In detention, Kashmiri political rivals warm up to each other
SRINAGAR: Politics, it is said makes strange bedfellows, but in Kashmir it is adversity that has helped form the most unlikely friendships. Detention of mainstream leaders at MLA hostel has apparently led to creation of friendly bonds between otherwise political rivals in Kashmir.
Mainstream leaders, who till last year were political enemies, now share food and spend hours together, chatting about the latest events in Kashmir, India and world. As many as 33 political leaders of various political parties are lodged at MLA hostel in the city. The leaders, most of whom are former ministers and legislators of PDP, NC and the Peoples Conference, were arrested hours before abrogation of Article 370 in J&K on August 5. These leaders who were first detained at Centaur hotel, were recently shifted to the MLA hostel. And five months of detention has made for new friendship between the erstwhile political foes.
“Special curd is brought for former J&K minister
Nayeem Akthar from his home. He takes some while the rest is distributed among all 33 detainees,’’ said a relative of a detained political leader. “Now every detainee has developed a special liking for the curd. ’’
Likewise, for PC chairman Sajjad Lone, chocolates and fruits are brought from his home by relatives and friends which are shared among leaders who till last year were his sharp critics.
Although there is a separate room for every leader, only two leaders—former minister and chairman Peoples Conference Sajjad Lone and former legislator and PDP leader Yasir Reshi— have TV sets in their rooms. Other leaders watch television at common room or mess room either at lunch or dinner. “All the leaders prefer to watch TV in the common room. BBC, Al Jazeera and NDTV are the channels of preference for all leaders,’’ said an official.
BREAKING BREAD TOGETHER
Food is frequently being brought in for all leaders by relatives and most detainees share each other’s food on a regular basis.
“Former assembly member Altaf Kaloo, who was elected from South Kashmir’s Pahalgam constituency in the last elections, has been assigned the job to distribute food as he is generous,’’ said a relative of a political leader.
Some of them play cards to keep themselves busy, but most leaders spend time reading books, especially PC chairman Sajjad Lone, former IAS officer turned politician Shah Faesal and PDP youth president Waheed Para . They spend their time reading or discussing politics of Kashmir, India, Taliban. Some are reading biographies and books on religion.
“Lines are blurred here. Leaders who earlier spoke against each other are now friends. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the days designated days for meeting them, all of them sit in a hall and chat with each other. Even their relatives mingle with each other. We don’t know if this bond will sustain once they are out,’’ said nephew of a former PDP–BJP minister .
Former three-time CM Farooq Abdullah’s PSA was extended for 3 monthshis son and NC vice-president Omar Abdullah is detained at Hari Niwas while Mehbooba Mufti has been put up in a government building the city.