Srinagar, 21 May (KNS) : Senior political leader Bilal Gani Lone has welcomed recent statements by former Indian Army Chief MM Naravane and RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale advocating dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying his late father Abdul Gani Lone always believed reconciliation and dialogue were the only viable means to end violence and secure lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering organised to commemorate Abdul Gani Lone’s death anniversary, Bilal Lone on Thursday said any effort aimed at building peace with dignity should be supported.
He said dialogue remained central to Abdul Gani Lone’s political vision and added that the late leader paid the ultimate price for advocating peaceful and pragmatic means to resolve issues.
Recalling his father’s political approach, Bilal Lone said Abdul Gani Lone believed terrorism and violence would only bring pain and suffering to Kashmir and repeatedly warned that the path of violence was dangerous and self-defeating.
He said dialogue should not be viewed as a sign of weakness but as an expression of maturity, dignity, and confidence.
“Conversations are often long and difficult processes and may not yield immediate results, but dialogue remains essential,” he said, adding that people cannot remain hostage to history forever.
Bilal Lone said democracy and institutions provide space to pursue aspirations through constitutional and legal means while safeguarding the interests and dignity of the people.
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He said his politics is guided by the pragmatic and people-centric approach of Abdul Gani Lone and asserted that there would be no compromise on people’s welfare, dignity, and aspirations.
Calling for honest introspection, Bilal Lone said, “We as a society must acknowledge past mistakes but move forward with wisdom and maturity to strengthen institutions of governance and justice.”
He also urged the younger generation to take the lead in building a new political culture rooted in truth and honesty and cautioned them against what he termed deceit and fraud in politics.
“The youth have a huge responsibility in shaping a new politics in Kashmir,” he said, adding that politics should become a means for genuine empowerment of the people.
Bilal Lone also remembered late Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq on his death anniversary.
“Socio-religious leaders like Mirwaiz Saheb were voices of reason and wisdom, who, tragically, became victims of violence, leaving behind a profound void in our collective consciousness and memory,” he said.
On the occasion, while paying rich tributes to Syed Mohammad Iqbal Shah of Handwara, Bilal Lone said, “Iqbal Saheb was an important member of Lone Saheb’s political family who lost his life in an unfortunate road accident in Pattan in the mid-2000s. He was part of a group travelling to Srinagar on the occasion of Lone Saheb’s death anniversary.” (KNS)