Hope Narendra Modi government will find lasting solution to Kashmir issue: Mirwaiz Umer Farooq

SRINAGAR: Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq today expressed hope that the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre would adopt a realistic approach to find a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.

"Now when a new government is taking charge in India, we hope this leadership will bring a change in its policy towards Kashmir and demonstrate a realistic approach to find a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue through meaningful measures," the Mirwaiz said addressing a workers' rally at the Awami Action Committee ( AAC) headquarters here.

He delivered the address through telephone as he had been placed under house arrest at his Nigeen residence, a day ahead of his scheduled rally at Eidgah tomorrow to commemorate the death anniversaries of his father Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq and senior Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Lone.

While Mirwaiz Farooq was assassinated on May 21, 1990, Lone fell to the bullets on May 21, 2002 while taking part in a rally at Eidgah.

The Hurriyat chairman said tripartite talks among the concerned parties -- India, Pakistan and Kashmiris -- would be a meaningful way forward in resolution of the long standing issue, and added that it was in the larger interest of the people of the entire region.

Condemning the police action placing him and other senior leaders under house arrest and detaining dozens others to foil tomorrow's rally, the Mirwaiz said despite government restrictions, the Eidgah march will be a success.