Shek Bashiir Calls for Concrete Steps After 36 Years of Conflict in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu, July 1 – Shek Bashiir, the provincial secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, urged the central administration to present a clear record of actions taken over the past 11 years to improve ties with Pakistan. He emphasized that the 117‑person petition urging dialogue is a welcome signal from the nation’s intelligentsia.

According to Bashiir, the enduring hostility between New Delhi and Islamabad has taken a disproportionate toll on Jammu and Kashmir, where residents have suffered the brunt of insurgency for 36 years. The anticipated policy shift following the rise of the BJP at the centre has not materialised, prompting scholars and senior citizens to push for renewed engagement.

He reiterated that war cannot serve as a lasting remedy for any dispute and that the only viable path forward lies in sustained communication. Drawing on the example of the Russia‑Ukraine war, Bashiir noted that despite massive loss of life, both sides ultimately turned to negotiations to seek an end to hostilities.

The leader also mentioned the broader geopolitical environment, citing tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, to illustrate that military solutions seldom yield permanent peace. He referenced previous calls by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for Indo‑Pak dialogue, reinforcing the consensus that conversation remains the most effective conflict‑resolution tool.

Addressing domestic concerns, Bashiir praised the Amarnath pilgrimage for its spiritual and economic impact, acknowledging the extensive security measures in place and the tourism‑driven boost to local livelihoods. He called on citizens to support the pilgrimage and its successful organization.