Stay away from by-elections: Mirwaiz to political parties

Srinagar, Apr 9 (UNI) Moderate Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has appealed to the mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to stay away from April 24 bypolls in the state, saying elections were a futile exercise and nothing has been achieved through this process since 1947.

''If they (political parties) have really awoken to the situation and the dynamics of the Kashmir issue, they should stay away from the election process. The recent statements by leaders of pro-India political parties have reflected a positive change in their mindset,'' the Mirwaiz told a conference held at the malgam headquarters here.

''The so-called elections have been held in Jammu and Kashmir since 1947, but nothing has been achieved through this process. It is a futile exercise,'' he alleged.

Mirwaiz Farooq said that for the permanent resolution of the Kashmir issue, the political leadership of both parts of divided jammu and Kashmir should move forward together.

''Pakistan really wants to take out the people of Jammu and Kashmir from the quagmire. This is my perception after talking to the Pakistani leadership...We cannot blame others...our ship has been sunk by our own people,'' the Hurriyat Chairman said.

The Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat Conference had several proposals which need to be discussed between leaders of the regions and also India and Pakistan.

''We have visited Jammu last month, Pakistan three times in six months and interacted with people, leaders and parliamentarians there. Now we will visit Poonch and Rajouri next week. The purpose is to achieve unity of thought on resolution of the Kashmir issue,'' he added.

The Hurriyat Chairman said people of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Northern Areas have their own perception of the Kashmir issue and consensus was a must to move forward in finding a lasting solution to the vexed issue.

UNI AG PK ND1436