SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Tuesday reiterated his call for dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying that if the United States and Iran can engage in talks despite tensions, New Delhi and Islamabad should also pursue dialogue to resolve longstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an inauguration event at Residency Road, the Mirwaiz said he welcomed reports of renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran and hoped such efforts would encourage dialogue in South Asia.
“It was in this context that I said at Jama Masjid last Friday 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,” he said.
The Mirwaiz said he had appealed to the leadership of India to embrace the path of dialogue, maintaining that wars do not resolve disputes and that lasting solutions can only emerge through negotiations.
He said people should understand the context in which his earlier remarks were made, adding that the Indian subcontinent possesses immense economic potential and human resources that could be fully utilised if relations between India and Pakistan improve.
“I believe that friendship between India and Pakistan offers the best path towards resolving longstanding issues, including the Kashmir conflict. We 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 said.
The Mirwaiz also stressed the need for unity among Muslims in Kashmir, saying members of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) were united in their commitment to strengthening harmony among different sects.
He said any inter-sect or intra-sect misunderstandings should be resolved through dialogue, goodwill and mutual understanding while keeping the larger interest of the Muslim community in mind.
Emphasising the importance of unity, the Mirwaiz said it was only through collective strength that people could safeguard their identity and interests.
