SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (PC) and All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remembered and paid glowing tributes to the assassinated separatist leaders, Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammed Farooq and Abdul Ghani Lone, on the eve of their death anniversary.
In a statement, the PC said that a commemorative meeting of the JK People’s Conference was held Tuesday paying tribute to the late Abdul Gani Lone on his 22nd martyrdom anniversary and Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq on his 34th martyrdom anniversary.
The meeting, it said was attended by PC leaders, served as a platform to honour the indomitable spirits and contributions of these visionary leaders.
“During the gathering, the entire leadership of the party, with deep reverence, offered glowing tributes to the late Lone Sahib and Mirwaiz Sahib. They reiterated the enduring legacy left behind by these remarkable individuals and reaffirmed their commitment to carry forward their visions,” it added.
“Late Abdul Gani Lone Sahib was an embodiment of struggle, sincerity, devotion, and unwavering commitment. His political and social journey in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed numerous challenges, which he faced with immense courage and patience. As the first and foremost crusader against the exploitation of the people of JK, he envisioned the formation of the People’s Conference to secure the fulfilment of promises made during the time of accession and thereafter. Late Lone Sahib, destined to join Late Mirwaiz Sahib as another martyr, dedicated his life to championing the rights and aspirations of the people of JK”, the leaders said on the occasion.
The party also paid glowing tributes to the late Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq sahib. “The leaders said that Mirwaiz Sahib’s profound influence and guidance continue to shape the path we tread in our pursuit of justice and resolution for the people of J&K. Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq, whose martyrdom anniversary we also commemorate today, was a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on the struggle for justice and freedom in Jammu and Kashmir. His unwavering commitment to peace, social harmony, and the empowerment of the people resonates even today,” it added.
It also said that the leaders said that the party stands united in carrying forward the legacies of both Abdul Gani Lone Sahib and Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the principles they fought for and working tirelessly to achieve a just and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict. As we pay homage to these esteemed leaders on their martyrdom anniversaries, we pledge to remain committed to their principles and honor their sacrifices by tirelessly advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” it added.
Meanwhile, in an another statement, the APHC said that on the occasion of the Martyrdom anniversaries of shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq and Shaheed-e-Hurriyat Khwaja Abdul Ghani Lone, APHC pays glowing tributes to both the visionary and towering leaders and to their supreme sacrifice.
“APHC also pays tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs of Hawal and all the martyrs of J&K. APHC believes that living nations never forget their martyrs but keep them alive in their hearts and memories,” it said.
APHC in a statement said that with time the absence of these visionary leaders and their guidance is acutely felt by a people continuing to be in a flux; the wisdom and selflessness of Shaheed Mirwaiz and the experience and passion of Shaheed Lone Sahab.
“APHC said that while their loss can never be compensated, what can be done is to emulate the values they lived by and follow the path they did, which is one of humanity, respect, belief in freedom of will and expression, tolerance for differences, engagement, safeguarding of minority rights and striving for justice,” it added.
“APHC said it has always tried to observe these principles in its functioning and while engaging in the resolution of the Kashmir conflict. It is precisely because we staunchly believe in them that despite facing countless hurdles and hardships, Hurriyat stands firm in its approach to dealing with the conflict- severely affecting the people of J&K for decades, which is of dialogue among stakeholders. Peace, stability, and security of the region will naturally follow. Belligerence and violence will only keep the pot boiling “ it added.
APHC said that while the spate of arrests and raids continue and thousands of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and youth languish in jails for years many without trial, APHC chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is also subject to an on-off house arrest, despite being released after four-plus years in September 2023 after going to the court.
“Since May 3rd he has again been put under house arrest and is not even allowed to deliver the Friday sermons at Jama Masjid Srinagar,” it said.
APHC said it has always argued that rulers should desist from using forcible measures and tactics and release all political prisoners and youth if they want to genuinely improve the situation and make headway.
APHC said that on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of both these leaders and the martyrs of Hawal, commemorative functions would have been held, but in the current situation of coercion it is unlikely that any such event will be allowed by the authorities involving people’s participation, especially holding a rally at Eidgah on the 21st of May to pay homage to the dear leaders.
APHC said that if authorities allow, at an individual level people should visit Eidgah and offer fatiha to the Shaheed leaders and the martyrs and pray for their salvation.
