Srinagar, Dec 29: Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Saturday said that the situation in Afghanistan was linked to Kashmir, adding that India and Pakistan can never reach an understanding on the war-torn country till Kashmir issue is resolved.
“Kashmir issue has a connection with Afghanistan problem. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan will not only affect Afghanistan and Pakistan, but it will have its effect in India as well as Kashmir. Solution of Afghan problem is being related with better relations between India and Pakistan, but it can never happen until Kashmir issue is solved,” Mirwaiz said addressing his first press conference after Pakistan visit.
Mirwaiz said that US President Barack Obama had recently said that Asia would be the focus of their foreign policy. “It shows they are carefully keeping an eye over relations between India and Pakistan. They understand that solution of Kashmir is key to better relations between them.”
Stating that General Parvez Musharaf’s four-point formula can be one of the starting points for Kashmir resolution, Mirwaiz said, “If we have to find a solution of the problem, we have to look for all the options and Musharaf’s formula is one of them. There is no harm in debating, discussing it. Then final solution should be decided by the people.”
“Our thrust is that whatever India has in mind or Pakistan has in mind, let them put on table. Let us discuss it. One cannot clap by one hand only. If Pakistan will show flexibility, India will also have to show,” he added.
Expressing satisfaction over the outcome of the recently concluded Pakistan visit, Mirwaiz said, “We not only talked to ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) but opposition as well as all small and big parties including the civil society and think tanks. We are satisfied that despite internal problems of Pakistan, Kashmir continues to be the core issue for the people of Pakistan.”
Mirwaiz said that Hurriyat Conference is not averse to close ties and dialogue between India and Pakistan, but Kashmir issue should be included in the talks. “We understand that there are other issues like Sir Creek and water dispute between the two countries, but Kashmir is the main irritant in their relations.”
“There is unanimity that until steps are not taken for Kashmir solution, the friendship and closeness between them cannot last long. There is consensus in Pakistan leadership that Kashmiris are the owners of Kashmir and it should be resolved according to the aspirations of Kashmiris.”
Calling for implementation of CBMs, Mirwaiz in the same breath said that these measures cannot be substituted as solution of Kashmir issue. “Cross LoC trade, people to people contact, meetings between leadership of both parts of Kashmir can only catalyze the solution, but they should not be misunderstood as solution.”
Reiterating the stand of his amalgam, Mirwaiz said that Kashmir issue should either be solved through alternative negotiated settlement between three parties or through international resolutions. “Otherwise there have been many agreements like Shimla, Tashkent and Agra which could not normalize relations between the two countries.”
Castigating the Government for ‘double-speak’ over killings and normalcy, Mirwaiz said, “India should understand that Kashmir issue cannot be solved militarily but politically. On the one hand their political leadership says that normalcy has returned in Kashmir, but on the other hand killings, human rights violations go on unabated. Only yesterday Army opened indiscriminate firing on civilians injuring many and thrashed many more.”
“All the unaddressed issues of the world are being addressed. The Arab spring and like movements call for addressing of issues. There is link between all these people’s movements.”
Cautioning the government, Mirwaiz said, “Kashmiri movement is indigenous. We are not fighting for Sadak, Bijli and Pani. Our peaceful movements of 2008, 2009 and 2010 have proved it.”
Mirwaiz also said that Hurriyat leadership sympathizes with the family of dead medical student who was gang raped in Delhi. “We sympathize with the family over the loss of their young daughter. We can understand the rage of people over her death, but unfortunately people of India maintained criminal silence over the mass rapes of hundreds of Kashmiri women like Asiya, Neelofar and in Kunanposhpora.”
Earlier in the day, Mirwaiz convened a joint meeting of Executive and General councils at Hurriyat headquarters in Rajbagh. The meeting was attended by the Heads of all constituent parties of the conglomerate.
“Agenda of the meeting was ongoing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir and recently concluded visit of Hurriyat delegation to Pakistan,” a Hurriyat leader said.
The Chairman apprised the participants about the visit to Pakistan and its results in connection with the resolution of Kashmir, he said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST