Only Kashmir News Desk
Amidst the emotional scenes, Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq marked his maiden appearance at Kashmir’s grand mosque following his house detention was ended earlier morning after a gap of almost four years, imposed on 05 Aug 2019.
Thousands of people thronged Jama Masjid Srinagar immediately after the news about Mirwaiz’s release came to light. People holding the garlands and sweets queued in large numbers in and around the Jama Majid to welcome Mirwaiz for the first time after 1500 days.
Mirwaiz’s entry inside the Jama Masjid was welcomed by high pitch slogans of Allah Hu Akbar by a sea of eager faces. As Mirwaiz stepped towards the pulpit to begin the sermon, his voice quivered with emotions as he broke down in tears. Tears welled up in the eyes of people as they listened to Mirwaiz’s heartbreaking account of 1500 days of detention.
With a deep breath, the Mirwaiz after delivering Friday’s sermon spoke about his detention. He said that this period was a difficult journey, “the worst period of my life after my father’s martyrdom”.
Our society faces challenges and uncertainties, but it is in times of adversity that we discover our true strength, he said, adding, I cannot adequately express the gratitude I feel for the unwavering support you have shown me throughout this difficult journey. The institution of the Mirwaiz believes in outreach. It believes in dialogue and reason. It is incumbent upon the Mirwaiz, referred to as Naib e Rasool, to convey the truth to power and to people, and play his role in the interest of people and peace. History is witness to the fact that the Mirwaiz has always propagated dialogue and accord, even at the cost of personal loss and suffering.
“He said that Hurriyat believes that J&K’s one part is in India while the rest two are in Pakistan and China, and by merging them fully J&K will be complete, which it was on 14 August 1947.”
Quoting the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Ukraine issue, Mirwaiz said that he was right in saying that the present era is not of war. “We too have been advocating for the resolution of the J&K issue through dialogue.”
“We believe in peaceful coexistence between communities and nations between the strong and the weak, between the majority and the minority. We have always advocated the return of Kashmiri pandits and disapproved of making this human issue a political one. Stern approach to deal with issues is a dangerous thing.”
“Finally, to my youth who are the wealth of the nation, I say I respect your feelings, but I request you to be patient and have faith, and strengthen your connection with the almighty and his messenger. That is the key to survival and success. I would also like to express gratitude to all people including, politicians of all hues, Ulema, traders, civil society members, and others across the board from all regions of JK, who repeatedly asked for my release on various occasions.”
