Mirwaiz Umar Farooq delivers a Friday sermon, at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Friday.
Hurriyat chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was allowed on Friday (October 3, 2025)to attend congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid after being denied access for three weeks. He underlined the need to initiate dialogue to address issues.
In his sermon, the Mirwaiz expressed dismay at being “repeatedly prevented from coming to the Jama Masjid and fulfilling his obligations as a Mirwaiz (chief cleric).“
“These restrictions serve no purpose except to highlight the arbitrariness and high-handedness of those wanting to rule by force rather than in the spirit of democracy,” the Mirwaiz said.
The Mirwaiz underlined that the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir and in New Delhi “need to demonstrate a large heart and wisdom in dealing with issues.”
Coercion alienating people
“Imposing bans, placing restrictions, terminating people from government jobs, confiscating the properties of leaders who are no longer alive, like the late Syed Ali Shah Geelani, whose old widow lives there, or attaching the homes of youth who may have crossed over, while their families continue to live there, is extremely unfortunate,” he said.
He said these measures unfairly punish innocent family members and deepen their suffering. “Such pressure tactics do not resolve issues. Instead, they further alienate people and create a wider gulf. Hearts and minds cannot be won through coercion, but through compassion and understanding,” the Mirwaiz added.
The Mirwaiz said he will continue to maintain “that the only way forward is through engagement and dialogue. “It is only by talking, listening, and addressing issues sincerely that issues can be resolved. Coercive measures and repeated restrictions will never yield positive results,“ he added.
Published – October 03, 2025 10:09 pm IST
