Let Kashmiris Live with Dignity, Punish Extremists: Ex-Separatist Leader

New Delhi, April 27:
Bilal Gani Lone, former separatist leader and elder son of Hurriyat Conference’s Abdul Ghani Lone, has called for severe punishment for the “fringe elements” behind the Pahalgam terror attack. He urged that Kashmiris be allowed to live “like human beings,” emphasizing that Kashmir is now nearly free of extremist elements.

The attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22 resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen, with several others injured. It was one of the most devastating attacks since the 2019 Pulwama bombing that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

In an exclusive conversation with a news agency, Lone said, “Those responsible for the attack are neither our idols nor our leaders. As you mentioned, not everyone here is a fringe element. In Kashmir today, we have achieved an almost fringe-free environment. We didn’t flee from Kashmir; we stayed and faced the situation.”

Lone insisted that Kashmiris must address their internal challenges themselves, without intervention from India or Pakistan. “We have to solve Kashmir’s issues ourselves,” he reiterated.

He also urged the nation not to target all Kashmiris over the incident, responding to reports of Kashmiri students and traders facing harassment — although security sources have stated no such incidents have been officially recorded since April 22.

“This is bigger than just Kashmir,” Lone added. “Sometimes reactions come from places like Balochistan, but that’s not my concern. My focus is Kashmir. I want Kashmiris to live as free human beings, not blamed for the actions of a few. The fringe elements should be punished so severely that it becomes a lasting deterrent — but the entire Kashmiri community should not be held accountable.”

Lone emphasized that Kashmiris have embraced India’s democratic framework and rejected extremism.

“Kashmir has endured a lot and ultimately chosen to live within the Indian system. Let us live peacefully. If extremism ever takes hold in Kashmir, I’ll be the first to leave. We are not extremists; we are moderate Muslims who believe in peaceful coexistence. Being a liberal, moderate Muslim is difficult — just like mainstream politics is harder than separatist politics,” Lone explained.

Bilal Gani Lone was part of the Hurriyat delegation that engaged in dialogue with Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani in Delhi in 2004. His younger brother, Sajjad Lone, entered electoral politics and currently serves as a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

Following the Pahalgam attack, India has intensified actions against Pakistan for allegedly supporting cross-border terrorism, vowing strict action against those responsible.