Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq pressed India’s raw nerve on Friday by saying that China had a stake in peace in South Asia and that settlement of Kashmir was key to achieving this goal.
“China has a direct link to Kashmir because certain parts of it, given by Pakistan, are under its direct control. We are talking of Aksai Chin and other areas. Though not party to the Kashmir conflict, China has a stake in peace in South Asia,” Mirwaiz said.
He said the Sino-US joint statement has cracked the impression of clash of interests between the US and China regarding South Asia. A joint statement issued in Beijing said America and China were “ready to strengthen communication, dialogue and cooperation on issues related to South Asia and work together to promote peace, stability and development in that region. It had a special mention of ‘improvement’ in relations between India and Pakistan.
“For the first time, US and China have issued a statement for a joint peace effort in South Asia. They will adopt a joint approach towards India and Pakistan vis-a-vis resolution of Kashmir issue. The US has realised that Kashmir is core to bringing peace in south Asia. We welcome China and America’s approach regarding Kashmir,” he said.
The Hurriyat feels the international community has a responsibility towards solving Kashmir. “Kashmir is not a border or religious dispute but a political issue and needs political settlement. For that we want the international community to step in,” he said.
