KASHMIR SITUATION

Koka Parray: A Government Sponsored Counter-Militant

Koka Parray, chief of the Ikhwan-ul-Muslimoon, a militant group with a difference (is) fighting for Kashmir's "liberation" not from India, but from the pro- Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen and the Jamait-e-Islami. And in Parray, New Delhi and the army have found a useful ally.

From their base in Baramulla district, Parray's men are moving into parts of Anantnag and Srinagar- areas dominated by the Hizbul- and forcing them to flee. Neither the army nor the civil administration, however, is willing to go on record about Parray.

The (Ikhwan) is doing for the Government what the administration in Kashmir can't. And Parray doesn't don kid gloves. Last fortnight, he wrote threatening letters to the editors of four leading Urdu and English published from Srinagar, the newspapers remained closed for five days. That is, till Parray decided that they could resume publication.

When militancy first took roots in 1989, Parray was a JKLF activist, having undergone training in Pakistan. Later he joined the pro-Pakistan Ikhwan-e-Muslimeen, from which he was thrown out late last year. After he chose to surrender, Parray is said to have come under the influence of Indian intelligence agencies. Admits a senior official in Srinagar: "Irrespective of which agency is using him, he is playing a very useful role by taking on the pro-Pakistan outfits."

Sponsoring Parray could prove to be a wrong gamble. Just eight months into his new role, he has transgressed his brief but is not being checked. (Ikhwan) is not only alleged to be involved in extortion and looting, his men also run an illegal trade in timber and precious walnut wood right, under the nose of the district administration and the security forces. Rows and rows of trees have been reduced to stumps.

Political observes in the Valley warn that the strategy to encourage Parry could backfire if and when polls are held. For, even though Parray denies that his group will contest the elections, it is widely believed that he will field his men as independents. In fact, one factor the Centre considered while deciding to hold polls - until the Election Commission decided otherwise - was that Parray would get people at least those in his turf, to participate. The idea was to make the voter turnout look slightly more respectable than it otherwise would have been.

The prospect of Parray's men entering the Assembly is disturbing to many. Warns state CPI(M) chick Yousuf Tarigami: "The political vacuum should not be filled by lumpen elections." His view is shared by state PCC(I) chief Ghulam Rasool Kar. "The army's support to Parray is a dangerous game."

Being used, however, does not seem to faze Parray. He has carefully cultivated his image in his stronghold.

By keeping the Hizbul at bay, he enjoys some level of popular support. Also, he holds a durbar every Thursday where he doles out money to the poor and to families who have suffered at the hands of the Hizbul.

 With Parray at the forefront, the security forces have been making inroads into areas which hitherto were in the control of the militants. Today Parray has not only brought large parts of Baramulla and Anantnag under his jurisdiction, but has also started moving into Srinagar. In fact, he effectively controls the functioning of all major hospitals in Srinagar. Doctors and nurses at Soura report to work on time for fear of reprisals from the Muslimoon. For the same reason newspapers print any statements issued by the outfit.

That Parray has changed the contours of the militant movement in Kashmir and made himself a force to reckon with - is beyond doubt.

"What the Government may be overlooking here is that they may be creating another Bhindranwale.

For the time being the man is obviously a threat- not just to Pakistan and its game plan for Kashmir but to other militant and even political groups.

In the end, the Government will have to ensure that he remains what he started out to be; a surrendered militant willing to play the Government's game. Otherwise, the Centre may one day wake to find it has created yet another enemy and - opened yet another front. Adding only to the complexity of the Kashmir problem.

(Source: The India Today, 15 December, 1995)

Government Statement on Kashmir Issue

In the recent months different ideas and suggestions have been made by various persons and groups on issues like autonomy for J&K. On 4th November, 1995 the Prime Minster made a Statement.

There have been diverse reactions, among various sections of the people, political groups and in the media to the Statement. The Government have continued to maintain that it is open to dialogue and discussions with various individuals and groups with the aim of building up an environment, and further consolidating the improved situation in the State, so that peace and normalcy can be restored and a democratic and representative Government brought about through free and fair elections at the earliest. Such dialogue and discussions could also include issues pertaining to the question of autonomy. The Government shall continue to follow this approach and pursue its efforts towards achieving the above objective and there shall be no let-up in the efforts in this regard.

(Source: LSUQ No.3537 dated 20 December, 1995 by C. Patel)