Kashmir’s hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has counseled Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s front runner to become Prime Minister for the third time, to initiate dialogue with armed groups and instill sense of security into the beleaguered minorities of country plagued by infighting and political instability.
Another separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq hoped that Sharif would put Kashmir on top of his agenda as he promised a delegation of Hurriyat leaders (led by Mirwaiz) who met him in December 2012.
Geelani, who is known for issuing poll-boycott calls in Kashmir, appreciated people of Pakistan for turning up in large number to cast their votes despite violence.
“The priority of Mian sahib should be to make Pakistan strong. He should ensure full protection to minorities in Pakistan. Government should also talk to people who are resorting to violence in Pakistan. I hope new Prime Minister takes everybody onboard and makes Kashmir issue as priority. Pakistan is the main party of the dispute,” Geelani said here.
Mirwaiz Farooq wished that Pakistan would emerge as a stronger country under Sharif’s rule. “Pakistan should emerge stronger politically and economically, and Mian sahib is an experienced politician to do so. In his earlier tenure as PM, Kashmir was on top agenda. We met him in December last year during our visit and he assured us that if he is voted to power resolution of Kashmir issue will be his top priority”, Mirwaiz said.
He hoped that the dialogue process between India and Pakistan would be back on track after the victory of Sharif in the elections.
Pro-independence JKlF leader Yasin Malik hoped that the Sharif Government would work for the resolution of Kashmir rather than putting the issue on back burner. “Kashmiris are hopeful that the Sharif Government will try to make negotiations with India institutionalised, ensure active involvement of people of Jammu & Kashmir as principle party in the process of negotiations and also try to evolve consensus on Kashmir between various political and religious parties in Pakistan”, Malik said.
“Sharif belongs to a Kashmiri family and because of this relation, people of Jammu & Kashmir have high expectations of him that he, keeping the sacrifices, struggle, wishes and aspirations of people of Jammu & Kashmir in view will work for the resolution of this vexed issue,” he said.