Mirwaiz Urges Revival of Indo-Pak Dialogue
Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revive the 'spirit of engagement' between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that dialogue is the only viable path to resolve outstanding disputes. In a statement issued on June 26, 2026, the Hurriyat Conference chairman said that the recent confrontation between the US and Iran serves as a reminder that military force, however overwhelming, has its limits.
Limits of Military Force Highlighted
Mirwaiz stated that the US-Israel confrontation with Iran demonstrates that even the most powerful military cannot achieve lasting peace. He urged both India and Pakistan to prioritize diplomacy over aggression, warning that continued hostility would only deepen regional instability. According to Mirwaiz, the people of Kashmir have suffered immensely due to the lack of constructive dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Appeal to PM Modi
In his appeal, Mirwaiz directly addressed Prime Minister Modi, urging him to take the initiative and restore the spirit of engagement that has been missing in recent years. He argued that dialogue is essential not only for resolving the Kashmir dispute but also for fostering broader peace and cooperation in South Asia. Mirwaiz reiterated that the Hurriyat Conference remains committed to a peaceful resolution through talks.
Context of Strained Relations
India-Pakistan relations have been tense since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequent cross-border skirmishes and diplomatic rifts have stalled any meaningful dialogue. Mirwaiz's call comes amid renewed global attention on regional conflicts, with the US-Iran escalation serving as a cautionary tale about the futility of military solutions.
The cleric emphasized that the people of Kashmir desire peace and normalcy, which can only be achieved through sustained engagement. He urged the international community to support efforts for dialogue and to encourage both India and Pakistan to return to the negotiating table.
