In a significant shift in Kashmir's political landscape, former separatist leader Bilal Lone has declared the Hurriyat Conference "irrelevant," urging Kashmiri youth to embrace India and seek their future within the nation. Lone, the son of the late Hurriyat stalwart Abdul Gani Lone, has openly criticized the separatist movement, a movement his family was once deeply involved in. This marks a notable departure from traditional separatist rhetoric.
Lone minced no words in his assessment of the Hurriyat Conference, stating it "is itself responsible for becoming irrelevant" and has become "non-functional". He argued that the Hurriyat has failed to adapt to the evolving political and social aspirations of the Kashmiri people. While acknowledging the trust people placed in the Hurriyat in the past, he emphasized the present reality, stating the Hurriyat is "nowhere" and it is time for people to accept the change. He believes the Hurriyat had opportunities but "faltered".
Furthermore, Lone criticized Pakistan's role in the region, accusing the neighboring country of creating a "mess" and "fissures" in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that Pakistan has made many statements, but nothing has come of them. Instead of creating problems, Pakistan should play a soothing role in the region's progress. He dismissed the notion that Pakistan would ever acquire Kashmir through force as a "very silly suggestion".
Lone's primary motivation for this shift is the next generation of Kashmiris. He urged them to see India as it is, a significant power, and not through the lens of political parties. He advised the youth to find their space within India, as those who have tried to defeat India have "failed miserably". He stressed the need to end the "politics of exploitation" and tell the present generation the truth about the last 35 years.
While Lone acknowledged that the revocation of Article 370 may have been a "military victory" for the BJP government, he believes it has "lost Kashmiris" by making them feel "subdued" and "suppressed". He urged the central government to embrace Kashmiris and not view the region through the "prism of a vote bank". He suggested that the government should "come and feel Kashmir with their hands" and "give a soothing effect" to the people, listening to voices beyond political parties.
Lone stated that the security situation is currently "first class" but maintained by "the force of the stick", emphasizing that the biggest casualty in Kashmir is "trust". He called for a reconciliation process between the people of Kashmir and a new chapter of sincerity with the new generation.
Bilal Lone's shift towards mainstream politics also includes a desire to represent the "true legacy" of his father, Abdul Gani Lone, which he believes has been distorted, even within his own family. This is seen as a subtle critique of his brother, Sajjad Lone, who has been part of mainstream politics for years. Bilal Lone clarified that his goal is not to become Chief Minister or gain a chair but to speak the truth and work towards a genuine political process. He aims to focus on the future of the new generation, including their education, health, and business prospects.
Lone's remarks come at a time when the separatist movement is largely dormant, following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and a crackdown on separatist networks. Twelve Hurriyat groups have given up separatist politics and pledged allegiance to the Indian Constitution. The youth of Kashmir are yearning for change, seeking solutions to unemployment and identity issues. They want the government to address their mental health and promote constructive engagement in social, economic, and political spheres.
