 Union laws were not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir. After abrogation, only 170 more laws are relevant. They are very good laws, like protecting women, protecting SC/STs, Forest Rights Act.

But are the people happy in Kashmir with the abrogation of Article 370? If the decision is unpopular, how will the government ensure peace?

Khush hona chaahiye. I feel 90 per cent of the people in Kashmir look for development, growth, employment opportunities, (where) their future is secure, and they are safe. They have a steady income, they have an opportunity to grow. Over time, some of them were silenced. If they say the right thing, somebody will kill them. Wherever I go, they are interested in growth (and the future) and nothing else. But they cannot openly say that because they are afraid.

With inputs from The Indian Express

Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by Kashmir Today staff and is published from a syndicated feed

Wajahat Rafiq is a Mumbai Based Filmmaker Born in Kashmir groomed his career in Bollywood industry as an actor and flim maker.
In a interview with Kashmir Today’s Ubaid bhat Wajahat Highlited his journey of being a filmmaker though he started his carrier as actor.

As you Belong to non Bollywood background how did you chose it as carrier?

Well during school day i got keen interest to do stage shows i feel a positive vibe while performing on stage i start getting appreciations and appraisals, that motivated me a lot ..
However after my 10+2 in science stream i moved to delhi for further studies while studying luckily i start working with professional theatre groups they enhanced my acting skills and encouraged me، During this time i did many plays as a lead actor and emerged as entertainer. Don’t know what my Guru’s found in me they suggested to work in tv though i worked with many TV serials and did print shoots for different labels

What is that time “Changing Moment” in your life?

Well it doesn’t change clock with the numeric’s remain same when you work with professionals your work gets recognised after my graduation i learnt the art of filmmaking it inspired to capture what is happening around so i got associated TV shows associated SONY TV and other channels for shows like MAHRAJA RANJIT SINGH – TENALI RAMA – VIGHNAHARTA GANESH and when you start working some times luck works in your favour and you keep on getting opportunities and we worked with BADSHAH for his video album (HEARTLESS SONY MUSIC) .we did a documentary project for film festival which is called ‘ DUG DUG’ a Rajasthan medium film,
In addition to it we make a music video album for the government of jammu and Kashmir we were worked closely with the JK Tourism as the motive was to promote culture and heritage it tuned out as well as j&k is our home state so this one is close to my heart under our film production house “ROCK NATION FILMS“

What about your upcoming projects?

There are some projects aligned for this year and the next as i spend most of my time towards our house film production house namely “ROCK NATION FILMS” and “OTHERS PRODUCTION HOUSES” through which I have signed  Bollywood hindi feature films with the well known faces of Bollywood ,So we intend to start the shooting soon in upcoming months, So as long as i am loaded with work it keeps me happy and motivated.

What is your advice to new comer’s?

Advice will be take your time think think think with patience before choosing any career and if you will be not able to make it, dont get disappointed..
Again take your time to think try to figure out the loop hole then mark it. Do not bother to make mistakes they are key to success.

Do you think bollywood filmmaking is changing ?

Well being as a filmmaker yes the trend of film making and the concepts are changing audience want watch realistic movies as we have seen movies successfully working not only the making is changing howver the mini screens has changed the whole trend Netflex, Prime, Mix player, Youtube and web portals has changed whole viewerships now every one has accesses to all the content across and it is booming.

Do you admire some one in the industry ?

Apart from my father and elder brother who always stood next to my shoulder, i admire Rajesh khanna sir as my acting Guru and satyajit ray sir as my filmmaking guru , i grow up while watching them.

What is your mantra for success?

I wasn’t born with a golden spoon, We have to create own luck. One line that motivates me everyday is Never look back, We should hope for good, but be prepared for worst too,that is what life has taught me so far. ‘’If you have the talent you will be noticed‘’

The territory of Afghanistan must not be used against the United States, our allies and in fact the world

India should discuss its concerns on terrorism directly with the Taliban, said U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, adding that he had discussed how India could play a “more active role” in the Afghan reconciliation process during his talks in Delhi on Thursday.

“India is an important force in Afghanistan and it would be appropriate for that [India-Taliban] engagement to take place,” Mr. Khalilzad told The Hindu in an exclusive interview.

The envoy said India had a “significant role” in Afghanistan’s development, but paradoxically, doesn’t play a role in the international peace efforts. “India and Afghanistan have historic ties, and I believe that dialogue between India and the Taliban is important, and it would be important that issues of concern like this [terrorism] are raised directly,” he added.

This is the first time the U.S. has publicly suggested an engagement between India and the Taliban. New Delhi, that still considers the Taliban a terror group allied to Pakistan, has thus far distanced itself from any talks.

During their meeting on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had raised concerns over increasing violence in Afghanistan and the need to protect minorities including Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.

Mr. Khalilzad, the architect of the U.S.-Taliban agreement, travelled to Doha, Delhi and Islamabad, in an effort to iron out an impasse in the agreement over the release of prisoners and intra-Afghan negotiations. While recognising concerns over the Doha agreement, he told The Hindu that there “was no alternative” to it and hoped that India would engage “all forces” in Afghanistan, including the Taliban.

It is rare for anyone to be travelling during the Coronavirus lockdown, let alone high officials. Tell us what brought you to the region, and how your meetings went?

The mission is to encourage movement towards the implementation of the U.S.-Taliban agreement signed at Doha in February. Part of the Confidence Building Measures leading to intra-Afghan negotiations, is that both the Taliban and the Afghan government have to release prisoners on both sides. Secondly that there must be a reduction in violence compared to the period before the agreement was signed, and thirdly, that in order to get lasting peace and bring the long war in Afghanistan to an end, we should open the door to negotiations for a political roadmap and a permanent comprehensive ceasefire.

The territory of Afghanistan must not be used against the United States, our allies and in fact the world. So peace for Afghanistan, and security for the world from Afghanistan are our two goals, and I was encouraged by my meetings on this trip. International support for peace in Afghanistan is important and Indian support in particular was the focus of my mission [to Delhi].

Is the focus on India’s role just lip service? India is not at present involved in any of the regional formats that are currently discussing Afghanistan’s future…

That’s an excellent question, because this is a paradox, that on the one hand India has such a significant role when you look at development of Afghanistan and India has such a long history with the people of Afghanistan… But when it comes to international efforts, India does not yet have the role that it could. Part of that may have been a choice to pursue its role bilaterally, but I think as the peace process gets more serious, and the U.S.- Taliban agreement goes into the next stages, we want India to take a more active role in the peace process, and that was a key focus of our discussion in Delhi.

Did you also discuss the possibility of India opening direct, public talks with the Taliban during your meetings, something India has rejected thus far?

It is for India to decide its role, but I do think engagement between India and all the key players in Afghanistan, not only in terms of the government but also in terms of political forces, society and the Afghan body politic, is appropriate given India’s regional and global position. India is an important force in Afghanistan and it would be appropriate for that [India-Taliban] engagement to take place.

Has India expressed a desire for a role beyond humanitarian assistance, economic and reconstruction, in terms of mediation, or more security assistance?

India has a key role in the development and supported so many important projects there. We did discuss what kind of future role India might want to play. When it comes to the peace process, I can tell you India is considering a more active role, and we in the U.S. are supportive of India’s engagement in the international process.

Specifically, could India help in the current impasse within the Afghan polity, in particular between President Ghani, and former CEO Dr. Abdullah?

India has good relations with several leaders in Afghanistan and like the U.S., India supports the end of the political crisis in Kabul to bring about a more inclusive government. I am encouraged by the decision of the political leaders: President Ghani, Dr. Abdullah, (former) President Karzai, and other leaders to form an inclusive negotiating team. I found that India and the U.S. are on the same wavelength with regard to the resolution of the internal political crisis and the establishment of an inclusive government.

The U.S.-Taliban deal is being seen in India as a deal for withdrawal, not a peace deal. There are concerns that this is not an Afghan owned and led agreement, there is no ceasefire, no Taliban commitment to the constitution. In fact the U.S. seems to be putting the Taliban at par with the democratically elected govt in Kabul. Your response?

The U.S. -Taliban agreement is a necessary step to transition to the Afghan owned process. We have a specific commitment from the Taliban not to allow terrorism from territory they control, and should they join a future government that they will not allow Al Qaeda and other terror groups to launch attacks against the U.S. and its allies, and indeed the rest of the world. That’s an important achievement. So while we are not as far along as we or India would have liked, we don’t see a better alternative to this process.

The war has gone on. The question is without a political solution how do we get to a military solution and vice versa? So it is necessary to have this first step. The US Taliban agreement is a necessary step to transition to the Afghan owned process. We have a specific commitment from the Taliban not to allow terrorism from territory they control, and should they join a future government that they will not allow Al Qaeda and other terror groups to launch attacks against the US and its allies, and indeed the rest of the world. That’s an important achievement. After all the US came to Afghanistan for this purpose, to ensure Taliban breaks from Al Qaeda and doesn’t allow it and other groups to use Afghan soil to attack us. My aim on this trip is as much to ensure that the release of prisoners is sorted out. So while we are not as far along as we or India would have liked, we don’t see a better alternative to this process. And therefore we will persist, in speaking to the government, the Taliban, neighbours and international players to achieve peace.

For India, it is the groups in Afghanistan that target India, which are backed by Pakistan that are a worry, and the US Taliban agreement doesn’t mention those.

Look, our strong position is that there shouldn’t be [terror] sanctuaries on either side of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, and I believe that for peace to come to Afghanistan, there is a need for good relations amongst the neighbours and support for peace. I believe that the Pakistani leadership has supported the peace process, and thinks that the time has come for economic strategy, for trade and development and for Afghanistan to become a platform for regional cooperation and connectivity. We encourage and support those objectives. India and Afghanistan have historic ties, and I believe that dialogue between India and the Taliban is important, and it would be important that issues of concern like this [terrorism] are raised directly.

Is the fact that India and Pakistan are not talking to each other, an impediment to the process in Afghanistan, and did you discuss that with Mr. Jaishankar and Mr. Doval?

If we are talking about reconciliation in Afghanistan, support from Pakistan, India and the international community is very important. For peace there must be an agreement broadly accepted across Afghanistan, and both India and Pakistan have an important role to play in that. I also think both can benefit from peace in Afghanistan, in terms of security and economic development. We are focused on violence and war at present but should peace come to Afghanistan, it could actually help transform the region towards more cooperation and more connectivity for all the countries involved, and that will be good for India and Pakistan.

CHAIRMAN, MUSHTAQ GROUP OF HOTELS AND HEAD PHD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES, JK CHAPTER, MUSHTAQ CHAYA TALKS ABOUT PRESENT BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT SCENARIO IN KASHMIR IN A FREEWHEELING INTERVIEW WITH Kashmir Ink ( A Greater Kashmir Publication)

Q. WHAT IS THE CURRENT BUSINESS SCENARIO IN KASHMIR?

A. To be frank, it is depressing. In fact, the businessmen are passing through difficult times. On the one hand we see civilian killings followed by protests in Kashmir, on the other the economy is witnessing downslide. Unfortunately Kashmir since 2014 has faced too many difficult phases which have left negative impact on the business outlook. You cannot take situation in Kashmir out of the equation and then talk about business. You must have peace. I believe those framing policies in the state or at the central level, should treat Kashmir differently while drafting policies for entrepreneurs or for that matter business community. I will give you an example, it is a banking norm across the country that if any borrower doesn’t pay his/her three scheduled EMIs on time, he/she is classified as non-performing asset. Now come back to Kashmir scenario and you have 2016 strife, where even business establishments could not be opened for six straight months, these things add up to the worries of the business community.

Q. HOW DO YOU SEE THE ROLE OF BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN RESTORING THE PEACE IN THE VALLEY?

A. At best we can act as facilitators of peace between different confronting parties, but we have a responsibility of being a pressure group to ensure that civilian killings are stopped. When there are innocent killings, business and economy take a back seat.

Q. DO YOU THEN BELIEVE THAT TILL KASHMIR ISSUE IS RESOLVED, BUSINESS CANNOT REALLY FLOURISH IN THE VALLEY?

A. No, that’s not my point. But since 2014 the situation has worsened as the policy of the central government towards Kashmir has changed. In the name of flood package, we got peanuts as major portion of the funds were repackaged into developmental projects that had already been announced by the previous governments. Since 2014, the tourism sector became a victim of well-thought out conspiracy.

Q. CAN YOU THROW SOME LIGHT ON WHAT KIND OF CONSPIRACY YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT?

A. It is an open secret, how some sections of national media beam out negative propaganda about the Kashmir which in reality is far from truth. They present a skirmish in the border area in such a way as if it has happened in the heart of Srinagar city. This type of reportage shoos away the intending tourists. We have also witnessed during our promotional campaigns that how worried the intending visitors are, not because of the situation but because of what is being dished out by these venom spewing channels. That is a concern which has remained unaddressed despite being taken up with even the union home minister as well as the former chief ministers of the state. We are suffering a lot by this.

Q. IS ONLY NEGATIVE PUBLICITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DOWNFALL IN THE TOURIST SECTOR?

A. Negative propagation of Kashmir destination is a major cause for low tourist footfall. According to government figures, only 8.5 lakh tourists visited Kashmir which is a cause of concern. Majority of our hotels have less than 30 percent occupancy which means loss for them. If a hotel is having less occupancy, the owner is forced to go for austerity measures which mean job cuts thus people loss jobs. Secondly, the extension of the GST added to the woes of the hospitality sector. We begged before then government not to extend the GST to Jammu and Kashmir as we are passing through difficult times. They assured at that time that it would be beneficial but result is before everybody that how things have gone from bad to worse when it comes business in Kashmir after implementation of GST.

Q. THE NUMBER OF FOREIGNERS VISITING KASHMIR HAS BEEN ON DECLINE FOR A DECADE NOW. DO YOU FEEL WE HAVE THE REQUIRED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR WELCOMING THE HIGH END TOURISTS?

A. Definitely yes, we have good properties in place. But the point is that the tourists should visit. The main problem is that most of the foreign countries have issued adverse travel advisories on Kashmir. The state government should take up this issue with the external affairs ministry so that the foreign countries are persuaded to withdraw these advisories.

Q. AMIDST DEPRESSING BUSINESS SCENARIO, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE WAY OUT?

A. The government should walk the talk, and work for the development which includes bring back peace to the Valley. Besides, policies must be drafted to promote import substitution. Currently if we go with J&K Bank report it mentions that annually we import goods worth Rs 40,000 crore, which is a huge thing for a small state like Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, special emphasis must be given to all segments of trade particularly the horticulture and the tourism as they bring foreign exchange to the state.

Q. ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ?

A. Anybody who wants to become an entrepreneur, he/she must be prepared for hard work. Nobody can become Mushtaq Chaya in a day or a month, it takes decades. I am here because of my continuous hard work of over three decades. So be patient and work hard, InshaAllah you will achieve success.

This Interview First Appeared On Kashmir Ink ( A Greater Kashmir Publication, one of the largest circulated regional dailies)

The former IAS officer says the Kashmiri people can be pacified if the environment of siege is lifted.

Srinagar: On January 9, Dr Shah Faesal, who topped the 2010 civil service examinations and worked as an IAS officer in Jammu and Kashmir, resigned from the civil services to protest the “unabated killings in Kashmir” and the “rise of Hindutva forces”.

Before a press conference in Srinagar on January 11, Faesal gave an exclusive interview to The Wire, speaking about his reasons for quitting the services and the difference he hopes to make in the state nonetheless.

Was resigning a decision you made in the heat of the moment?

I have been thinking about it for the last two years.

So why now, when elections are around the corner – rather than in 2016 or 2018, for example, when hundreds were killed in Kashmir?

It was a strategic decision. In life, we need to wait for the right moment to make the right decision for the right impact. I don’t want a knee-jerk reaction. I wanted a well considered response.

Would you encourage others to go into the civil services, despite having quit yourself?

I am not leaving service because of disillusionment. I didn’t fail. I didn’t find myself suffocated. It was only that in Kashmir people have been making immense sacrifices to be heard. People gave up their lives, their jobs, their dreams – and I also sacrificed something very dear to me to put the spotlight on the Kashmir situation.

You said, “I will do what the youth of Kashmir want me to do.” What if they suggest that you join the separatists? Would you?

I am a man from the system. I believe in making change from within the system. I believe in electoral politics which is a no-go area for separatists.

In your announcement on Wednesday, you said you resigned to protest ‘unabated killings’ in Kashmir. Many people have pointed out that you’re joining a party that also has blood on its hands.

I have not joined any party yet. It is all speculation.

There have been rumours for several months that you are joining the National Conference. If that’s already planned, why have you asked the youth to decide? And why the NC?

I might not join any existing mainstream party at all.

In an interview with the Indian Express, you acknowledged that a pro-India band of politicians is not the true representative of the people of Kashmir. How will you fit yourself in with career politicians if you believe they have no moral compass?

I said we can re-imagine the politics and represent the people correctly.

At a press conference yesterday, Awami Ittehad Party chief Engineer Rashid invited you to join his party. What’s your response?

I am happy that Er. Rashid made that offer. It is very kind of him.

How do you plan to play a role in stopping the bloodshed in Kashmir?

Bloodshed is linked to the denial of justice to the Kashmiri people and the absence of any credible political outreach from the Centre. If we end the environment of siege in Kashmir, give people space for dissent, listen to the youth, then we can pacify the anger.

Has your decision anything to do with your controversial social media posts? Like the one about “rapistan” – after which many people in mainstream media and politics censured you?

Those posts were symptoms of the frustration that I was going through. This resignation is a culmination of that protest against the inability of the government to bring in effective enforcement measures to curb the rape culture.

Some say it was ambition that moved you to quit the civil services and toward politics. True?

Nothing wrong in being ambitious as long as it’s about using the power to change lives of the people. Life is about a constant search for meaning. The journey has to go on.

The Interview Was Done By Auqib Javed For The Wire.

‘Not question of his decision or my decision’

I am answerable to my deeds and so is my brother. Everybody has his own ambitions and own plans. This world is big enough where people can co-exist. Chairman of his faction of Peoples Conference (PC) Bilal Gani Lone talks about current political situation, his relations with his brother and much more.

Here are the excerpts:

Q: In present prevailing situation in Kashmir and changing political situation across the world, do you think Hurriyat Conference and separatist are losing relevance?

See I can’t talk about others, but one thing is I also belong to the same camp. There are challenges and we need to move ahead. Seeing the world scenario, we have to keep everybody in loop. We can’t sit back and say everything is going right. Once everybody is in the loop then you can take a decision.

Q: And could you specify what challenges separatists are facing?

The world is moving, and we need to move along. We need to be seen as principal party to the Kashmir dispute. We have to make more efforts as it is our struggle. We have suffered and rendered sacrifices for the issue. There will be no resolution to Kashmir unless Kashmiris themselves take decisions. Primary concern should be to save Kashmiris. We have rendered enough sacrifices.

Q: There is a feeling among people that the role of separatists has been limited to issuing a statement and calling a strike after every killing or an incidence of violence. And same cycle is repeated. Your take?

I don’t subscribe to the hartal strategy. mere condemnations and protest calls won’t work. We need to evolve somewhere. We need to prioritise and strategize. See you can’t wish away the Hurriyat and separatists. It is not necessary that separatists and Hurriyat can be upto the mark always.

Q: What should be the short-term and long-term priorities of the Hurriyat?

To be honest with you I don’t carry any specific plans as I am an individual. Hurriyat Conference is a diverse forum and everybody need to sit and discuss the priorities and strategies. Somewhere down the line we need to educate ourselves first how political conflicts around the world have been resolved. We can’t live in oblivion.

Q: Coming to a personal question. Your brother (Sajjad Lone) joined mainstream few years back and has aligned with right wing BJP. You are a separatist. There are so many questions in the minds of people. How do you defend his decision or your decision?

It is not question of his decision or my decision. I am answerable to my deeds and so is my brother. Everybody has his own ambitions and own plans. This world is big enough where people can co-exist. Am I a moral policeman? No I am not. I don’t tell somebody whether he is right or wrong. There is no doubt that he is a brother to me. But politically and ideologically we are on different wavelengths. I believe in what I am doing. He lives his own life and I live my own life. I wish him best of luck and let him wish me the best of luck.

We have had our bitter fights on this issue in the past. We have passed that phase. We had serious problems between us because of our political choices. We didn’t even talk for years. Then we decided that we need to allow each other to take their own paths. That’s how we moved ahead. Those years of bitterness taught us a lot. Sajad is my brother and I love him. Nothing will ever change that. But in politics we have our own ways. Once siblings are adults, they take their own decisions. I have taken my decision and he has taken his. We have separate paths. That difference of opinion and paths is separate from our relationship as siblings.

My being in separatism is because of my father and my excitement in separatist camp is only because of (late) Abdul Gani Lone and nobody else. As long as I want to do it, I will do it and nobody can force me.

Q: Is there any chance that Bilal Gani Lone will also join mainstream politics some day?

I am in separatist camp and not in electoral politics. I will go by the decisions taken by the Hurriyat.

Q: Recently there were reports in media that you are planning to change the name of the Peoples Conference faction you are heading.

There has been confusion prevailing (about People’s Conference). I have convened the meeting of my workers to get their feedback over changing the name of my party. That will take some time. I am doing it just to avoid confusion, nothing else. But for that I need to take my people on board. I have a group of committed people with me. A few new names for my party have been picked but the final authority lies with my colleagues.

Q: Do you think the breakdown of dialogue process between India and Pakistan in recent years has brought more miseries to Kashmiris?

Somewhere Kashmiris should do self-introspection.

Q: Do you want to say Kashmiris should fight for breaking status quo?

I said status quo doesn’t favour Kashmiris.

Q: What steps Kashmiris and leadership should take to break the status quo?

Kashmiri should act as a nationalist. We just issues statements. Whatever I am telling you is my personal opinion.

Q: Boys as young as 16 years are picking up guns. Whom would you blame for pushing the youth towards fresh wave of militancy?

There are lots of things responsible for this. We are glorifying the things which unfortunately we are not adhering to ourselves. It is unfortunate part that Kashmir’s young generation is being consumed by the violence. Extremism has no place in the modern political discourse. There is a lot of repression and nobody in the world is listening to our pain unfortunately. But We can’t allow our young children to keep on getting killed like this. The leadership should jointly take a call on this. Don’t know whether they will succeed. It is very painful that our youngsters are losing their lives almost every day. I feel for them. But I feel helpless.

Q: Coming to Hurriyat. Since last more than two years Hurriyat has taken a back seat and Joint Resistance Leadership comprising top three separatist leaders have taken the lead? Do you think other Hurriyat leaders are side-lined?

It is not question of getting side-lined. It is your own perspective whether you are side-lined or not. Three leaders are taking the decision and what is the harm in it. Let us see if they are able to get something for the people.

© Kashmir Magazine

In a war torn spot like Kashmir where we are just used to the sounds of guns, what inspired you to be part of the world of music?

The inspiration came up from the love we all have towards Kashmir.We have such a beautiful culture and language, this always made me do something that represents us. Indeed our literature and poetry in every way is wonderful. It was since my childhood I was very much interested in the sufi poetry and music we have in Kashmir. It was surprising to many when people were seeing a 10 year old kid sitting in a gathering where sufiyana music was being played. I know understanding that is very difficult but there was some mystic connection inside. I mean that is the age when kids play with toys but for me the preferences were little different. I was the kid who tried hard to understand those beautiful lines. So I think all this was connected since then.

What was the hardest thing you went through regarding your desire to be a singer?

Life is always hard but you need to be hardest.Alhamdulillah the hardwork is paying off. There have been so many things I have come across now I am confused which one to share. So yes it was the time when I moved to Pune for the studies that was the toughest phase. I was just 16 at the time and because of having limited resources and being away from your hometown and family it was so difficult. I used to travel 30kms one side everyday by the local bus and eat after 24 hours which was dinner to dinner. Getting up by 6, catching the bus then college, walk 6 kms to guitar class.No one knew that I was going to guitar class I don’t know if my family would have approved my guitar classes. After guitar class I had to walk 6 more kms to catch the bus and travel 30kms towards home. But I never complained. I think it was the faith that kept me going,I knew that hard work will payoff one day. Then I completed my graduation in computer sciences thanks to my brother who helped me through that phase financially and mentally as well. I was looking out to pursue MBA but then my mother was diagnosed of tumour. That time I was left alone and broken. So to help out the financial condition I started a job with an IT company, the salary was not much that I could help out the family but it was enough for my own survival, so this was the time when i thought of getting into music.The salary helped me to reach out to other artists and venues. I got into local gig scene, started saving money and then Tamannacame up. So yes these are the things and struggle mode is still on. I love what I am doing, inshallah you will be hearing more music from me. And it has been the support from everyone, my family, friends all of my fans and followers that I have been able to keep going.

What was the response of your family when they first came to know about your music?

There were mixed reactions. But your family are the people who love you more than anyone. So yes they are a bit insecure about choosing art, music as full time career. But when you are contributing in a good way and you are standing out for your land, culture, tradition,I think that gives them a little bit of comfort.

How do you feel when you sing and people applaud?

That is the best feeling ever. I have been always thankful to almighty Allah and always felt it as a blessing that people have accepted my music in a good way. And seeing people singing with you on your tunes, that is the best feeling.

What are your main inspirations and influences?

Talking about inspirations, you are best inspiration for yourself. You look at your past and decide the future. And your skills, dedication, hardwork and faith, all these dots must be connected if you want to keep going and want to be successful.

The amazing thing that’s ever happened to you while working on a song?

I was recording the song baalmaraeyo in last Ramadhan. The studio guy called me to record the vocals and I was fasting,I thought let’s give a try and see if I could record.And you won’t believe I completed the whole track in just one and a half hour, and it was perfect.

If you could be in a room with any person for the rest of your lifetime, who would it be and why?

I will choose my grandpa, no other person, just him and me. There is so much literature and knowledge I have come to know from him. And there is some different kind of feeling when you sit with him it’s like you will love to keep listening and don’t say anything, just keep listening for hours. His company makes you stress free and you get to know so many things.

If you could have the absolute attention of everyone on the earth for three minutes, what would you say?

I will say make peace and love each other. We have been made from same soil so let’s not make it harder, let’s make it fertile and sow the seeds of love and humanity.
If you can have your fans remember one thing about you, what would it be?
I wouldn’t like to brag about myself but I will say more than anything I am a kind of person thatI love them back equally as much they do. So wherever they see me they can come up and talk. And for the sake of this love I will keep serving all of you with my music. Your love will never stop me doing what i am doing.

What do you feel is the best song you’ve ever released and why?

I think the best is yet to come. I believe each and every composition has its own beauty. I love my music so I feel like I can’t compare and judge my music into songs. I’ll say there is equal amount of attention, dedication, hardwork and time paid to the every single song.Hopefully each and every song has got good number of listeners too.

If the people of your motherland had to accept one of your suggestions, what would it be?

Good question.We have got so much of talent in every field whether sports or art but these youngsters are afraid to stand out because the problem is they feel they will be criticised or bullied.So we must appreciate if anyone is doing something good. Nowadays it’s changing. And it starts from your family, relatives, your friends, these people are very important in anyone’s life, atleast these people must learn to appreciate good and stop finding faults. I have seen sometimes the criticism level is so bad that it gets changed into hate. There is difference in criticism and hate. It’s alright if you are criticising but let’s not hate.

What do you look forward to in the next five years?

Inshallah you will be listening more of my music. I will be insha Allah coming up with an album, some singles and some more collaborations.

The Interview Was First Published On Kashmir Ink (A Greater Kashmir Publication)

Mirwaiz, who is also the chief cleric of the Valley’s main mosque, spoke to HT about the meeting and the Hurriyat’s desire for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir problem.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq , chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, an umbrella organisation of separatist groups in Kashmir, and his colleagues met former Norwegian prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik in the Valley last month.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq , chairman of the Hurriyat Conference and the chief cleric of the Valley’s main mosque, spoke to Ashiq Hussain about the separatist body’s position on a peaceful resolution for the Kashmir problem, the difference in approach between the Vajpayee and Modi governments, and why the Hurriyat has failed to make headway. Edited excerpts:

When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, you were hopeful of forward movement on Kashmir citing your experiences under (late former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee era. Does that hope still exist?

There has been a change in policy as far as New Delhi is concerned as compared to the policy adopted by then NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government under Vajpayee. I think the basis of that engagement then was the realisation that Kashmir is a humanitarian problem. That is why Mr Vajpayee said we are willing to engage within the ambit of humanity. That opened a way for us to engage with Delhi and also go to Pakistan… This was a triangular approach where every party was talking to the other party. That approach is totally missing now. We have seen hardening of stand and extreme repression. That Vajpayee doctrine has been replaced by Doval doctrine. Now the state is engaging people through cordon-and-search operations. While Vajpayee was talking about peace, Mr Modi and his team are talking about war.

After Imran Khan came to power in Pakistan, he has repeatedly talked about Kashmir.

From day one , he (Imran Khan) mentioned that ‘if India walks one step, we will walk two steps.’ Pakistan did mean to engage but there has to be willingness on both sides. Mr Khan is repeatedly asking India to engage but there is no response on this side. The thing is that New Delhi is not willing to engage with Islamabad or with Kashmiris at this juncture. May be it has to do with the coming elections. It is very clear that their agenda is Hindutva and they want to focus on that.

India says there will be no talks till violence stops and accuses Pakistan of fomenting trouble in?Kashmir.

Many analysts say that if the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) feels that they are on a weaker wicket, they might use Kashmir and Pakistan in a broader context. If anything doesn’t work, definitely Pakistan, terrorism and Kashmir are those issues where they can rake up nationalistic ideas. It has to be seen what happens. And India accusing Pakistan of violence — they have been doing it for the past many years. The fact is that these are indigenous, young Kashmiri boys who are getting killed, maimed and blinded.

It has been more than 25 years that the separatists have been working in Kashmir without any breakthrough on the issue. Why have you failed?

What can you do when the other side is not ready to acknowledge the problem? They are only using military means. There is not much you can do other than being steadfast and strong. And that is what we have done. And that is what people have shown – generations of Kashmiris. Every other day we have to deal with different issues or disputes. Issues like settling outsiders, institutional autonomies and J&K Bank (turned into a public sector bank).

How do you see the Islamic State and al-Qaeda in Kashmir?

As far as the Kashmir militant movement is concerned, you can’t label it as al-Qaeda or any other thing. There is absolutely no trace of that. Even parties like Hizbul Mujahideen and others, they have been very clear about what their goal is. They are limited to Kashmir. There are certain aberrations, certain youth; when you are pushed to the wall, there is a possibility that certain sections tend to see things from a different picture. As a Mirwaiz, as a religious head, we have always maintained that it is a political problem. We have never said that it is Hindu India versus Muslim Kashmir.

This year has turned out to be the deadliest as far as killing of militants has been concerned in recent years. The central government says they are gaining control of the situation.

When has India said otherwise? India is claiming that Kashmir is our integral part but the fact is that (they) are not bothered about its people. It is only territory they are talking about. It is a very clear indication that they are dealing with the problem militarily. They are only bothered about how it is going to be played out in India. The public opinion is also being molded by a jingoistic media.

Hurriyat’s meeting with ex-PM of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik has generated a lot of buzz. How did it come about?

It was after 5-6 years that a visit by any foreign dignitary happened. Mr Bondevik and particularly Oslo Center (founded by Bondevik) have some experience in conflict regions. He came here, went to Delhi, and went across to Islamabad. The important thing is that he talked about involvement of Kashmiris and secondly that there can be no military solution. Definitely his visit must have the blessings of certain powers; otherwise he would not have been allowed to come here.

So you think the Centre had given him the go-ahead?

Definitely, there has been some interest on Kashmir recently in the international arena ,especially after the UN (human rights) report on Kashmir. We hope the initiative will continue and there is some movement forward.

In the recent urban body polls, you gave a boycott call while the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) abstained, which resulted in the BJP making impressive gains in Kashmir, uncontested. Would you again ask the people to boycott and allow the BJP to dominate?

In terms of space to pro-India parties, NC, PDP or BJP won’t make any difference. In any case the institution of the army and the paramilitary forces is what guides government of India’s policy here. Even today, NC and PDP are getting labelled as being pro-Pakistan. I don’t think BJP making inroads is going to bother us because they are using money and muscle.

I think it is the NC and PDP which are at a crossroads. They have to decide what they have to do because of the fact that they have been discredited by the government of India. They have to take a call. They are the face of India in Kashmir.

Ravinder Raina firebrand BJP President of Jammu and Kashmir is known for his controversial statements. He is known for his anti Pakistan and anti separatists stand. In an exclusive interview with The Legitimate he talks extensively why he venoms fire against Pakistan and separatists in Kashmir.

In Jammu and Kashmir the PDP and BJP coalition government has failed to deliver in past three years of its rule, why your party is now mulling options to form the new government in state?

It is true that we were in coalition with PDP for over three years. But you must be knowing that in coalition government the dominating force is the party which has its chief minister on chair and in our case the problem was same. We had lesser role in the government since the chief minister was from PDP.

Even on insistence of former chief minster late Mufti Mohammad Sayed and Mehbooba Mufti we went to New Delhi repeatedly and sought mega developmental packages for the state since our government is in Delhi.

Prime Minster Narender Modi himself came to Srinagar and announced Rs 80000 crore developmental packages to build up the state’s socioeconomic infrastructure. But we could not deliver the way it was expected.

You have seen the disturbance in the valley. Lots of stone pelting incidents and protests were happening. So we decided to pull out of the coalition. However, I attribute the chaos and the uncertainty in the valley to the failure of government which could not deliver upto the expectations of people and that is evident in the present times as the situation is absolutely normal after the governor rule is imposed.

You can see the speed of developmental works have been expedited in all the three regions now. I believe that people irrespective of their regional and religious belief are our own people in all the three regions and our mandate is to work for them rising above the political preferences.

If you are so satisfied with the governor rule why are you running to form the new government in state and break your old ally-PDP?

Wrong. We are not breaking any party. Had that been the case you have seen in Bihar after the differences cropped up between Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar a new government backed by BJP was in place in just 24 hours. Had that been the case in Jammu and Kashmir if not in 24 hours but at least in a week we could have easily formed the government. But that is not our primary objective. We are focussing on the developmental projects in state, be it Ladakh, Jammu or Kashmir.

The developmental works are going on a fast track mode. We allow governor’s rule to prevail despite the fact in democratic countries elected government is preferred. But we realized that Governor rule is proving pro people and beneficial to the state and we continue to support it.

Can I say that you will not form the government in state as of now?

See, our first priority was to contain the worsening situation in Kashmir and that we did successfully after pulling out of the coalition. The stone pelting has stopped dramatically, developmental works are going on.

But there are still 2 and a half years left for us. It is not easy to become an MLA. It is the hard work of decades and people who voted us to power have hopes and expectations attached to us. But our first priority is to conduct the Panchayat and local body polls in state and after that we have Lok Sabha elections. So we want a government in place that shall work for the welfare and prosperity of people.

You are talking too much about developmental works. But I think in coalition your party ministers ignored Kashmir?

You are wrong. I have been myself visiting the places in Kashmir along with our party ministers to hear the public grievances and set up developmental projects. Our then PHE minster Sham Chowdary inaugurated many projects in Ganderbal. Our deputy Chief minister Nirmal Singh went to Pattan along with local MLA and heard the public grievances.

I will tell you that for BJP people of Kashmir are equally important like the people of Jammu. We can’t ignore the people of Kashmir who are as good Indians as any others. When someone in Kashmir is killed or injured by Pakistan backed militants I feel pain in my heart. I go to their homes to express my solidarity and sympathy. The victim is like my brother or sister notwithstanding his/her political belief. They are our own people.

But there is a different perception among Muslims and generally among Kashmiris that you and your party is anti Muslim and anti Kashmiri?

The perception among the Kashmiris has been generated by our political opponents. They always project us same way but I tell you that I love Kashmiris with the core of my heart. I hate Pakistan and if I could I want to destroy it.

It is Pakistan that is an enemy of Kashmiris. We ruled the state for three years and you tell me where we harassed the Muslim brethren. In New Delhi BJP is in rule for over four years and the biggest Confidence building Measures were launched by Modi led BJP.

He announced ceasefire in the holy month of Ramadhan to ensure that the Muslims in valley observe the month of fasting peacefully though he might have faced the severe criticism in country. But it was Pakistan which continued to fire upon borders and inciting the local militants to fail our ceasefire initiative in Kashmir.

So you can say who is enemy and who is friend of Kashmiris. I travel to nooks and corners of the valley and people hear me, greet me because they understood right and wrong now. I may tell you that 99 per cent people in Kashmir are Indians and it is one percent that hijacks the situation since they are funded and sponsored by Pakistan.

Lest talks about separatists. It is a well known fact that they have amassed huge wealth in all these years since they looted both Indian and Pakistan in the name of Kashmir issue. Their children are well settled in India and abroad but they always incite the children of common people to resort to stone pelting and pick guns and play the politics over that.

When the children of Syed Salahudin have right of government jobs and Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s children can work in India and elsewhere why shouldn’t they encourage the children of common people in same way.

Their fortunes have changed in last over few decades. They have villas. Bungalows, hotels and every comfort of life but nothing has changed for the common man except death and destruction in Kashmir.

You always talk against separatists and Pakistan?

Pakistan is the biggest killer of Kashmiris. He killed over one lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir after supporting gun culture in valley of which 80000 are Muslims.

He never let our Muslim brethren in valley and in Jammu border areas to live in peace and always back militants to foment trouble in state. They even support the separatists in Kashmir who looted both India and Pakistan. Whenever we extended our hand of friendship they back stabbed us.

Even you see our former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who tried every effort to ensure peace with Pakistan. Mark my words when the fear of gun will be over in Kashmir the people will drag those separatists to Lal Chowk and beat them in full public glare.

When you talk about Vajpayee he is still respected in Kashmir for his outstanding initiatives with Pakistani and Kashmiris to resolve the Kashmir problem?

You know he was our man. He belonged to BJP and he was the one who went to Pakistan in bus and in return we got Kargil from the country. He invited Musharaf to Agra for dialogue and on the back they attacked our parliament.

Even Prime minster Narender Modi invited Nawaz Shareif to his oath taking ceremony and went to Pakistan but they attacked us in Pathankote.

What is the solution to the problem?

See, in Pakistan it is army and ISI ruling the roost. The elected government even the recent one led by Imran Khan are puppets.

They dance on the tunes of ISI and Army. In Pakistan for common people situation is very tough though they are as good as Indians. As long the shops of terrorism run by people like Masood Azhar, Hafiz Sayeed are open and backed by army and ISI the situation will be same and poor people will continue to die.

Even I warn the separatist in Kashmir who have looted both India and Pakistan to mend their ways or they will not be pardoned.

Courtesy: The Legitimate.