Mirwaiz urges Centre to reach out to Kashmir through dialogue

The chief cleric of Kashmir and Hurriyat leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday urged the Centre to bridge the ‘dil ki doori’ (distance of hearts) between New Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir through meaningful engagement, asserting that violence or the use of force can never resolve issues.

The Mirwaiz, who was delivering sermons in Srinagar’s Jama Masjid, strongly advocated for dialogue and understanding over conflict, while commenting on the recent parliamentary debate on the India–Pakistan war in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

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Referring to the recent debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ in Parliament, Mirwaiz said, “Various political parties put forth their views about the war—its objectives, outcomes, and implications. But very few, mostly from the opposition, touched upon the human cost of war and its relevance to Jammu and Kashmir. This, sadly, reflects the prevailing mindset and political mood.”

He lauded the interventions of Jammu and Kashmir MPs Mian Altaf, Engineer Rashid, and Aga Ruhullah, who, he said, were the only voices in Parliament to echo the concerns and pain of the people of the region.

“Their impassioned words about the disempowerment and dispossession of the people of J&K truly represented the ground realities. It was heartening to see them articulating the very sentiments we have long expressed,” Mirwaiz said, adding, “It is encouraging that, on these fundamental matters, there is a shared understanding.”

He expressed hope that those in positions of power in New Delhi were listening. “If the government genuinely wants to bridge the ‘dil ki doori’ (distance of hearts), then it must seriously consider what these voices have conveyed.”

Reiterating his long-held stance, Mirwaiz emphasised that peace and prosperity in the subcontinent cannot be achieved through war, violence, or the use of force. “Dialogue, engagement, and mutual understanding are far more effective, humane, and sustainable solutions. That is what the billions in South Asia deserve—especially the poor and marginalised.”