Mirwaiz says history did not start in 2019 in Kashmir and Amarnath Yatris are our guests

Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday said that Kashmir has a 5,000 year old rich and layered history, asserting that the region’s history did not start in 2019 and that people here have always respected religious sentiments of all communities including Amarnath yatris who are currently embarking on the religious pilgrimage.

“Kashmir has a long tradition of hospitality and pilgrims who come here for their faith should be treated with respect and care. The administration should also ensure the safety and proper facilities for the yatris while also making sure that the daily life of local people is not unnecessarily disrupted and that the fragile environment of Kashmir is protected,” he said.

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The Hurriyat leader, who is also the chief cleric of Kashmir, said such religious occasions should not be politicised and should remain about faith, peace, mutual respect and harmony among communities. He expressed hope that the Amarnath Yatra passes off peacefully and safely.

Responding to a question on the government’s recent ban on books, he said that in a democratic society bans do not work, whether they are bans on books, ideas or organisations.

“Kashmir has a 5,000-year-old rich and layered history and Kashmiris are proud of their civilisational legacy, from the Buddhist period to Shaivism and Hindu traditions, and then the Islamic period, which shaped Kashmir’s spiritual, social and cultural identity. He said that after 1947, Jammu and Kashmir also became a political issue, and this too is part of its modern history,” said Mirwaiz. “You cannot erase history or selectively project only that part of history which suits a particular narrative… societies grow through openness, discussion and engagement, not by suppressing books or silencing perspectives. And facts remain facts.”

On India-Pakistan relations, Mirwaiz said that he supported dialogue even at a time when those advocating talks were accused of treason. “New world order is shaping up; it is clear that war is no solution,” he said.

Welcoming the efforts of civil society for peace and engagement between India and Pakistan, he said the legacy of dialogue during the tenures of former prime ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh needs to be revived and taken forward. He stressed that meaningful dialogue is imperative between Delhi and Islamabad, and equally between Delhi and Srinagar, for peace, dignity and a just resolution.