SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said violence and force reflect weakness, while dialogue remains the only viable path towards peace, coexistence and resolution of conflicts.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, the Mirwaiz paid tribute to his father, Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq, on the 36th anniversary of his killing and the Hawal massacre of May 21, 1990.
He said he was once again not allowed to visit Mazar-e-Shuhada at Eidgah to pay homage to the martyrs and former leaders.
Referring to the Kashmir issue, the Mirwaiz said his father believed that wars and violence had failed to resolve the conflict and had instead caused suffering to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Shaheed-e-Millat had advocated dialogue between India and Pakistan while involving the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the process.
“Shaheed Mirwaiz strongly abhorred violence. He saw violence and force as weakness, not strength. He advocated dialogue and practised it throughout his life,” he said.
The Mirwaiz added that dialogue among nations, communities, sects and people was essential for peaceful coexistence, development and prosperity.
He said the vision of Shaheed-e-Millat centred on ensuring dignity, democratic rights and peace for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
During his address, the Mirwaiz also announced that Eid-ul-Adha prayers would be held at Eidgah Srinagar on May 27. He said Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid would issue a detailed programme regarding the congregational prayers in due course.
