SRINAGAR — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in his Friday sermon at the historic Jamia Masjid, called upon India and Pakistan “to talk to each other to find a way out to address concerns and democratic aspirations of people of Kashmir”.
“As international commitments made over the Kashmir issue were never implemented and wars between the neighbouring countries over the conflict got them nowhere, my father strongly advocated that they talk to each other to find a way out and, in the process, take the people of Jammu Kashmir along, addressing their concerns and democratic aspirations. We still support this process,” said the Mirwaiz.
Referring to the stand of his father, Mirwaiz Moulana Farooq, who was assassinated by gunmen in 1990, the Mirwaiz said, “These past thirty-six years have been very tough on Kashmir, witnessing tragedies, violence and loss, and yet no closure. The Shaheed-e-Millat understood that the Kashmir conflict, while of dominion and territory for India and Pakistan, was played out at the cost of the people of Kashmir, who were treated like dumb, driven cattle. His political struggle was for their voice to be heard, their democratic aspirations to be respected and their dignity established,” said the Mirwaiz.
Recalling his father’s stand, the Mirwaiz said, “He advocated dialogue and practised it throughout his life – in his constant outreach to all, even to his political adversaries. He saw dialogue among countries, communities, sects, and people as the best means to peaceful and respectful coexistence, leading to their wholesome growth, prosperity and development,” said the Mirwaiz.
He underlined the path shown by his late father, where he put thrust on “resolution, peace, brotherhood, dignity, and coexistence”.
“The path of dialogue and moderation is what has guided me through the ups and downs of these last 36 years as I follow in his footsteps,” said the Mirwaiz.
Meanwhile, the Mirwaiz said Id prayers will be held at Eidgah in Srinagar on May 27. For the past many years, the authorities denied permission for holding Id prayers at Eidgah in Srinagar. — (The Hindu)