SRINAGAR: Hailing the Government of India’s (GoI) changed approach as a “victory of the people of Kashmir”, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said the separatist leadership was in no hurry to respond to Delhi’s assertions over dialogue.
“The GoI’s change in Kashmir policy is victory of the peoples’ perseverance, faith and patience. ... In fact, repression has added to anger and alienation, forcing many highly educated and well-settled boys to take up guns,” Mirwaiz claimed in his address at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid.
Mirwaiz said the leadership was happy that good sense has prevailed upon the GoI. The separatist leadership is in no hurry to respond to Delhi’s assertions over dialogue, discuss it in the coming days before responding, he said, referring to Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s talks offer.
On Thursday, Singh had said dialogue can be held with everyone and it was not necessary to hold talks with like-minded but they should be “right-minded”.
Mirwaiz claimed the policy of extreme repression was pursued since the BJP came to power in New Delhi four years ago. “It was a complete departure from the way previous BJP regime led by AB Vajpayee.”
“If situation changes for the people of Kashmir, their circumstances will change. If the GoI really cares for our children and young, it is welcome as it is a humane gesture. We also want our children to be nurtured and believe that it’s possible once they are brought out of the uncertainty that surrounds them. It entails the resolution of Kashmir dispute above their stated position and looking at J&K in the wider context of humanity and justice,” the Hurriyat leader added.