Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Not Under House Arrest, Says LG Sinha

Srinagar – Hurriyat Conference Chairman and Kashmir’s head priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is not under house arrest, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Friday.

“We have neither arrested him nor is he under the house arrest,” Sinha told BBC Hindi in an interview.

Noting that the father of the Mirwaiz was killed in an unfortunate incident, he said that police was placed around the separatist leader’s house for his protection.

“Even in 2019, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was not detained under the PSA. He is neither arrested nor detained. He must decide what he wants to do,” Sinha added.

Expressing surprise at the LG’s claim, Hurriyat Conference Saturday said that such “blatant misrepresentation” of facts and denial of Mirwaiz’s incarceration was unbelievable.

“Mirwaiz for the last three years has forcibly not been allowed to come out of his house despite repeated appeals and implorations from all sections of people to the authorities, including religious ulemas across the state.”

“Newspaper and electronic media reports bear witness to it. Being the Mirwaiz he is even stopped from going to Jamia Masjid on Fridays to deliver religious sermons from its pulpit which is the centuries old tradition in J&K, or to visit other religious places on important religious occasions. Except close relatives no one is allowed to enter the house. How can these facts are negated and claims of his not being under house arrest made!”

APHC said that if the authorities now want to release the Mirwaiz it is welcome, but giving such misleading statements to save face, is mischievous.

“It also wants to clear the air on LGs other statement in that interview that APHC leadership has been playing both sides.” APHC said that its chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq like his forefathers, has always believed in and supported the fundamental truth of democracy-people’s right to make a choice in their future through non violent means, without fear or favour; and the subsequent belief that this is the road to lasting peace and prosperity for the entire subcontinent.