In a significant development, US is probing its own former diplomat Robin Raphel, who was Assistant Secretary for South Asia on counter intelligence charges, for her role in promoting the so-called moderate Kashmiri separatists. She is also suspected of having facilitated their first visit to Pakistan and then to US several times. She was instrumental in projecting their voice before the US Congress and think-tanks. It is believed that even the Hurriyat Conference was floated after several separatist groups came together with Raphel’s assistance and advice in 1993, a period when militancy was at its peak. She was instrumental in getting the idea of floating an outfit in Kashmir to interact with, which Washington had too agreed. She is notorious for having questioned the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India and crying hoarse over human rights violation in the State. She has remained in constant touch with ISI stooge Ghulam Nabi Fai who was arrested in US for lobbying Pakistan’s case on Kashmir. As a result, when she made her controversial comments on Kashmir dispute and to the extent of suggesting referendum, the Indian Government saw her as a formidable antagonistic voice to contend with. Raphel, many believe, was single handedly responsible for the lowest moments of US-India relations. It was Raphel’s advice that the then Pakistan President Parvez Musharraf had invited separatists following reopening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road. Even hardliner Sayed Ali Shah Geelani was invited but he refused. Now FBI probing into the misadventures of Raphel reflects changing US stand on India in the backdrop of changing politico-economic environment in Indo-American relations. The ties were never cordial between the two countries which remained mired in suspicion.
