Mirwaiz to Modi, Sharif: Hurriyat with you

`We will respond to positive efforts of India, Pak’

Chairman of Hurriyat Conference(M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Sunday urged the Prime Minister designate of India Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif to move boldly towards final settlement of long pending issue of Kashmir.
 According to a statement issued here, Mirwaiz said since both Modi and Sharif have been given strong  mandates by the people of Pakistan and India respectively, the two leaders must work towards a  lasting solution of Kashmir issue. “That will lead to peace, prosperity and stability in entire South Asia,” Mirwaiz said.
 He welcomed immediate steps – symbolic or otherwise – aimed at building confidence between India and Pakistan. “At the same time, Kashmir issue must not be ignored or brushed aside. Precious time should not be wasted,” he said. Mirwaiz said there must be a serious and result-oriented process of dialogue on Kashmir. 
 “To ensure that, India and Pakistan must engage the people of JK as an active and true partner. For any lasting solution, Kashmiris must be involved,” he said. Mirwaiz said that all three parties – India, Pakistan and the people of JK must be engaged for finding a final solution to Kashmir.
 He said efforts must be focused on finding a solution that accommodates the needs and interests of all parties. “Such efforts much uphold the aspirations of Kashmiri people’s like right of self-determination. The solution will have to be acceptable to all. It must ultimately reflect the will of the people of JK,” Mirwaiz said.
  Stating that such an approach will require sincerity and statesmanship from all sides and at all levels, Mirwaiz expressed his concern regarding various statements issued by members of the outgoing Congress party over the past few days.  “Kashmiris have suffered long enough. Those in power and those in opposition share an equal responsibility and moral obligation to be part of the solution. Vital opportunities to gift a peaceful future to our future generations should no longer be consumed in domestic politicking,” he said. “Let all the political parties of India, Pakistan and JK make a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue their agenda.”
 Mirwaiz said Hurriyat was ready and willing to contribute positively towards any serious process aimed at Kashmir resolution. “Kashmiris will be closely watching the developments between India and Pakistan. If we see any signs of a serious and courageous effort to find a solution, we will definitely respond with a greater sense of seriousness and courage,” Mirwaiz said.