Dialogue with India essential for lasting solution to Kashmir issue: Shah Faesal

Srinagar, Jan 28, KNT: Former IAS officer Shah Faesal on Monday said that mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir must engage with the Government of India to move towards a political resolution of the Kashmir issue, stating that the cycle of killings in the region cannot continue indefinitely.

While addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Faesal said his decision to resign from the Indian Administrative Service was aimed at drawing attention to the situation in Kashmir and encouraging political outreach from New Delhi.

“I belong to a generation of people who don’t trust their leaders easily. Even motives behind my resignation are being looked into. I resigned because I wanted to bring some spotlight on the Kashmir situation and also seek attention from the Government of India for a political reach-out,” he said.

Faesal said questions raised about his resignation were understandable and added that public scrutiny was a natural part of political life.

Responding to queries about his political position, he said his stance was centred on bringing change to Jammu and Kashmir while safeguarding peace and stability in the region.

“My stance is that we need a change in Jammu and Kashmir. I am a pro–Jammu and Kashmir person. I believe the state needs to maintain its territorial integrity and there should be peace in Kashmir,” he said.

Faesal said the Kashmir issue must be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the people and emphasised the importance of engagement between the two nuclear powers involved in the dispute.

“I believe the Kashmir problem needs to be resolved as per the aspirations of the people. It is important for us to reach out to both the nuclear powers and ensure that a lasting solution can possibly be reached,” he said.

When asked whether restoration of autonomy could be the solution, Faesal said several proposals existed and discussions on possible solutions could take place once the political atmosphere allowed meaningful dialogue.

“There are many people who would say that autonomy is the solution, but there are other proposals as well. My belief is that those solutions can be discussed once the stage for discussions comes,” he said.

Commenting on existing political parties including the National Conference and its leadership, Faesal said he respected all mainstream parties but would pursue his own political journey.

“I have respect for all other mainstream parties. Everyone has to be taken along if we want to bring change in Kashmir,” he said.

On the idea of crowd funding for his political initiative, Faesal said the objective was to make people stakeholders and encourage public participation.

“My idea is to make people stakeholders and ensure their participation. I will use the money for the people. It’s not only about votes. It’s about trust, dialogue and communication,” he said.

Faesal said he had left behind many aspects of his personal life to pursue public service and was ready to sacrifice more in the journey ahead.

Highlighting his political agenda, he reiterated that dialogue involving all stakeholders was necessary to bring peace in Kashmir.

“We want to engage both the nuclear powers and facilitate dialogue. It is necessary to bring all stakeholders to the table if we really want peace in Kashmir,” he said.

Faesal urged mainstream leaders in Jammu and Kashmir to actively engage with the Indian state to ensure progress toward a political settlement.

“Kashmir issue can’t go like this forever,” he said, adding that the continuing loss of lives in the region was deeply painful.

He also appealed to the youth of Kashmir not to lose hope and to remain engaged in efforts aimed at bringing change.

“We have a long way to go. It is going to be a long and hard journey. I have been getting amazing support from people and I thank them all,” he said. [KNT]