All Parties Hurriyat Conference: Kashmir's Umbrella Coalition for Self-Determination

Name and meaning

The word "Hurriyat" comes from the Kashmiri (Koshur) vocabulary and is shared with several neighbouring languages; it is borrowed from Arabic and is also used in Urdu and Persian, where it generally denotes "freedom" or "liberty".

Origins and purpose

At its founding the APHC united about 26 distinct organisations — combining political parties, religious leaders and social bodies — around a common platform. The coalition framed its objectives around obtaining a political solution acceptable to Kashmiri representatives and consistent with international resolutions that address the status of the territory.

Structure and developments

The APHC functioned as an umbrella group rather than a single party; membership and influence have shifted over time. Internal disagreements among constituent groups later produced changes in leadership and organization. The coalition’s role in local politics has varied depending on shifting alliances, leadership disputes and the broader regional context.

Leadership

Leadership of the APHC has changed over the years. In January 2010 Tabish Bhat was chosen to lead the conference. Subsequent years saw further changes in the coalition’s composition and public activity.

Core aims (summarised)

• To represent a range of Kashmiri political and social organisations within a single platform.
• To press for a political resolution that would allow the people of Kashmir to determine their future.
• To pursue those aims through public statements, political engagement and coordination among member groups.