Ex-Hizbul chief death jolt to peace in Valley

The killing of Abdul Majid Dar, former chief operational commander of Hizbul Mujahideen and a moderate leader, has come as a jolt to the ong...

The killing of Abdul Majid Dar, former chief operational commander of Hizbul Mujahideen and a moderate leader, has come as a jolt to the ongoing peace process in the Valley.

It is believed that Dar fell to intra-Hizbul rivalry, as he had been the target of Pakistan-based Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin. According to sources, the rivalry had become intense after formation of the PDP government led by Mufti Mohammed Syed, who reportedly had the support of Dar’s faction.

‘‘They had been gunning for Dar for quite some time now. He was talking sense and it did not suit Pakistan. Dar was aware of the threat to his life but probably became a bit casual, going to his house in Sopore quite often, making it easier for the killers,’’ say sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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Dar had been on the Hizbul hardline hit-list since he declared unilateral ceasefire and opened dialogue with the Centre in July 2000.

‘‘There were reports that Dar was planning to go to Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to join his supporters in Tarbela camp. His loyalists had been asking him to return and take charge of the Tanzeem. The hardliners did not want him there. Moreover, there was pressure on Salahuddin from ISI, who were planning to remove him from the Jehad Council. Killing of Dar was a desperate measure by the Hizbul chief,’’ sources said.

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