Urges PM Modi to revive spirit of engagement with neighbours
‘Peace may be difficult, dialogue may be slow, but they are reliable’
Srinagar: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday made a fervent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revive the spirit of dialogue and statesmanship in South Asia, stating that diplomacy and engagement remain the most reliable instruments for resolving issues and securing a better future for the region.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is today among the longest-serving leaders in independent India. When he assumed office, he spoke of regional cooperation and demonstrated an interest in improving relations with neighbouring countries. It is our hope that the spirit of engagement that informed PM Modi earlier, and the efforts under leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh, once again finds expression,” Mirwaiz said, speaking at the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar on Youm-e-Ashoora.
He added, “Peace may be difficult. Dialogue may be slow. Diplomacy may demand patience. Yet these remain the most reliable instruments for resolving issues and securing a better future.”
Mirwaiz called upon India and Pakistan to embrace dialogue and statesmanship for lasting peace in South Asia. Referring to recent global developments, he said the recent United States-Israel confrontation with Iran again reminds us that military force, however overwhelming, has its limits. “Wars can alter circumstances and inflict immense suffering, but durable peace and lasting solutions ultimately require dialogue, negotiation, and statesmanship,” he said, adding that efforts by regional and international actors, including Pakistan and Qatar, to facilitate an environment conducive to dialogue are worthy of appreciation.
Mirwaiz said this lesson is especially relevant for South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan. “Our region is home to nearly one-fourth of humanity. It possesses immense civilizational wealth, extraordinary human resources, and enormous economic potential. Yet for decades, political tensions, mistrust, and unresolved issues have prevented the peoples of this region from fully realizing these possibilities,” he said.
Reflecting on his own commitment, Mirwaiz said following the tragic assassination of his father, Shaheed Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq, in 1990, he inherited not only the position but also the obligation to uphold the principles for which he laid down his life. “Shaheed Mirwaiz was a strong advocate of justice and dialogue over violence and confrontation. He consistently advocated engagement between India and Pakistan,” he said, adding that for more than 36 years he has upheld this principle despite facing odds and pushback.
Mirwaiz said the tragedy of Karbala is not merely a chapter of history but an eternal lesson in truth, patience, justice, and sacrifice, and He said Imam Hussain (RA) stood for the principle that differences must be addressed through truth, adherence to the principles of Islam, and sincerity through conversation. “Karbala reminds us that power may appear strong for a time, but in the end it is truth, justice, and moral courage that prevail,” he said.