Srinagar, July 15 (IANS) Senior religious leader and chief cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Maulana Umar Farooq, on Wednesday expressed deep anguish over the loss of human lives across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

In his post on X, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep sorrow and pain over reports of the loss of civilian lives and police personnel in the continuing unrest on the other side of the Line of Control, especially in Rawalakot and Poonch (Pakistan-occupied).

He said in the post, “Deeply saddened and pained by reports of loss of life of civilians and police personnel in the continuing unrest on the other side of the LOC, especially in Rawalakot and Poonch. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by these tragic events. I am also concerned by the ongoing discussions regarding representation and the constitutional and political status of the large number of Kashmiri State Subjects residing in Pakistan.”

“Questions touching upon identity, representation and political rights require sensitivity, dialogue and broad public confidence. The legitimacy and strength of any system of governance rests ultimately upon the consent, trust and confidence of the people it serves. Our history and our shared social, cultural and family ties across the Line of Control remind us that happenings in one part of Jammu and Kashmir are deeply felt in another, and among our diaspora communities around the world,” he said.

The Mirwaiz said that his family had longstanding historical associations with the social, educational, religious and political development of communities across Jammu and Kashmir, including those on the other side of the LOC.

“As I continue to hear expressions of anguish and distress from people across the LOC reaching out regarding the unrest, I urge the Government of Pakistan and the local government there to prioritise dialogue, restraint and engagement, resolving differences through consultation and accommodation rather than confrontation, with respect for human rights and the sanctity of human life remaining paramount.”

He also appealed to protesting parties to exercise wisdom and responsibility. “Both need to work towards restoring peace and public confidence at the earliest. I pray for lasting peace and stability for all the people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the LOC and for its resolution,” he said.

The unrest in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered its 37th consecutive day. On Tuesday, thousands gathered in Rawalakot, where Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Sardar Amman Khan accused Pakistan of “forcibly occupying” the region and rejected Islamabad’s long-standing narrative on the occupied territory.

He called PoK an “occupied territory” rather than a “disputed territory,” and said, “This is not a disputed territory. It is an occupied territory. It is forcibly occupied.”

–IANS

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