Early Times Report
Srinagar, Oct 5: History is witness to the fact that Kashmiri mainstream leaders always succumbed in difficult times. Be it Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah or his progeny, hardships and detention have always `deflated' them.
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who became a popular leader by using the pulpit of the Jamia Masjid, turned secular as soon as the people started following him. However, in difficult times, he would turn to religion to win the peoples' support.
His critics believe that a dejected, ignored and abandoned Sheikh regained his popularity by constructing the new Hazratbal Shrine in 70s. According to them, he was almost forgotten by the people during his prolonged detention but the Hazratbal construction did the miracle for him.
Sheikh's son and National Conference patron, Dr Farooq Abdullah is known for his flamboyant lifestyle. He would dance with dusky Bollywood damsels. At times he would even sing songs and Bhajans. He would also swear by the integrity of Bharat Mata. But in detention, the otherwise `secular' Farooq has turned religious and a bit `separatist'. According to local news papers, he prays five times a day and also recites Quran. A daily even published a photo of supplicating Farooq.
Another former reads about the life and works of Nelson Mandela. Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti is no different. According to her daughter, Iltija, the former CM recites Quran daily and also reads a about the life and works of Nelson Mandela.
The political observers, however, say that Mandela showed courage throughout his life and the twenty-seven year detention did not break his determination. "On the contrary, the PDP office in Srinagar wears a deserted look. Mehbooba has failed her party, workers and the people who voted supported her," they said.
But then what could Mehbooba do in the prevailing situation. "Even Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah lost his valour in prison. According to his contemporaries, Chowdhury Abbas and Abdul Gani Goni, prolonged detention broke him into submission. His involvement and interest in the Hazratbal Shrine resurrected him," they opine. |
