Formation and Background
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) was established on March 9, 1993, as a political alliance of separatist groups advocating for Jammu and Kashmir’s secession from India. The formation of APHC occurred at a time when Kashmir militancy had peaked but was beginning to decline due to intense counter-insurgency operations by Indian security forces.
During this period, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF)—which promoted an independent Kashmir—was marginalized. Instead, a network of Islamist extremist groups, allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), gained prominence. To internationalize the Kashmir issue, Pakistan sought to portray the conflict as an indigenous struggle for self-determination. In this context, the Hurriyat Conference was formed as an umbrella organization for separatist groups that could advocate for the Kashmiri cause through political means rather than armed struggle.
Ideology and Objectives
The APHC considers Jammu and Kashmir a disputed territory and asserts that India's control over it is illegitimate. It aligns with Pakistan’s stance that Kashmir is an unfinished agenda of Partition and must be resolved based on the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The Hurriyat’s key objectives include:
Advocating for self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with UN resolutions.
Seeking a negotiated settlement of the Kashmir dispute between India, Pakistan, and the people of Kashmir under international mediation.
Projecting the Kashmiri movement on international platforms and mobilizing global support.
Promoting Islamic values while ensuring the protection of non-Muslims in the region.
Political Role and Allegations
The APHC has consistently criticized counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, often portraying them as human rights violations by Indian security forces. However, the group has been accused of exaggerating and distorting facts to suit its propaganda.
For instance, in the Haigam firing incident of February 16, 2001, the Hurriyat presented the event as an unprovoked attack on civilians. However, reports later suggested that the Indian Army fired in self-defense when a violent mob blocked and attacked them.
The APHC also enjoys observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reinforcing its international reach. However, in 2005, the OIC excluded hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani from its guest list, instead inviting Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to a foreign ministers' conference in Yemen.
Split and Factionalism
The Hurriyat Conference has been plagued by internal divisions, leading to its formal split on September 7, 2003. The two major factions are:
1. Moderate faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, which favors negotiations and political dialogue.
2. Hardline faction led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, which supports Kashmir’s complete merger with Pakistan and rejects any compromise with India.
Geelani’s faction, known as Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir, was officially formed on October 12, 2004. A 25-member advisory council (Majlis-e-Shoora) was established to guide the faction’s activities.
In 2005, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, along with non-Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and later Pakistan—without the approval of Indian authorities—signaling a shift towards diplomatic engagement.
Organizational Structure
The Hurriyat Conference functions through:
1. Executive Council
Composed of seven members from key constituent parties.
Serves as the highest decision-making body.
The Chairman is elected for two years and can resign or be removed by the council.
2. General Council
Includes over 23 political, social, and religious organizations.
Can accommodate new members, unlike the Executive Council.
3. Financial and Administrative Committees
The Finance Committee manages funds and donations.
The Spokesperson represents the Hurriyat’s viewpoint in public and media.
Constituent Groups
Originally, the APHC consisted of 26 parties, including:
Awami Action Committee
Jamaat-e-Islami
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF)
People's League
Muslim Conference
Democratic Freedom Party
Islamic Study Circle
Kashmir Bar Association
Students Islamic League
Both Hurriyat factions are headquartered in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Recent Developments and Influence
Over the years, Hurriyat’s influence has waned due to:
Increased Indian security measures that have curbed militant activities.
Lack of public support amid growing aspirations for peace and development.
Crackdowns on foreign funding, with investigations revealing financial links to militant groups.
Internal conflicts between hardliners and moderates.
In August 2019, after India revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, Hurriyat leaders found themselves marginalized. Several key leaders, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, faced house arrest, while the Indian government intensified action against separatist networks.
Conclusion
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference has played a significant role in shaping the separatist movement in Jammu and Kashmir. While initially positioned as a political voice for Kashmiri aspirations, internal divisions, allegations of extremism, and changing geopolitical dynamics have significantly weakened its influence. Today, the Hurriyat faces irrelevance, with dwindling public support and increased governmental pressure limiting its ability to function as a decisive political force.
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