'Wise men change their mind, fools never do’

Shahidul Islam, 43, has a checkered career. He graduated in law, plunged in armed struggle against Indian rule in Kashmir, came over ground and joined Hurriyat Conference – the umbrella group of separatist outfits.  Through all these phases he lived as his alias, Shahidul Islam, but now he wants a “clean break” from politics and wants to live as advocate Aftab Ahmad Shah. Rising Kashmir reporter Hakeem Irfan caught up with 

Shahidul Islam at the latter’s uptown residence in Srinagar. Read on: 

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10187&Itemid=37

How did start off?

 

I started my political activities in 1984. We were just a few students in the beginning like Yaseen Malik, Shakeel Bakshi, Showkat Bakshi, Ishfaq Majeed, Javed Mir and others who were conscious of the political scenario of the region. We were associated with the Islamic Students League (ISL). But when ISL decided not to participate in the 1987 elections and just help the Muslim United Front (MUF) I and Mushtaqul Islam formed Muslim Students Federation (MSF) of which I was the founder President. Later, we recruited people for the armed group ‘Hezbollah’ from MSF itself. I was underground for eight long years and after my release in 1998 I joined pro-freedom politics.

How do you interpret your shifts from a militant to an over ground pro-freedom politician?

I love to take risks. I was a junior lawyer in the chamber of Muzaffar Hussain Beig; it was a dream those days. But then I decided to go for the armed training across the border. I took to the arms consciously. I believe that was necessary as our cause was echoed in the international echelons of power with our gunshots. Again shifting to the upper ground politics was a conscious decision and necessary as well. 

But you are generally considered as second fiddle to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq?

People might say that. But it is an irony that we have a leader in every second lane and nobody is ready to follow. I chose to be with Mirwaiz as I saw all the leadership qualities in him. Besides I am confident about my decisions and I know which way to go. I don’t want to be just another addition to a lot. I am more concerned about my contribution to the society. 

Is there something really wrong with the Pro-freedom leadership? 

There is lack of the trust in the leadership here. It is because of the agencies of India and Pakistan. Sad part of the story is that every second individual is dubbed as an IB, RAW or ISI agent. There is a complete chaos in the mutual relations that affects the leadership as well. They should unite and move forward positively. Personally, I have decided to take a clean break from politics and join social work.

Can you elaborate on your new social work venture?

I have been working in Rafiabad and some upper reaches for more than six months now. I feel there is genuine need of addressing the poor and neglected class of the society. I will be concentrating on North and South Kashmir. I am formally starting it in the coming month. This got delayed as generally people here have grown skeptical about such ventures and they might have misconstrued it as my preparations for elections. I tried to delay it post elections. I have already conveyed it to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and he has also given his consent. He appreciated my decision. Problem here is that whosoever differs with the traditional stand is suspected. I had to be careful about my decision.

Have you parted ways from the Hurriyat (M) or submitted a resignation?

I have not tendered my resignation yet but will be doing so in near future. I feel like people in the far flung areas are in need and I must take an initiative for them. It might be just a beginning and others shall hopefully follow. I am impressed by the Americans who are well settled but they work for the people here like Carin Jodha Fischer who is working with Rafiabad Rural Development Foundation. They live in the jungles for months together and help people there. It is a tough job and my fingers are crossed. I will be starting my social work career with Carin.

What forced you to take this decision?

I am impressed by the social work of Abdul Sattar Edhi of Pakistan. I have decided to work actively as a social worker. I as a city dweller want to set the example by moving towards the rural areas and work for the people there. I mean nation building. I will work for the orphans and war widows. We have to stress on the institution building and economic self reliance which unfortunately pro-freedom leadership here could not do. Mere slogans, stone pelting and rhetoric will not work. I will be moving to Lolab and Gurez and after that I will be going to South Kashmir. I don’t know how people will take it but I will stick to my decision. Even in politics as Mirwaiz sahib also hinted there is a dire need of working at the grassroot level in the villages and strive for the self reliance.

How will you finance your work?

I don’t want to create an NGO type structure that has been much exploited here by the agencies. The legitimate funding sources in America and Europe will be helpful in moving forward quickly. I don’t care how this will be interpreted but I am sincere, honest and enthusiastic about my new role as a social entrepreneur. It is a natural extension of the struggle that will encompass the developmental work. It is all about moving out from your drawing room and performing at the ground level. Besides I owe this to my nation as I was the man with gun as well. People should not be dependent on MLA’s and others. I will not be there to beg for the votes but the people must have the alternative to look up to.

When did this idea strike you?

 

There was realization within the young leadership to think rationally about the issues in early 2008. I also wrote an article in a local English language daily about self reliance that was much appreciated. Leadership was contemplating over such issues but then the summer 2008 uprising started and all got carried way by that. We were busy with all that. Although pro-freedom leadership knew that this will not last long and proved to be the reality. People had started thinking on those lines after Sajad Lone organized the seminar on May 25 about the realistic approach of the pro- freedom leadership. It was a good thinking creeping in but then it could not grow because of events that followed.

Does the shift towards active social work indicate your dejection from the pro-freedom politics?

No. It is just that wise men change their minds and fools never. I will feel happy if the pro freedom leadership will follow any such model. I believe that there are number of ways to help the people. We should have our own vegetables, fruits, poultry, electricity and every thing else we need. We have to be economically independent. Besides, we have to be all-inclusive with positive approach. Every leader here fears that he or she might be slapped with a fatwa if he or she will start thinking afresh. Leaders are meant to be pro active and ready to take new decisions and steps. Shakeel Bakshi and Asiya Andrabi had hinted about the developmental work and self reliance much earlier. I am impressed by their outlook on the developmental issues. 

By “all-inclusive” do you mean that the mainstream politicians should also be taken into confidence?

Look! It is an achievement for the pro-freedom leadership that the mainstream politicians today are also speaking about the resolution of the Kashmir issue.  They are speaking the pro freedom language. Besides, Geelani sahib and Mirwaiz sahib also suggested them to join the pro freedom clout. We have to be optimistic and positive about the dynamics of the change and also be confident to perform where ever we are. Sincerity and honesty of purpose is the corner stone for everything. Our people and leaders have to think beyond themselves. We have to avoid internal bickering and hypocrisy. We have to learn to appreciate the others work and simultaneously try to excel in our own domain rather than defaming and demonizing others. We cannot blame the slavery and conflict for every wrong we do. We have to evolve ourselves to be able to behave as a nation. We have to utilize our time and energy in a positive way.