As the new Islamic year begins, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman, made a fervent appeal to the Muslim states to unite for Palestine.
Mirwaiz said this while addressing the Friday congregational prayers at historic Jamia mosque in old Srinagar.
He also commended Iran’s restraint in the recent conflict and said the threat to peace in the Middle East would remain unless the issue of the Palestinian is resolved.
“As the ceasefire holds, the spirit of people of Iran and their courage in the face of aggression and war forced upon them is commendable. And the restraint shown by Iran in handling the crisis, is a reflection of a responsible state prioritising peace for itself and the region,” Mirwaiz said.
He said the threat to peace in the Middle East and the world remains unless the issue of the Palestinian people is not resolved and justice delivered to them.
“The ongoing genocide in Gaza where more than 70 civilians including children, women, disabled and anyone are killed daily by Israeli bombs, has crossed all limits of tolerance. Starving aid seekers are bombed! It’s too painful and shameful to express. And the world is watching like mute spectators not being bothered. Is it possible to have any real peace when a people are being subject to such inhumanity and deprivation?,” he asked.
Mirwaiz said the start of the Islamic new year should serve as a moment of reflection and collective responsibility for Muslim nations.
“I implore to the Muslim states to unite on this greatest challenges facing the Muslim world and stand up against the genocide in Palestine and make real efforts for the restoration of the rights of Palestinian people and lasting peace in the region. It is their moral duty as per Islamic teachings,” he said.
The Hurriyat chairman said the people of J&K are with their Palestinian brothers and sisters in this greatly increased ordeal that they are going through right now and commend them for their patience and courage.
“The solution to the challenges we face lies in true unity, reviving our values and standing together as one,” he said.
