SRINAGAR, 25 December 2003 — The first batch of Kashmiri Haj pilgrims left yesterday for Makkah where they plan to pray for a return to peace in the revolt-wracked Himalayan region.
“I am going to pray for forgiveness of my sins and wrongdoings of the past,” said Jaheed Ahmed, 42, as he boarded a bus for the airport in the pre-dawn chill.
“My priority will also be to pray for peace in Kashmir and permanent resolution of the dispute,” he said, as dozens of friends and relatives gathered around him chanting holy verses.
This year’s Haj comes amid renewed hope for reconciliation between India and Pakistan, which both claim Kashmir, after the countries’ armies began a border ceasefire on Nov. 26.
But despite the quiet at the borders, more than 150 people have died in separatist violence inside the province since the truce. The insurgency has claimed tens of thousands of lives since 1989.
“This year the tensions are less and the chances of peace are brighter,” said Ahmed’s mother Habla Begum.
“During the pilgrimage I will pray that tension and violence between the two countries end forever.”
Some 415 Kashmiri pilgrims were leaving yesterday, stopping on the way in the western Indian state of Gujarat and the Gulf emirate of Sharjah before arriving in Saudi Arabia where the Haj will take place in February.
While the pilgrims are away, the leaders of India, Pakistan and five other countries are due to meet in Islamabad for a Jan. 4-6 South Asian summit.
“Inshallah (God willing) when I will return things will have improved between India and Pakistan,” said Nissar Ahmed, 53, who was paying his first pilgrimage to Makkah.
“Once they are friends they can discuss Kashmir with separatist leaders and try to resolve the issue permanently,” added Habib Ullah.
