Terming Kashmir “dispute” as the main pending issue between India and Pakistan, the Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Dr Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq has stated that the relations between the two archrivals is difficult to improve unless Kashmir issue was not solved in accordance with the aspirations and emotions of Kashmiris. He stated that if the two countries are virtually on the verge of a possible war, it is only because the Kashmir dispute stands unresolved for which the intransigent attitude of India is to be blamed.According to a statement issued to KNS, addressing a Friday congregation at historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz stated that the assertions of the government of India and some Political Parties that the proposed talks should focus only on terrorism, deny the ground reality. He stated that all the existing issues between the two countries were actually the offshoots of unresolved Kashmir dispute, adding, the Prime Ministers of both the countries have agreed to resolve all the pending disputes between the two countries through dialogue, during their Ufa meeting, in the larger interest of peace and stability of the region. APHC Chairman stated that Kashmir issue has jeopardized peace and stability of the region.
Rejecting Indian stand that Kashmiris have no role in the dialogue process, Mirwaiz stated that Kashmiris were primary party to the dispute because this dispute concerns their political future. He stated that Hurriyat Conference has always maintained that a sustained dialogue may not go too far unless proper confidence measures were not taken to create an atmosphere of trust and goodwill necessary for such a dialogue.Mirwaiz stated that Hurriyat (M) is the representative body representing the aspirations of the people and it carries forward the political struggle of the people of Kashmir started in 1931.
Asserting that Kashmir issue was not a territorial issue, but it is an issue that concerns the political future of 1.20 crore people, Mirwaiz stated that by ignoring the dispute or sidelining the Kashmir issue, talks between the two countries were not going to bear fruit.Terming the attitude of the government of India of putting conditions before the talks as unrealistic, Mirwaiz stated that red lines do not exists in politics and diplomacy, adding, if the two countries seriously start talks to solve the Kashmir dispute, it hardly matters that Hurriyat (M) is included before or after the beginning of such a process. He stated that Hurriyat has always advocated and supported the meaningful dialogue between the two countries.
Mirwaiz stated that International law and UN charter make it clear that the so called Kashmir Assembly is not competent to take any decision regarding the future status of Kashmir. He stated that Kashmir issue could be resolved either by implementing UN resolutions or through a meaning dialogue among all stake holders i.e. India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir.Hurriyat (M) Chairman stated that it is better for the leadership of India to accept the reality that Kashmir dispute can only be resolved by talking to people of Kashmir and Pakistan, adding, that the leadership of India should show maturity and prudence to solve the dispute through a meaningful dialogue rather than adopting a military approach.While hailing the statements of US and UN in connection with the Kashmir dispute, Mirwaiz stated that Indo-Pak should utilize the opportunity of proposed NSA level talks. He cautioned that incase these talks break down, there is every possibility of escalation of tension between the two countries.
Hurriyat (M) Chairman stated that the pulpit of Jamia Masjid represents the political emotions and aspirations of Kashmiris. He said that on 25 August, 1989, the Indian forces raided Jamia Masjid to stifle the Kashmiri voice demanding their right. He said despite repression and restrictions, the pulpit of Jamia Masjid has continued and would continue to represent the Kashmiris.Mirwaiz also expressed deep concern over the desecration of holy Quran in Samba area of Jammu and attack on the houses of Muslims by certain communal zealots. He stated that it was the duty of the ruling regime to provide security and safety to the vulnerable Muslims and ensure and that the criminals involved in these attacks are brought to book. (KNS)