Need to revive legacy of dialogue under Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh: Mirwaiz
Srinagar, Jul 6: Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday welcomed efforts by civil society for the resumption of India-Pakistan dialogue, saying that in the new world order, war is not a solution to any problem.
On the Amarnath Yatra, the Mirwaiz said that Kashmir has a long tradition of hospitality and the pilgrims, who come here for their faith, should be treated with respect and care.
The Mirwaiz is a former chairman of the separatist amalgam, Hurriyat Conference, which is now virtually defunct after several of its constituents were banned by the Centre.
“As a new world order is shaping up, it is clear that war is no solution. We welcome the efforts of civil society voices from India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir who are pushing for peace and engagement between the two countries,” the Mirwaiz told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
He was asked about the open letter by more than 100 prominent citizens, including former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, from India and Pakistan to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif urging them to revive bilateral dialogue and restore normal ties.
The Mirwaiz said that he supported dialogue even at a time “when those advocating talks were accused of treason”.
“We did not back down. My uncle ‘shaheed’ Molvi Mushtaq was killed, Islamia school was burnt down, my house was attacked, but I did not give up on my principle even then that dialogue is the only way forward,” he said.
The Mirwaiz said the legacy of dialogue during the tenures of former prime ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh needs to be revived and taken forward.
He stressed that meaningful dialogue is imperative “between Delhi and Islamabad, and equally between Delhi and Srinagar, for peace, dignity and a just resolution”.
On the Amarnath Yatra, the Mirwaiz said that it is a religious pilgrimage, and the people of Kashmir have always respected the religious sentiments of all communities.
“At the same time, it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure the safety and proper facilities for the yatris, while also making sure that the daily life of local people is not unnecessarily disrupted and that the fragile environment of Kashmir is protected,” the Mirwaiz said.
He said such religious occasions should not be politicised, and should remain about faith, peace, mutual respect and harmony among communities. He expressed hope that the Yatra passes peacefully and safely.
Responding to a question on the government’s ban on two books distributed to school libraries, the Mirwaiz said that in a democratic society bans do not work, whether they are bans on books, ideas or organisations. (PTI)
