Mirwaiz welcomes; Hurriyat (G), JKLF dismiss Indo-Pak dialogue

Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed meeting between Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers in Russia while Hurriyat Conference (G) and JKLF dismissed the Indo-Pakistan dialogue.

 “We welcome the initiative of New Delhi and Islamabad in Russia. Resumption of talks is the golden opportunity for both the countries to revive their lost ties and they should not waste this opportunity,” Mirwaiz said while addressing a Friday congregational prayers at historic Jamia Masjid, here.

He, however, said if talks between India and Pakistan have to yield any result then Kashmir and its leadership has to be included in the dialogue process.

 “It was unfortunate that we lost one year in between when foreign secretary level talks were cancelled. However, this is the right time to pick up the lost threads,” he said, adding that by shunning its rigid approach, India has realized that talks are the only way out to achieve peace with their neighbours.

Mirwaiz said Hurriyat has always pitched for the cordial relationship and creation of friendly atmosphere and confidence between India and Pakistan.

“We have always maintained that a meaningful dialogue is the only way out to solve all the lasting issues between India and Pakistan,” he said.

Mirwaiz said that by addressing the “core issue of Kashmir”, the two nuclear nations could pave the way for the resolve of other lingering issue between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar said they did not expect any breakthrough from the meeting. “It was just a diplomatic compulsion for the prime ministers of the two countries”.

He said instead of such meetings, where a wide range of issues are discussed, the two countries should focus on the core issue of Kashmir.

“Our stand is clear; they (India, Pakistan) should both concentrate on the core issue and resolve Kashmir. Till Kashmir issue is addressed, such talks will be futile. They will be disappointing,” Ayaz said.

He said there is nothing new in the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif. “These have been going on and such meetings are not result-oriented”.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik termed the process “futile” and said the joint statement had disappointed the people of Kashmir.

“Issues and conflicts can only be resolved through dialogue. But the way this process has been turned futile and non-serious in case of Jammu and Kashmir has created doubts in the minds of common people and the people of the state have lost faith in this institution.  The joint declaration issued after the meeting has disappointed Kashmiris,” he said.

Malik said war cannot end problems and dialogue is the only way to resolve conflicts and issues.

“For the success of dialogue, it is equally important to have seriousness and focus on conflict resolution. Dialogue should not be for fun, timepass and putting real issues on the back-burner. Kashmiris are not against peace and progress between Indian and Pakistan.  We want these two countries to get together and resolve their issues but, at the same time, Indian and Pakistani leadership will have to also demonstrate some magnanimity regarding Kashmiris,” he said.

JKLF chairman said the two countries cannot prosper and progress while “keeping the entire Kashmiri nation as hostage for their petty gains”.

“India and Pakistan have held several rounds of talks in the last 68 years, but have failed to make any progress, especially on Kashmir. This non-seriousness and inconclusive attitude is responsible for the disaster of Kashmiri nation, which has lost its three generations in the last six decades. This attitude of timepass and putting serious issues on the back-burner will further ignite the situation and Indian and Pakistani leaders should know that without resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue, the dreams of a peaceful and progressive South Asia will never come true,” he said.