Srinagar, April 10 Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on Friday that there are no true winners in a war, as conflict leaves behind destruction and losses, and called for serious engagement and dialogue based on justice to bring peace to the Middle East.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the Jamia Masjid here, the Mirwaiz said that the entire world is looking towards Islamabad with hope and anticipation, awaiting a breakthrough that will steer the region away from further conflict and restore peace.
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir also earnestly hope that the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran will bring relief from the cycle of violence and suffering for the people of Iran, Lebanon, and ultimately Palestine, through the delivery of justice," he said.
He recalled that the people of Kashmir fully understand the futility and human cost of war and conflict, having themselves endured decades of grief, loss, and suffering.
"In war, there are no real victors, everyone loses, in lives, in dignity, and in humanity," he said, adding that prolonged conflicts only leave behind destruction, trauma, and wounds that persist across generations, breeding hatred and prejudice.
The valley's chief cleric said that the most meaningful and civilized way forward lies in serious engagement and dialogue based on justice and the redressal of genuine concerns among all parties.
He emphasised that lasting peace can never be imposed through force, but can only emerge through sincere and constructive deliberations.
Referring to recent developments in Lebanon, the Mirwaiz unequivocally condemned the killing of civilians in Beirut, describing the Israeli regime as a "perpetrator of relentless violence and a deliberate spoiler of every genuine opportunity for peace in the region".
"Such actions not only deepen the crisis, but also undermine all efforts aimed at de-escalation. Any lasting resolution will remain elusive until the core issue, the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to their land, is addressed with justice," he added.
He prayed for global peace, and urged an end to bloodshed and human suffering, calling upon humanity to rise above conflict and choose the path of peace and reconciliation.
