By Muslim Mirror Special Correspondent
New Delhi : Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind chief Mahmood Madani’s overenthusiasm on Kashmir issue is widely seen as an ugly display of “nationalist and religious brinkmanship” with many questioning his mandate in this regard.
Article 370
Soon after the Narendra Modi government abrogated Article 370, Madani endorsed the decision albeit raised the issue of human rights also. He also reportedly played key role in bringing several Muslim groups on board to pass a resolution of support to the government. Later on, however, a couple of organizations called it an “arbitrary move”.
As expected Madani got undue space on screen to air his view with many right wing groups “epitomizing” his “nationalistic stature”. Madani also got platforms to put across his position on despite the fact he faced wrath of the people many a times. In one such interactive event at New Delhi’s India International Centre last week of September called by Justice OP Shah, Madani faced a severe blow when a Kashmir pandit, a woman, questioned his “Kashmir is ours” diatribe. The woman thundered, “Kashmir kisi ke baap ka nahi, balke Kashmiri ka hai.”
Press conference in Geneva
However, Madani was undeterred. He took the “Kashmir is ours” message to offshore. At a press conference in Geneva, he reiterated, “J-K is an integral part of India. We do not accept any interference by Pakistan and other nations in Kashmir. We cannot compromise with India’s integrity and we reject Pakistan’s narrative.” One fails to understand Madani’s overture. Neither he held any electoral mandate nor did he occupy any position in the government. Yet he enjoys the opportunity – and logistics – to organize conferences on Kashmir issue.
Kashmir connection
It is not new, however. His “Kashmir connection” is an open secret. Whenever there is a problem in Kashmir, Madani, who might never visited Kashmir, becomes active with his ‘holier than thou’ overture.
On the eve of US president Barack Obama visit to India on 31st October 2010, he organized Grand Kashmir conference.
“Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind at a grand “Kashmir Conference” at sprawling Ram Lila Ground New Delhi has asserted to accept the long pending legitimate demands of people of Kashmir and democratic civilian rights and institutions should be allowed to function freely. It also asked the government to sustain result oriented dialogue process with all concerned parties to the issue and withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act. It should be noted that on the same topic the JUH held conference at famous Deoband that was significantly appreciated by most important sections of the country” said a press release posted on the site of the organisation.
After Grand Kashnmir conference Mahmood Madani got Z+ category security .