MUZAFFARABAD: Describing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s speech at United Nations as exceptionally brilliant, Kashmiri leaders say it sent a very positive message on other side of the Line of control (LoC).
“Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif has effectively presented Kashmir issue, ceasefire violations and India’s involvement in terrorist acts in Pakistan in front of the world body. The speech undoubtedly pushed India to its corner, said senior Kashmiri leader, Altaf Ahamed Bhat.
Talking to newsmen here on Thursday, Bhat said speech delivered Prime Minister Nawaz at 70th session UN General Assembly was excellent in all respects that had created ripples in India and sent a clear message to New Delhi that its hooliganism is no more acceptable by Kashmiris and Pakistan.
Bhat added that bold stance taken by Prime Minister on Kashmir will give a new momentum to the peaceful struggle of Kashmiri people for their right to self determination and will certainly shake the world conscience.
Commenting on four point peace formula floated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Kashmiri leader said it is clear roadmap to reduce tension between the two countries and way forward to sort out all outstanding issues through dialogues.
He said issues like military standoff in the frozen high mountains of Siachen are offshoots of unresolved Kashmir conflict and it cannot be resolved in isolation and without addressing the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
He however said demilitarization of Kashmir including unconditional mutual military withdrawal from Siachen will pave the way for peaceful settlement of Kashmir conflict. He further said Prime Minister Sharif was very right in recognizing the importance of Kashmiri peoples’ inclusion in the dialogue process between India and Pakistan.
The lasting and durable solution of Kashmir issue cannot be achieved without participation and consent of Kashmiri people who are principal party to the dispute, Altaf Bhat emphasized.
Meanwhile Jamaat Islami Azad Kashmir Chief, Abdul Rashid Turrabi described the speech delivered by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at UN as comprehensive and balanced that effectively highlighted Kashmir issue in its right perspective.
He expressed his hope that Pakistan government will evolve viable strategy to end Indian occupation in Kashmir and also ending the sufferings being endured by the Kashmiris for over a half century.
He said Kashmiris believe that India- Pakistan bilateralism has failed to produce desired results in the past and it was not expected to make any breakthrough in future unless Kashmiris are made part of dialogue process between the two countries.
