Mirwaiz Urges India-Pakistan Dialogue, Says Peace Lies in Engagement

Srinagar: Addressing the Friday congregation at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid on Youm-e-Ashoora, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq said the tragedy of Karbala remains a timeless lesson in truth, justice, patience and sacrifice. He said Imam Hussain (RA) stood for dialogue and principles rather than conflict, and that history proved truth and moral courage ultimately triumph over oppression.

Referring to recent tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, Mirwaiz said military action can never provide lasting solutions, stressing that even prolonged conflicts eventually end at the negotiating table. He welcomed efforts by regional and international actors, including Pakistan and Qatar, to create conditions for dialogue.

Highlighting South Asia’s vast human and economic potential, Mirwaiz urged India and Pakistan to resolve differences through meaningful engagement, saying decades of mistrust have prevented the region from achieving lasting peace and prosperity.

Recalling the legacy of his father, Shaheed Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq, Mirwaiz said he has consistently advocated dialogue and peaceful engagement for more than three decades through the Awami Action Committee and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

He also expressed hope that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would revive the spirit of regional engagement seen during earlier peace initiatives, noting that dialogue under leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan Singh helped reduce mistrust despite political differences.

Concluding his address, Mirwaiz said peace requires patience and diplomacy, emphasizing that dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving disputes and ensuring a better future for the region.