Kashmir's chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday firmly asserted that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving disputes, and called on the leadership of India and Pakistan to return to the negotiating table. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, he emphasized that wars do not solve problems and that peaceful talks are essential for addressing longstanding issues, including the Kashmir conflict.
Mirwaiz draws parallel with US-Iran talks
The Mirwaiz highlighted ongoing efforts to revive dialogue between the United States and Iran, noting that talks between the two countries are expected to take place this week. “We have always supported such efforts,” he said, adding that if the US and Iran can come to the negotiating table after escalation, then India and Pakistan can also sit together and talk to resolve issues.
He recalled his Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, where he made a similar appeal. “It was in this context that last Friday at Jamia Masjid I said that if Iran and the United States can come to the negotiating table, after escalation, then India and Pakistan can also sit together and talk to resolve issues. In this spirit, I appealed to the leadership of India to embrace the path of dialogue, because wars do not resolve disputes. It is through dialogue that issues are addressed and resolved,” he explained.
Call for statesmanship in South Asia
Addressing the Friday congregation, the Mirwaiz had called for dialogue and statesmanship in South Asia, suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as one of India’s longest-serving leaders, could revive the spirit of engagement. “People should understand the context in which I made those remarks (on Friday). I believe that today our region holds immense potential. The Indian subcontinent possesses tremendous economic opportunities and abundant human resources. The entire region can move forward and prosper if only the leadership of the subcontinent demonstrates political vision and works towards improving mutual relations,” he added.
Friendship between India and Pakistan key to resolving Kashmir conflict
Asserting that friendship between India and Pakistan offers “the best path toward resolving longstanding issues, including the Kashmir conflict,” the Mirwaiz expressed hope that the leadership of India, Pakistan, and Kashmir will support such efforts so that peace is strengthened and issues are resolved through peaceful means. He reiterated that dialogue is the only way to address differences and build a prosperous future for the region.
