Ups and downs in struggles natural phenomenon: Mirwaiz

Srinagar: Hailing the commitment shown by Kashmiris toward the “freedom movement”, Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Monday said prolonged struggles witnessing ups and down was a natural phenomenon which shouldn’t disappoint anyone.  “Despite their day to day problems and sufferings, people have shown great commitment towards the freedom movement. And every prolonged freedom struggle has its ups and downs; we are not disappointed over that,” Mirwaiz said addressing people in Qasba Khori Batapora, Kulgam, where he had gone to lay the foundation stone of Jadeed Jamia Masjid.Mirwaiz was accompanied by senior Hurriyat (M) leaders Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Gani Lone, Mukhtar Waza and members of the Awami Majlis Amal.Terming the inclusion of Kashmiris in the dialogue process between India and Pakistan as imperative, Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat faction was ready to cooperate for finding a solution to Kashmir issue through meaningful talks.Mirwaiz said the recent uprisings in Middle East had shown that the real power lies with the people and peaceful mass revolutions cannot be suppressed through force.Hailing the unwavering commitment of Kashmiris towards the freedom  cause despite what he termed gross human rights violations and oppression unleashed by India in Kashmir, Mirwaiz vowed to take the freedom struggle to its logical conclusion.He said Kashmir was a six decade old issue for which Kashmiris had rendered huge sacrifices particularly during the last 22 years. “Along with the people the pro-freedom leadership has also played its part. We have always raised the genuine political issues and demands of people from the pulpit of Jamia Masjid and would continue to do so,” he said.Referring to his recent European trip, Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat has always tried to portray the real aspirations of people and presented its principled stand on the Kashmir dispute. “ It is satisfying that the international committee has realized the urgency of finding a solution to the Kashmir issue, which is not only in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people but also acceptable to the people of India and Pakistan.” “It is because of the people’s great sacrifices that even pro-India leaders have realized that Kashmir is an issue which needs to be resolved,” he said.Speaking on the occasion, Professor Abdul Gani Bhat   said that “we will have to accept certain facts and realities in the context of the extraordinary situation in Kashmir.” “Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris and they are entitled to decide its future. Hurriyat believes in resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue and is ready to cooperate in this regard provided Kashmiris are included in the Indo-Pak talks as the principal party to the dispute,” he said.