In his first address after dropping the ‘Hurriyat chairman’ title from his X bio, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday asserted that his “beliefs and convictions have not changed — not even by a comma.”
Last week, Kashmir’s chief cleric and separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had dropped the title of ‘Hurriyat chairman’ from X after he was allegedly pressed by “authorities” to remove his designation. The move evoked a range of reactions in the Valley, drawing both support and criticism from various quarters.
“With Hurriyat constituents banned, all offices sealed and institutions closed, leaders and activists either in jails or under constant surveillance, social media remains the only platform that gives some voice and opportunity to connect with people and the outside world. Let me make it clear, my beliefs and convictions have not changed — not even by a comma,” Mirwaiz said this while addressing the Friday congregation through social media.
The chief cleric claimed that he had once again been placed under house arrest today.
Mirwaiz said some people criticised his move to remove Hurriyat profile from social media as a compromise.
“To them I say, how and for what They make a strange argument — for being provided security. But it was provided to me since the day of my father’s martyrdom 35 years ago. If I did not compromise for it since then, why should I compromise now?” he said.
He emphasised that his commitments to the people of Kashmir are non-negotiable and are rooted in principles and beliefs shaped by his convictions as a Muslim and a responsible leader.
Recalling his journey, he said, he began serving his people at the age of 17, following the tragic killing of his father. He ascended the pulpit of Jamia Masjid to carry forward the legacy of the Prophet and its responsibilities.
“ For over three decades, by the grace of Allah, I have tried to the best of my ability to fulfil these responsibilities and to represent the aspirations and rights of my hapless people in conflict, to stand by them in good and bad — irrespective of religion, region or affiliation — to highlight the plight of our youth and leaders languishing in jails, and the right of Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homeland. I admit I may not always have succeeded in my efforts and manner, but my intentions have always been sincere,” he said.
He added that his role as the Mirwaiz is to serve as a channel for lasting peace, brotherhood, and reconciliation for the people of Kashmir and the region. He stressed that this responsibility is inherited from his predecessors and strengthened by decades of service.
He recalled engaging with leaders across the subcontinent and successive Indian governments, including Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, and L.K. Advani, in sincere efforts for dialogue.
“My path remains the same,” he said.
On the prospects of peace in Kashmir, Mirwaiz said, “ Yes. Kashmiris are natural optimists. Dialogue has worked elsewhere and our hope remains alive.”
He added that when there is sincere willingness to engage in the spirit of “insaniyat aur jamhooriyat”, as Vajpayee ji once said, peace gets the best chance.
