Zahir-ud-Din
It is widely believed that Sher-e-Kashmir was ditched by government of India in 1953. This chapter of his life has been widely discussed by people across the globe. However, it still remains grossly misunderstood. The exact reasons for the August 9 episode were divulged by former member of constituent assembly, Abdul Gani Goni. Gani was a staunch supporter of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. In his address to the constituent assembly, he not only opposed the move for ratification of accession but also sought right to secession. He vehemently sought Sheikh’s release. However, he later joined Bakshi’s bandwagon and became a minister. During Amarnath land row, he gave the inside story of the August 9 episode in an exclusive interview.
Goni said: “By 1948, Sheikh Sahib had realized his mistake of supporting state’s accession with India. He had started dreaming of an independent state and expressed it without any reservations. During those fateful days, Moulana Azad visited Kashmir. Sheikh delivered a fiery speech at Hazratbal. Azad also wanted to address the people but Sheikh sabotaged the move. A humiliated and angry Azad immediately left for New Delhi. Soon after, Nehru came to tame his friend (Sheikh Abdullah). He was accompanied by his sister and Home Minister Dr Katju. In their presence, a meeting of the National Conference working committee was held which continued for four days where a defiant Sheikh told Nehru in clear terms that he and Kashmiris were not happy with state’s accession to India. He told Nehru: ‘I and people of Kashmir are not happy with India. Please leave us alone. We want to remain independent’. However, Nehru being a matured politician controlled his anger and urged Sheikh to stay patient for some time.
Nehru reacted politely. ‘A park has been named after me in Srinagar. I was under the impression that people from India would come here to enjoy themselves. Anyway, if you want to remain independent, I have no objection. I am going to London for a conference. After I return, I will talk to you.’ Nehru did return from London but not to give independence to Kashmir. He had planned to cage the roaring lion of Kashmir.
This incident has been narrated by Goni in his autobiography Sada-e-Bazgusht on page 54. “Nobody expected Nehru to arrest and dethrone Sheikh Sahib. Soon after the working committee meeting, I went to Doda where I heard about the arrival of a union minister Shri Mahavir Tyagi in Srinagar. He was very close to Bakshi. And what happened is history.”
The roar that created a stir in the entire sub-continent did no good to Sheikh Abdullah and Kashmir. The caged lion fell from grace slowly but surely. One day, Goni, the speaker of legislative assembly in 1975, was informed about Sheikh Sahib’s arrival in the assembly complex. Goni narrated the incident. “I greeted Sheikh Sahib. He was dejected. He said, `Show me my room.’ I informed him no room in the complex was meant for him. I further informed him that only Chief Minister can have a room in the assembly complex. I was surprised by his answer. ‘I want to see that very room.’ I was pained to see the lion of Kashmir in such a state of mind.”
Goni paused for a moment. He was going to share a secret. “Before leaving the assembly complex, Sheikh Sahib said, ‘I have offered enough sacrifices. I cannot offer more.’ I shook hands with him and watched him leave the complex amid shock and utter disbelief.”
