Mohammad Shehzad

Born in December 1946 at Soibug village of Budgam district, Salahuddin's real name is Syed Mohammad Yusuf Shah. His maternal grandfather Gulla Saheb was a revered spiritual figure while his father Ghulam Rasool Shah was a farmer. It was his grandfather who took great interest in Salahuddin's education and predicted that he would rise high.

From grade 9-11, Salahuddin studied at the Government Higher Secondary School, Budgam, and was a good student. He composed poetry in English, became an impressive debater, got first class in the 12th grade but could not get admission to any medical college.

He graduated (in humanities) from the SP College and majored in political science from the University of Kashmir in 1971. In 1972, he was appointed Amir-e-Tehsil in Budgam and later Chief Nazim-e-Aala of Jama'at-e-Islami's student wing. In 1986, he was appointed District Amir of Jama'at-e-Islami's Srinagar chapter.

In March 1987, he was nominated to contest the state assembly elections by the Muslim United Front, which later transformed into today's Hurriyat Conference. But he was arrested along with his MUF campaigners and polling agent just before the counting of votes and released after nine months of torture and humiliation. The aggressive behaviour of the National Congress coalition is still believed to be the turning point of Kashmir's political history and the main reason behind the current armed struggle in Kashmir. In April 1991, Shah became Mujahid Syed Salahuddin and was appointed the Hizb Amir, a position that he holds to date. He is also the chairman of Jihad Council, a conglomeration of 13 militant Kashmiri Mujahideen groups.

On May 13, I was invited to meet with Salahuddin at Hizbul Mujahideen's media office in Rawalpindi. Here is an abridged version of his answers to my questions:

Question: Do you think militancy is the only solution to the issue of Kashmir?

You cannot enslave anyone against his/er will. Freedom is a basic human right. We still believe, the solution of Kashmir lies on the "table". But due to India's obduracy, it never comes to the table.

Kashmiris are peace-loving people. There was a time when they did not know what was a "gun". From 1947 till now, India has witnessed 37,000 incidents of communal violence. Not a single incident of such nature has every taken place in Jammu and Kashmir (JK). The denial of right to freedom has forced the Kashmiris to militancy. From 1947-1989, our struggle remained peaceful. We seized arms after our peaceful movement's failure. We want peace but India will have to admit that Kashmir is a disputed territory.

Question: What are your thoughts on the recent India-Pak peace initiatives?

The Hurriyat Conference must be a part of this process. I am 110 per cent confident that the government of Pakistan can handle the Kashmir issue in a best manner.

Question: How do the militants see such initiatives?

For them, these have no importance. They are freedom fighters. When they will be convinced India has acknowledged the Kashmir a disputed territory and there is no need to fight, they will stop the armed struggle.

Question: Should a big power be part of this process?

Why not, but if they could use their clout positively.

Question: What if you are requested by President Musharraf for a ceasefire?

Why ceasefire is necessary? Can't the two-dialogues and armed struggle-go together? It has happened in the case of Vietnam and Alger.

Question: How do you look at the slogan 'Pakistan First'?

Pakistan is not Pakistan without Kashmir.

Question: Isn't it an indirect admission when Musharraf said to Armitage: the terrorist camps in Azad Kashmir "would be gone tomorrow"?

Musharraf said that there were no camps in any area of Azad Kashmir. It is a way of expression. It could mislead the listener. All the camps are in the Indian administered Kashmir.

Question: How would you comment on the US's world policies?

Whatever the US is doing, will only encourage a "guerilla war" in the world against its oppression.

Some critics say your 'bleed India' policy has failed and its economy is growing. The former USSR never admitted that its economy was suffering or it was bleeding. But it collapsed all of a sudden.

Question: How do you look at Mufti Saeed's government in JK?

Saeed's government, too, is a puppet regime just like his predecessor Abdullah's. Indian Muslims do not share your vision of Jihad in Kashmir.

The Indian Muslims have been the victims of communal violence. Their sympathies are with Kashmiris, but they are not in a position to take up arms and wage Jihad.

Question: Is Jihad in Kashmir for freedom or for God?

A war becomes Jihad only if it is dedicated to God. Jihad in Kashmir is for God.

Question: How come?

Because 85 to 90 percent population in Kashmir is Muslim. They want to maintain their Muslim identity. The slavery of India is the biggest hurdle in this achievement.

Question: Who is best eligible to represent Kashmiris in tripartite dialogue?

There is no dearth of leadership.

Question: Some boys from Pakistan are also fighting in Kashmir. Is their fight justified?

These boys are of Kashmiri origin. They come from migrated families of Jammu and Kashmir.

Question: What is your philosophy about suicide attacks?

The life of a Mujahid is very precious. It should not be put to stake for a petty gain, but a colossal loss.

Question: Who are your idols?

Allah and His Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Question: Who has impressed you the most in your life?

Allama Iqbal and Maulana Maudoodi.


Copyright ©2002 Mohammad Shehzad and Daily Times. About the author