The Last Stand

In the autumn of his life, Syed Salahuddin just wants a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue.

- Tariq Bhat

At Soibugh , Syed Salahuddin’s village in Budgam in central Kashmir, enquiries about the veteran militant were met with curious glances. Youngsters in the village were born long after Salahuddin had left. A few old men still had memories about him. They said Salahuddin’s family lived a comfortable life, unlike most people in the area. A young boy finally agreed to take us to his house.

Close to the house, we met Muzamil Ahmed, Salahuddin’s elder daughter’s son. ‘’I will call someone who knows my grandfather,” he said, letting us into the house. A few minutes later, a bearded old man arrived. “I am Abdul Samad Malik, Salahuddin’s neighbour, and brother. My mother used to nurse us both when we were infants,” he said.

Salahuddin’s transformation began during his days at Kashmir University. After finishing his postgraduation, he joined the Jamaate-Islami. His Friday prayers at Srinagar’s Exhibition Ground were quite popular. In the early 1980s, with the launch of groups like the Islamic Students League, separatist politics was witnessing a resurgence. The ISL helped Salahuddin deliver sermons in several localities, which allowed him to develop a strong network.

In 1987, the Jamaat, ISL and other like-minded groups formed a grand coalition called the Muslim United Front, to take on the National Conference in the assembly elections. Salahuddin was fielded by the Jamaat from Amira Kadal constituency in Srinagar. The coming together of the separatist forces rattled the National Conference and the Congress government at the Centre. The elections were rigged in favour of the National Conference. After the elections, most MUF candidates and supporters, including Salahuddin, were arrested.