In a poignant moment that resonated with the hopes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, prominent freedom movement leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, after enduring four years of house arrest, made his triumphant return to public life on Friday.
This development follows a court order that finally granted him the freedom to attend the Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
The sacred precincts of the Jamia Masjid bore witness to deeply emotional scenes as Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent figure in the struggle for Kashmir's rights, addressed the congregation and shared his heartfelt thoughts.
In a moving speech, he reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute, shedding tears as he reflected on the hardships endured during his house arrest.
VIDEO | Hurriyat Conference chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq turned emotional after being released from house arrest after four years, earlier today. He broke into tears while delivering the Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/A4N5TScDbx
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 22, 2023
The chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was taken into custody in 2019 as part of a broader political crackdown when India unilaterally revoked the special status of Kashmir, effectively incorporating it into the Indian Union. His release marks a significant moment for the people of Kashmir, who have been enduring profound changes in their region's status and political landscape.
Mirwaiz, addressing the gathered faithful, distanced himself from the labels of separatist or peace-disrupter ascribed to him by New Delhi. He emphasized his role as a "realist resolution-seeker" and underlined his unwavering dream of a united Kashmir. The pain of being separated from his people, especially after the loss of his father during his house arrest, was palpable in his emotional address.
In a powerful call for reconciliation and dialogue, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed his belief that disputes and disagreements should be resolved through peaceful talks. He emphasized that the Kashmir issue should be viewed as a humanitarian concern rather than merely a territorial one.
The release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been widely welcomed by other Kashmiri leaders and the local population, who see it as a positive step towards restoring normalcy in the region. His return to public life symbolizes the resilience of the Kashmiri people and their unwavering pursuit of a peaceful and just resolution to the longstanding dispute.
As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, Mirwaiz's release offers a glimmer of hope and a renewed call for dialogue and reconciliation, resonating with the aspirations of millions in the region who yearn for lasting peace and stability.
