Srinagar, May 16 (KNS): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has termed the recent escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) as a “human tragedy” and not just a political crisis, urging both India and Pakistan to choose peace over military confrontation.
In a press release issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mirwaiz expressed deep grief over the devastating impact of the hostilities on people residing along the LoC. “In the last few days, we have gone through another harrowing experience that this festering conflict ignited—hours close to an all-out war between two nuclear countries,” the statement read.
“Even the ‘limited escalation’ was enough to destroy the lives of those living along and across the LOC in J&K. Dozens of precious lives lost, homes and livelihood destroyed. The image of the smiling twins, the 12-year-old Zain and Urwa, will continue to haunt us. How their mother is coping with it while their father is battling for life in the hospital, tears the heart. The pain runs deep.”
He said that for the world, Kashmir is seen as a nuclear flashpoint, and for India and Pakistan, a territorial dispute—but for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is a “bleeding wound that refuses to heal.”
“While everyone is talking about Kashmir, no one is talking to Kashmir—to its people, those who live here. What do we want for us, our dreams for our future generations, our yearning for peace? Will our wounds ever heal? Will this conflict ever be resolved?”
Mirwaiz warned that with every such episode, the issue becomes more complex and harder to resolve.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Military brinkmanship only leads to disaster, as we know and just saw, and to more arms sales—never to peace. But do India and Pakistan want peace, or one-upmanship, people of Kashmir wonder,” he said.
Calling for immediate peace, Mirwaiz welcomed the ceasefire announced by the DGMOs of both countries, in effect till May 18, and hoped it would become permanent. “One wonders: if the DGMOs of both sides can talk and reach an agreement, what is preventing India and Pakistan leadership from doing so?” he asked.
“But stating the obvious is considered anti-national in present times,” he remarked, expressing concern over the shrinking space for dissent and dialogue.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families, Mirwaiz said no words could compensate their loss. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and said that Dar-ul-Khair Mirwaiz Manzil is reaching out to the affected families with whatever help it can offer. He appealed to the authorities to ensure all assistance is provided to rebuild their lives.
“Living on the LOC, these people are the worst affected and always in danger of peril,” he added.
Referring to the recent ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee, the statement said: “We are contesting its justification in our own manner, without engaging with the process, as we do not wish to dignify the allegations made against the leadership or the party. The details will soon be shared with you.” (KNS)