Srinagar, Jul 15: Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday expressed deep anguish over reports of civilian and police casualties in the continuing unrest across the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in Rawalakot and Poonch, and appealed to the Government of Pakistan, local authorities and protesters to resolve differences through dialogue instead of confrontation.
In a post on X, the Mirwaiz said he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“Deeply saddened and pained by reports of loss of life of civilians and police personnel in the continuing unrest on the other side of the LoC, especially in Rawalakot and Poonch. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by these tragic events,” he wrote.
The Mirwaiz also voiced concern over ongoing discussions related to the representation and constitutional and political status of a large number of Kashmiri State Subjects residing in Pakistan.
He said issues concerning identity, political representation and constitutional rights required sensitivity, dialogue and broad public confidence.
“The legitimacy and strength of any system of governance rests ultimately upon the consent, trust and confidence of the people it serves,” he said, adding that the shared social, cultural and family ties across the LoC meant that developments in one part of Jammu and Kashmir deeply affected people in the other as well as the Kashmiri diaspora.
Recalling his family’s historic association with communities across Jammu and Kashmir, including those living across the LoC, the Mirwaiz said he had been receiving expressions of anguish and concern from people affected by the unrest.
He appealed to the Government of Pakistan and the local administration there to prioritise restraint, engagement and dialogue.
“I urge the Government of Pakistan and the local government there to prioritise dialogue, restraint and engagement, resolving differences through consultation and accommodation rather than confrontation, with respect for human rights and the sanctity of human life remaining paramount,” he said.
The Mirwaiz also appealed to the protesting groups to act with wisdom and responsibility to help restore peace and public confidence.
“I also appeal to protesting parties to exercise wisdom and responsibility. Both need to work towards restoring peace and public confidence at the earliest,” he said.
Concluding his message, the Mirwaiz prayed for lasting peace and stability across Jammu and Kashmir.
“I pray for lasting peace and stability for all the people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the LoC and for its resolution,” he said.
