Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Returns to Jama Masjid After Month-Long Restrictions
Appeals for Safety of Kashmiris, Criticizes Media Vilification
Srinagar, April 25 : Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday returned to Srinagar’s Jama Masjid after being barred for over a month.
Taking to social media platform X, he expressed deep anguish over the continued restrictions imposed on him, calling them “cruel” and “condemnable.”
“Repeatedly, I am barred from delivering the Friday sermon and offering prayers here,” he posted, urging the authorities to end the policy of “bans and bars.”
Condemns Killings, Pays Tribute to Victims
In his statement, Mirwaiz strongly condemned a recent “terrifying incident” in which more than two dozen people were killed “after ascertaining their identities and in front of their families.” Calling the act “chilling beyond belief,” he expressed solidarity with the bereaved and paid tribute on the 36th martyrdom anniversary of his father, Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq, and seventy others killed on the same day.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Hails Kashmiris’ Efforts in Helping Tourists
Highlighting the efforts of local Kashmiris during the crisis, Mirwaiz praised the selflessness of residents who assisted distressed tourists. He paid homage to Adil Hussain, a pony operator who lost his life while helping others escape. He noted that many Kashmiris provided shelter, food, and support to tourists during the incident.
Urges Safety for Kashmiris Outside Valley
Mirwaiz expressed concern over the “communal rhetoric” in sections of the mainstream media, which he said has endangered Kashmiris across India. He appealed to state governments to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and residents outside the valley.
Mirwaiz also urged authorities to allow him to visit the injured and the family of Adil Hussain to offer condolences. Prior to the Friday prayers, a one-minute silence was observed at Jama Masjid in memory of the victims. (KNS)
