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| | GEO World | | Mir Waiz for evolving common minimum program on Kashmir | Updated at: 1308 PST, Sunday, October 25, 2009
 LONDON: Chairman, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Mir Waiz Umar Farooq has stressed on the Kashmiri parties based on both sides of the Line of Control to evolve common minimum programme as a platform to initiate negotiations which could pave the way for the eventual settlement of the disputed Himalayan region.
He was speaking at the International Intra-Kashmir Conference held under the aegis of All Parties International Kashmir Co-ordination Committee (APIKCC) and hosted by Lord Nazir Ahmed at House of Lords on Saturday evening.
Farooq said the international community has looked at the Kashmir issue through the views of either Pakistani or the Indian Government and has never heard what the people of Jammu and Kashmir desire.
He called for self introspection and said the Kashmir issue relate to the people living in the whole State and not just the Valley.
He added that Jammu and Kashmir is not a homogeneous region as it is inhabited by people of different religions and ethnicities and who have different aspirations and desires.
Farooq said APHC has always considered Kashmir as a political issue and has waged its campaign on political and diplomatic front as well as through armed struggle.
“This is a fact that the sacrifices rendered by the Kashmiri youth have placed the issue of Kashmir on the world platform and the international community knows well the reason why the people had to resort to armed struggle.”
He said the importance of the Kashmir as a political issue has increased significantly after the events of 9/11. He added that Kashmir could receive more support and increased awareness at the international level if the cause is highlighted as a human rights issue.
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