A meeting of the executive, general and working committee members of Hurriyat (M) was held under the chairmanship of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at his Nageen residence.The participants discussed the ongoing political situation in the state with special reference to the breakdown of talks between India and Pakistan and its subsequent fallout on peace and stability in the region.In a statement to KNS, terming Kashmir dispute as the core issue between the two countries, the participants stated that the lingering Kashmir dispute was the main reason for the huge trust deficit between the two countries which led to wars between them and which continues to be a constant source of tension and instability in the region. They stated that unless the issue is resolved taking the aspirations of the people of J&K into consideration, little progress can be made between the two countries in normalization of relationships and resolution of other issues between them.
Expressing astonishment at the statement made by the external affairs minister Sushma swaraj that Kashmir issue will not be discussed at the NSA meeting, the participants stated that the Kashmir dispute has always been the focal point of any discussion between India and Pakistan and between these two countries and the Kashmir leadership since 1947. They stated that from Tashkent to Ufa, countless deliberations have been held between them, to move towards the resolution of the dispute. Besides, they reminded that the issue stands alive in the UN where many resolutions have been passed in this connection and several rounds of talks have been held to solve the problem. As such, they stated that India’s attempt to evade from talks on Kashmir issue was extremely unfortunate, imprudent and contrary to the historical, political and ground realities of J&K.
The meeting asserted that Hurriyat conference (M) would continue with its efforts at all levels to solve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people, who have made and continue to make tremendous sacrifices for their just cause.The meeting appealed to people to be cautious of anti-movement elements parading as well wisheres of people but actually driven only by narrow vested interests at the cost of harming the movement.It appealed to people to show steadfastness, conviction and faith in the justness of their cause and re pledge themselves towards it.On completion of 26 years of the infamous police crackdown of Jamia Masjid on 25th august 1989, the participants castigated the pro Indian parties of hatching the conspiracy to undermine the centrality of the Jamia mosque as it symbolises the aspirations of the people of J&K. They stated that since then, efforts are on to harm the historical significance and centrality of Jamia Masjid. However, they stated that despite the coercive and terror tactics of the powers, the pulpit of Jamia Masjid will continue to represent people’s aspirations and emotions come what may. (KNS)