Srinagar, May 22 (KNO): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said violence and force are signs of weakness, while dialogue remains the only path to peace and resolution.
He paid tribute to Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq on his 36th martyrdom anniversary and stressed engagement among nations, communities and people for peaceful coexistence. He also announced that Eid prayers will be held at Eidgah on May 27.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, while addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid, said, “Today, as we gather at this historic pulpit of Jama Masjid, our hearts are filled with pain and disappointment that we were once again not allowed to visit Mazar-e-Shuhada Eidgah to pay tribute to our beloved leaders and martyrs.”
He said 36 years have passed since the martyrdom of Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq (RA) and the Hawal massacre of May 21, 1990, “yet the wounds remain fresh in our hearts. His absence is felt more keenly with each passing year.”
“These past 36 years have been very tough on Kashmir, witnessing tragedies, violence and loss, yet no closure. Shaheed-e-Millat (RA) understood that the Kashmir conflict, though seen as an issue of territory between India and Pakistan, was played out at the cost of the people of Kashmir,” he said.
The spokesperson said the Mirwaiz maintained that his father’s political struggle was aimed at ensuring that the voices, democratic aspirations and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir were respected.
He said that as international commitments on Kashmir were never implemented and wars between neighbouring countries yielded no solution, Shaheed-e-Millat strongly advocated dialogue and engagement while taking the people of Jammu and Kashmir along and addressing their concerns and aspirations.
“He saw violence and force as weakness, not strength. He advocated dialogue throughout his life, even reaching out to his political adversaries. He believed dialogue among countries, communities, sects and people was the best means for peaceful coexistence, prosperity and development,” the spokesperson said.
“For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, his dream was to see them empowered, humane and flourishing in peace through real democracy. The path shown by Shaheed-e-Millat (RA), the path of dialogue, moderation and coexistence has guided me through the ups and downs of the last 36 years,” he quoted Mirwaiz as saying.
The Mirwaiz also announced that Eid prayers will be held at Eidgah on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, adding that Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid will issue a detailed programme regarding the Eid congregational prayers in due course.—(KNO)