Cosmetic measures will not help resolve Kashmir issue

Chandigarh, Nov 25 (PTI) Cosmetic measures like packages
and announcement of jobs for youths will not help resolve the
Kashmir issue, which should not only be seen through the prism
of Pakistan, Chairman of the moderate faction of All
Parties Hurriyat Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Thursday said.
"Packages and other half-hearted measures are not the
solution. Time has come when Kashmir problem should be stopped
to be seen only through the Pak prism. Kashmir issue is a
political one, not a religious one. We need to understand the
human dimension to the whole problem as people have suffered a
lot over the years," Farooq told reporters after addressing a
seminar in the northern city of Chandigarh.
The seminar on "Jammu Kashmir Problem, especially in
reference to Indo-Pak relations" where the Hurriyat leader was
assaulted allegedly by some right-wing Hindu activists, was
organised by J&K based Internationalist Democratic Party.
The moderate separatist leader said resolution of the
lingering Kashmir issue was imperative for political stability
in the region.
"Unless the Kashmir issue is addressed in terms of its
historical perspective and resolved in accordance with wishes
and aspirations of the people, uncertainty will remain,"
Farooq, who was accompanied by another leader, Bilal
Lone, said.
Terming the assault as unfortunate and asking people back
in Kashmir Valley not to react to such an incident or feel
agitated, he said the Hurriyat had made a beginning from
Chandigarh and now they would make an effort to reach out
to people of India by travelling to other states to make the
public aware of the Kashmir issue.
"People of India have a bigger stake in the resolution of
Kashmir issue. Therefore, we have decided to reach out to the
Indian people and the civil society," he said.
He also said that an all-party Kashmir Committee should
be formed in Parliament and intra-state dialogue between
different communities within the state should also be
initiated.
He said that the Hurriyat was in favour of repealing of
all "draconian laws inclduing AFSPA, gradual demilitarisation,
make those accountable who indulge in human rights violation
and an Independent commission probe the violations and release
of political prisoners languishing in the jails".
"Once these core issues are addressed, only then can the
atmosphere become conducive for holding any kind of dialogue
to find a permanent solution to the issue," the Mirwaiz said.
To a question, he said that "half-hearted measures like
partial repealing of AFSPA wont help".
To another query, the Hurriyat leader said they would
welcome the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.