Mr Geelani is perhaps aware that there is now little support within Kashmiris themselves for his preferred idea that Jammu and Kashmir must merge with Pakistan. This was shown clearly by the Chatham House poll conducted in September and October 2009, wherein only 2 percent of Kashmiris on the Indian side favour merging Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan.
This ambiguity in Mr Geelani’s views about the future status of Jammu & Kashmir is a carefully cultivated ploy to retain his popularity among the younger crop of Kashmiris who have no desire of joining Pakistan. His views, however, essentially remain unchanged.
This tepid response to his calls is partly due to the fatigue setting in among the Kashmiris after their social and economic life was disrupted by Mr Geelani’s protest calendar for months on end.
Young Kashmiris must ponder. And decide. Is that where the future of the proud Kashmiris really lie — with Pakistan, a country which itself seems to have no future?
