India should not impose ‘red lines’ on engagement with Pak: Mirwaiz

PTI Updated - December 07, 2021 at 02:29 AM.

Kashmiris should not be sidelined, says the Hurriyat Conference leader

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, delivers aspeech at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, on Friday NISSAR AHMAD

With India asserting that a meeting between Pakistan NSA Sartaj Aziz and Kashmiri separatists was unacceptable, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said there should be no red lines and pre-conditions in diplomacy and politics.

“The reported drawing of redlines by India coupled with its pre-conditions are not non-political. There are no red lines in politics and diplomacy,” Mirwaiz said addressing a Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid here.

“Hurriyat is desirous of a meaningful dialogue (between the two countries) to settle all outstanding problems, especially the core issue of Kashmir,” Mirwaiz said adding that “sidelining Kashmir or ignoring the Kashmiris won’t help”.

“Kashmir is not a boundary dispute or a regional problem but linked to the future of a 1.25-crore population. The issue could be resolved only by taking into consideration the wishes and aspirations of the people of the State,” he said.s

‘Kashmir not third party’

He also said the people of Kashmir were “not the third but the basic party to the issue and enjoy ownership rights”.

Hurriyat was always desirous of strong relations between India and Pakistan so that a conducive atmosphere is created to pave way for resolution of all outstanding issues, he added.

The reported drawing of red lines by India coupled with its pre-conditions are not non-political. There are no red lines in politics and diplomacy

Published on August 21, 2015 16:37