Srinagar, Feb 13: The execution of Muhammad Afzal Guru has forced the estranged separatist leadership of Kashmir to forge a ‘strategic unity’ to fight for their cause in the wake of new realities and New Delhi’s seemingly hardening stance on Kashmir.
To begin with, Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has decided to consult Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani to chalk out a common strategy. “Yes, we are at it,” Mirwaiz confirmed to Greater Kashmir.
Sources in the Hurriyat (G) said there is a possibility of formulating a joint strategy against New Delhi’s “oppressive measures.”
“Government of India first announced life sentences against Kashmiris. The step was followed by sudden hanging of Guru, who even did not get a fair trial. We believe Delhi has decided to crush Kashmir, which we won’t allow,” a Hurriyat (G) member said.
He said the timing to execute Guru was also a well thought out plan. “Geelani and Mirwaiz were in Delhi while Yasin Malik was in Pakistan. They cashed in on it and hanged Guru to prevent any trouble in Kashmir,” he said.
A senior Hurriyat (M) leader, Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, said there is a need for a “strategic unity” among separatists.
“By hanging Guru, New Delhi has given another monument of freedom to the people of Kashmir,” Bhat told Greater Kashmir.
“It is not important which party we (separatists) belong to. We have to keep on talking for a broader alliance. God will guide our course of action.”
He said New Delhi was following United States’ footprints. “I want to tell Delhi that even US had to ultimately leave Afghanistan. “Coercion doesn’t last long,” Bhat said.
Sources in the Hurriyat camps said that the lower-rung leaders, who have not been detained yet, are in constant touch with each other on forging an alliance. “We are talking to each other. We will also reach out to JKLF chief (Yasin Malik) and seek his opinion as well. It is time to work collectively,” said a Hurriyat member.
Pertinently, Geelani and Mirwaiz have been put under house arrest with their phones seized “This reflects that New Delhi is worried about the influence these leaders are having on masses. People would soon be apprised of the outcome of the efforts regarding broader alliance between Hurriyat factions and JKLF,” the Hurriyat member said.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 13 Feb 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 IST