Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Calls for Dialogue, Offers Two Steps Forward for Peaceful Resolution
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stated on Friday that if New Delhi takes one step forward, he is ready to take two steps towards a peaceful resolution of issues. He made these remarks while speaking to the media at Jamia Masjid Srinagar after attending Friday congregational prayers.
Farooq expressed his frustration over being kept under house arrest without any legal notice. “It is unfortunate that the government keeps me under house arrest without serving any legal notice. I don’t understand why this continues to happen. I hope this policy ends, and I am allowed to move freely and share my views publicly,” he said.
He emphasized that the government’s belief that he would abandon his ethical stance on various issues is misguided. “If the government thinks I will leave my ethical stand on issues, they are wrong. I hope the government will realize the situation and take amicable steps accordingly,” Farooq added.
Farooq reiterated the Hurriyat Conference (M)’s longstanding support for dialogue, stressing the importance of talks to address and resolve outstanding issues. “The Hurriyat Conference has always supported dialogue and wants talks to initiate so that pending issues can be addressed and resolved. We have supported talks a lot, and despite suffering attacks, we have not changed our stance,” he said.
He expressed deep concern over the detention of youth and the complex verification process required for jobs and travel documents by the J&K government. “A significant number of youth are lodged in jails while the government has made the verification process very complicated. I hope the government rethinks this and makes the process easier,” he said.
Farooq concluded by emphasizing the desire for peace and the need for a realistic approach from the government. “If the government takes one step forward, we are ready to take two,” he stated. However, he made it clear that the Hurriyat Conference will not bow to the “iron fist” policy adopted by New Delhi and the J&K administration.
“We don’t want violence and bloodshed. We don’t want our youngsters filling jails and graves. It’s time to move forward. The government should abandon its muscle-power policy and embrace a realistic approach to resolving issues,” he concluded.
