Obama’s Kashmir statement finds takers in Valley

ARIF SHAFI WANI
Srinagar, Nov 3: Cutting across their ideologies, various mainstream and pro-freedom organizations have widely hailed the statement of front-runner US presidential candidate, Barrack Obama’s statement that America should try to help resolve the Kashmir dispute. Ahead of presidential election on November 4, Obama in an interview said, “We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they (Pakistan) can stay focused not on India, but on the situation with those militants (fighting the US). US should foster a better understanding between the two nuclear armed South Asian neighbours, that have fought wars over the decades-old Kashmir question in the past but are now engaged in a peace process.”
PRO-FREEDOM CAMP ELATED Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Shah Geelani welcomed Obama’s statement but with a rider. “Obama should look at the Kashmir dispute in its historical perspective. I want to remind Obama that Kashmir is not a territorial or border dispute between India and Pakistan. It concerns 13 million people,” Geelani said. Geelani said if US is serious to resolve the dispute, it should implement the UN resolutions. “India and Pakistan are signatories to many conventions, including UN resolution to give right of self-determination to Kashmiris. Other than this right nothing will be acceptable to Kashmiris,” Geelani said. Chairman of Peoples Conference, Sajad Lone, welcomed Obama’s statement saying if United States will use its clout on India and Pakistan, the Kashmir dispute can be resolved amicably. “Kashmiris have been seeking help of the international community to resolve the dispute. Obama’s statement is good news for Kashmiris. It seems he has a broader understanding on issues confronting South Asia. United States enjoys good rapport with India and Pakistan and it is high time for it to facilitate resolution of Kashmir,” Sajad said. Hailing the statement, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, “I appreciate the growing interest of Barrack Obama in resolving the Kashmir dispute. The US and internationally community is gradually recognizing that resolution of Kashmir dispute was imperative for peace in south Asia,” Mirwaiz said. Hurriyat leader Javid Ahmad Mir said for past 61 years the US presidents have only been advocating resolution of Kashmir. “Lip service cannot resolve the Kashmir dispute. US has to rise above the statements and impress upon India and Pakistan to resolve the dispute permanently,” Mir said. The acting chairman of Jammu Kashmir Peoples League, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, while hailing Obama’s statement, said, “At last the sacrifices of Kashmiris are getting internationally recognized.” The president of Mahaz-e-Azadi, Mir Muhammad Iqbal also welcomed Obama’s statement.
MAINSTREAM PARTIES SEE HOPE President of Peoples Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti, welcomed Obama’s statement saying it would help to carry forward the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan. “Situation between India and Pakistan has improved with the revival of cross-LoC trade and bus service. The peace process between India and Pakistan needs impetus and if US or any other country can extend help, they are welcome.” The Chairman of Peoples Democratic Front, Hakeen Muhammad Yaseen, sees hope in Obama’s statement. “This shows Kashmir issue is alive in the international arena and emerging leaders, like Obama are showing interest to resolve the long-standing issue. It is really a ray of hope for Kashmiris,” Yaseen said. However, the CPI (M) state secretary, M Y Tarigami said US has been propagating suppressive policies to show its power. “We can only judge Obama’s seriousness to resolve the Kashmir issue only when he takes over as US president. We have seen that instead of resolving issues, the US has been creating conflicting situations as evident in Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq. The question is can Obama break the traditional policies of US,” Tarigami said. Senior leader of National Conference, Ali Muhammad Sagar, said if US wants it can resolve the Kashmir issue. “Let us hope that Obama becomes president and helps to resolve Kashmir. India and Pakistan have been taking many confidence building measures and it is high time for bloodshed to end in the state and pave way for Kashmir resolution. US intervention will be helpful in the endeavour,” Sagar said.