The Indian government released Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from house arrest on Friday, ending more than four years of detention.
The 50-year-old leader had been detained in 2019 along with other political figures and thousands of residents when the Indian government revoked the constitutional semi-autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir, replacing it with federal rule.
Following the government’s move, a prolonged internet shutdown was imposed, and security forces were bolstered in the region to quell potential protests. While many detainees were subsequently released, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remained confined to his residence, located near the historic Jamia Masjid mosque in Srinagar.
On this significant occasion, thousands of worshippers gathered to witness Mirwaiz Umar Farooq leading Friday prayers for the first time in 218 weeks. He was greeted with showers of sweets, and religious slogans echoed throughout the 14th-century mosque.
Just last week, a court had requested authorities to clarify the reasons for his continued detention, and Mirwaiz informed the crowd that the police had notified him of his impending release on Thursday.
Expressing his emotions, he said, “This period of my house arrest and separation from my people has been the most painful for me since my father’s death,” breaking down as he spoke.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq criticized the constitutional changes introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, deeming them “unacceptable.”
Referring to recent international events, he stated, “Modi said about Ukraine that this is not the time for war. He is right. Disputes and disagreements should be resolved by talks rather than using power or unilateralism.” He also called for the release of “numerous political prisoners.”
