SRINAGAR: Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who recently delivered his first sermon after four years of house detention, emphasised that J&K should be seen as a humanitarian issue rather than just a territorial one. Despite advocating for peace, he lamented being labeled as anti-national, separatist, and anti-peace.
Mirwaiz spoke about the challenging four years of house detention, stating that they were the most difficult period of his life since his father’s passing. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the congregation at Jamia Masjid after 212 consecutive Fridays.
He recounted his house detention, which began in August 2019, preventing him from fulfilling his duties as Mirwaiz. Recently, after seeking legal recourse, he was informed of his release and permitted to visit Jamia Masjid for Friday prayers.
Mirwaiz acknowledged the support and prayers of the people that enabled his return to the pulpit. He stressed the importance of patience and faith in trying times and the responsibility of the Hurriyat Conference to represent the people’s concerns.
Mirwaiz explained the Hurriyat’s perspective, highlighting that while some view J&K as a territorial issue, for the people of the region, it is a humanitarian matter. He supported peaceful dialogue to resolve the issue and commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks about the importance of peace in the present era.
He underlined that the Hurriyat’s goal is a peaceful resolution of the J&K issue, not personal ambition, and emphasized their continuous appeal for the return of Kashmiri migrants.
Additionally, Mirwaiz called for the release of political prisoners, journalists, lawyers, civil society members, and youth.
After delivering his sermon, Mirwaiz urged the gathering to peacefully disperse from Jamia Masjid. (KNO)
