Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Bukhari Writes To Pak PM Sharif, Urges To Resolve Kashmir Issue Through Talks

Shahi Imam of Delhi¡¯s Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari has a knack for getting into controversies and this time he got into controversy for writing a letter to Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif over Kashmir issue. As per PTI, Imam urged Pakistan PM to persuade militant youth and Hurriyat leaders to agree to the ceasefire and initiate a dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue.

Bukhari wrote the last few month has seen Kashmir descending into a flurry of violence and dialogue between the two countries is the only solution to the issue, PTI reported. The controversy had already erupted over his letter as Tajinder Bagga, Delhi BJP spokesperson lambasted the Imam via twitter and accused him of doing vote bank appeasement policy.

Here are main excerpts of the letter written by Shahi Imam

¡°Thousands of people are living under the shadow of AK-47, a life besieged by bloodshed. This game of death and destruction is making the situation grave. Due to these circumstances, millions of Indian Muslims are also facing a trying situation. Whenever ties between the two countries are tense it directly affects the Muslims of India,¡± Shahi Imam wrote in the letter as per PTI.

¡°The Kashmir issue can neither be solved through guns and stones nor through military expeditions. We should create an environment conducive for the talks at the earliest. Through the exchange of views and dialogue on the larger issues, we all should formulate a strategy that is in the interest of both nations,¡± he said in the letter.

Bukhari also mentioned former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's remark on Pakistan

Referring to what former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that ¡°one could change friends but not the neighbours¡±, Bukhari said he perceived in the context of current situation positive measures aimed to ensure dialogue process is needed keeping in view the interest of the two countries and their people. ¡°I request you to kindly persuade the militant youth and Hurriyat leaders to agree for a ceasefire through your good offices and influence,¡± the Shahi Imam said, according to PTI.