Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Stresses Need for Genuine Dialogue on Kashmir

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, has reiterated his support for meaningful dialogue to address the Kashmir dispute. In a recent statement from Srinagar, Farooq emphasized his consistent advocacy for engaging with the political aspirations and sentiments of the people in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Farooq’s remarks come in response to statements made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during election rallies in Banihal and Ramban, Indian-illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Despite being placed under house arrest once more last week, Farooq has chosen to clarify certain aspects regarding past interactions.

The Hurriyat Conference highlighted a significant event from September 2016. At that time, Farooq was detained at the Cheshmashahi sub-jail. A letter was delivered to him from Mehbooba Mufti, then the President of the PDP, requesting a meeting with a delegation of opposition MPs. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, part of the visiting delegation, met with Farooq and informed him of the MPs’ desire to discuss the dire situation in IIOJK.

Farooq expressed deep concern during this meeting. He urged Owaisi to request the authorities to halt ongoing violence and permit Hurriyat leaders, currently under various forms of detention, to convene and deliberate. Farooq believed that this collective discussion was crucial before engaging with the delegation, to avoid a superficial approach to the crisis. He wanted to ensure that any dialogue would lead to a serious and long-term engagement rather than a temporary measure.

Owaisi agreed to convey Farooq’s request to the authorities, but no further developments followed. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in Kashmir’s political landscape and the persistent demand for a substantial and genuine dialogue process.

Historically, the Hurriyat Conference has sought engagement with Indian leaders, including Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. Farooq’s statement reaffirms his commitment to pursuing meaningful discussions to address the Kashmir issue, advocating for a resolution that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the region’s people.