Mirwaiz Umar Farooq says haven't compromised on conviction, dialogue is the way forward

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday stated that his beliefs and convictions have not changed and was willing to engage in dialogue process in the spirit of “insaniyat aur jamhooriyat” as has been said by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Mirwaiz wrote a detailed note on Friday afternoon, when he was not allowed to address Friday congregation at historic Jama Masjid for the second consecutive week. Last year he was not allowed to address the congregation at Jama Masjid for 14 Fridays.

"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," said Mirwaiz adding, "Let me make it clear, my beliefs and convictions have not changed — not even by a comma."


Last week Mirwaiz removed 'Hurriyat Conference Chairman' from his 'X handle' triggering widespread reaction from across the political and social spectrum in J&K. "Some have criticised this move 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.

Mirwaiz said that despite making unilateral changes in 2019, the reality is that the Kashmir conflict continues to keep the region in an unsettled state that can erupt anytime.

"India–Pakistan war was a stark reminder of how fragile peace in the region continues to be," said Mirwaiz. He also stated that the enforced silence in J&K is projected as acquiescence.

"Wounds remain open, problems unaddressed, and an elected government of a UT complains of being powerless. A sense of hopelessness prevails, along with an existential crisis of losing one’s identity through demographic change," he said.

Mirwaiz, who headed his faction of Hurriyat Conference, said his role is to be a channel of lasting peace, brotherhood and reconciliation for people and the region.

"In the past, I have engaged with leadership of the subcontinent and successive Indian leaderships — including Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Shri L.K. Advani — in sincere efforts of dialogue. My path remains the same," said Mirwaiz adding that real peace is possible."

"Kashmiris are natural optimists. Dialogue has worked elsewhere and our hope remains alive. When there is sincere willingness to engage in the spirit of “insaniyat aur jamhooriyat”, as Vajpayee ji once said, peace gets the best chance," he said.