Violence and Oppression Are Not Solutions to the Kashmir Issue,” Says Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
“Generations Cannot Continue in Uncertainty and Bloodshed”
Srinagar, November 18 (KNS): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq reiterated his firm belief that dialogue is the only way to resolve the Kashmir issue, emphasizing that violence, oppression, and gun culture offer no solutions.
He stressed that the political aspect of the Kashmir issue requires sincere engagement and dialogue, as local governments, despite being elected, operate with limited powers.
“At the end of the day, issues will only be resolved through dialogue. Elections have been held, and a government has been formed, but their powers are restricted,” said Mirwaiz told reporters during his visit to Lalchowk.
“Local Government can address issues of basic amenities for which they got mandate, but for political part of Kashmir issue, New Delhi has to change their perspective towards Kahsmir and understand that people of J&K don’t want to live in uncertainty and bloodshed to continue,” he added according to KNS correspondent.
He called upon the central government in New Delhi to reassess its approach to Kashmir, acknowledging the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Generations are moving forward, but uncertainty and bloodshed persist. The people here want a resolution and an end to this cycle,” he added. Mirwaiz welcomed the relative calm along the ceasefire line over the past four to five years, stating that the absence of cross-border shelling has brought some relief to the people living near the borders.
He urged both India and Pakistan to build on this momentum through confidence-building measures such as reopening trade routes and improving connectivity. “Such initiatives have proven to be beneficial for many families and need to be revisited. However, these are not in the hands of the local government but rest with the central government,” he explained.
Expressing optimism about dialogue, Mirwaiz said, “If New Delhi provides a positive indication, the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir is ready to engage. I also believe that the Pakistani leadership understands that the solution lies in dialogue, not confrontation.”
Mirwaiz also highlighted grievances related to Waqf management, calling the government’s interference “unethical” and demanding legal redress. “We have written to the JPC officials and requested that Jammu and Kashmir’s political and religious leadership be given time to present their concerns. Waqf is a legal matter, and government intervention in this is unacceptable to the Muslim community,” he stated. (KNS)
