Dialogue, Not Guns: Mirwaiz Umar Calls for Peaceful Resolution to Kashmir Issue

Srinagar, Oct 4: Kashmir’s head priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, reaffirmed his stance against violence and gun culture, emphasizing that dialogue, not elections or force, is the path to resolving the decades-old Kashmir conflict. Speaking at the historic Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz stated that elections should not be misconstrued as a settlement of the Kashmir issue, which has lingered for over seventy years.

He underscored that the Hurriyat Conference has never been opposed to elections themselves but has consistently objected to portraying polls as a solution to the larger political issue of Kashmir. “The unilateral decision taken by the Government of India on August 5, 2019, cannot be interpreted as the resolution of the Kashmir issue. The issue is very much alive, and we have always advocated for a peaceful dialogue to achieve lasting peace in the region,” Mirwaiz said.

He recalled the efforts of the Hurriyat leadership, which engaged in discussions with former leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani, and Manmohan Singh, and stressed that the same approach needs to be carried forward. “Iron fist policies will not lead to any resolution. The only way forward is through meaningful talks,” he added.

Drawing parallels with conflicts in the Middle East, Mirwaiz warned of the consequences of unresolved disputes, highlighting the escalating violence between Israel, Palestine, and neighboring countries. He urged all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution before the Kashmir issue takes an ugly turn. “We don’t want Kashmir to turn into another Palestine,” he emphasized.

Mirwaiz also expressed his concerns over the mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, criticizing their fragmented approach. “If they were truly serious about protecting the rights of the people, they would unite for the larger cause of Kashmir. Instead, they continue to prioritize their personal interests,” he said.

The Hurriyat leader made it clear that the group is not against elections but against the narrative that elections serve as a referendum on the Kashmir dispute. “Assembly or Lok Sabha elections only address everyday concerns like roads, electricity, and water. The larger political dispute remains unresolved,” he pointed out.

Mirwaiz also questioned the frequent closure of Jamia Masjid on important religious occasions, such as Shab-e-Qadr and Jumat-ul-Vida. He appealed to the administration to allow religious gatherings and drew attention to the cooperation extended by the Muslim community during other religious festivals, such as the Amarnath Yatra.

With the commencement of the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Saani, Mirwaiz expressed hope that he would be allowed to attend upcoming religious events.