Mirwaiz Umar Farooq,chief cleric of Kashmir,urged a return to dialogue started by former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr . Manmohan Singh. Speaking at Lal Chowk, Srinagar,Monday,he stressed need for talks between Delhi and Islamabad,and Delhi and Srinagar,to secure peace and justice for region.
Farooq stood firm on dialogue,despite accusations of treason. He recalled his own sacrifices — his uncle's murder,attacks on his home and school. “We did not back down,” he said,insisting it's the only viable path.
He noted a shifting global context,stating war isn't an answer. Welcomed a recent letter by 117 individuals from India and Pakistan urging leaders to resume talks . Civil society steps like these are critical,he said,for peace .
Criticizing Jammu and Kashmir's move to ban certain books,Farooq argued bans don't work in democracies. Growth comes from openness,not suppressing ideas. “In a democratic society, bans do not work,” he remarked,calling for dialogue over censorship.
He highlighted Kashmir's 5,000-year history with diverse cultural and religious influences,from Buddhism to Islam. Political complexities began post-1947,he said. Important to acknowledge full history,not just selective stories .
On the annual Amarnath Yatra,Farooq called it a key religious event. Stressed Kashmir's tradition of hospitality; pilgrims should be respected. But urged administration to ensure locals' lives aren't disrupted,preserve region's fragile environment.
The Mirwaiz's words echo a larger plea for dialogue and understanding. Peace in Kashmir depends on open communication and respect for its rich cultural heritage…but will leaders listen?
