Srinagar, Jun 26 : Asserting that dialogue remains the most reliable path to lasting solutions, Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revive the spirit of engagement in South Asia, saying India and Pakistan carry a special responsibility for regional peace.
Delivering the Friday sermon at the historic Jama Masjid here on Youm-e-Ashoora, the Mirwaiz drew parallels from the tragedy of Karbala, terming it an eternal lesson in truth, patience, justice and sacrifice, and said it reminds humanity that while power may appear strong temporarily, it is ultimately truth and moral courage that prevail.
“Imam Hussain (RA) was not in search of war or confrontation. He stood for the principle that differences must be addressed through truth, adherence to the principles of Islam and sincerity through conversation. But when those before him chose the path of oppression and violence instead, history recorded their failure forever,” the Mirwaiz said.
Referring to recent global developments, he said the US-Israel confrontation with Iran has reaffirmed the limits of military force, adding that despite enormous expenditure and immense human suffering, adversaries eventually returned to the negotiating table.
“Wars can alter circumstances and inflict immense suffering, but durable peace and lasting solutions ultimately require dialogue, negotiation and statesmanship,” he said, appreciating efforts by Pakistan and Qatar in facilitating an environment conducive to dialogue.
The Mirwaiz said the lesson is especially relevant for South Asia, home to nearly one-fourth of humanity, where decades of political tensions and mistrust have prevented the region from realising its immense economic potential.
He said following the tragic assassination of his father, Shaheed Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq, in 1990, he inherited the obligation to uphold the principles of justice and dialogue over violence. He said he has consistently for over 36 years upheld this principle despite facing odds.
Observing that Prime Minister Modi is today among the longest-serving leaders in independent India, the Mirwaiz said when he assumed office, he spoke of regional cooperation and demonstrated an interest in improving relations with neighbouring countries.
“I had the opportunity, along with my colleagues, to engage with leaders across political dispensations, including Prime Minister Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. While differences remained, those engagements reflected an important principle: dialogue itself has value,” he said.
“It is our hope that the spirit of engagement that informed PM Modi earlier, and the efforts under leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh, once again finds expression,” the Mirwaiz said.
“Peace may be difficult. Dialogue may be slow. Diplomacy may demand patience. Yet these remain the most reliable instruments for resolving issues and securing a better future,” he added. (KNS).
