SRINAGAR: All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remembered and paid glowing tributes to the assassinated separatist leaders, Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammed Farooq and Abdul Ghani Lone, on the eve of their death anniversary and warned against “belligerence and violence” over the vexed Kashmir issue.
A statement released by the spokesman of the APHC said, “The Hurriyat stands firm in its approach of dealing with the conflict, which has severely affected the people of J&K for decades. The way forward is dialogue among stakeholders. Peace, stability and security of the region will naturally follow. Belligerence and violence will only keep the pot boiling.”
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s father was killed by gunmen in 1990 inside his residence, the J&K Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone’s father Abdul Ghani Lone was assassinated on the death anniversary of the senior Mirwaiz Mohammed Farooq in 2002 by gunmen in Srinagar’s Eidgah, where the death anniversary function was organised.
“While their loss can never be compensated, what can be done is to emulate the values they lived by and followed. It was one of humanity, respect, belief in freedom of will and expression, tolerance for differences, engagement, safeguarding of minority rights and striving for justice. The Hurriyat tried to observe these principles in its functioning and while engaging for the resolution of the Kashmir conflict,” the APHC statement said.
APHC also pointed out the spate of arrests being made in Kashmir. “Raids continue and thousands of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and youth languish in jails for years, many without trial,” the statement said.
APHC statement said, “It pays glowing tributes to both the visionary and towering leaders and to their supreme sacrifice. APHC also pays tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs of Hawal and all the martyrs of J&K. APHC believes that living nations never forget their martyrs but keep them alive in their hearts and memories.”
APHC said that “while their loss can never be compensated, what can be done is to emulate the values they lived by and follow the path they did, which is one of humanity, respect, belief in freedom of will and expression, tolerance for differences, engagement, safeguarding of minority rights and striving for justice.”
APHC said, “It has always tried to observe these principles in its functioning and while engaging for the resolution of the Kashmir conflict. “It is precisely because we staunchly believe in them that despite facing countless hurdles and hardships, Hurriyat stands firmly for dialogue with all stakeholders on Kashmir issue,” the statement said.
APHC statement said, “Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is also subjected to an on and off house arrest, despite being released after more than four years in September 2023 after going to the court. Since May 3rd he has again been put under house arrest and is not even allowed to deliver the Friday sermons at Jama Masjid Srinagar.
APHC statement said, “It has always argued that rulers should desist from using forcible measures and tactics and release all political prisoners and youth if they want to genuinely improve the situation and make headway.”
APHC statement said that on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of both these leaders and the martyrs of Hawal, commemorative functions would have been held, but in the current situation of coercion it is unlikely that any such event will be allowed by the authorities involving people’s participation, especially holding a rally at Eidgah on the 21st of May to pay homage to the dear leaders.
APHC said that if authorities allow, at an individual level people should visit Eidgah and offer fatiha to the martyred leaders and the martyrs and pray for peace.
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