Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 25: Reiterating his call to resolve the Kashmir issue once and for all, Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today called upon the leadership of India and Pakistan to boldly move forward towards the start of a full-fledged peace process.
Noting that both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi have been given strong democratic mandates by the people of Pakistan and India respectively, Mirwaiz expressed his ardent wish that the two leaders would urgently work towards a just and lasting solution to the Kashmir issue so that peace, prosperity and stability can become a reality in South Asia.
Mirwaiz welcomed any immediate steps – symbolic or otherwise – that might improve the relationship and build confidence between India and Pakistan. At the same time, he emphasized that the Kashmir issue must not be ignored or brushed aside. “Precious time should not be wasted before moving forward towards a search for solutions,” he added.
He stated: “There must be a serious and result-oriented process of dialogue. For this to happen, India and Pakistan must engage the people of Jammu & Kashmir as an active and true partner in the search for peace. For any lasting solution, Kashmiris must be involved.”
Mirwaiz further stated that all parties – India, Pakistan and the people of Jammu & Kashmir – must engage with each other and put forward serious efforts to resolve the conflict. He explained that: “Efforts must be focused on finding a solution that accommodates the needs and interests of all parties and which upholds the Kashmiri people’s aspirations. The solution will have to be acceptable to all.
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