Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Calls for Justice as Cornerstone of Peace Expresses solidarity with Palestine, regrets loss of life in Ladakh Voices concern over restrictions in Kashmir, and urges non-interference in Waqf affairs Srinagar, O Addressing media representatives in Budgam on the sidelines of Seerat Conference, organised by Anjuman-E-Sharie Shian, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that anywhere there is conflict in the world, real peace can be achieved only when justice is done to people involved in that conflict. Referring to the Palestine, Mirwaiz expressed strong solidarity with the people of Palestine, stating that “We eagerly want the ceasefire to be implemented and the genocide of Palestinians to end. But beyond a temporary cessation of war, what is required is a genuine, fair and lasting peace process. Whether it comes from the West or the Islamic bloc, such a process must accommodate the aspirations of the Palestinian people above all else. Their inalienable right to their land, their future, their dignity, and their commitment to an independent Palestinian state must form the foundation of any meaningful settlement. Without this, peace will remain elusive.” He added that the decades of suffering endured by the Palestinians is a matter of shame for global conscience, especially world leaders and that selective approaches to peace that ignore justice, only perpetuate conflict. Commenting on the situation in Ladakh, Mirwaiz expressed sorrow and regret at the recent loss of precious lives. He said: “It is unfortunate that the Government of India instead of addressing the aspirations of people of Ladakh is complicating the matter further, by being harsh on them. History has shown time and again that peace cannot be enforced through coercion. For peace to take root, commitments made to the people must be fulfilled, and dialogue must replace confrontation.” Turning to the prevailing situation in Kashmir, Mirwaiz voiced his concern over the continued restrictions placed upon him: Regrettably, no space is provided to me to express our viewpoint before our people. For the last three consecutive Fridays, I have been placed under house arrest without any explanation. I do not know when or why restrictions will be imposed on me again. Even peaceful meetings of the Ulema Council are disallowed.” Mirwaiz further stated, “The banning of religious and social organisations, the sealing of properties, and the harassment of media houses by preventing them from publishing our perspective— which has always been constructive and aimed at resolution—are unfortunate developments. We have always believed in peaceful engagement with dignity. In my opinion The Government of India must rethink its policy on JK. Issues cannot be resolved through use of force and control of narrative. Constructive engagement and dialogue are a far better and humane way of achieving sustainable peace. Speaking on the matter of Waqf properties, Mirwaiz stressed that this is essentially a religious issue: “The community should be allowed to manage its religious institutions with autonomy and dignity. The sanctity of religious institutions must be preserved. Interference and intervention in religious matters must stop, as they hurt the sentiments of people and create unnecessary friction.