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The Wire
a day ago
- Politics
- The Wire
‘Attack on Religious Right of Kashmir's Muslims,' Says Mirwaiz as J&K Govt Bar Eid Prayers at Srinagar Eidgah
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Government 'Attack on Religious Right of Kashmir's Muslims,' Says Mirwaiz as J&K Govt Bar Eid Prayers at Srinagar Eidgah The Wire Staff 11 minutes ago The chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference was also reportedly put under house arrest. Hurriyat Conference Chairman and Chief Cleric of Jammu and Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Photo: PTI/File. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir authorities have barred congregational Eid prayers from taking place at the Eidgah grounds in Srinagar today (June 7) without specifying any reason in writing. The chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also reportedly put under house arrest. In a post on X, Mirwaiz, who is also the chief cleric of Kashmir, said that the Jamia Masjid, Kashmir's biggest mosque in the summer capital Srinagar, was also locked by the authorities where the Eid prayer was scheduled to be organised on Saturday morning. Mirwaiz said that the grand mosque was closed on the eve of Eid for the seventh consecutive year following the reading down of Article 370 when Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated and demoted into two Union territories by the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP)-led Union government. 'In a Muslim-majority region, Muslims are deprived of their fundamental right to pray — even on their most important religious occasion celebrated across the world! What a shame on those who rule over us, and on those elected by the people who choose to remain silent as our rights are trampled over, again and again,' he said. Mirwaiz told The Wire that security forces barricaded the entry to his house on Saturday morning without any official intimation, 'They didn't allow me to come out to lead the Eid prayers. It is an attack on the basic religious right of the Muslims of Kashmir,' he said. No permission In a statement on Friday (June 6), Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the managing body of the historic mosque, said that the authorities didn't give permission for organising the Eid prayers at the Eidgah ground where thousands of people from different parts of Kashmir gathered to participate in the congregational prayers when J&K was a state. The managing body's statement said that it 'deeply regrets' the denial of permission for organising the prayer at the Eidgah ground which was planned 'in keeping with the longstanding Islamic tradition and the collective religious sentiment of the people'. The statement said that due to the refusal, the congregational prayers were going to be organised at Jamia Masjid on Saturday morning where Mirwaiz would deliver sermon 'on the philosophy and spirit of Eid and Qurbani (sacrifice)'. 'Auqaf urges all worshippers to attend the Eid prayers at Jama Masjid in large numbers and partake in the message of unity, sacrifice, and submission to the will of Allah (SWT) that Eid-ul-Adha embodies,' the statement said. However, the 14th century architectural marvel in Nowhatta locality of downtown Srinagar was closed on Saturday with police and paramilitary troopers turning away the worshippers who tried to gather for the Eid prayers while Mirwaiz was put under house-detention. A flock of pigeons flies past Jamia Masjid, Kashmir's oldest mosque in Nowhatta locality of downtown Srinagar, amid snowfall on December 27, 2024. Photo: Ubaid Mukhtar. This is not the first time that the authorities have locked Kashmir's largest mosque for worshippers on the eve of Eid without specifying any reason in writing. After J&K was bifurcated and split into two union territories, authorities have not allowed the Anjuman to organise congregational prayers at the mosque on sacred days of the Islamic calendar. On March 31, the mosque was locked by authorities on Eid-ul-Fitr while Mirwaiz was also put under house arrest. Authorities have also closed the mosque on the occasions of important islamic events including on Fridays, Shab-e-Qadr and Jummat-ul-Vida. J&K's security administration, which is under the Union home ministry, has unofficially cited the fears of law and order breakdown in the sensitive downtown locality which has been an epicentre of anti-India and pro-freedom protests to justify the ban of congregational prayers. Meanwhile, Eid prayers were held in the rest of the Union territory with thousands of people congregating in major shrines and mosques, including at the Asar-e-Sharief in Hazratbal of Srinagar, Khanqah-e-Moula in Budgam district's Chrari Sharief and other mosques and religious places on Saturday to mark the occasion. Following the reading down of Article 370 in 2019, the BJP-led Waqf board of J&K has taken over the management of most shrines and mosques in the Union territory, a decision which has been criticised by the Mirwaiz and other political parties. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. 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Hans India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Time for Kashmiris to say a decisive no to Pakistan's agenda
The April 22 Pahalgam massacre wasn't just an act of terrorism -- it was a calculated punishment. Pakistan struck back at Kashmiris for choosing peace, prosperity, and stability after the abrogation of Article 370. Pakistan believes that it has avenged Kashmiris for making a conscious choice after the abrogation of Article 370 -- choosing the path of prosperity and stability. The April 22 Pahalgam massacre was not only an attempt to stoke religious tensions in the country but also a punishment for Kashmiris who have rejected the path Pakistan tried to chart for them in furthering the two-nation theory. For over three decades, Pakistan has played a deadly game in the Valley. Initially, it succeeded. The wave of terrorism unleashed a reign of tyranny. Kashmiri society -- once known for its secular, harmonious, and conservative values with Sufism at its core -- was torn apart and divided into Hindus and Muslims, pro- and anti-India, hardline and religiously radicalised. Cloaked in religious rhetoric, the assertion of a unique Kashmiri identity was converted into a so-called movement for 'Azadi'. The real plot was clear -- the radicalisation of the Valley was designed to align Kashmir with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which has always regarded it as its "jugular vein." Pakistan's agents in this 'mission' were the Hurriyat Conference and various terrorist outfits. At one point, nearly a dozen terrorist groups were operating in the Valley, with Pakistan encouraging competition among them to be the most extreme. Over the years, thousands of Kashmiris have lost their lives to terror, most killed by terrorists. Hundreds of schools and educational institutions were burned down. The Hurriyat, working under Pakistan's directives, ran a parallel system. They issued calendars for protests, enforced diktats, and maintained a vast network of stone pelters ready to act on command. Tourism, the backbone of Kashmir's economy, collapsed. Even during periods of elected government, the situation remained unstable. Elections were boycotted, and most political leaders refrained from criticising the Hurriyat or the terrorist outfits. Massacres and killings continued unabated. Meanwhile, Pakistan-backed groups ensured that fear reigned in the Valley. Another weapon in its arsenal was narco-terrorism -- pushing drugs into Kashmir and ruining thousands of young lives. Then came August 5, 2019. The Modi-led government at the Centre abrogated Article 370, dividing the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Pakistan was shaken. It had expected chaos. It had hoped its proxies would light fires across the Valley. But nothing happened. Strong action followed. Hurriyat leaders were jailed. Terrorists were neutralised. Ordinary Kashmiris -- long subjugated by the fear of guns -- began to believe that peace was possible. Diktats stopped. Protest calendars vanished. Stone pelting ceased. Youth turned to education, sports, and employment. Tourism flourished again. Filmmakers returned. Over the past few years, the Valley has welcomed more than a crore of tourists, including foreigners. Locals have opened businesses and taken loans to expand in response to the tourism boom and growing handicraft demand. Education is flourishing. Many Kashmiris are now cracking the country's toughest exams. Sports culture is taking root. A new sense of opportunity has emerged. But as Kashmiris embrace peace and progress, Pakistan is desperately trying to reignite its failed agenda. Trained terrorists still infiltrate through treacherous terrain and find support among a small group of overground and underground workers. However, the widespread support for 'Azadi' that existed in the 1980s and 1990s has largely evaporated. People now understand Pakistan's real motive -- to destabilise Kashmir through terror and drugs. This growing awareness has unnerved Pakistan. In April, Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir -- now elevated to Field Marshal -- delivered a frustrated speech at the Pakistan Military Academy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He emphasised the two-nation theory, claiming that "Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one" and that Muslims differ in religion, customs, traditions, thinking, and aspirations. A few days later, the Pahalgam massacre took place. India has retaliated diplomatically and militarily. But in Kashmir, the damage was immediate. Tourists disappeared, and the tourism season, which had the potential to generate hundreds of crores in revenue, collapsed. This was exactly what Pakistan wanted -- to snatch away the livelihoods of ordinary Kashmiris. The Pakistani establishment, perhaps jealous of Kashmir's booming tourism industry and rapid infrastructure growth, decided to strike at the heart of its progress. Pakistan may feel it has derailed Kashmir's momentum. But this disruption can be overcome by Kashmiris themselves. The people have experienced the horrors of terrorism. They have also tasted the fruits of peace. Now is the time to make a firm decision. Pakistan is a failed state. Its Army is more interested in profiting from chaos than serving its people. Every region under its control is in turmoil. It is high time for Kashmiris to rise and say two powerful words -- No means no. Let the Pakistani establishment feel the wrath of the Kashmiris who have chosen peace.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha reviews Amarnath security, Mehbooba warns against war, Mirwaiz slams arrests
SRINAGAR: J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha chaired Tuesday a Unified Headquarters meeting at Raj Bhawan to review Union territory's security situation and preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra, while PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq voiced concerns over widespread civilian arrests in crackdown against terrorism. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Congratulating forces for Operation Sindoor, Sinha urged security agencies to intensify intelligence-led actions to neutralise terrorists and dismantle support networks. The meeting was attended by Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, chief secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, senior Army and IAF officers, intelligence heads, and CEO of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board Mandeep K Bhandari. Sinha directed all security arms to ensure safe conduct of the pilgrimage from July 3 to Aug 9. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti countered the narrative of military success, citing civilian casualties and destroyed homes. 'I would rather speak about the losses — the deaths of children, elderly, and the destruction of homes,' she told reporters in Srinagar. 'War is not an option, not even the last option. Learn from Vajpayee-ji's approach, who said Kashmir must be resolved within the ambit of humanity.' Mehbooba demanded that border villages hit by Pakistani shelling be declared 'war-impacted regions,' with Rs 50 lakh compensation for each house, job support to families of those killed, and rehabilitation on war footing. 'It is heartbreaking to see people ask for bunkers instead of schools and hospitals,' she said. Hurriyat's Mirwaiz criticised detentions under Public Safety Act, urging elected representatives to speak up. 'Youth are being targeted. Repeated arrests of Kashmiris — many who have already served sentences — serve no justice,' he said. Mirwaiz's comments followed Srinagar police's announcement that 23 alleged terrorist associates were detained under PSA. Those held have been shifted to jails in Poonch, Udhampur, and Kot Bhalwal. Critics, including rights groups, have long called the law draconian and misused.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
J&K politicians welcome pause, urge lasting peace
Mehbooba Mufti, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Farooq Abdullah (File pics) SRINAGAR: Political voices in J&K hailed Saturday's pause in conflict, urging sustained peace and meaningful dialogue after days of deadly escalation. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti , Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq , and NC chief Farooq Abdullah emphasised relief for border residents, condemned terrorism, and called for political resolution over military action. "Terrorism is not acceptable. Operation Sindoor Armed forces maintaining strong vigil after Pak ceasefire breach: MEA Behind the scenes of ceasefire: Calls from Pakistan, Washington Pakistan violates ceasefire: Loud explosions, sirens haunt J&K- what we know so far But terrorism shouldn't decide when India and Pakistan will go for war," said Mehbooba. "Military solution is no solution. Ultimately a political solution has to be reached," she added. Mirwaiz echoed the relief, saying "better sense has prevailed" after what he called a "dangerous path" of destruction. Farooq stressed an end to hostilities that have devastated life along the border. "Our people have borne the brunt of the deteriorating situation. This measure will greatly alleviate their suffering," he said.
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Farooq urges India, Pakistan to ease rising tensions
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate the situation to prevent destruction. "I urge both the countries to urgently de-escalate and not to tread on this dangerous path, which can only lead to destruction," he said in a post on X. He said the people of the union territory were facing the brunt of the tensions between India and Pakistan. "As the threat of war intensifies and the loss of precious lives continues, deep sorrow and anxiety grips our hearts. Unfortunately, whenever tensions rise between India and Pakistan, the brunt which follows is primarily borne by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Across the LOC, people are suffering immense hardships, as the loss of their lives, shelter and livelihood is seen only as collateral damage," he said. Tension between New Delhi and Islamabad has been soaring since Indian armed forces pounded terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre The chief preacher of Kashmir also claimed that authorities did not allow him to leave his residence, preventing him from offering congregational Friday prayers at Jama Masjid in the old city. The Mirwaiz said though he was not allowed by authorities to go to Jama Masjid today, "I join in spirit with every soul praying for 'Aman-o-Amaan'. Let today's Juma (Friday) be a moment of collective duaa - asking Allah to protect us, avert further bloodshed, and guide us toward peace and wisdom," he added.
