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The upcoming visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting has sparked hope for improved relations between the two countries, particularly among Kashmir leaders. Both National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah and All Parties Hurriyat Conference (Hurriyat) chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed optimism about the potential for dialogue and understanding between India and Pakistan.
Dr. Abdullah, the NC leader, emphasized the importance of discussions on all issues, including economic matters and bilateral concerns. He believes that friendly talks could lead to better understanding and a decrease in animosity between the two nations. His hopes are particularly significant given the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, which has been exacerbated by the BJP government's decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019.
Despite Dr. Abdullah's optimistic outlook, Dr. Jaishankar downplayed the potential for bilateral talks during his visit. He emphasized that the focus would be on the multilateral SCO event rather than India-Pakistan relations. This perspective reflects the continued tensions between the two countries and their differing priorities. The BJP-led government in India has taken a hard line on Kashmir, viewing it as an integral part of India and rejecting any concessions to Pakistan's claims.
The Mirwaiz, Kashmir's chief cleric, expressed a similar sentiment of hope for peaceful resolution of the conflict. He highlighted the years of uncertainty faced by Kashmiris and urged India and Pakistan to use the SCO summit as an opportunity to break the ice and engage constructively. The Mirwaiz's remarks underscore the deep desire for peace and justice among Kashmiris, who have been profoundly affected by the political instability and disputes between India and Pakistan.
The Mirwaiz's call for a 'fair closure' to the conflict in Kashmir underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the region. While both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir, the Kashmiri people themselves have a distinct identity and aspirations that must be considered in any future dialogue or settlement. The upcoming SCO summit presents a potential platform for dialogue, but achieving a lasting resolution will require addressing the fundamental concerns and aspirations of all stakeholders.
The differing perspectives of Dr. Jaishankar and the Kashmir leaders highlight the challenges facing any attempt to improve relations between India and Pakistan. While the SCO meeting may provide a framework for engagement, achieving a lasting peace will require a genuine commitment from both sides to address the core issues and build trust. The hopes expressed by Kashmir leaders for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and an end to uncertainty represent a crucial voice in the pursuit of a stable and equitable future for the region.
Source: Dr. Abdullah, Mirwaiz pin hopes on Jaishankar’s upcoming Pakistan visit