Two Hurriyat-Affiliated Parties Cut Ties with Separatism, Amit Shah Hails Move

In a major political shift, two constituents of the Hurriyat Conference—Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement (JKPM) and J&K Democratic Political Movement (JKDPM)—have announced their complete disassociation from separatist politics. Reacting to the move, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that “separatism has become history in Kashmir” and emphasized that this step would further strengthen India’s unity.

Leaders Distance Themselves from Hurriyat

Shahid Saleem, leader of JKPM, released a statement on Tuesday asserting:
“My organisation as well as I have no connection or affiliation with either APHC(G) or APHC(A) or any of their constituents or any other entity pursuing separatist or similar such agenda.”

He further clarified that neither he nor JKPM has any “inclination or sympathy” for the ideology of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), stating that it had failed to address the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Similarly, Advocate Mohammad Shafi Reshi announced his departure from JKDPM and APHC (Geelani faction), marking another blow to the separatist front.

Amit Shah Calls It a Victory for India’s Unity

Welcoming the developments, Amit Shah said it was a major victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed, peaceful, and unified Bharat. He credited the Modi government’s policies for eliminating separatist influence in J&K.

Taking to X, he wrote:
“Two organisations associated with the Hurriyat have announced the severing of all ties with separatism. I welcome this step towards strengthening Bharat’s unity and urge all such groups to come forward and shed separatism once and for all.”

Saleem Reaffirms Loyalty to India

In his statement, Shahid Saleem reiterated his allegiance to India, declaring:
“I am a loyal citizen of India, and both my organisation and I owe allegiance to the Constitution of India.”

He also warned against any misrepresentation of his stance, stating that any attempt to link his name or JKPM with separatist groups would be liable for legal action.

Government Crackdown on Separatist Groups Continues

On March 12, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banned two key Hurriyat-affiliated outfits—the Awami Action Committee (AAC), led by Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), founded by Mohammad Abbas Ansari.

The government cited their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, supporting terrorism, and fueling secessionist movements, imposing a five-year ban on both organizations.

While Mirwaiz Farooq criticized the move, calling it unjustified, some political leaders in the Valley have sought a reconsideration of the ban. However, with more groups distancing themselves from separatism, the political landscape in J&K appears to be undergoing a significant transformation.