Er. Hilal War welcomes Nawaz–Modi meet at Ufa, Russia

‘Not Mentioning Kashmir right away is a smart diplomatic move on part of Nawaz’

Srinagar, July 11(KMW): Jammu and Kashmir People’s Political Party (PPP) Chairman and senior Hurriyat (M) leader, Engineer Hilal Ahmad War welcomed the meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Ufa in Russia on the sidelines of Shanghai Corporation Organization (SCO) summit to revive the stalled peace and dialogue process between the two countries and termed it as a positive development. He also welcomed Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Pakistan for the SAARC summit in 2016. He complimented both the leaders for adopting the diplomatic option.
“I firmly believe that the diplomatic option — a comprehensive, long-term sustained dialogue – is the best option,” said Er. War.

According to a statement issued to KMW, PPP Chief said if both the leaders of India and Pakistan demonstrate courage and wisdom, this diplomatic initiative would lead them to a sustained, inclusive, meaningful and result-oriented dialogue process between the two atomic powers of south Asia in order to pave way for resolution of all outstanding issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir which is the bone of contention between India and Pakistan right from 1947. He further said that the diplomatic initiative between Mr. Nawaz and Mr. Modi will break the stalemate and defuse tensions between the countries.
PPP chief expressed his hope that India’s decision-makers will earnestly resolve all disputes with Pakistan, including the core issue of Kashmir, because no sane Indian decision- maker could, any longer, keep the future of over a billion Indians’ social and economic well-being hostage to the Kashmir conflict.
“India needs to break free from its narrow foreign policy on Kashmir now. For that to happen, India needs to move beyond its stance that Kashmir is its integral part. This diplomatic initiative will discourage and expose warmongers of both countries and if India backs out from the sustained dialogue she will again get exposed internationally,” said Mr. War adding, “By not mentioning Kashmir in the first meeting is sheer diplomacy of Mr. Nawaz Sharief to engage India in a sustained dialogue process, which is a well thought out strategy of the diplomats of Pakistan. I think diplomats of Pakistan have displayed the master diplomacy by engaging Indian premier by not mentioning Kashmir in the first meeting. This kind of diplomacy is beyond the understanding and intellect of raw handed and incompetent political leaders and I could foresee that Nawaz Sharief will surely take up Kashmir issue in the future meetings of the sustained dialogue of which Indian Premier is aware of. The joint statement was framed by considering the sensitivities of both the countries and it was certainly a forward looking statement” .
Mr. War said it is the collective responsibility of two leaders to ensure International Peace, Security and tranquility in the South Asian Region.
“The consensus is being evolved in the international community that resolution of Kashmir is very imperative for the world peace. Therefore, Mr. Nawaz Sharief and Modi must seize this golden opportunity and chalk out a strategy to move forward in order to pave way for amicable, honorable and peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute which is the bone of contention between the two Nuclear Nations of South –Asia,” said Engineer Hilal.

“We are looking forward to both countries enhancing the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to create a congenial atmosphere for the final settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the hereditary state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir in order to realize the dream of Peaceful South –Asia,” said Mr. War”.