Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Placed Under House Arrest
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir: In a significant development, separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, has been placed under house arrest on Friday, preventing him from offering the congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar. This move, which has drawn widespread criticism, comes amid heightened political tensions in Kashmir, especially following the central government’s recent ban on the Mirwaiz-led Awami Action Committee (AAC) and the Masroor Abbas Ansari-led Jammu Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) for their alleged involvement in anti-national activities.
A Preventive Measure Amid Growing Tensions
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, widely regarded as Kashmir’s chief cleric, has played a central role in religious and political life in the region. Every Friday, he addresses the faithful at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, delivering sermons that touch upon various issues affecting the people of Kashmir. However, Friday’s planned sermon was interrupted as authorities enforced house arrest on the cleric at his residence in the Nigeen area of Srinagar, effectively barring him from fulfilling his religious duties.
This move has been viewed by many as part of a broader crackdown on separatist voices in Kashmir. Earlier this week, the Indian government imposed a five-year ban on both the AAC and JKIM for allegedly supporting terrorism and promoting secessionist activities. The government’s actions, including the house arrest of Mirwaiz, have sparked concerns about the suppression of religious freedoms and political dissent in the region.
Religious Leaders Condemn House Arrest
The decision to place the Mirwaiz under house arrest has been met with sharp condemnation from religious bodies in Kashmir. The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the managing body of the mosque, issued a statement expressing their displeasure with the authorities’ actions, describing them as arbitrary and unjustified, especially during the holy month of Ramzan.
“The restrictions placed on the Mirwaiz, particularly during the sacred month of Ramzan, are deeply troubling,” said a spokesperson for the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid. “This move is not only an attack on the religious freedoms of the people but also an affront to the deeply held spiritual beliefs of Kashmiri Muslims, who rely on the Mirwaiz for guidance and spiritual sustenance.”
The body also expressed concerns over the emotional and psychological impact the restrictions have on the faithful, who expect to hear the Mirwaiz’s sermons, which are considered to be a source of both spiritual and social guidance.
Impact on Kashmir’s Religious and Political Landscape
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s house arrest highlights the ongoing challenges facing Kashmir, particularly in the wake of the revocation of Article 370 and the state’s subsequent reorganization in 2019. Kashmir has long been at the heart of a contentious political dispute between India and Pakistan, with separatist movements gaining support in various parts of the region.
The Mirwaiz’s arrest, especially during Ramzan, underscores the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and respecting the region’s religious sentiments. Many Kashmiris believe that curbing religious leaders’ freedoms is a direct attempt to stifle the region’s political expression.
Moreover, the house arrest has led to widespread calls for a return to political dialogue and greater autonomy for Kashmiris to practice their religious and political rights without state interference.