Srinagar Dec 26 (KNS): Former Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Azim Mattu on Friday said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq should not be targeted for decisions taken to continue performing his religious and social responsibilities under the present circumstances.
In a post on X, Mattu recalled that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was only 17 years old when his father, Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq, was assassinated, after which he was compelled to shoulder a religious legacy at a young age. He said that while others of his age were pursuing education and careers, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was drawn into a complex political and social environment that he did not choose for himself.
Mattu said that despite disagreements with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on political views, questioning his conduct for adapting to prevailing realities was unwarranted. He referred to the recent criticism over changes made to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s social media profile and said such reactions fail to consider the legal and administrative context, including the ban on certain organisations.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The former mayor said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has spent much of his life facing restrictions, detentions and limits on communication, yet has continued to perform his religious duties. He said it was unreasonable to expect him to make further sacrifices while others adjust and participate in political processes.
Mattu also said that providing security to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in view of threats to his life should not be viewed negatively. He added that the institution of Mirwaiz remains a religious and social body and should not be allowed to weaken due to circumstances beyond its control.(KNS)