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Josy Joseph in New Delhi
The National Conference is threatening to release jailed All-Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders as the Centre and the NC head closer towards a confrontation on the twin issues of the modalities of Jammu and Kashmir election and the imposition of President's rule in the state.
If these leaders were released, the hands of the anti-election clique within the Hurriyat, led by present president Abdul Gani Bhat, would be strengthened, reducing the chances of the outfit participating in the polls.
What is causing concern to the Centre is the implicit threat to release two senior leaders of the slain Abdul Gani Lone's People's Conference (one of the 23 parties comprising APHC). The two leaders -- Dr Habibi and Gulzar -- are reportedly opposed to the leadership of Sajjad Lone, the son of Abdul Gani Lone. Sajjad is seen as a moderate open to participating in the polls and New Delhi looks at him with hope.
Such a scenario goes against the Centre's efforts to rope in separatists to participate in the election to lend it credibility, especially in the international eyes.
According to sources, ever since the Centre made it clear to Farooq Abdullah that polls under him would undermine its credibility, the National Conference has been acting truant.
At present the Centre is working overtime to accommodate Farooq in New Delhi with some sort of a Cabinet rank.
While it is ready to accommodate Farooq at the Centre, it is not ready to accept a National Conference government during the Kashmir election.
But NC wants to be the caretaker government during election, and Farooq wants his son Omar to be the next CM.
The Centre says President's rule is unavoidable, because this Kashmir election would be an acid test and the international community would eagerly watch its conduct.
It also believes that successful election with a credible percentage of participation would end Pakistan's demand for plebiscite forever.
But the NC, which has virtually monopolised power in Jammu and Kashmir with New Delhi's unabashed support, wants to hear none of this.
Sending out clear signals that Centre's attempt to impose President's rule would not be tolerated, the NC is now threatening to release the Hurriyat leaders.
According to sources, ever since Centre's interlocutors have begun discussing President's rule in Kashmir, NC has on several occasions indicated that it would release the Hurriyat leaders.
"Strengthening the anti-election campaign in the valley would only add to the prospects of NC and that could demolish all our efforts," a senior official involved in Kashmir affairs said.
Sajjad Lone is critical of Hurriyat hardliners, foreign mercenaries and militant leaders such as Syed Salahuddin who are based in Pakistan.
A recent article by Sajjad Lone's wife and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front commander Amanullah Khan's daughter said participating in the election can be seen as a step towards dialogue.
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