Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday reiterated that dialogue is the only way to resolve issues, stressing that “coercion and pressure tactics” will never bring positive outcomes.
Mirwaiz, who also serves as Kashmir’s chief cleric, was allowed to offer prayers at the Jamia Masjid after being barred for the past three consecutive Fridays. He also delivered the Friday sermon at the historic mosque.
In his address, he said restrictions imposed on him achieve nothing “except highlighting the arbitrariness and high-handedness of those who seek to rule by force rather than through democratic spirit.”
Calling for wisdom and magnanimity from both the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Centre, the Mirwaiz criticised measures such as imposing bans, placing restrictions, dismissing employees from government service, or seizing properties of deceased leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani. “It is extremely unfortunate to confiscate the homes of youth who may have crossed over, when their families continue to live there. Such actions only punish innocent relatives and deepen their suffering,” he said.
“These pressure tactics do not resolve problems. They only create alienation and widen the gulf between people and authorities. Winning hearts and minds requires compassion and understanding, not coercion,” he added.
Reaffirming his long-held stance, the Mirwaiz said, “The only way forward is sincere engagement and dialogue. Issues can only be resolved through talking, listening and addressing concerns genuinely. Repeated restrictions and coercive measures will never yield positive results.”
