By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai
We are saddened to know the demise of Amanullah Khan Sahib, co-founder, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).
Marhoum was an icon who remained steadfast to his mission. He was a symbol of sacrifice, modesty, and uprightness who remained undoubtedly true to the cause of Kashmir until the end of his life.
He was a man of vision, a great leader, a prolific writer, and above all, a kind personal friend. I knew him for over four decades. Alas, he left us on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at the age of 82.
Aman Sahib was an electrifying and captivating personality because of his long involvement in the Kashmir freedom struggle. He was s selfless in all his pursuits for the people of Kashmir. He was unswervingly devoted to the settlement of the Kashmir dispute and always emphasized that no settlement was possible without the involvement of the Kashmiri leadership.
One thing is beyond doubt that Aman Sahib had defined the parameters about the talks. One, that the issue of Kashmir was about the Right of Self Determination; second that the right of self-determination cannot be restricted to only choosing between India and Pakistan but it must also include choosing for the independence; third that the leadership of the people of Kashmir can never be side lined in any final settlement.
Aman Sahib has said it time and again that he was primarily an advocate of the people of Kashmir and was never against the prosperity of the people or the state of India or Pakistan.
We will never forget the contribution and the tireless efforts of Aman Sahib for the cause of Kashmir. And we are confident that the selfless, steady and conscientious efforts of Aman Sahib will never go in vain.
We miss him a lot but we are glad that Aman Sahib never let his people down! May Allah (SWT) elevate his status as the guided person, comfort him in his grave, make his grave part of Jannat ul Firdous and give Sabr to the family! Ameen!
