BARKHA DUTT recalls her meeting with the Hizbul chief, whom the US has named a global terrorist. The distinction between foreign and homegrown terrorists in Kashmir is over
In July 2001, just days ahead of the Agra Summit between India and Pakistan, I interviewed Syed Salahuddin, the head of the Kashmiri terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen. We met in Rawalpindi, home to the headquarters of the Pakistan army, at a nondescript three bedroom bungalow where the Hizb ran an office as casually and confidently as if it were, let’s say, a travel agency. Except, men armed with automatic weapons guarded it and warned us not to train our cameras on their faces, though we were welcome to zoom our lens onto their guns.
Salahuddin, one of Kashmir’s most wanted militants, sat behind a small wooden table, and offered us chips and Coke, while holding forth on the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Musharraf. As he alternated between English and Kashmiri, I asked him if the Hizb would put militant activities on hold at least during the talks, so as to not sabotage their outcome. He refused to make any commitment, turning his diatribe on L.K. Advani and his rath yatra. He was more circumspect, even respectful, about Vajpayee, saying he was counting on his “practical nature” to ensure that the talks were successful.
Outside, one of the gunmen chillingly boasted about a gun he had snatched from an army officer in Kashmir, which he had then gifted to “Pir sahib”, as Salahuddin was known to his acolytes. Considered a dreaded terrorist in India, he was almost like a state guest in Pakistan.
Bu hikaye THE WEEK dergisinin July 09, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye THE WEEK dergisinin July 09, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict