The killing of former militants by gunmen carried out in broad daylight in the militant infested area of Sopore it seems has nothing to do with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s statement. In less than a week over seven former militants have been killed which has created shock waves. Though Hurriyat leaders did not delay in issuing a statement attributed as handiwork of Indian intelligence agencies, the reality could be the killings may be the result of an intensified domination war within the militant outfits and the former or surrendered militants. If intelligence agencies have to carry out these killings of former militants of banned Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, they could have done much earlier. There was no need of any alibi of taking Parrikar’s statement as a cover to justify or to criticise these actions. Even Geelani loyalists have also fallen prey to infighting who were activists of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. The killing pattern ascertained the fact that the internal war among the militant outfits and ranks is on to get command of the situation in the Valley. Of late tourist season is picking up in the Valley which is what Kashmiris look forward to during summers and any disturbance on this front would affect their life. The Valley has been experiencing a good season as far as tourist flow is concerned. They don’t want to lose the gains of present atmosphere and the spurt of killings surely would cast shadow on tourist flow. The surrendered militants or Ikhwnis are the easy fodder for fighting the militant groups and can comfortably pass the buck to ‘Indian agencies’. The sick mentality of separatists and their patrons is reflection of what is happening in Kashmir Valley and the motto is to keep the ‘fire going on’. If one goes by the fact the Hizbul Mujahideen faction led by Qayyum Nazzar also known as ‘Qayum Nazarwala’ is alleged to be behind these killings and had prepared a list of people to be eliminated. The list has been rejected by Salahuddin as it contained the names of prominent Hurriyat and Jamaat members whose killings could have discredited the group and possibly invite a backlash.
