Expressing concern and anguish over the escalation in violence between India and Pakistan on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Wednesday, asked the leadership of both India and Pakistan to desist from military adventurism.

He said that violence at the LoC has resulted in deaths of several civilians and jawans on both sides. Also, it has caused great hardships to the residents, who live near the LoC.

“Both governments should show maturity and resolve the issue peacefully that has been raging for the past 70 years.”

Mirwaiz, who is under house arrest for the past one month, said the root cause of tension and bitterness between the two neighbours is the Kashmir issue.

“While the situation at LoC is war like, it is no different in Kashmir. Kashmiris have witnessed relentless killing of youth and civilians, arbitrary arrests and harassment of young boys, curfews and restrictions and vandalizing of homes and house arrest of resistance leadership by the forces and police,” he said

He said that until both countries show a will to resolve the issue, innocent lives will continue to be lost and Kashmiris will continue to suffer.

Mirwaiz said, “Centre has to shun its military approach in dealing with the people of Kashmir and both India and Pakistan have to initiate serious steps towards resolving the Kashmir issue. By denying the reality, the dispute will not be solved. To solve the problem, they should engage with people of Kashmir and their sentiments must be respected.”

He stressed that in present day, wars do not resolve issues, nor does repression. “Dialogue and serious engagement are the means to be employed to move forward towards resolution.”

Guest