Ready for talks if GoI shuns military approach: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

• Delhi’s approach on Rohingya Muslims unfortunate
• Will revive Masjid Committees to fight growing social evils

Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Friday said they are ready for talks if Government of India (GoI) shuns military approach and changes its present policy towards Kashmir.
Addressing Friday congregation at historic Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz said people of Kashmir always wanted better relations between India and Pakistan and resumption of meaningful dialogue between the two nuclear-armed nations.
“New Delhi should start political approach rather than following military approach. We will be ready for talks if India changes its policy towards Kashmir and adopts political approach instead of military approach,” he said.
The Hurriyat (M) chairman said on one side New Delhi talks about dialogue and engagement but on other side Indian troops are violating human rights of people here.
“India should understand that with its military might, it can’t solve Kashmir. It is a political and human issue,” he said.
Mirwaiz said south Kashmir has been turned into a military garrison and in name of CASO, youth are being selectively killed. “No CBMs are being taken. Only the military footprints are being increased in Kashmir”.
Taking a dig at PDP-BJP coalition government, Mirwaiz said the present regime has unleashed a “reign of terror” in Kashmir.
“Jamia Masjid is put under lockdown every now and then. This process is is highly condemnable. We warn the government to change this policy else we will be forced to devise a strategy and come on roads,” he said.
Terming the Rohingya Muslims issue biggest challenge before the world, Mirwaiz said every heart was pained at the situation of Rohingya refugees but India has exposed its democracy before the world for its double standards.
“For India, these poor Rohingyas are illegal migrants and other refugees are refugees. Can 40,000 Rohingyas change the demographic nature of country like India? They are Muslims that is why they are being treated this way,” he said.
The Hurriyat (M) chairman said GoI should provide all possible humanitarian aid and assistance to these poor and hapless people and help in their dignified and safe return to their homeland as its lawful citizens.
He thanked the OIC member states for their full support to Kashmiri peoples’ struggle for self-determination at the recent OIC foreign Ministers meet. He thanked the OIC for inviting him to attend the meet at UN but for the lack of travel documents he could not.
Mirwaiz also welcomed the statement of Pakistan PM Khaqan Abbasi at the UN that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved justly, peacefully and expeditiously.
He said Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support is deeply appreciated by the people of J&K.
Referring to extravaganza in marriages, Mirwaiz favoured revival of Masjid committees at local levels to fight this social evil creeping into the society.
“We all have to rise to fight these social evils. We will soon devise a strategy with all religious and social organisations and Mohalla committees to fight this menace,” he said.
The Mirwaiz said they wouldn’t wait for the government decisions over this extravaganza in marriages but as responsible citizens fight this menace as it is their social and moral responsibility.