In a remarkable turn of events, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the prominent religious leader and Chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, was finally released from his four-year-long “house arrest.” This historic moment unfolded on a serene Friday in the heart of Kashmir’s Srinagar, as the cleric was granted the privilege of leading the Friday prayers at the revered Jamia Masjid.
The Years of Captivity
For a staggering four years, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had been confined within the walls of his Nigeen residence on the outskirts of Srinagar. His alleged house arrest commenced following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, a period fraught with uncertainty, according to his ardent supporters.
The management of Kashmir’s grand mosque, Jamia Masjid, jubilantly announced, “Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will be allowed to offer Friday prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid after 4 years of house arrest.” This declaration marked a momentous occasion for the Kashmiri populace, who had yearned for his return to the spiritual forefront.
#WATCH | Mirwaiz Umar Farooq leads Friday prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid pic.twitter.com/min4gUhCW6
— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2023
A Joyous Congregation
“After FOUR years (212 Fridays) of illegal & arbitrary incarceration, Mirwaiz Kashmir will today offer congregational Friday prayers & deliver sermons at Jama Masjid Srinagar,” exclaimed Mirwaiz Manzil on various platforms, including ‘X,’ formerly known as Twitter. The joyous congregation of worshippers, united in their devotion, gathered to hear his profound sermons and seek spiritual solace.
The Disputed Claims
However, it is worth noting that the release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was not without controversy. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha refuted Farooq’s claim of being under “house arrest,” stating unequivocally that Umar Farooq was a “free man and not under detention.” These conflicting narratives underscore the complexity of the political landscape in the region.
A Legacy of Resilience
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s story is deeply intertwined with the tragic history of Kashmir. He is the son of Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq, a revered religious leader who met a tragic end on May 21, 1990, at the hands of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. The resilience and unwavering commitment to his faith displayed by the Farooq family have made them enduring symbols of hope in a region plagued by strife.
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Pursuit of Justice
In a parallel development earlier this year, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh announced a significant breakthrough in the investigation. The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police successfully apprehended two absconding terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen linked to the assassination of Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq. The arrested terrorists, identified as Javaid Ahmad Bhat and Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, had been on the run since the heinous crime.
This long-awaited capture signifies a step toward justice for the Farooq family and the people of Kashmir who have yearned for closure.
In this article, we have explored the release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from a lengthy “house arrest” and the significance of his return to the spiritual forefront of Kashmir. The journey of resilience and faith displayed by the Farooq family remains an enduring symbol of hope in the region.