Peace Cannot Be Achieved Through ‘Muscular Policy’: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Urges PM Modi to Resolve Kashmir Issue

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a unique opportunity to create a historic legacy by resolving the Kashmir issue and establishing long-term peace in the region. Speaking on Monday, Farooq emphasized that peace cannot be achieved through a “muscular policy” and reaffirmed that the Hurriyat is prepared for “meaningful and transparent engagement” as the only viable path forward. He highlighted that the Hurriyat’s past engagements with the central government during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh laid a foundation for broader dialogue, which should now be continued.

Currently in Delhi, Mirwaiz’s visit has raised speculation regarding potential engagement with the Centre. Last week, he and other religious leaders from the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) met with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to express their concerns about the Waqf Amendment Bill. Mirwaiz emphasized the Hurriyat’s willingness to engage in dialogue, stating, “We chose to come here and meet with the JPC instead of taking to the streets. Our openness to talk with MPs reflects our readiness for broader engagement.”

Mirwaiz reiterated that the Hurriyat has always been committed to a transparent and meaningful dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue. He expressed hope that PM Modi would heed these calls and work towards lasting peace in the subcontinent by addressing Kashmir’s concerns. He also reminded Modi of the previous endorsement of Vajpayee’s vision of “Insaniyat, Jamooriyat, and Kashmiriyat” for Jammu and Kashmir, urging him to take practical steps to demonstrate change on the ground for the alienated population of the region.

During the past week, Mirwaiz met influential figures such as Maulana Mehmood Madani, president of Jamiat e Ulama-i-Hind, and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi, both of whom have been involved in Kashmir’s political discourse. In the coming days, he is expected to meet more key individuals and visit religious seminaries, including Darul Uloom Deoband and Nadwat ul Uloom.

Reflecting on past efforts, Mirwaiz recalled how the Hurriyat had engaged in dialogue when it was unpopular and even labeled as “Advani Hurriyat.” Despite facing challenges, he reaffirmed that dialogue remains the only way forward and that the Hurriyat has been steadfast in its commitment to peace talks since its inception.

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