Date:27/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092755701300.htm

National

Need to institutionalise dialogue: Mirwaiz

Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR: The chairman of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has offered to co-operate in a genuine process between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue. He stressed upon the need to institutionalise the dialogue process and to stop thinking about short term solutions to the problem.

Delivering his sermon at the Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid, the Mirwaiz welcomed the opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawlakot roads for trade purposes . “We are happy that natural routes for Kashmir are being thrown open for the trade but it should not be made hostage to permits and the cumbersome process as we see in Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service,” the Mirwaiz told a huge gathering which had turned for prayers on the eve of Jumatul Vida (the last Friday of Ramadan).

He reiterated that he or any other separatist was not against dialogue but said it had to be a meaningful one. “There is need to institutionalise the dialogue process as we have seen in the past lack of sincerity and seriousness in such a process did not bear any fruit.” The Mirwaiz cautioned New Delhi from resorting to short term measures to solve the issue.

He also underscored the growing power of India and said that with its capability and power on the global scene its responsibility was increasing manifold and it (India) could not shy away from resolving the Kashmir dispute.

He welcomed the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in New York on Thursday and said that it was in the interest of Kashmir if they had cordial relations but “it should be utilised for resolving the issue.”

Geelani under house arrest

Meanwhile, chairman of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani was placed under house arrest. Mr. Geelani was scheduled to address the Friday gathering at the Hazratbal. A large number of people took out a procession in Hazratbal against Mr. Geelani’s house arrest.