At trans-LoC wedding, fathers-in-law talk about totally liberated Kashmir

At trans-LoC wedding, fathers-in-law talk about totally liberated Kashmir
AASHA KHOSA

ISLAMABAD, NOVEMBER 19: The jampacked party hall of the Rawalpindi hotel looked more a venue of political rally than a marriage party. Fiery speeches, thunderous applause in response and some angry faces at the end -- if it was not for the decked-up bride waiting with a group of women in a separate room, the function to mark the marriage between Sajjad Lone and Asma Khan could be mistaken for a major political event here today.

Bride's father Amanullah Khan spewed venom against both India and Pakistan -- the latter for not giving visas to his Indian guests. He swore to free Kashmir from the clutches of both villain countries.

His quixotic behaviour was in contrast to the groom's father Abdul Ghani Lone's precise message. What he said left many stunned. Standing on the Pakistani soil, Lone said he too was determined to work for total liberation of J&K.

Lone's speech drew applause and also turned many a faces in the crowd red. Saleem, commander-in-chief of a militant outfit, confessed Lone's speech had thrown a surprise. ``Mujjahideen would meet and decide what to make of Lone's speech,'' he told the media.

The overwhelming present of ``Azad Kashmir'' leaders was in contrast to the absence of Pakistani leaders. The PoK Prime Minister Barrister Mehmood and former premier Sardar Qayoom Khan were seated alongside the groom on a small dias. A number of former prime ministers and ministers came with officials in tow.

The irrepressible Amanullah Khan also requested the Pakistani leadership ``not to punish some secretary-level officers for attending the marrige function.''

Pakistan's chief executive General Pervez Mussharraf did not even send a message although President Rafiq Tarar did. Benazir Bhutto had sent in a bouquet and best wishes for the ``political reunion'' between twotrans-LoC families. Among the Indians, former prime minister I.K. Gujral had sent in his wishes.

General Hamid Gul, former ISI chief, was seen asking Indian journalists, ``How long do you think you can keep Kashmiris subjugated''. Gauhar Ayub, the former Pakistani foreign minister involved in Track Two diplomacy, was also present.

Amidst the politicking, the guests had to hunt for the bridegroom and the bride. Sajjad Lone in his designer bandgala and without the mandatory garlands and headgear looked like just another guest.

As the spotlight turned on the speeches, the social part of the occasion was left to the women. Asma, the bride, looking gorgeous in her pink-and-gold bridalwear sat surrounded by a small group of women invitees. Women it seemed had no interest in politics and they enjoyed their segregated seating.

Guests also included a horde of ``commanders'' of Kashmir-based insurgent groups. Many declaring they had recently crossed the border (LoC) and would be returning after picking up arms and ammunition from Pakistan.

The PoK government has in fact extended full logistical support to Lone for the marriage. A fleet of Toyota cars is kept at the disposal of Lone while hehas been provided a Mercedes to travel. His guests are lodged in the Kashmir House, the official guest house of the PoK government in a posh Islamabad neighbourhood.

Khan, however, announced that he could not afford to treat his guests to a sumptuous meal and they would have to do with some snacks and tea.