Suhail Khan
Srinagar, April 14: The changing situation in Kashmir, marked by peace, prosperity, and development, has not only altered the mindsets of its people but has also paved the way for former hardline separatists to shift towards the mainstream and pledge their commitment to “Naya Kashmir.”
In the past month, twelve organizations linked to the Hurriyat have abandoned their separatist ideologies, signaling a significant shift in the region’s political landscape.
In an exclusive interview with Kashmir Despatch, Hakeem Abdul Rashid, who was once a prominent associate of Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani, announced his departure from separatism. He expressed that he had been misled in his efforts to bring peace to Kashmir.
“I am very grateful to Home Minister Amit Shah for acknowledging our interest in joining the mainstream,” he said. “I was under a misconception that affected peace in Kashmir on a larger scale. Now, I am very happy to be a part of Kashmir’s beautiful future, where peace, prosperity, and development are prioritized.”
Hakeem also appealed to those still affiliated with separatist groups to abandon that path and unite for a peaceful Kashmir.
“We all realize now where we have been, where we used to stand, and how the people of Kashmir have suffered. However, the time is perfect, and we can achieve much more for the sake of our Kashmir,” he stated.
Earlier this month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India) for fostering unity in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that these groups have now placed their trust in the Indian Constitution.
“Under the Modi government, the spirit of unity prevails in J&K. The Jammu and Kashmir Mass Movement has rejected separatism and declared complete allegiance to Bharat. I wholeheartedly welcome their decision,” Shah stated. He added, “With twelve Hurriyat-linked organizations now distancing themselves from secessionism, this marks a triumph of PM Modi’s vision for a united India.”
