Some of the members who are now with Shah’s Huriyat wanted executive membership in Huriyat (M)
Srinagar: Stating that it would be important to watch Narendra Modi’s conduct in case he assumes the office of the Prime Minister, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said for the overall socio- political and economic development of South Asia the leadership of the region has to look beyond the narrow, communal and parochial boundaries.
Talking to KNS, Mirwaiz said, “During Vajpayee’s tenure things moved ahead as far as the Indo-Pak relations and the Kashmir issue is concerned. We hope in case Mr. Modi becomes the Prime Minister, Vajpayee approach will not be forgotten altogether.”
Commenting over the present political situation, Huriyat (M) Chairman maintained that the resistance movement has entered into a mature ‘phase’ now that people of Kashmir are now giving preference to the non-violent movement. “They utilize their resources whatever they have in hand. Earlier there used to be street pretests but now we have seen that the younger generation is taking on social networking sites and is informing the world about Kashmir’s real problem.” Mirwaiz added that world has acknowledged the sensitivity of Kashmir dispute through the cyber world as the youth now are raising concerns in blogs and other web tools.
Commenting over the recent Huriyat split, Mirwaiz stated that some of the members who are now with Shah’s Huriyat wanted executive membership in Huriyat (M).” There is a procedure of everything. We must follow the rules in letter and spirit to uphold the values of our amalgam.”
Mirwaiz added that if Shabir Shah had any issues, he should have discussed the same within the forum and not outside the forum. “He made the issues public. Also they didn’t attend the Huriyat meets for more than one year.As far as the constitution is concerned- it is open to all- I must say that if we talk about the implementation of UN resolutions, we must talk about the Indo-Pak dialogue.”
He added further that unity is important and we feel that all pro movement leaders are one in striving for the resolution of the Kashmir Issue. We have a common cause and at critical movements we have raised our voice in unison. However, this needs to be understood that APHC being a forum rather than a single party we believe in democratic norms and try to work democratically, he said while adding that sometimes differences in the methods of working arise which is sometimes unfortunately blown out of proportions.
Commenting over the policy of Huriyat vis-à-vis forthcoming polls, Huriyat (M) Chairman stated that Huriyat has already rejected all elections processes. “We don’t accept elections as means for the resolution of Kashmir issue. Elections for local bodies or legislations are in no way connected with the future dispensation of Kashmir, that is, what is laid down in UN resolutions.” He added that it is also for Kashmir’s leadership to see that it doesn’t not fall in the trap of making it a referendum for or against the Indian presence in Kashmir. “Elections in Kashmir, as has been provided in UN resolutions also, or anybody elected through these elections has no authority to decide upon the future dispensation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. That is why for us Elections is a Non Isuue and we ask people to reject these sham elections.”
When asked about the alternate solutions his amalgam is talking for the Kashmir resolution Mirwaiz maintained that Huriyat constitution has laid down way back in 1993 the basic approach towards the resolution of this issue. It lays down that a resolution can be achieved at through a peaceful struggle by securing the right of self determination in accordance with the U.N character and the resolution adopted by U.N Security council. “As an alternative it has also laid down to make endeavors for a settlement through negotiations involving all the three parties to the dispute i.e. People of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan.” Mirwaiz added that to strive for a negotiated settlement is a constitutional responsibility of Huriyat and if serious negotiations start all the formulas that have come forward from various quarters can be discussed.
Kashmir’s chief religious cleric however stated that without a congenial atmosphere dialogue cannot be result oriented. “The government is using all possible methods of coercion and suppression to bring the people down to their knees. Flagrant violations of human rights of people are going on day in and day out. Injustice and peace building cannot go together.”
Commenting over the Nawaz Sharief’s recent offer to India for the dialogue on Kashmir resolution, Mirwaiz said that that Nawaz Sharief’s offer is a right decision taken at the right time. “Being two nuclear powers Pakistan and India cannot afford perpetual confrontation or state of tension between them. There are economic reasons as well. Both these countries cannot utilize their full potential of economic growth and prosperity in the absence of cooperation with each other. Therefore dialogue is essential and resolution of all pending issues between the two is a must.”
Mirwaiz added that since Kashmir being at the root of confrontation, assumes priority and that by inviting India for a dialogue for the resolution of Kashmir would be like catching the bull by its horns and if it is done a strong possibility of a way forward could be expected. “ It is, however, important that any process in this regard needs Kashmiris to be taken on board because without involvement and without their satisfaction desired results cannot be achieved.” (KNS)