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'Peace cannot be achieved in a vaccum'
14 July 2001
Jason : Hello sir, what do you think will come out of
this summit? Mirwaiz Umar Farooq : We hope that both the
leaders would seriously and sincerely address the key issue which is Kashmir and
try to envolve a mechanism through which the people of Kashmir can be involved
in any future negotiations on Kashmir.
Yeti : Mr Farooq, what do you think is Musharraf's agenda
after the remarks he made yesterday before leaving for India? Mirwaiz Umar
Farooq : It is unfortunate that remarks are being made on both the
sides which are not helpful in any way for the summit. Let us all realize that
this is another opportunity for peace, prosperity and well being for the entire
region of this subcontinent.
Ashwin : hello there.. how are u? do u think that the Agra
summit willbe a success Mirwaiz Umar Farooq : I am optimist
and I would honestly want that let there be slow but gradual movement forward on
all issues especially Kashmir.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq : We welcome any such initiative which
brings India and Pakistan closer. Because we feel that the Kashmir cannot be
resolved unless these two countries come close to each other. Both the leaders
Vajpayee and Musharraf can move forward on Kashmir, which is the main issue only
with the involvement and support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq :
suhail : Hello Umer,Since u had been in politics at very
young age n thus hve been to lot of conference where kashmir has been discussed
, then plz tell me sincerely does we kashmiris have any hope of
peace? Mirwaiz Umar Farooq : I sincerely believe that the
issue of Kashmir is not the territorial or border dispute between India and
Pakistan. It is a political and human problem concerning the future of 13
million people. It is unfortunate that inspite of being the primary party in
this dispute we have to look towards India and Pakistan to take the initative.
Peace cannot be achieved in a vaccum. I hope and I pray that good sense would
prevail on both the leaders and they take measures through which this problem
can be resolved once for all.
hindustani : I sincerely believe that Kashmir is our
problem and why should we allow Pakistan to intervene or interfere in our family
matters. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq : Kashmir is internationally
accepted dispute. It was none else than Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru who had
promised that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would be given an opportunity to
decide their future. We have had commitments from the Indian leadership about
the people being given a chance to decide their future. We the Kashmiris are
divided between Azad Kashmir and Indian part of Kashmir. This is a human
tragedy. People are divided, families are divided. We want the reunification of
Kashmir. Kashmir belong to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and we have not given
any power of attorney to either India nor Pakistan.We cannot turn this dream
into reality unless or until three parties namely India, Pakistan and Kashmiris
sit and talk.
amit : Hello Mirwaz,Donot you think that by meeting
Musharaff against the wishes of Indian rulers ,you have set and wrong tone for
solution of your problems,as the general cannot solve the problem till vajpayeed
cooperates Mirwaiz Umar Farooq : When the summit was
announced the Hurriyat Conference decided to write to both the leaders for an
audience with All Party Hurriyat Conference. Our letter was first delivered at
the prime minister's office in Delhi and then at the high commissioner of
Pakistan. We wanted to meet Vajpayee and Musharraf so that they have a better
understanding of what the people of Kashmir say. You have to remember that
Kashmiris are the primary party. We are a State and not an Estate. We are still
hopeful that Vajapayee will agree to see us so that Channels of communications
can be opened.
pinkeshsanghvi : How can you claim the sole representative
of J & K because there is an elected govt. plus many other political
parties. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq : We represent the aspirations
of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Those people who have lost more then 80,000
people in the last 12 years. All Party Hurriyat Conference represents the very
blood of those who have lost their lives fighting for the just cause and
remember people like Gandhiji, Mondella or Yasar Arafat had not fought elections
when they were fighting for their motherland.
shankar : Hello, Umer I have seen u on TV a number of
times and I have been greatly impressed by your personality..As a young man with
modern outlook dont you realize that if there are more jobs and greater economic
development in Kashmir with people having greater awareness automatically the
need cries of jehad and so on will come down? I feel what kashmiris need is
sanity and modern outlook rather than anything else like freedom or rights? when
150 million muslims in India dont have any problem y do u have? Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq : It is not a question of Muslims or Hindus. It is a
question of our identity which is Kashmiri. We simply ask that the commitments
made to the people should be fulfilled. You cannot keep the people of Kashmir
hostage for the Muslims of India. The Indian Muslims are Indian citizens. And it
should not be linked with the political future of Kashmir.
mullah : Mr Mirwaiz, a Belgian survey says only 24% of
Kashmiris in both parts of Jammu & Kashmir wants to merge with Pakistan. So
why can't they simply go over there and those from PoK who want to merge with
India can move over here. The problem will be solved very simply, in the fashion
envisaged by your ustad, Mohammed Ali Jinnah! Mirwaiz Umar
Farooq : This may be your solution to the problem but we certainly
do not agree with you.
mani : what about kashmiri pandits any answers why u have
tuned them away from valley & now you make tall claims of representing
kasmiries Mirwaiz Umar Farooq : When we talk about the right
of the people of Kashmir to decide their future we don't just talk of the
Muslims alone. Kashmiri Pandits,Bhuddists and the Dogras living in other parts
of the states are inseparable part of Kashmir. We sincerely believe that people
from both sides of the ceasefire line should be allowed by India and Pakistan to
meet and we do not believe in the division of state on religious grounds. We are
willing to talk to any organization who is interested in talking to us about
Kashmir.
Administrator : Dear All, Please remember we are a
democratic nation and that all voices must be heard. Please give the Mirwaiz a
chance. And please note, bad language will not be tolerated.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq : Thanks folks. see you again.
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