By Tehelka Web Desk
Kashmir’s chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday renewed his call for dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying lasting solutions to longstanding issues, including Kashmir, can only be achieved through negotiations.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an inauguration event at Residency Road, Mirwaiz referred to reports of renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran and said they should serve as an example for South Asia.
“It was in this context that I said at Jama Masjid last Friday that if Iran and the United States can come to the negotiating table after escalation, then India and Pakistan can also sit together and talk to resolve issues,” he said.
Mirwaiz said he had urged the Indian leadership to adopt the path of dialogue, asserting that wars do not resolve disputes and that negotiations remain the only way to achieve lasting peace.
He also clarified the context of his earlier remarks, saying the Indian subcontinent has immense economic potential and human resources that could be better utilised if relations between India and Pakistan improve.
“I believe that friendship between India and Pakistan offers the best path towards resolving longstanding issues, including the Kashmir conflict. We hope that the leadership of India, Pakistan and Kashmir will support such efforts so that peace is strengthened and issues are resolved through peaceful means,” he said.
Mirwaiz also underlined the importance of unity among Muslims in Kashmir, saying members of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) remain committed to promoting harmony among different sects.
He said any inter-sect or intra-sect differences should be resolved through dialogue, goodwill and mutual understanding while keeping the larger interests of the Muslim community in mind.
Emphasising the need for unity, the Mirwaiz said only collective strength would enable people to safeguard their identity and interests.
