Mirwaiz Umar Farooq appeals India & Pakistan leadership to embrace dialogue

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JUNE 30 (STC): In a renewed appeal for India-Pakistan dialogue, Mirwaiz Dr Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Tuesday said that if the United States and Iran can resume talks after decades of hostilities, the two South Asian neighbours can do the same.
“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,” the Mirwaiz told reporters on the sidelines of an event at Residency Road.
He clarified the context of his remarks made last Friday at the Jama Masjid, saying he had drawn the parallel only to emphasise that dialogue — not war — settles disputes.
“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,” he said.
The Mirwaiz said the Indian subcontinent has abundant human resources and tremendous growth opportunities, which can be realised only if the leadership demonstrates political vision and improves mutual relations.
“Friendship between India and Pakistan offers the best path toward resolving longstanding issues, including the Kashmir conflict,” he said, adding that he hoped the leadership of India, Pakistan and Kashmir would support such peace efforts.
On internal community matters, the Mirwaiz underlined the need for unity among Muslims of Kashmir and called for resolving any intra-sect or inter-sect differences through “good faith” dialogue, keeping the larger interest of communal harmony in mind.

(Straight Talk Communications)