Dialogue is the way forward, belligerence and violence will only keep the pot boiling: Hurriyat led by Mirwaiz

SRINAGAR: Political parties in Kashmir paid tributes to Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone on their assassination anniversary on Tuesday praising their commitment towards championing the rights and aspirations of the people of J&K.

Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq was killed on May 21, 1990, while Abdul Gani Lone was killed on the same day in 2002, when he was attending a gathering to pay tributes to late Mirwaiz, at Eidgah in Srinagar. “All Party Hurriyat Conference pays glowing tributes to both the visionary and towering leaders and to their supreme sacrifice. APHC believes that living nations never forget their martyrs but keep them alive in their hearts and memories,” read the APHC statement issued here. They said that their loss can never be compensated but people can emulate the values they lived by. “We should follow their path of humanity, respect, belief in freedom of will and expression, tolerance for differences, engagement, safeguarding of minority rights and striving for justice,” read the statement.

The APHC said that it has always tried to observe these principles in its functioning and while engaging for the resolution of the Kashmir conflict. “It is precisely because we staunchly believe in them that despite facing countless hurdles and hardships, Hurriyat stands firm in its approach of dealing with the conflict–severely affecting the people of J&K for decades–through dialogue among stakeholders. Peace, stability and security of the region will naturally follow. Belligerence and violence will only keep the pot boiling,” read the statement. The APHC said that the “spate of arrests and raids” continue and thousands of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and youth languish in jails for years and “many without trial.” The APHC further stated that its chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has also been put under house arrest, frequently despite being released after over four years in September 2023 after going to the court.

“Since May 3 Mirwaiz has again been put under house arrest and is not even allowed to deliver the Friday sermons at Jama Masjid Srinagar. We have always argued that rulers should desist from using forcible measures and tactics and release all political prisoners and youth if they want to genuinely improve the situation and make headway,” read the statement. The APHC said that in the current “situation of coercion” it is unlikely that any public event to commemorate the anniversaries will be allowed by the authorities at Eidgah, where both of them are buried.

The J&K People’s Conference also paid tributes to both the leaders and reaffirmed their commitment to carry forward their visions. “Late Abdul Gani Lone Sahib was an embodiment of struggle, sincerity, devotion, and unwavering commitment. His political and social journey in J&K witnessed numerous challenges, which he faced with immense courage and patience. As the first and foremost crusader against the exploitation of the people of J&K, he envisioned the formation of the People’s Conference to secure the fulfilment of promises made during the time of accession and thereafter. Late Lone Sahib, destined to join Late Mirwaiz Sahib as another martyr, dedicated his life to championing the rights and aspirations of the people of J&K” read the PC press release. The J&K PC said that Mirwaiz’s profound influence and guidance continue to shape the path we tread in our pursuit of justice and resolution for the people of J&K. “Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq, whose martyrdom anniversary we also commemorate today, was a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on the struggle for justice and freedom in Jammu and Kashmir. His unwavering commitment to peace, social harmony, and the empowerment of the people resonates even today,” read the statement.The J&K PC leaders said that the party stands united in carrying forward the legacies of both Lone and Mirwaiz. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the principles they fought for and working tirelessly to achieve a just and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict. As we pay homage to these esteemed leaders on their martyrdom anniversaries, we pledge to remain committed to their principles and honour their sacrifices by tirelessly advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” Former chief minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti said that the outstanding role both the leaders played towards serving people will always be inscribed in the pages of our history. “May Allah Ta’ala elevate their station in Jannat,” said Mufti.