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| Will National Conference observe black day today? | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
Srinagar, Sep 8: Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was dethroned and arrested on August 9, 1953. For the rest of his life he observed this day as black day. Even after assuming power with Congress support in 1975, he continued to observe it as black day. But times have changed and so has the situation. Sher-e-Kashmir was arrested for nurturing secessionist tendencies. Today's National Conference is going to New Delhi in the coming days to participate in Prime Minister's All Party Meeting where strategy to fight `growing secessionism' in Kashmir shall be discussed and chalked out. If NC follows the precedent then as a matter of principle it should not participate in the meeting. But can NC afford that?
People by and large believe that he was dethroned for resisting moves aimed at diluting internal autonomy of the state. But this is far from reality. He was taken into custody for seeking total independence for Jammu Kashmir. Surprisingly Sher-e-Kashmir tried his best to project himself as the victim although this was the only time when he actually behaved and roared like a lion.
Abdul Gani Goni, a member of the constituent assembly was a close associate of Sher-e-Kashmir. He strongly resented Sheikh's arrest in the assembly, sought right to secession while opposing ratification of accession. Goni, however, joined Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad and became a minister. In an exclusive interview with this correspondent, Goni gave reasons for 1953 episode.
Goni said: "During those days, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was at his best despite facing severe opposition from his colleagues including Bakshi. It was during these days that Sheikh Sahib roared and behaved like a lion for the first and last time in his political career.
Giving details, he said: "By 1948 Sheikh Sahib had realized his mistake of supporting state's accession with India. He had started dreaming of an independent state and expressed it without any reservations. Jawahar Lal Nehru visited Kashmir immediately after Moulana Azad got humiliated at Hazratbal shrine. Sheikh delivered a fiery speech against India. Azad also wanted to address the people but Sheikh did not allow him. Nehru's sister and the then Home Minister, Dr Katju accompanied him. Sheikh told Nehru that he wanted to end his relationship with India. He forcefully put forth his views during a meeting of the National Conference working committee which lasted four days. He also made a mention of independent Kashmir. Nehru, his sister and Katju watched the proceedings with keen interest."
"A shocked Nehru, however, reacted politely. A park has been named after me in Srinagar. I was under the impression that people from India would come here to enjoy themselves and strengthen the relationship that exists now. Any ways, if you want to remain independent, I have no objection. I am going to London for a conference. After I return I will talk to you.' Nehru did return from London but not to give independence to Kashmir", Goni said.
Nehru had to cage the roaring lion. Since then National Conference has been observing August 9, 1953 as black day. Today's National Conference is going to New Delhi in the coming days to participate in Prime Minister's All Party Meeting where strategy to fight `growing secessionism' in Kashmir shall be discussed and chalked out. If NC follows the precedent then as a matter of principle it should not participate in the meeting. But can NC afford that?
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