Kashmir Is A Political Problem. New Delhi Must Accept This.

Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq tells Naseer Ganai that New Delhi should stop projecting the Kashmir issue as one of terrorism, and seek the solution through negotiations among Kashmiris and the Indian and Pakistani governments. 

What’s happening in the Valley these days?

The situation is unprecedented. An anti-people policy has been adopted and a completely military approach is being implemented. The Indian Army’s Operation All Out is basically “Operation Wipe Out”. Innocent civilians are being targeted and we are seeing the highest number of civilian casualties ever in operations. It is clear the Indian government is using brute force to suppress the voice of the people.

Many PDP and BJP leaders allege the separatist leaders didn’t reciprocate to the unilateral ceasefire during Ramzan, forcing New Delhi not to extend it and thus ending any prospect of dialogue.