SRINAGAR: Following the repeal of Article 370 of the Constitution in 2019, political parties in Kashmir on Friday hailed the release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the head of the Hurriyat Conference, from his more than four years of house detention. Vice-President of the National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah, expressed optimism that the Mirwaiz will be permitted to move around freely, engage in social interactions, and pick up his previous social and religious obligations. “I applaud the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s decision to lift Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s home arrest. I hope they give him the freedom to go where he wants, talk to people, and carry out his social and religious duties once more. As the Mirwaiz delivers his first Friday sermon in Jamia Masjid since 2019 today, all eyes on Kashmir will be on him, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir wrote on X. Mehbooba Mufti, a different former chief minister, also applauded the Mirwaiz’s release. After years of the LG administration’s denial regarding his confinement, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will finally walk free. Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir hold him in high regard as a religious leader. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president commented on X, “Unfortunate that a tussle has already started between BJP’s various political organisations to take credit for his release.Altaf Bukhari, the leader of the Apni Party, expressed optimism that the Mirwaiz will fulfil his responsibility to help build society for a better and peaceful future. “I would like to express my gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha and the Honourable Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah for their decision to permit Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to preside over Friday prayers in the revered Jamia Masjid. Salman Nizami, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), called for the release of all clerics in a post on X. “Hope Mirwaiz Sahab will play his role to shape the society in a positive way for a better and peaceful tomorrow,” Bukhari said.“Today, the administration decided to permit Mirwaiz Umar Farooq sahib to preside over the congregational prayers at Srinagar’s revered Jamia Masjid. It is a positive development, and we have long advocated for the release of religious leaders who have considerable societal influence and, if their wisdom and power are used wisely, have a significant impact on our children. To use their efforts for a successful conclusion, we once more urge the release of all Islamic clergy, Nizami stated.
