Hurriyat floats conspiracy theory behind Lone killing

Linking Lone’s death to his US visit, Bhat said: ‘‘Our enemies do not want the survival of those who command influence in the US and use that influence to resolve the Kashmir dispute.’’

Not ready to accept that Lone was killed by militants, Bhat said: ‘‘His killing is a part of a larger conspiracy. I don’t know who killed him but the question is who is going to benefit.’’

In the case of Malik, the US $ 100,000 that was seized was reportedly meant for the Hurriyat polls. After his return from the US, Malik was allegedly planning to form the Hurriyat’s private election commission which would hold parallel polls in the state to elect the real representatives of the people.

Although Lone’s death has plunged the Hurriyat Conference into a crisis, the leaders are trying to ensure unity and generate a sympathy wave among the people. They even prevailed on Lone’s younger son, Sajjad, to withdraw his allegation that the ISI and Syed Ali Shah Geelani were responsible for the killing. Overnight, Sajjad changed his stand and put the blame on Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah instead — a massive shift from his immediate reaction when he allegedly held Bhat by the collar and abused Geelani for their pro-Pakistan leanings.

‘‘I can’t even think of it. I had a long association with Lone and despite differences, we remained good friends. We have been together in the Assembly, the separatist movement and in jail as well,’’ said Geelani, who broke down at Lone’s Santnagar house today. ‘‘Lone used to prepare soup for me. He was like my younger brother,’’ he added.

Bhat is reported to have played a pivotal role in quelling the emotional outbursts witnessed immediately after Lone’s murder. By declaring Lone as ‘‘Shaheed-e-Hurriyat’’, Bhat tried to retain Lone’s People’s Conference in the Hurriyat fold.

In its first meeting after Lone’s death, the People’s Conference today resolved to work for the freedom of Kashmir. The meeting, chaired by general secretary Pir Hafizullah Makhdoomi, said Lone’s martyrdom would be a milestone in Kashmir’s freedom movement.