'I Have Always Opposed Violence', Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Addressing the congregation in his Friday sermon at the Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta area of Srinagar after returning from a four-week absence, the Mirwaiz stated he had always opposed arms and violence. He clarified that though the Hurriyat did not oppose elections, they rejected the thinking that this would solve the long-standing Kashmir issue.

Senior separatist leader and chairman of the Hurriyat group, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said on Friday that he had never advocated violence or armed struggle in the first place, maintaining that elections could never be considered a solution to the Kashmir issue.

Addressing the congregation in his Friday sermon at the Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta area of Srinagar after returning from a four-week absence, the Mirwaiz stated he had always opposed arms and violence. He clarified that though the Hurriyat did not oppose elections, they rejected the thinking that this would solve the long-standing Kashmir issue.

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Addressing the Friday congregation, he said that for the very basic issue related to Kashmir, the events of August 5, 2019 were still unresolved and any argument that elections have legitimized the events of August 5, 2019 was wrong.

The Hurriyat Conference, he remembered, has never shunned the idea of dialogue. He recalled previous discussions with former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, and former Home Minister L.K. Advani. This was a "reality check" indeed, as he warned that the Kashmir issue needs resolution before it escalates into a situation akin to what is currently seen in the Middle East.

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He was severely criticizing the United States, stating, "They propose truce on one hand and arm Israel on the other side with weapons to be used against Palestine, Iran and Lebanon."

Mirwaiz reiterated, "Iron fist policy does not solve problems." He reflected on the changes post-August 5, 2019, when the region lost its rights to land, jobs, and various other entitlements. He expressed skepticism about local politicians, suggesting that if they truly cared for the people's interest, they would be united. He asserted that Lok Sabha and assembly elections are meant to address day-to-day concerns like electricity, water, and roads.

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He appealed to the central government to initiate talks for a long-term solution to the Kashmir issue and said even the leaders, who are lodged behind the bars in PSA or UAPA, are still representatives of the people. He wondered what would be the logic behind the administration's decision to lock the gates of Jamia Masjid at important religious events for local communities, more so when they have given a soft touch to the peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra.

He had bolted from the United Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani on 7 September 2003. Mirwaiz is a moderate figure compared to the uncompromising stance of Geelani, who has declared absolute objection to any India-sponsored peace talks.

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