Release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Welcomed by Former J&K Chief Ministers

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers, Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, expressed their approval of the government’s decision to release Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from his house arrest.

Omar Abdullah, in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), welcomed the administration’s move, expressing hope that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq would now be able to move freely, engage with people, and resume his social and religious duties. He also highlighted the significance of Mirwaiz’s upcoming Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid, the first since 2019.

PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti commended the release, emphasizing that after years of denial by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration regarding his detention, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq would finally regain his freedom. She also criticized the BJP, noting that a political tug-of-war had already begun among various BJP factions, each vying for credit in his release.

In her statement on X, Mehbooba Mufti underscored Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s esteemed position as a religious leader among Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir.

Notably, authorities, following extensive consultations with security and law enforcement agencies, granted permission for Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to lead Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar. Prior to this, the LG-led government had also released Abdul Rashid Dawoodi and Mushtaq Ahmad from detention.