The sudden arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Pakistan has left Kashmiri separatists guessing over the fast-changing political scenario in the sub-continent. While Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has been in the loop in the past in bonhomie between India and Pakistan cautiously welcomed the development, the Syed Ali Geelani faction of Hurriyat that has evaded involvement in dialogue process with India or Pakistan has described the Modi’s lahore visit as “unimportant”.
“Modi’s surprise visit to Pakistan is a positive move, people of Kashmir welcome any opportunity that brings India Pakistan close, political will and vision needed on all sides to address issues specially Kashmir”, Mirwaiz wrote on microblogging site Twitter.
Earlier, talking to reporters at Jamia Masjid after delivering his weekly Friday sermon Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat believes in settling issues by means of dialogue. “It’s a good development that the leaders of two nations have started meeting and talking. This is a good omen and a positive development and we welcome it,” he said.
“We hope the two Prime Ministers exhibit political will to resolve all pending issues including the core issue of Kashmir”, he said adding the people of Kashmir were the primary party to the dispute and their involvement in dialogue process was pivotal.
“The Kashmiris must be taken on board to resolve the vexed issue as per the aspirations of people so that peace prevails in the sub-continent”, he said.
Meanwhile, Syed Ali Geelani led faction of Hurriyat described the newest bonhomie between India and Pakistan as “unimportant”.
“We have witnessed Ziaul Haq travelling to India on cricket diplomacy and Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelling to Pakistan in friendship bus, but these events have not culminated into resolution of Kashmir issue”, Ayaz Akbar, spokesman of Geelani-led Hurriyat told The Pioneer.
“We don’t have high hopes from this bonhomie unless both countries declare ways and means for the resolution of Kashmir issue”, Akbar said.
The Jammu Kashmir liberation Front (JKlF) chief Yasin Malik refused to comment on the development. “I have been arrested and put in Kothibagh police station. Once I am out of confinement, I will comment on the Indo-Pakistan peace overtures”, he said on phone.