| Shabir Choudhry
( September 24, 2012, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) Kashmir Liberation Party strongly believes in democracy; and
wants to strengthen political and democratic process and empower people. Pro
Pakistan parties fully supported elections in Pakistani Administered Kashmir;
and fiercely opposed similar kind of elections in the Indian Administered
Kashmir, often resulting in death and destruction. One reason for this
opposition was to ensure that chaos in Kashmir continues and there is no
normalcy. Also it suited the ‘leadership’, they got rewards for promoting that
imported policy and there was no fear of losing elections, if they were to
contest.
We thought it was hypocrisy. Elections are held to elect
representatives who can help to resolve local issues and not to determine
future of the divided Jammu and Kashmir State. How the elections could be
justified and appreciated in one part of the divided State and opposed tooth
and nail in the other. In view of this, KNP took a daring step and included in
its constitution the following clause:
‘Without prejudice to our inherent and most cherished right
to independence; and despite restrictions upon those who adhere to this
ideology, KNP in order to empower people and promote democratic values and
culture of accountability and transparency will support democratic process in
the divided State and might take part in the electoral process’.
KNP constitution further said, we will: ‘Encourage, promote
and facilitate the process of accountability, and transparency; and provide
such literature, information and support which can help to develop and promote
a culture of accountability and transparency’.
So in line with our policy, we decided to contest elections.
It must be pointed out that before us many Kashmiri nationalists contested
elections in Pakistani Administered Kashmir. Maqbool Butt Shaheed, his son
Shaukat Maqbool Butt, Azeem Dutt, Nasir Ansari, Liaquat Ayat and many other
known Kashmiri nationalist have contested elections in the past.
While taking part in elections we knew we will not win
anything, but we wanted to show the local people that we were concerned about
their problems. We thought it will give us an opportunity to go out and meet
people during the election campaign and get our message across. Apart from us
other nationalist parties participated in the elections. We still think it was
the correct decision.
Every Kashmiri has a right to contest elections; there is
nothing wrong with that. However, those Kashmiris who contest elections from
the platform of Kashmiri nationalist parties they could be put in one category-
despite contesting elections and signing the objectionable clause they are
still respectable Kashmiri nationalists. However, those Kashmiris who have
contested elections from the platforms of Pakistani parties they bound to be in
a different category; and they can be called anything else but not Kashmiri
nationalists.
It must be pointed out that Pakistan has spread network of
Pakistani parties in Pakistani Administered Kashmir, just like India has done
on the other side. These parties believe Jammu and Kashmir belongs to Pakistan
(or India in case of BJP and the Congress); and those Kashmiris who join them
and contest elections from their platform agree with their Kashmir policy.
Despite this clear contradiction and betrayal, if these
people and their children believe that their parents are Kashmiri nationalists,
then perhaps meaning of Kashmiri nationalism has changed over the past months.
In my view, if these people who contest elections from the platforms of MQM,
PPP, N League, BJP and the Congress are ‘nationalists’ then Sardar Atiq and Omar
Abdullah are also ‘nationalists’; at least, Sardar Atiq and Omar Abdullah are
leaders of Kashmiri political parties and do not represent non State parties.
Forces of occupation must be very satisfied with their
Kashmir policy. They have managed to keep Jammu and Kashmir divided and
occupied since 1947. They have manipulated the Kashmiri leadership either in
name of religion or democracy and used them against each other. They have been
calling shots in both parts of the divided State, promoted their interests and
kept us away from the negotiating table. They have subtly changed our history
and culture; and many Kashmiris have lost distinction between azadi and ghulami
(independence and occupation).
Despite all the obstacles and nefarious campaign against us
by forces of occupation and their touts, we will continue our struggle for
united and independent Jammu and Kashmir. KNP leaders and members declared that
in its struggle the KNP will:
‘cooperate with all like - minded individuals and groups;
and in doing so ensure that culture of violence, intimidation, suppression and
oppression comes to an end’; and ‘Project the Kashmir Issue as a question of
Kashmiri nation’s independence and not right of accession as projected by some
interested quarters, at the international level, and to acquire support from
international community for our struggle’.
KNP leaders also declared that we will make serious and
sincere endeavours to:
‘Reinforce and promote Kashmiri culture and tradition of
tolerance and peaceful co existence among all ethnic groups of the State, which
was a key feature of Kashmiri history and culture; and oppose forces of
communalism, extremism and hatred’.
Writer is a political analyst and author of many books
 Kashmir Liberation Party strongly believes in...){kind=link}