Mirwaiz’s Delhi visit fuels speculation of backchannel talks with Centre

Srinagar, DHNS: The ongoing series of meetings between Hurriyat Conference chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and senior political figures in New Delhi have raised speculations that backchannel contacts were underway, possibly to pave the way for a Centre-Hurriyat dialogue.

Mirwaiz, who largely remained silent following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, met with National Conference (NC) MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi at the former’s New Delhi residence on Wednesday.

The meeting, marking the first such interaction between political leaders from divergent ideological backgrounds, has raised eyebrows.

The timing and location of the meeting suggest that significant developments, potentially related to a Centre-Hurriyat dialogue, may be taking place behind the scenes.

Another notable development in this context was Mirwaiz’s attendance at a meeting chaired by Jagdambika Pal, the head of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

This is the first instance of a Hurriyat leader actively participating in discussions concerning the challenges faced by Muslims in the country, indicating his growing involvement in national political conversations.

“The Waqf Bill itself is a politically sensitive matter, and the fact that the Mirwaiz is actively participating in discussions related to it suggests his increasing engagement with the Indian political system. This development is particularly significant given the historical reluctance of the separatists to engage with the Indian state on such issues,” a senior political analyst told DH.

However, he said, chances of New Delhi entering into a dialogue with separatists overtly were bleak. “The Modi government is keen on closing the chapter on separatism in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370. Mirwaiz and separatists are placed in a tight spot. They can’t afford to engage in any dialogue which will end their relevance in Kashmir,” the analyst added.

Sources also said that Mirwaiz may also meet with leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, although these meetings have yet to materialize.

“Some covert meetings have also happened in recent months and Mirwaiz’s Delhi trip and his activities in the national capital can’t be seen in isolation,” they claimed.

In the past, the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat had participated in the two-way dialogue processes initiated by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003 and later then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh from 2005 to 2007.

However, the political dynamics in Kashmir have shifted significantly since the revocation of Article 370, and any similar dialogue now appears bleak.

In the wake of the latest developments, sources said, Mirwaiz’s security has been significantly enhanced, both in Srinagar and New Delhi.

This move is indicative of the increasing importance of his role in the current political developments and the potential risks associated with his elevated profile.