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Journalism of Courage
Driving in his hardline message further, rebel Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani along with his entire team took an ‘‘oath of commitment’’ at the main ‘‘Martyrs’ Graveyard’’ here today.
‘‘In the name of Allah and in front of the martyrs, we take an oath that we will not deceive Kashmiris and will get them free from Indian occupation even at the cost of our lives. We will not allow the blood of the martyrs go waste’’ — they all took the oath in public.
Ever since the split last month, the rebel Hurriyat faction has been fast attempting to legitimise itself and trying to hijack the Hurriyat from the dove camp led by Moulvi Abbas Ansari.
Not surprisingly, Geelani has found support from two main constituencies — militants and Pakistan. Both endorse his line that the doves, with their peace posturing, have only helped Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed consolidate.
Analysts in the Valley say that the dove camp needs to worry about the growing perception that it was ineffective and over the years had grown ‘‘closer’’ to New Delhi.
‘‘There might be a lot of people who have serious disagreements with Geelani but his commitment to Kashmir’s separatist cause is viewed as above board,’’ said a senior lecturer in Kashmir University on condition of anonymity.
