SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday called for immediate de-escalation of cross-border tensions and urged India and Pakistan to engage in direct dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue. Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, he described the recent escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) as a human tragedy.
Mirwaiz said the conflict had once again brought residents of Jammu and Kashmir close to the threat of full-scale war between two nuclear states.
He said, “From afar, Kashmir is seen as a nuclear flashpoint. For India and Pakistan, it is a territorial issue. But for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is a daily and ongoing crisis.” He added that despite repeated conflict, no lasting solution had been achieved.
Mirwaiz questioned the absence of political engagement at the leadership level, pointing out that if the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides could reach a ceasefire understanding, there should be no barrier for political dialogue. He called for the recently announced ceasefire to be made permanent.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families and those injured in the recent violence, he said that Dar-ul-Khair Mirwaiz Manzil was providing relief to affected families. He urged authorities to offer full assistance to those who lost their homes.
Mirwaiz also referred to the recent ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee, stating that the organisation was contesting the move without engaging in the official process, and that further details would be shared soon.
