Hurriyat Conference chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revive the “spirit of engagement” with Jammu and Kashmir and resume dialogue with Pakistan, saying that lasting peace in the region is only possible through conversation and diplomacy.
Addressing the Friday congregation at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid on Friday, Mirwaiz said that PM Modi, now one of the longest-serving prime ministers in independent India, had initially shown interest in improving relations with neighbouring countries.
“When he assumed office, he spoke of regional cooperation and demonstrated an interest in improving relations with neighbouring countries. Those gestures generated hope across South Asia,” Mirwaiz said.
“Dialogue Has Value”, Says Mirwaiz
The cleric said that previous prime ministers, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, also engaged in efforts to build dialogue despite political differences.
“While differences remained, those engagements reflected an important principle: dialogue itself has value. It reduces mistrust, humanises opposing perspectives and creates possibilities that otherwise remain closed,” he said.
He added that engagement and communication are essential tools for resolving disputes, even if progress is slow.
“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 said.
Call for India-Pakistan Engagement on Kashmir Issue
Referring to India and Pakistan as nuclear-armed neighbours, Mirwaiz said both countries carry a “special responsibility” for maintaining peace in South Asia.
He expressed hope that earlier diplomatic efforts and the “spirit of engagement” seen during the tenures of Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh could be revived.
“I 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,” he said.
Military Force Cannot Bring Lasting Peace: Mirwaiz
Drawing a parallel with global conflicts, including the United States-Israel tensions with Iran, Mirwaiz said military action has clear limits.
“Wars can alter circumstances and inflict immense suffering, but durable peace and lasting solutions ultimately require dialogue, negotiation and statesmanship,” he said.
He added that even after prolonged conflicts, parties often return to negotiations, proving that disputes cannot be resolved through force alone.
Kashmir and South Asia’s Unused Potential
The Mirwaiz said South Asia has vast economic and human potential but continues to suffer due to unresolved political tensions and mistrust.
“Our region is home to nearly one-fourth of humanity. It has immense civilisational wealth and human resources, yet decades of conflict have prevented full progress. Societies suffer not only economically but also emotionally and psychologically,” he said.
Appeal for Peace and Understanding
Reiterating his long-standing stand, Mirwaiz said he has consistently supported dialogue over confrontation for more than three decades, including through earlier political platforms like the Awami Action Committee and Hurriyat Conference.
He said peace requires patience, understanding, and willingness to listen even to opposing views.
“Lasting solutions require engagement, understanding and the courage to listen even to those with whom one disagrees,” he said.
Mirwaiz also referred to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain during Muharram, saying it symbolises truth, justice, and peaceful resolution of conflict, reinforcing his message that dialogue remains the most ethical path forward.
