Mirwaiz of Kashmir says violence and force is weakness while dialogue is the path to peace

Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said that dialogue among countries, communities, sects, and people were the best means to peaceful and respectful coexistence, leading to their prosperity and resolutions.

While addressing Friday congregation at historic Jama Masjid Mirwaiz said that violence and force is a weakness while dialogue and engagement is the path to peace and address democratic aspirations of people. He remembered his father Mirwaiz Farooq who was killed on May 21 in 1990, even as the administration did not allow them to visit Mazar-e-Shuhada at Eidgah.

"Shaheed Mirwaiz strongly abhorred violence. He saw violence and force as weakness not strength. He advocated dialogue and practiced it throughout his life - in his constant outreach to all, even to his political adversaries," said Mirwaiz. He further said that these past thirty-six years, have been very tough on Kashmir witnessing tragedies, violence and loss, and yet no closure.


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"Shaheed Mirwaiz understood that the Kashmir conflict while of dominion and territory for India and Pakistan, was played out at the cost of the people of Kashmir who were treated like dumb driven cattle. His political struggle was for their voice to be heard, their democratic aspirations to be respected and their dignity established," said Mirwaiz.

The Hurriyat leader said that international commitments made over the Kashmir issue were never implemented and wars between the neighbouring countries over the conflict got them nowhere. "Shaheed Mirwaiz strongly advocated that they talk to each other to find a way out and in the process take the people of J&K along, addressing their concerns and democratic aspirations. His vision and path remain as relevant today as they were 36 years ago," said Mirwaiz.

"My father strongly abhorred violence. He saw violence and force as weakness not strength. He advocated dialogue and practiced it throughout his life - in his constant outreach to all, even to his political adversaries," said Mirwaiz adding, "He saw dialogue among countries, communities, sects, and people as the best means to peaceful and respectful coexistence, leading to their wholesome growth, prosperity and development."

For the people of J&K his dream was to see them as an empowered, kind, and humane people, flourishing in peace through real and rooted democracy. "Path shown by Shaheed Mirwaiz for resolution, peace, brotherhood, dignity, and coexistence - the path of dialogue and moderation—is what has guided me through the ups and downs of these last 36 years as I follow in his footsteps," he said.

Mirwaiz also announced that Eid prayers will be held at Eidgah on May 27, 2026.