Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid Delhi, he said that efforts should be made at all levels to convey a true picture of Kashmir and the new scenario that has emerged there during the past three years. In this regard, he pointed out that the complete shift in the situation from violent to the non-violent one during the past three years was a significant step.
He cautioned that
this shift should not be misread and serious efforts be made for
resolution of Kashmir problem. “The change from violent to a non-violent
mode makes it incumbent upon New Delhi and other stakeholders to
address the genuine desires and aspirations of the people of Kashmir,”
he added.
The Mirwaiz reiterated that Kashmir is a political and
human problem and needed a political resolution. “Consider it as a human
issue rather than viewing it as a geographical or a territorial one,”
he observed.
The Hurriyat chief said that the new-found warmth
between India and Pakistan was a positive sign. However, the two
countries should not lose sight of Kashmir or ignore the problem while
cementing their bilateral relations, he felt.
Focusing on the issue
of human rights violations, the Mirwaiz said that he was saddened by the
fact that acts against humanity fail to evoke much response from people
at large. “The silence in Indian public opinion on this front is
criminal,” he added.
He castigated both the Centre and the J&K
Government for doing nothing to act against those violating human
rights. “Even the elected Government in the state has become a mute
spectator to human rights violations,” he said and demanded that the
state Assembly should pass a resolution condemning these violations.
The
Mirwaiz alleged that there was a “tacit” understanding between the
Centre and the state on the issue of withdrawal of the controversial
Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Under the cover of the Act even those
committing violations are not being punished, he further added.
Alleging
total “inaction” on the part of New Delhi to resolve Kashmir issue, he
demanded some steps should be taken to win the confidence of the people.
We understand that the process will have to be gradual. But that
elusive first step should have been taken by now,” he said.
HURRIYAT (M) FORMULATING ECONOMIC POLICY ON KASHMIR:
In
another significant development, the moderate Hurriyat has decided to
shift its focus to the economic dimension of the Kashmir issue also as
its leadership felt that the political and economic factors were
inter-related and crucial. As part of the new strategy, the amalgam has
decided to look towards Central Asia which its leaders feel had historic
relations with Kashmir and the region could play a greater role in the
Valley’s economic development.
As part of this exercise, the Mirwaiz
and his aides have already opened channels of communications with Iran,
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and other countries in the region
in addition to the South Asian countries. “I was keen to reach out to
these countries through there Embassies here. We have already met senior
officials of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey and the process will continue in
a phased manner during the next few weeks,” Mirwaiz told Greater
Kashmir.
He indicated that the move has borne out of a new thinking
within the Hurriyat that the amalgam should formulate its own economic
policy on Kashmir. It will also entail focusing on how to optimally use
J&K’s natural resources for its betterment with greater thrust on
tourism and trade.
Pointing to the ongoing cross border trade between
India and Pakistan, the Mirwaiz said that it has been rendered just a
symbolic gesture. “Real trade should happen so that the state is
benefited from it,” he felt.
inamsa on 6/17 @ 1:00 AM:
