A delegation of the Mirwaiz faction of the separatist Hurriyat Conference from Jammu and Kashmir was on a week-long visit to Pakistan last week. Hurriyat (M) is often referred to the moderate faction of the separatists while the hardline faction is headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Except for personal differences, this division is superficial. Both the factions are puppets of Pakistan, rabidly anti-India and loudly proclaim to “speak for the Kashmiris”.

On what grounds does the Hurriyat claim to speak for the Kashmiris? What is the basis of its legitimacy?