A Critical Examination of Leadership in Kashmir
In the intricate and volatile political landscape of Kashmir, few figures have managed to navigate the shifting sands as effectively as Usman Majeed. His journey from militant to mainstream politician is a testament to his political acumen and ability to adapt to changing realities. In stark contrast, Syed Saleem Geelani’s recent entry into the mainstream political fold, after decades of championing separatist ideology, raises serious questions about his leadership and the motivations behind his delayed decision. Let us critically examines the stark differences between these two figures and what their trajectories reveal about the broader dynamics of leadership in Kashmir.
Usman Majeed: A Leader Who Understood the Winds of Change
Usman Majeed’s political journey is nothing short of remarkable. Initially involved in militant activities, Majeed later became part of the pro-government militia Ikhwan-ul-Muslimeen, led by the infamous Kuka Parray. This transition from militancy to a government-aligned stance was not just a shift in allegiance; it was a recognition of the futility of violence and the importance of political engagement.
Majeed’s evolution into a politician was marked by his victory in the 2014 assembly elections from the Bandipora constituency on a Congress ticket. This win was not merely a result of political maneuvering; it was a reflection of his deep understanding of the ground realities in Kashmir. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Majeed recognized early on that the path of violence only leads to destruction and despair. His decision to embrace the political process was not an easy one, given his past, but it was a decision rooted in pragmatism and foresight.
Majeed’s recent statements criticizing separatists, calling them “murderers,” have drawn attention and sparked debate. Critics have been quick to point out his own controversial past, particularly his involvement with the Ikhwan group, which was notorious for its brutal tactics. However, to focus solely on his past is to miss the broader picture. Majeed’s criticism of separatists should be viewed as part of his larger vision for Kashmir—a vision that prioritizes peace, stability, and development over the destructive cycles of violence that have plagued the region for decades.
What sets Majeed apart as a leader is his ability to anticipate and respond to the changing mood in Kashmir. While others clung to outdated ideologies and methods, Majeed recognized the need for a new approach. His shift towards mainstream politics was not just a personal transformation; it was a move that saved countless lives from the horrors of terror and violence. In this sense, Majeed’s political savvy is not just about winning elections; it is about understanding the broader implications of his actions and choosing a path that benefits the people of Kashmir.
Syed Saleem Geelani: A Leader Lacking Clarity and Vision
In stark contrast to Usman Majeed’s political journey, Syed Saleem Geelani’s recent entry into mainstream politics comes across as a belated and somewhat opportunistic move. For years, Geelani was a prominent figure in the separatist movement, associated with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). He was a vocal advocate for Kashmir’s independence, opposing both Indian and Pakistani rule in the region. His position within the Hurriyat made him a significant figure in the Kashmiri separatist narrative, one that rejected the very idea of engaging with the Indian state on political terms.
However, Geelani’s recent decision to join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised eyebrows. If, as Geelani claims, his political ideology aligns with the PDP, one must ask: why did it take him 25 years to make this decision? The PDP was formed in 1999, and for over two decades, Geelani remained on the periphery of mainstream politics, advocating for a separatist agenda. His sudden shift to the PDP suggests a lack of clarity in his political vision—a vision that has remained blurred and inconsistent compared to the clear-sighted pragmatism of Usman Majeed.
Geelani’s entry into mainstream politics, while significant, lacks the decisiveness and strategic foresight that has marked Majeed’s career. Unlike Majeed, who understood the need for change and acted on it at the right time, Geelani appears to be catching up to the political reality much later in the game. His delayed decision to join the PDP raises questions about his leadership and whether he is truly committed to the political process or merely seeking relevance in a changing landscape.
Moreover, Geelani’s shift from separatism to mainstream politics does not appear to be driven by a genuine change in ideology but rather by the realization that the separatist movement has lost much of its influence and effectiveness. This belated realization, coupled with his lack of concrete action over the years, suggests that Geelani’s leadership is reactive rather than proactive. In a region like Kashmir, where the stakes are high and the consequences of political decisions are profound, this kind of leadership is not only inadequate but also potentially harmful.
The Broader Implications of Leadership in Kashmir
The contrasting trajectories of Usman Majeed and Syed Saleem Geelani offer important insights into the nature of leadership in Kashmir. Majeed’s journey reflects the qualities of a leader who is not only capable of adapting to change but also of guiding it. His ability to transition from militancy to mainstream politics, and to do so with a clear vision for the future, positions him as a visionary leader who understands the complexities of Kashmir’s political landscape.
On the other hand, Geelani’s delayed entry into mainstream politics highlights the limitations of a leadership that lacks clarity and decisiveness. In a region as volatile as Kashmir, where the consequences of political decisions are often a matter of life and death, the importance of visionary and proactive leadership cannot be overstated. Geelani’s late realization of the need to engage with the political process, coupled with his history of advocating separatism, raises serious doubts about his ability to lead in a way that truly benefits the people of Kashmir.
Furthermore, Geelani’s move into mainstream politics, while noteworthy, does little to inspire confidence in his leadership. Unlike Majeed, who has demonstrated a consistent and pragmatic approach to politics, Geelani’s actions suggest a leader who is more concerned with maintaining relevance than with making meaningful contributions to the future of Kashmir. This kind of leadership, which lacks both clarity and commitment, is not what Kashmir needs in these challenging times.
The Need for Visionary Leadership
As Kashmir continues to navigate its complex and often tumultuous political landscape, the region needs leaders who can not only adapt to change but also guide it with a clear and consistent vision. Usman Majeed’s ability to do so positions him as a true leader in every sense of the word. His journey from militant to politician, his recognition of the need for change, and his willingness to act on it set him apart as a leader with a clear and visionary approach to the future of Kashmir.
In contrast, Syed Saleem Geelani’s late entry into the political mainstream, after years of advocating for separatism, leaves much to be desired in terms of clear and decisive leadership. His actions suggest a leader who is reactive rather than proactive, and whose vision remains blurred and untested. In a region like Kashmir, where the stakes are high and the need for strong leadership is paramount, the difference between these two figures is stark and significant.
As the political landscape in Kashmir continues to evolve, it is leaders like Usman Majeed—leaders who can anticipate change, adapt to it, and guide it with a clear vision—who will ultimately shape the future of the region. Geelani’s late realization of the need for political engagement, while noteworthy, does little to inspire confidence in his leadership. In the end, it is the ability to see beyond the present, to understand the broader implications of one’s actions, and to act decisively in the best interests of the people that defines true leadership—a quality that Usman Majeed possesses in abundance, and that Syed Saleem Geelani has yet to demonstrate.
