Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Pakistan has stirred the separatist camp in Kashmir as obscurity dominates over their role in the unfolding political scenario in the sub-continent. The pro-dialogue faction of Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is showing keenness to be the part of the “atmosphere of peace” while Syed Ali Geelani-led faction is awaiting as to where Kashmir issue figures in the upcoming dialogue process.
“We are not averse to involving in dialogue process as this is the only way to resolve the contentious issues. However, only time will tell whether India and Pakistan will focus on Kashmir, which is the primary issue and bone of contention between the two nuclear powers”, Shabir Shah, secretary general of Geelani-led Hurriyat told The Pioneer.
“The Foreign Secretary meet on January 15 can, perhaps, reveal the contours of fresh Indo-Pak bonhomie”, he said.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has the distinction of engaging in dialogue process with the Governments of India and Pakistan in the past, is optimistic on the fresh initiative and hopes Kashmiri people are taken on board for the resolution of the vexed issue. Mirwaiz has urged both India and Pakistan to rein in “rabble-rousers” lest the “atmosphere of peace” is vitiated.
“I only hope that the process, which has been initiated after many speed breakers, gains momentum and both nations sit together and find solutions to all the outstanding issues including Kashmir by involving the Kashmiri people,” the Mirwaiz told PTI.
He, however, expressed apprehension that radical elements, who are inimical to peace in the region, would try and make desperate attempts to sabotage the peace process.
“Both the Prime Ministers are democratically elected and have a strong mandate in their respective countries. If they are to carry forward a peace process and take historical steps, it is important that the process has broad support from the political Opposition and general public in both countries.
“Any party or group that stands in the way of attempts to achieve peace are enemies of the people of South Asia. The leadership in India and Pakistan should invite and involve all the stakeholders — especially the people of Kashmir — to contribute and be a part of this process.
Mirwaiz is hopeful for his engagement in the process. “We in Hurriyat Conference would like to walk an extra mile for ensuring that peace process can succeed. I have said it many times that we wish to see Kashmir as a bridge of friendship between India and Pakistan rather than a bone of contention,” Mirwaiz said.
“We have never shied away from dialogue aimed at addressing the Kashmir issue be it with India or Pakistan. We held talks with the then Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh as well as Pervez Musharf and even gave some suggestions in order to move forward. Hurriyat would not shy away from any serious process aimed at resolving the Kashmir issue involving all stakeholders”, he said.
Shabir Shah also insists on involvement of Kashmiris in the dialogue process. “Kashmir cannot be put on back-burner. If that happens, the process is destined to fail. There are only two options available for the resolution of Kashmir. Either the UN resolutions are implemented or tripartite talks involving India, Pakistan and people are Kashmir are held to find an amicable solution”, Shah said.
There are others who want Kashmiri people to intensify their “struggle”. “Despite India’s dream of isolating Pakistan, India is forced by the geo-political reasons and persistent struggle of the people of Jammu Kashmir, to do a U-turn on its belligerent policy”, said Khurram Parvez, Programme Coordinator of Coalition of Civil Society.