SRINAGAR: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday appealed to both nations to exercise restraint and step back from the brink of war, warning that the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer the most in such conflicts.
As the threat of war intensifies and the loss of precious lives continues, deep sorrow and anxiety grips our hearts. Unfortunately, whenever tensions rise between India and Pakistan, the brunt which follows is primarily borne by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Across the LOC,… pic.twitter.com/bZqU8WSocp
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) May 9, 2025
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Mirwaiz expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing violence and the loss of civilian lives on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC). “As the threat of war intensifies and the loss of precious lives continues, deep sorrow and anxiety grips our hearts,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately, whenever tensions rise between India and Pakistan, the brunt which follows is primarily borne by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Across the LoC, people are suffering immense hardships, as the loss of their lives, shelter and livelihood is seen only as collateral damage,” he added.
Mirwaiz was not allowed by authorities to offer prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid on Friday. Referring to the restriction, he said, “Though not allowed by authorities to go to Jamia Masjid today, I join in spirit with every soul praying for Aman-o-Amaan (peace and safety). Let today’s Juma be a moment of collective duaa—asking Allah to protect us, avert further bloodshed, and guide us toward peace and wisdom.”
He concluded his message with an appeal, “I urge both the countries to urgently de-escalate and not to tread on this dangerous path, which can only lead to destruction.”
The appeal comes at a time when cross-border hostilities have claimed several civilian lives and triggered widespread displacement in border areas, particularly in Kashmir and Jammu’s Poonch and Rajouri districts.
