“We believe that the Kashmir issue can’t be resolved through bilateral talks, but dialogue remains the only option, and as such we have taken the triangular way of talks with India as well as Pakistan so as to pave the way for tripartite talks,” the Mirwaiz told a Friday congregation at the Jamia Masjid here today. In a direct reference to the chairman of the rival Hurriyat faction, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the Mirwaiz said that there was “no breach in the mutual agreement of last year.”
“The Hurriyat Conference wants to clarify to Geelani sahib that the amalgam stands by the agreement of last year for we are a constitution, and there is no question of any amendments or alterations. We stand by the basic principle that the right to self determination is basis for the resolution of Kashmir, and the issue can be resolved only after all the three parties to the dispute agree,” he said.
The Mirwaiz asserted that the participation of India, Islamabad, Muzaffarabad and the people of Kashmir was imperative for resolving the Kashmir issue.
“The Hurriyat Conference believes in talks, but the process should be sincere and meaningful. The government of India should come up with a concrete and lucid policy, clear from any confusion and ambiguity, as the Indian home and foreign ministers have issued conflicting statements,” he said.
“We have in mind to proceed in a phased manner, and strongly believe that no dialogue would be consequential until the six point proposal by the Hurriyat Conference was adhered to on the ground to pave the way for talks,” he added.
In the six-point charter, the alliance has demanded revoking of all draconian laws, the unconditional release of all detainees, and the withdrawal of troops from the state.
“We want to carry everyone along, as the issue is not the monopoly of any individual or group, but the question of the future of a nation. Therefore, keeping in view of the wishes and aspirations of the people, the Hurriyat will talk to India as well as Pakistan for a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue,” he said.
Without mentioning them by name, the Mirwaiz called upon the mainstream partiers in the state to join the Hurriyat ranks and jointly cooperate in finding an acceptable solution to the Kashmir issue “if they have the welfare of the Kashmiri people at heart.”
“We have started a process of consultation with the entire pro-freedom leadership, and I want to convey to all that no one will achieve anything by partisan supremacy, but we will have to strive jointly for an acceptable solution,” he said.
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