Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Nov 18: Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Omar Farooq today demanded the resumption of trans-Line of Control (LoC) trade and bus service between the two parts of Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a step toward enhancing India-Pakistan relations.
Speaking at an event in Srinagar, Omar praised the relative peace maintained over the past five years due to the ceasefire along the LoC but stressed that more progress is needed. “Trade should start. The bus service has been shut down. The trade between the two parts of Kashmir was benefiting many families and increasing connectivity,” he said.
Mirwaiz shared a personal story to underscore the impact of these restrictions, mentioning his inability to visit relatives during a time of mourning. “Two weeks ago, an elder in our family passed away. If the situation allowed, we could have visited them. At least the family could have cme together in grief. But as it stands, this connection has been cut off,” he said.
The HC urged New Delhi to reconsider its approach, emphasizing that the power to initiate dialogue and cooperation lies with the Central Government. “If there is a positive signal from New Delhi, the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir will move forward, and I am confident Pakistan’s leadership understands that issues need to be resolved through dialogue,” he said.
Mirwaiz highlighted his long-standing advocacy for dialogue, saying, “From the pulpit of Jamia Masjid, I have consistently said that violence, oppression, and guns are not the solution to any problem.”
The HC stressed that the political dimension of the Kashmir issue must be addressed to facilitate meaningful dialogue. “Although elections have been conducted and a government formed, its powers are limited, and Jammu and Kashmir continues to bear the stamp of a Union Territory,” he said.
Mirwaiz called on New Delhi to change its mindset and recognize that the people of Jammu and Kashmir seek a resolution, not uncertainty or bloodshed.
While responding to a question about the Supreme Court’s recent decision to halt “bulldozer justice,” Hurriyat Chairman termed it a positive move. He criticized the practice as unjust and arbitrary, particularly for targeting specific communities. “It is an issue where a community is being singled out based on arbitrariness,” he said.
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