SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious cleric in Kashmir, said on Saturday that both India and Pakistan have a real opportunity at the upcoming SCO Summit in Pakistan to break the ice and engage constructively on the Kashmir issue.
He expressed hope that both nations will seize this chance to bring lasting peace to the region.
“After more than five years, much of which was spent under house detention, I return with the same call for peace and justice for the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” Mirwaiz posted on X (formerly Twitter), marking his return to the platform after five years.
Mirwaiz’s last post was on August 4, 2019, a day before the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories.
“In August 2019, Jammu & Kashmir lost its semi-autonomous status, was broken into two parts, downgraded to a Union Territory, and faced a harsh clampdown, including a communication blackout,” the post said.
“Despite these challenges, the resolve for a peaceful resolution of the conflict remains stronger than ever,” he added. “Generations of Kashmiris have suffered from this uncertainty and seek an end to it, a fair closure.”
Mirwaiz reiterated that the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit presents a critical opportunity for India and Pakistan to engage constructively. “It remains to be seen whether both nations will seize this opportunity to bring lasting peace to the region,” he concluded. — (KIMS)