Definition and Comprehensive Background
Hizbul Mujahidin (حزب المجاهدين) is a leading Kashmiri separatist group advocating for the independence of Kashmir from Indian administration. Formed as a paramilitary organization, it pursues its goals through militant activities and has been associated with the broader geopolitical struggles of the region.
Etymology and Historical Context:
Etymology:
- Hizbul (حزب) translates to “party” or “group” in Arabic.
- Mujahidin (المجاهدين) denotes “strugglers” or “jihadists," those engaged in jihad or armed struggle.
Historical Background:
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Establishment: Founded in 1990 by Ahsan (known also as Abdul Majid) Dar and Mohammad Abdullah Bangroo. It emerged in response to the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) with substantial backing from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
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Objective: The main goal is to secure Kashmiri independence from Indian jurisdiction and foster the establishment of Islamic governance within the region.
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Support and Training: Received major support—political, military, and moral—from Pakistani state apparatus. Members have been trained in al-Qaeda camps located in Afghanistan.
Key Figures:
- Founders: Ahsan Dar and Mohammad Abdullah Bangroo
- Current Leader: Sayyid Salahuddin, based in Pakistan.
Cultural Context:
Hizbul Mujahidin primarily recruits local Kashmiri volunteers rather than foreign fighters. This aspect gives it a distinct place among other similar organizations like Lashkar-i Taiba, which often recruit from a more international pool.
Synonyms and Related Terms:
- JKLF - Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front: A secular and earlier formed group seeking an independent Kashmir.
- Lashkar-i Taiba - An Islamic militant group also focusing on liberation of Kashmir but broader revolutionary Islamic ideologies.
Cultural Similarities and Differences:
Hizbul Mujahidin shares its drive for Kashmiri independence with other groups but differentiates itself through its emphasis on an Islamic theocratic state and recruiting mostly locals, which aligns better with the cultural and ethnic sentiment in Kashmir.
Notable Quotations:
- “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer.” —Sayyid Salahuddin (paraphrased and iconic statement derived from an Albert Camus quote, signifying resilience).
Exciting Facts:
- Hizbul Mujahidin’s inception revolutionized the movement for Kashmir’s independence with its localized and religiously driven ethos, catalyzing further militancy in the region.
- The group’s association with Pakistan’s intelligence agencies showcases the geopolitical multi-layered dimensions of the Kashmir conflict.
Further Literature and References:
- “Kashmir: Roots of Conflict, Paths to Peace” by Sumantra Bose.
- “India, Pakistan and the Secret Jihad: The Covert War in Kashmir, 1947-2004” by Praveen Swami.
- “Fault Lines in Global Jihad: Organizational, Strategic, and Ideological Fissures” edited by Assaf Moghadam.
- AMU’llahi, Syed. “Kashmir - A Story Retold: Colonialism, Independence, and Meaning.”
