The release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chairman of the moderate Hurriyat faction, on September 22 has marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Kashmir. Addressing a congregation of worshippers at Srinagar’s Grand Mosque, Mirwaiz reiterated the Hurriyat stance, stressing the need for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding issue of Kashmir. He expressed the desire for the unification of all three parts of Kashmir, currently divided between India, Pakistan, and China, under a peaceful resolution. Mirwaiz positioned himself as a “realist resolution-seeker,” distancing from the label of “so-called separatists” and “peace disrupters.”
Mirwaiz’s release has been met with a sense of relief and surprise. It signifies a rare deviation from the central government’s hardline policy in Kashmir. His earlier petition challenging his detention and seeking freedom under the Constitution had prompted the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to seek a response from the administration, ultimately leading to his release.
This is not the first time Mirwaiz has been released; a similar instance occurred on March 4, 2021, following the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement. However, subsequent denial to him to address a Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque had led to protests. This time, his arrival at the Grand Mosque was greeted warmly, and the prayers passed off peacefully.
Over the past four years, the administration has taken a harsh stance against separatist groups and leaders, resulting in the imprisonment of major figures such as Yaseen Malik, Shabir Shah, Masarat Alam, Naeem Khan, and Shahidul Islam. The passing of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the chairman of Hurriyat G faction, in September 2021, further dealt a blow to the separatist movement.
The situation has reached a point where the once-prominent separatist conglomerate, the Hurriyat Conference, has crippled its ability to engage in political activities. Even if the separatist leaders were free, the government has cracked down on any signs of separatist activity, raising the costs for any leader or activist championing the cause. Thus, Mirwaiz’s conduct in this altered political environment will be closely watched. So, will be the fresh moves of the central government. It will be interesting to see how New Delhi would like to deal with the union territory in the run up to the parliamentary elections next year. Four years after the withdrawal of Article 370, there are no signs that the Assembly elections will be held in the region. Nor is there any hope that statehood will be restored. With the release of Mirwaiz, the centre, however, has initiated an important Confidence Building Measure. Here’s hoping it leads to further improvement in the Valley’s situation.
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