Mirwaiz's supporters celebrate Musharraf's victory
Shouting pro-Pakistan slogans, the youths were bursting crackers at Lal Chowk. Some of them were carrying the hurriedly printed photographs of General Musharraf.
By Masood Hussain, TNN |
SRINAGAR: Late in the afternoon when the crowded Sunday market here was abuzz with activity, bursts and sounds akin to gunfire send thousand of people running for cover. It took half an hour for the police and the traders to discover that it was a group of youths, who belonged to the Awami Action Committee led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, bursting crackers to celebrate General Parvez Musharraf’s victory.
Shouting pro-Pakistan slogans, the youths were bursting crackers at Lal Chowk. Some of them were carrying the hurriedly printed photographs of General Musharraf. Police, however, did not control them.
Former editor and noted commentator M Sayeed Malik said it was not unexpected. “He (General Musharraf) continues to be the motivator and promoter of peace process on that side of the divide. So his election is a defining moment for the process,” Mr Malik told ET.
Besides, he said, J&K has all along been receptive to moderate rulers in Islamabad. “He is moderate, and off late he has created his own quarters of influence in Kashmir by strong contacts. In fact, he has invited and talked to certain sections here that have remained untouchables in Islamabad.”
However, political commentator Sheikh Showkat believes the peace process that was credited to General Musharraf is already dying, and his re-election is not going to impact the events anyway. General Musharraf was expecting a positive approach from New Delhi prior to this election in view of his soft postures, but it was not a welcome idea for India. This does not auger well for Indo-Pakistan relations, he said.
“I do not rule out the possibility of General Musharraf reversing the concessions he had made in this regard or at least he would distance himself from them,” he added.
Shouting pro-Pakistan slogans, the youths were bursting crackers at Lal Chowk. Some of them were carrying the hurriedly printed photographs of General Musharraf. Police, however, did not control them.
Former editor and noted commentator M Sayeed Malik said it was not unexpected. “He (General Musharraf) continues to be the motivator and promoter of peace process on that side of the divide. So his election is a defining moment for the process,” Mr Malik told ET.
Besides, he said, J&K has all along been receptive to moderate rulers in Islamabad. “He is moderate, and off late he has created his own quarters of influence in Kashmir by strong contacts. In fact, he has invited and talked to certain sections here that have remained untouchables in Islamabad.”
However, political commentator Sheikh Showkat believes the peace process that was credited to General Musharraf is already dying, and his re-election is not going to impact the events anyway. General Musharraf was expecting a positive approach from New Delhi prior to this election in view of his soft postures, but it was not a welcome idea for India. This does not auger well for Indo-Pakistan relations, he said.
“I do not rule out the possibility of General Musharraf reversing the concessions he had made in this regard or at least he would distance himself from them,” he added.
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