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| Can Omar observe black day today? | | August 9 | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 8: Sher-e-Kashmir's only roar cost him his chair and liberty. This happened on August 9, 1953 for `seeking independence of Jammu Kashmir'. However, strangely enough, the `roaring lion' accused |New Delhi of ditching him and observed August 9 as black day. Even after assuming power with Congress support in 1975, he continued to observe it as black day. But times have changed and so has the situation. Today's NC is more interested in a six-year term of Omar Abdullah rather than Sher-e-Kashmir's legacy. And with Congress and PDP making inroads in what used to be strong NC bastions, Omar has other problems to address.
People by and large believe that Sher-e-Kashmir was dethroned for resisting moves aimed at diluting internal autonomy of the state. But this is far from reality. He was taken into custody for seeking total independence for Jammu and Kashmir. Surprisingly Sher-e-Kashmir tried his best to project himself as the victim although this was the only time when he actually behaved and roared like a lion.
Abdul Gani Goni, a member of the constituent Assembly was a close associate of Sher-e-Kashmir. He strongly resented Sheikh's arrest in the Assembly, sought right to secession while opposing ratification of accession. Goni, however, joined Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad and became a Minister. In an exclusive interview with this correspondent, Goni gave reasons for 1953 episode.
Goni said: "During those days, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was at his best despite facing severe opposition from his colleagues including Bakshi. It was during these days that Sheikh Sahib roared and behaved like a lion for the first and last time in his political career.
Giving details, he said: "By 1948 Sheikh Sahib had realized his mistake of supporting state's accession with India. He had started dreaming of an independent state and expressed it without any reservations. Jawahar Lal Nehru visited Kashmir immediately after Moulana Azad got humiliated at Hazratbal shrine. Sheikh delivered a fiery speech against India. Azad also wanted to address the people but Sheikh did not allow him. Nehru's sister and the then Home Minister, Dr Katju accompanied him. Sheikh told Nehru that he wanted to end his relationship with India. He forcefully put forth his views during a meeting of the National Conference working committee which lasted four days. He also made a mention of independent Kashmir. Nehru, his sister and Katju watched the proceedings with keen interest."
"A shocked Nehru, however, reacted politely. A park has been named after me in Srinagar. I was under the impression that people from India would come here to enjoy themselves and strengthen the relationship that exists now. Any ways, if you want to remain independent, I have no objection. I am going to London for a conference. After I return I will talk to you.' Nehru did return from London but not to give independence to Kashmir", Goni said.
Nehru had to cage the roaring lion. Since then National Conference has been observing August 9, 1953 as black day. But Omar's compulsions force him to abandon the practice at least for the time being. He cannot afford to annoy Congress.
Omar has other compulsions as well. The August 9 incident is perceived as an act of defiance by Sher-e-Kashmir. For a good number of people, it has been the brightest day of Sher-e-Kashmir's career. They believe he was dethroned and arrested for seeking independence. Omar, therefore, cannot observe it as a black day at this crucial juncture. He knows separatism sells in contemporary Kashmir. |
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