Claims APHC as ‘sole representative of Kashmiris’
Terming Kashmir issue as a stumbling block in having good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan, APHC leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has stated that the relations between the two archrivals is difficult to improve unless Kashmir issue was not solved.
He said that if the two countries are virtually on the verge of a possible war, it is only because the Kashmir issue stands unresolved for which the intransigent attitude of India is to be blamed.
Addressing a Friday congregation at historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar, APHC leader said that the assertions of the government of India and some political parties that the proposed talks should focus only on terrorism, deny the ground reality.
Mirwaiz said that all the existing issues between the two countries were actually the offshoots of unresolved Kashmir issue, adding, the prime ministers of both the countries have agreed to solve all pending bilateral issues between the two countries through dialogue, during their meeting in Ufa, in the larger interest of peace and stability of the region.
He said that Kashmir issue has jeopardized peace and stability of the region.
Rejecting Indian stand that Kashmiris have no role in the dialogue process, APHC leader said that Kashmiris were primary party to the issue because it concerns their political future.
He said that Hurriyat Conference has always maintained that a sustained dialogue may not go too far unless proper confidence measures were not taken to create an atmosphere of trust and goodwill necessary for such a dialogue.
Mirwaiz said that APHC is the representative body representing the aspirations of the people and it carries forward the political struggle of the people of Kashmir started in 1931.
Asserting that Kashmir issue was not a territorial issue, but it is an issue that concerns the political future of 1.20 crore people, APHC leader said that by ignoring the dispute or sidelining the Kashmir issue, talks between the two countries were not going to bear fruit.
Terming the attitude of the government of India of putting conditions before the talks as unrealistic,he said that red lines do not exist in politics and diplomacy, adding, if the two countries seriously start talks to solve the Kashmir dispute, it hardly matters that APHC is included before or after the beginning of such a process.
He stated that Hurriyat has always advocated and supported the meaningful dialogue between the two countries.
APHC leader said that International law and UN charter makes it clear that Kashmir Assembly is not competent to take any decision regarding the future status of Kashmir.
Mirwaiz said that it is better for the leadership of India to accept the reality that Kashmir dispute can only be resolved by talking to people of Kashmir and Pakistan, adding, that the leadership of India should show maturity and prudence to solve the issue through a meaningful dialogue rather than adopting a military approach.
While hailing the recent statements of US and UN in connection with the Kashmir dispute, he said that Indo-Pak should utilize the opportunity of proposed NSA level talks.
Mirwaiz cautioned that in case these talks break down, there is every possibility of escalation of tension between the two countries.
APHC leader said that the pulpit of Jamia Masjid represents the political emotions and aspirations of Kashmiris.
He said that on 25 August, 1989, the Indian forces raided Jamia Masjid to stifle the Kashmiri voice demanding their right. He said despite repression and restrictions, the pulpit of Jamia Masjid has continued and would continue to represent the Kashmiris.
APHC leader also expressed deep concern over the desecration of holy Quran in Samba area of Jammu and attack on the houses of Muslims by certain communal zealots.
He said that it was the duty of the ruling regime to provide security and safety to the vulnerable Muslims and ensure and that the criminals involved in these attacks are brought to book.
