At a time of increased tensions between India and Pakistan, prominent Kashmiri leaders are calling for renewed dialogue to help peacefully resolve their long-standing Kashmir dispute.
Raja Muzaffar, Acting Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), appealed to Indian and Pakistani delegations currently present in the United States for meaningful discussions between their delegations. Speaking directly to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of Pakistan’s delegation and Shashi Tharoor of India’s delegation – respectively Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for Pakistan and Shashi Tharoor representing India’s delegation respectively – Muzaffar stressed that sustainable peace in Kashmir can open the window towards resolution and trilateral dialogue was suspended back then while recognizing Yasin Malik as legitimate representative of Kashmiris people’s desires aspirationsal for resolution.
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Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also called for an end to the “spectre of war”, encouraging both nations to prioritize civilian welfare and economic recovery over further conflict. She criticized National Conference (NC) leadership for encouraging conflict by continuing armed activity. She criticised them as the source of continued instability. timesofindia.indiatimes.com economictimes.indiatimes.com
These appeals follow Operation Sindoor, an Indian and Pakistan military encounter which caused significant casualties and infrastructure damage. While a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement was announced on May 10, there have been continued incidents which raise fears of further escalation. For more information please visit: arabnews.com | arabnews.pk
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed willingness to engage in peace talks, stressing the importance of resolving Kashmir issues for lasting peace. He stated, “We are prepared to talk with India for peace.” He highlighted this longstanding dispute by saying, “We’re willing to engage in discussions for lasting peace”.
International community members have also been called upon to facilitate dialogue. President of Pakistan-administered Kashmir Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry recently called for immediate international mediation to stop further military activity along the Line of Control, according to reports on Reuters and Newyorker websites.
As tensions continue, Kashmiri leaders emphasize the necessity of engaging in constructive dialogue between India and Pakistan that prioritizes Kashmiris’ aspirations for lasting peace in their region.