Srinagar, Nov 11: Welcoming the meet between Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday proposed to them to initiate demilitarization from both sides of Kashmir to improve their bilateral relations.
Addressing the Friday congregation at historic Jamia Masjid here, Mirwaiz said, “Not only both countries would come closer to each other by this initiative, but Kashmiris would also heave a sigh of relief. If we count, 12 lakh troopers of India and Pakistan are deployed for guarding their borders with each other and China. The reduction of troops on the frontiers and increasing people-to-people contacts will really make a big difference.”
He said that withdrawal of forces will be the biggest confidence building measure. Mirwaiz said once forces are withdrawn from Jammu and Kashmir, then ‘draconian’ laws would die their own death.
“Today there is hue and cry on revoking Armed Forces Special Powers Act from few districts and tehsils, but I feel if the forces are pulled out then these laws would become redundant,” he said.
Hailing the parleys between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani on the sidelines of 17th SAARC meet in Maldives, Mirwaiz called for continuous engagement between the two countries.
“If they want talks to be result-oriented and effective, then there should be dialogue at every level whether it is Prime Minister, Foreign Minister or Foreign Secretary. The occasional talks would be of no help,” he said.
“We also welcome their discussion on all outstanding issues including Kashmir as well as their announcement of writing new chapter in their relations,” he added.
Mirwaiz said it was encouraging that Chinese government has expressed its willingness to lend cooperation to both the countries in resolving their disputes including Kashmir.
Hurriyat (M) chairman also asked New Delhi to look beyond conflict management, saying that Kashmiris have immensely suffered due to lingering of the issue in the past 64 years.
“Now they have to move towards the resolution of the dispute. How long more they want Kashmiris to suffer?" Mirwaiz asked, adding “violence, oppression and brutalities inflicted on the masses will not provide solution to any issue, but will only make them more complex.”
Mirwaiz, who is also the chief cleric of the Valley, said he has constituted a team to probe the issue of alleged conversion of Muslims by Christian missionaries in the Valley.
“We are looking at every aspect of the issue and I am in touch with Ulema and missionaries to unveil the truth. We are also holding a meet of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) next week over the matter,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST