Former Hardliners Renounce Hurriyat, Blame Pakistan for ‘Mess’; Pledge Allegiance to India’s Constitution in ‘Naya Kashmir’ Revival
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, July 21 :The evolving situation in Kashmir, characterized by peace, prosperity, and development, has not only shifted public sentiment but also prompted former hardline separatists to embrace the mainstream and commit to a “Naya Kashmir.”
In recent months, several organizations linked to the Hurriyat Conference have renounced separatist ideologies, signaling a significant transformation in the region’s political landscape.
In a notable development, former separatist leader Bilal Gani Lone has blamed the Hurriyat Conference for its own decline, calling the conglomerate “non-functional.” He also criticized Pakistan for creating a “mess” and fueling divisions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah 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 faith 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 pledged allegiance to Bharat. I wholeheartedly welcome their decision,” Shah stated. He added, “With twelve Hurriyat-linked organizations distancing themselves from secessionism, this marks a triumph of PM Modi’s vision for a united India.”
Following this trend, Bilal Gani Lone urged the youth to accept the reality that India is “too big a power to challenge” and advised them to view the country beyond partisan politics. “See India as India,” he said, encouraging Kashmiris to find their rightful place within the nation.
Lone stressed that the younger generation must be told the truth about the past 35 years, as they have “no other option” but to embrace this new political reality. “The politics of exploitation must end,” he asserted.
In an interview with PTI, Lone declared that the Hurriyat Conference, formed in 1993, has lost its relevance. “Hurriyat is no longer relevant. It is not even functional,” he said. “Let’s be honest—today, Hurriyat has no presence in Kashmir.”
While acknowledging that people once trusted the Hurriyat, Lone admitted its failure to deliver. “The concept may have been good at the time, but Hurriyat has faltered. We could not act,” he said.
He was equally critical of Pakistan, stating, “We have heard many statements, but nothing has materialized. Pakistan should help soothe tensions in Kashmir instead of creating divisions.”
Reflecting on his ideological shift, Lone said, “I have no regrets about my past, but my biggest regret is that we could not achieve anything. Much could have been done, but we failed.” Quoting a Hindi proverb, he added, “Dair aaye, durust aaye (Better late than never).”
Lone clarified that his move to mainstream politics is not driven by ambition for power but by a desire to serve his people. “This is payback time for me,” he said, emphasizing that his focus is on the future of Kashmir’s youth—education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“Violence has given us nothing—only destruction. It has ruined generations,” he lamented.
In a similar vein, Hakeem Abdul Rashid, a former associate of hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, announced his departure from separatism in an exclusive interview with Kashmir Despatch. He admitted being misled in his pursuit of peace.
“I am grateful to Home Minister Amit Shah for acknowledging our decision to join the mainstream,” Rashid said. “I was under a misconception that harmed Kashmir’s peace. Now, I am proud to contribute to a future of prosperity and development.”
He urged others still in separatist circles to abandon the path of discord and unite for peace.
“We now realize the suffering inflicted on Kashmiris. The time is right to rebuild our land,” he said.
These leaders are not alone in their disillusionment with separatism. For years, innocent Kashmiris were misled by hatred, violence, and anti-India propaganda. However, since the abrogation of Article 370, the truth has emerged—exposing how Kashmiris were used as pawns.
Today, the region is witnessing unprecedented peace and progress. Gone are the days of forced strikes, stone-pelting, and civilian killings. Instead, Jammu and Kashmir is thriving, with the youth excelling in education, sports, and entrepreneurship.
Kashmir is no longer a tool for geopolitical exploitation. It stands as an inseparable part of India, marching forward toward a brighter future.
