As the authorities released prominent religious leader Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq, top political leaders welcomed his release.
Former Chief Minister and Vice President of the National Conference, Omar Abdullah, in his tweet said, “I welcome the step taken to release him from house arrest. I hope they allow him to move freely, interact with people, and resume his social/religious responsibilities. Today, all eyes in Kashmir will be on Mirwaiz as he delivers his first Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid since 2019.”
The President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, wrote, “Finally, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq will walk as a free man after years of the LG’s administration denying his detention. As a religious leader, he is held in high regard by Muslims across J&K. It is unfortunate that a tussle has already begun between various political outfits of the BJP to claim credit for his release.”
Similarly, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari thanked Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for allowing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to walk free. Bukhari hoped that Mirwaiz would play a positive role in shaping society for a peaceful tomorrow.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Mr. Amit Shah, and LG Manoj Sinha for the decision to allow Mirwaiz Umer Farooq to lead Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid. I hope Mirwaiz Sahab will contribute positively to shaping society for a better and more peaceful tomorrow,” Bukhari wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The President of Anjuman Sharie Shiyan, Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi, expressed joy over the release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
“Glad to hear the news that @MirwaizKashmir has been released from illegal house arrest after 4 years. I hope @MirwaizKashmir will be able to resume his religious duties without any further hindrance,” Aga wrote on X.
The Grand Mufti of Kashmir, Nasir-ul-Islam, also welcomed the decision to release Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq. “It is a welcome step by the authorities to release Mirwaiz Umer Farooq Sahab from house detention and allow him to lead Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid here.”
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Kashmiri cleric and chairman of his faction of the Hurriyat Conference, had a meeting with Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, a senior BJP leader and chairperson of the Waqf Board, before leading the Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
Reports also indicate that Mirwaiz Farooq has left for Jamia Masjid to deliver his first sermon after 4 years.”
