Lone Calls Time on Hurriyat, Says Kashmir Needs to Embrace Change Within India
Srinagar, July 19 (The Trending People): In a significant political development that may alter the course of discourse in Jammu & Kashmir, Bilal Lone, a separatist leader and son of slain Hurriyat stalwart Abdul Gani Lone, has declared that the Hurriyat Conference has become "irrelevant" and that the people of Kashmir must now look for their "space within India."
Bilal, who is the younger brother of former minister and Peoples Conference chief Sajad Gani Lone, made these remarks in a candid interview on Saturday, delivering a blunt critique of the separatist movement that his family was once an integral part of.
“Hurriyat Has Made Itself Irrelevant”
Bilal Lone stated that the Hurriyat Conference has become non-functional and has no connection with the evolving political and social aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
“The Hurriyat is itself responsible for becoming irrelevant. It failed to adapt, engage, or deliver. It no longer represents the Kashmiri people,” he said.
His statement comes at a time when the separatist movement has remained largely dormant in the region following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and a sweeping crackdown on separatist networks.
“Pakistan Has Only Created a Mess in Kashmir”
In a departure from traditional separatist rhetoric, Bilal Lone openly criticized Pakistan, accusing the neighboring country of playing a destabilizing role in the region.
“Pakistan made statements, but nothing happened in reality. They only created a mess. It’s time they play a constructive, soothing role in Kashmir’s progress,” he asserted.
He emphasized that the people of Kashmir deserve peace and development rather than perpetual conflict and manipulation from across the border.
“The Next Generation Deserves the Truth”
Bilal Lone stated that his transformation has been driven by the aspirations of the youth of Kashmir.
“The present generation deserves to know the truth about what happened in Kashmir over the last 35 years. The politics of exploitation must end,” he said.
He appealed to the youth to engage with the future and see India for what it is — a large, diverse democracy with immense potential.
“No Regrets for My Past, But We Achieved Nothing”
Speaking with visible candor, Bilal admitted that while he had no regrets for once opposing India, he deeply regretted the lack of results and progress from the separatist struggle.
“I have no regret about being on the other side once. But I do regret that we achieved nothing. It was a politics of illusions.”
“Not Here to Become CM — I Stand for a Genuine Process”
Clarifying his political intentions, Bilal dismissed any speculation that his change of stance is aimed at gaining power or political office.
“This shift isn’t about becoming a chief minister or gaining a chair. I support a genuine political process — one that reflects the aspirations of the people and aligns with reality.”
The End of an Era?
Bilal Lone's strong words signal the end of an era where separatist rhetoric dominated Kashmir’s political discourse. His remarks could spark a deeper debate among stakeholders and especially among the youth, many of whom are already moving beyond older narratives.
This change of voice from within the separatist ranks underscores a critical turning point — a rare acknowledgment that political progress may no longer lie in defiance, but in dialogue, integration, and democratic participation.
Final Thoughts by The Trending People
Bilal Lone’s statement is more than just a political shift; it represents a larger awakening in Kashmir’s political landscape. As voices like his call for reconciliation, introspection, and integration, they also challenge long-held beliefs and ideologies. Whether this leads to a new era of peaceful politics in Kashmir or triggers new debates within the Valley, only time will tell — but the conversation has clearly begun.