Srinagar, Apr 6: Welcoming the proposed India visit of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday said that Kashmir resolution was the key to peace in South Asia.
 Addressing the Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid here, Mirwaiz said Hurriyat stood for better relations between India and Pakistan and supports dialogue between Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
 But at the same time, Mirwaiz maintained, the relations between the two south Asian neighbors wouldn’t improve till Kashmir issue is resolved.
 “We are not against their friendship and we want both countries should progress and prosper. But the resolution of Kashmir is the key to improvement in their relations. For resolving Kashmir issue, both countries should take Kashmiris on board,” Mirwaiz said, adding that resolution of Kashmir dispute should be in sync with the sentiments and aspirations of Kashmiris.
 Mirwaiz asserted that international community including United Nations, Organization of Islamic Countries and European Union is ready to play the role of facilitator aimed at resolving Kashmir dispute, provided India and Pakistan agree.
 Referring to the annual report of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Mirwaiz said there is no justification for continuance of ‘draconian’ laws when New Delhi claims of improvement in the situation.
 “These claims of improvement are hoax till draconian laws are in vogue here,” he said.
 Mirwaiz said Kashmir American Council chairman Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, who was sentenced to two year imprisonment by a US court recently, became casualty of cold relations between Pakistan and America.
 “It is unfortunate that Dr Fai who pleaded the cause of Kashmiris at international level for the past three decades became victim of hostile relations between Pakistan and USA,” he said while hailing the efforts of Kashmiri Diaspora for advocating the cause of Kashmiris at global level.
 While asking masses to remain firm on their stand, Hurriyat (M) chairman said that movement doesn’t belong to any individual or party.
 “This movement belongs to one crore 40 lakh people of Jammu and Kashmir and they have been rendering countless sacrifices since 1947,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST