SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq returned to Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid to deliver his Friday sermon after restrictions of over a month, condemning the Pahalgam massacre and paying tributes to the victims.
Mirwaiz and the others observed a minute’s silence in solidarity with the relatives of all those who lost their dear ones in the terror attack.
Mirwaiz reminded his audience that the authorities had put him under house arrest ahead of previous Friday prayers in the past month. “Sadly, during this time, we had to witness a terrifying attack, which has left our hearts bleeding. The manner in which a carnage was carried out, more than two dozen people killed after ascertaining their identities and in front of their families, is shocking and chilling beyond belief,” Mirwaiz said.
The chief cleric recalled the 1990 day when his father was shot dead by terrorists. “Who better can understand the pain and grief of loss of the families affected (in Pahalgam) than people who have suffered it (terror) for decades and still continue to. Today is the 36th martyrdom anniversary of my father, Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq.”
Mirwaiz told the gathering that “our hearts go out to these families who will never see their loved ones again, and our prayers are with them and we pray for speedy recovery of the injured.”
Mirwaiz underscored Kashmiris’ famed hospitality, saying they had always opened their hearts and homes to outsiders, especially tourists. “People of Kashmir once again upheld the tradition of outreach, help, and humanity in this distressing time. Locals helped those at the (Pahalgam) spot to flee, even at risk to their own lives, in which pony operator Adil Hussain died. We pay homage to this brave young Kashmiri,” Mirwaiz said.
He pointed out that other locals ferried the injured, some on their backs, to hospitals, while a complete shutdown was observed in memory of those killed. “The people of Kashmir sent a strong message of their total disapproval of such actions and solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved, standing shoulder to shoulder with them.” He requested authorities to allow him to visit the injured in hospitals and Adil’s family to pay condolences.
Mirwaiz struck a note of caution and anguish at “a large section of mainstream media spreading communal rhetoric of hate against Kashmiris”. This, he said, has made Kashmiris across India vulnerable, forcing hundreds, especially students, to leave. “I appeal to govts in different states to ensure the safety of our students and all other Kashmiris,” Mirwaiz said.
Mirwaiz and the others observed a minute’s silence in solidarity with the relatives of all those who lost their dear ones in the terror attack.
Mirwaiz reminded his audience that the authorities had put him under house arrest ahead of previous Friday prayers in the past month. “Sadly, during this time, we had to witness a terrifying attack, which has left our hearts bleeding. The manner in which a carnage was carried out, more than two dozen people killed after ascertaining their identities and in front of their families, is shocking and chilling beyond belief,” Mirwaiz said.
The chief cleric recalled the 1990 day when his father was shot dead by terrorists. “Who better can understand the pain and grief of loss of the families affected (in Pahalgam) than people who have suffered it (terror) for decades and still continue to. Today is the 36th martyrdom anniversary of my father, Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq.”
Mirwaiz told the gathering that “our hearts go out to these families who will never see their loved ones again, and our prayers are with them and we pray for speedy recovery of the injured.”
Mirwaiz underscored Kashmiris’ famed hospitality, saying they had always opened their hearts and homes to outsiders, especially tourists. “People of Kashmir once again upheld the tradition of outreach, help, and humanity in this distressing time. Locals helped those at the (Pahalgam) spot to flee, even at risk to their own lives, in which pony operator Adil Hussain died. We pay homage to this brave young Kashmiri,” Mirwaiz said.
He pointed out that other locals ferried the injured, some on their backs, to hospitals, while a complete shutdown was observed in memory of those killed. “The people of Kashmir sent a strong message of their total disapproval of such actions and solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved, standing shoulder to shoulder with them.” He requested authorities to allow him to visit the injured in hospitals and Adil’s family to pay condolences.
Mirwaiz struck a note of caution and anguish at “a large section of mainstream media spreading communal rhetoric of hate against Kashmiris”. This, he said, has made Kashmiris across India vulnerable, forcing hundreds, especially students, to leave. “I appeal to govts in different states to ensure the safety of our students and all other Kashmiris,” Mirwaiz said.
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