SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday expressed deep concern over the continuing unrest and loss of lives across the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in Rawalakot, and called for dialogue, constitutional fairness and respect for the rights of all sections of the people.
Addressing the Friday congregation at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid, the Mirwaiz said the reports of civilian and police deaths over the past month and a half were deeply distressing and called for a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation to establish the truth.
He said every life lost, whether of a civilian protester or a member of the police force, should be mourned, while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured and strength for the bereaved families.
Referring to the recent developments across the LoC, particularly in Rawalakot, the Mirwaiz said governments may administer territories and advance differing political positions, but the people of Jammu and Kashmir remain the true stakeholders of their homeland.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, whether living in Srinagar, Muzaffarabad or elsewhere in the world, share common historical, cultural and familial ties that transcend the Line of Control.
The Mirwaiz appealed to the Government of Pakistan and the local administration across the LoC to engage sincerely with representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and other sections of society, saying lasting peace and stability could only be achieved through dialogue, constitutional fairness and respect for the rights and dignity of all.
He also stressed that any genuine people’s movement must remain inclusive and should not undermine the constitutional rights of any section of society. Referring to Kashmiri refugees and migrants living in different provinces of Pakistan, he said their voting rights and constitutional status should not become a matter of political bargaining and deserved equal protection.
Calling for a fair and mutually acceptable solution to the issue, the Mirwaiz said the struggle for justice, dignity, human rights and political rights must embrace all people of Jammu and Kashmir across regions, ethnicities and communities, including minorities and the wider diaspora.
Concluding his address, he prayed for peace, justice, reconciliation and unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir and urged all governments and leaders to uphold the rights, dignity and welfare of every citizen.
