Srinagar, Sep 22 (KNS): Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who was released from house arrest after 4 years, on Friday said that he was branded as anti-national, separatist and anti-peace element for advocating peace and resolution of J&K issue through dialogue.
While giving his first sermon after 4 years at historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz, as per Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that as PM Modi rightly said on the issue of Ukraine war said that this is not an era of war, they have always believed and participated in efforts of resolution through an alternative to violent means which is dialogue and reconciliation.
He said that they have personally suffered for pursuing this route and they are not so-called separatists or peace disrupters but realist resolution seekers. "We have no personal ambition but to represent the interests and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are our basic concern and people want settlement, and peace bringing prosperity with it, but on their (peoples) terms," he said.
He said that for 4 years he was not allowed to move out of his house and was barred from offering Friday prayers, but after taking this matter to the court , yesterday he was informed by the police officials that he is free and can go to Jamia Masjid.
He also said that it was possible because of the prayers of the people that he was again among them and was able to deliver sermon on Friday prayer at historic Jama Masjid.
He also appealed to the youth, whom he called wealth of the nation, to be patient and have faith in Allah. "I say I respect your feelings, but I request you to be patient and have faith, and strengthen your connection with the Almighty and his messenger. That is the key to survival and success."
He also expressed gratitude to all people including, politicians of all hues, Ulemas, traders, civil society members and others across board from all regions of J&K, who repeatedly asked for my release on various occasions.
He said that history is witness to the fact that the Mirwaiz has always propagated dialogue and accord, even at the cost of personal loss and suffering. "Despite my being under house arrest, APHC has all along since early 2020 when communication ban was gradually lifted from the valley post August 2019 changes, been voicing its anguish over the developing situation. But due to the gag on its statements, especially in the local media both electronic and print, our voice was not allowed to be heard. So In the current time when there is absolutely no space for us or for the expression of our opinion and aspirations and our concerns, what can we do."
He added that this is the time to conserve, be patient and act responsibly and repose complete faith in God who is all powerful. "We have to hold on tightly to the rope of faith and belief. As the Quran guides us "and hold fast by the rope of Allah all together and be not disunited" the holy Quran guides us: And further tells us "indeed after hardship there is relief."
He also said that he and his colleagues in APHC have always believed that a part of J&K is in India, a part with Pakistan and some part with China too, makes the state of Jammu and Kashmir as it existed in August 1947.
"We also believe in peaceful coexistence between communities and nations. We have always advocated for the return of Kashmiri Pandits and disapproved of making this human issue a political one. Stern approach to deal with issues is a dangerous thing. It leads to human rights violations. Dozens of our leaders, men and women are languishing in jails for years, thousands of young men and boys, journalists, human rights activists and lawyers are suffering incarceration. They need to be released as soon as possible. Their health and families are suffering," he said. (KNS)