Srinagar, Apr 1: Welcoming cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday called for speeding up dialogue process for the resolution of Kashmir issue.
 Addressing Friday congregation at historic Jamia Masjid here, Mirwaiz, in typical cricket lingo, asked both the countries to accelerate the dialogue process.
 “We welcome the resumption of ties between India and Pakistan after long time, but the dialogue process is going at very slow pace. Time for singles has gone, it is an era of fours and sixes and we are waiting for solution for past 60 years,” he said.
 “We welcome the statement of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that they want to resolve all pending issues with Pakistan. We will support all endeavours of both countries for resolving the six decade old dispute,” he said.
 The pro-freedom leader said that rather than shying away from truth, Government of India should acknowledge that Kashmiris have not forgotten the basic issue after 60 years.
 “We have made it clear that if there is problem in tripartite talks, then triangular talks should be held between all the three parties for resolving the issue. The ball is now in India’s court. Without wasting time, they should adopt realistic approach,” he said, adding that talks shouldn’t be for the sake of talks.
 Mirwaiz said that resolution of Kashmir needs political will and courage and “if Pakistan and India would move forward on Kashmir, they would move on all fronts.”
 “The ground situation is not conducive for (New Delhi-separatists) talks as oppression, arrests are continuing across the Valley,” he said.
 Without mentioning any killing, Mirwaiz said that killings of civilians on their political links and affiliations are condemnable.
 “We believe in democratic values and everyone has a right to speak whether he is pro-movement or anti-movement. Our viewpoint is that Kashmir should be solved in accordance with sentiments and aspirations of people. Even if some people differ on it, their killing is condemnable. We condemn the killings of civilians by forces, government, paramilitary or gunmen,” he said.
 Mirwaiz said Imam Ka’aba has accepted his invitation to visit Kashmir in near future.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 1 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 1 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 2 Apr 2011 00:00:00 IST