Srinagar, July 2, KDC: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday advocated the resumption of constructive dialogue between India and Pakistan, asserting that lasting peace, regional stability and shared prosperity in South Asia can only be be achieved through sustained diplomatic engagement, mutual respect and peaceful dialogue.
While reiterating its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and recognising India’s legitimate security concerns, the Association said meaningful dialogue remains an indispensable tool for reducing tensions, preventing conflict and creating conditions conducive to enduring peace.
Addressing a press conference, National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have borne the brunt of decades of conflict, with students, families, traders, border residents and ordinary citizens suffering the social, economic and human costs whenever relations between India and Pakistan deteriorate.
“Every escalation disrupts education, livelihoods, tourism, trade and development. It is imperative that every sincere effort is made to promote peace, reduce hostility and create an environment where development, education and human welfare can flourish,” Khuehami said.
The Association welcomed growing voices from civil society, academia and public life favouring the resumption of dialogue and confidence-building measures between the two neighbouring countries. It also welcomed recent remarks by the RSS favouring keeping channels of dialogue open with Pakistan and encouraging people-to-people engagement, saying such views reinforce the understanding that diplomacy and national security can complement each other in securing long-term peace and stability.
JKSA also endorsed the recent appeal by 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan calling for the revival of bilateral dialogue, describing it as timely and reflective of the restraint and wisdom required under the present circumstances.
The Association urged both governments to revive bilateral talks, restore communication channels, strengthen confidence-building measures and normalise people-to-people exchanges, saying sustained diplomatic engagement remains the most effective way to reduce mistrust, prevent future crises and promote regional stability.
It maintained that dialogue should not be viewed as a sign of weakness or compromise on national interests but rather as an expression of political maturity and confidence, while firmly safeguarding India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
Drawing parallels with international examples, the Association observed that many nations that had fought prolonged wars eventually returned to the negotiating table and transformed conflict into cooperation through sustained dialogue and reconciliation.
JKSA further said stable relations among South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, are essential for unlocking the region’s economic and developmental potential through enhanced trade, connectivity, education, innovation and climate cooperation.
Reiterating its stand against terrorism, the Association said extremism and violence have no place in any democratic society and must be dealt with firmly. It stressed that strong national security and meaningful diplomatic engagement are complementary and not contradictory.
Calling peace a necessity for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Association said a stable regional environment would create greater opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, tourism, investment and cultural exchanges.
“The time has come to recognise that war serves no lasting purpose. Peace is not a sign of weakness; it is the outcome of strength, wisdom and statesmanship. Dialogue is not an alternative to national security; it is an essential instrument of responsible diplomacy,” the Association said.
