Srinagar: Senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has called for dialogue as the primary means to resolve the Kashmir dispute, urging India to reconsider initiatives such as cross-Line of Control (LOC) trade and bus services as essential confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan.

According to Kashmir Media Service, during a media briefing in Lal Chowk, Srinagar, Mirwaiz stressed that repression cannot resolve conflicts and reiterated dialogue as the only viable path forward. He highlighted the limitations of local governments in addressing the political dimensions of the Kashmir issue, urging the Indian government to sincerely engage with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The local government can address issues of basic amenities, but for the political aspect of the Kashmir issue, New Delhi must change its perspective. People here want an end to uncertainty and bloodshed,” Mirwaiz said.

Acknowledging the relative calm along the Line of Control in recent years, Mirwaiz encouraged both India and Pakistan to leverage this opportunity by reopening trade routes and enhancing connectivity. “Such initiatives have benefited many families in the past and must be revisited. These steps are beyond the purview of the local government and rest with the central authorities,” he noted.

Mirwaiz expressed optimism about the potential for dialogue, stating that if New Delhi shows a positive inclination, Kashmiri leadership is ready to engage, and noted that Pakistan also recognizes that confrontation is not the solution.

He shared a personal anecdote, expressing regret that current strained relations prevented him from visiting Pakistan to mourn the loss of a relative.

Addressing the contentious Waqf Act, Mirwaiz criticized it as unacceptable and called on both opposition and ruling parties to oppose it. Additionally, he praised the resurgence of Kashmir’s traditional arts and crafts, including the copper industry, urging artisans to maintain authenticity and quality in their work. He emphasized that such initiatives could create opportunities for youth amidst the absence of other jobs and businesses, potentially paving the way for economic stability.

In his role as head cleric of Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, Mirwaiz delivered a sermon at a mosque in Bota Kadal, where he spoke on Haqooq ul Ibaad, or the rights and responsibilities among people. He urged the faithful to uphold justice, dignity, and kindness in their interactions, emphasizing that Islam encompasses more than worship rituals.