Srinagar, Oct 25: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, has stated that the separatist alliance is prepared to engage with the BJP-led central government to address the longstanding Kashmir issue. On Friday, Mirwaiz emphasized the need for dialogue in resolving the conflict by speaking to a congregation at the Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta area of Srinagar on Friday.
Reflecting on the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) formation in 1993, he remarked, “At that time, militancy was at its peak in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the APHC has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution through engagement. Even after three decades, our stance remains unchanged.”
He pointed out that during the recent BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy over warfare as methods for conflict resolution. “The Hurriyat has engaged in discussions with former Prime Ministers like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, as well as former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. We are always ready to converse with the current administration in New Delhi. The bloodshed in Kashmir has been too extensive to permit any further violence,” he asserted.
In addition to discussing dialogue, the Mirwaiz called for thorough investigations into the recent terror attacks in the Ganderbal and Baramulla districts. He condemned the violence that occurred at a tunnel construction site in Gagangir, where a local doctor and six non-local laborers were murdered by terrorists, as well as a separate attack in Gulmarg that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including two soldiers.
“The recent killings in Gagangir are shocking and deeply troubling. We are now witnessing violent incidents in high-security areas such as Gulmarg, which are grave concerns that warrant immediate investigation,” Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stated, urging authorities to take action to prevent further escalation of violence.