Srinagar, Aug 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) Jammu and Kashmir's senior religious leader and chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, delivered the Friday sermon at the Jama Masjid in Srinagar, saying that the historic pulpit has always stood for the rights of the people.
Mirwaiz Farooq said that after nearly two weeks of restrictions, during which he was 'prevented' from delivering the Friday sermon at Jama Masjid and also 'denied' the opportunity to address the gathering of Khwaja Digar at Naqshband Sahib, he was once again among the people.
He said that every opportunity to be there he "counted as a blessing from Allah", as restrictions and attempts to "silence the pulpit, unfortunately, seemed to be part of the state policy" right now. He said it was a time to bear with patience and continue the good work, however possible.
Addressing those who placed these restrictions, Mirwaiz said that the pulpit has for generations played an important role in educating individuals and shaping society on religious and moral lines. "It has helped in creating awakening and awareness among people not only regarding their rights but also their duties," he added.
He said that whenever the need arose, it became their forceful voice, articulated their concerns and advocated their aspirations. It has promoted peaceful coexistence among communities and strongly voiced minority rights, he said.
Mirwaiz said that the activities have always been in accordance with Islamic teachings -- peaceful, principled and dignified; dialogue over confrontation and issue-based over personal. “Inshallah, it will continue to do so whenever given the chance. It is the legacy of my forefathers and the shared inheritance of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He also heads the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which has been declared an unlawful organisation by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The AAC was banned for five years by the MHA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on March 11, 2025.
The government cited the group's involvement in anti-national activities, secessionist propaganda and supporting terrorism.
Source: IANS
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