Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, emphasized that elections should not be seen as a resolution to the Kashmir conflict, which has persisted for over seven decades. Speaking at the historic Jamia Masjid during the Friday congregational gathering, he highlighted the need for dialogue rather than electoral politics to address the long-standing issue.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mirwaiz expressed his stance against viewing elections as a solution to the Kashmir dispute. He referenced the unilateral decision by the Government of India on August 5, 2019, asserting that it should not be misconstrued as a resolution to the conflict. “The vexed issue is lingering and very much alive. We have always been advocating dialogue as the peaceful means of resolving this issue for the everlasting peace in the region but there was no seriousness on the other side,” he explained. Mirwaiz recalled historical negotiations with Indian leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani, and Manmohan Singh, which underscored the Hurriyat’s commitment to peaceful discussions.
The Hurriyat leader warned of the potential for the dispute to escalate into conflict similar to those in the Middle East, criticizing the United States for its double standards in international conflicts. He stressed the urgency of resolving the Kashmir issue through peaceful means before it deteriorates further.
Mirwaiz criticized local political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir for their fragmented approach to safeguarding people’s rights, suggesting that a unified effort was necessary for genuine progress. He also condemned the restrictions imposed on the local population, including the closure of the Jamia Masjid on significant religious occasions, which he argued showed a lack of respect for Muslim practices in the region.
In his concluding remarks, Mirwaiz expressed hope for a resolution through dialogue, emphasizing that the repressive measures and detention of Hurriyat leaders under stringent laws would not silence the genuine aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He looked forward to participating in upcoming religious events, pending legal and administrative approvals.