India and Pakistan should talk and find a way out of Kashmir: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. File Image | Photo credit: ANI

In his Friday (May 22, 2026) sermon at the historic Jamia Masjid, Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called on India and Pakistan “to talk to each other and find a way to address the concerns and democratic aspirations of the people of Kashmir.”

“As the international commitments made on the Kashmir issue were never implemented and the wars between the neighboring countries over the conflict went nowhere, my father strongly advocated for them to talk to find a way out and in the process take the people of Jammu and Kashmir with them, address their concerns and democratic aspirations. We still support the process,” Mirwaiz said.

Referring to the stance of his father, Mirwaiz Moulana Farooq, who was assassinated by militants in 1990, Mirwaiz said, “These last thirty-six years have been very tough for Kashmir, we have witnessed tragedies, violence and loss, yet no closure. Shaheed-e-Millat understood that people outside Kashmir and Pakistan were playing at the expense of the conflict over Kashmir and Pakistan, Kashmir, with whom were treated like dumb, driven cattle, his political struggle was for their voice to be heard, for their democratic aspirations to be respected and for their dignity to be ensured,” Mirwaiz said.

Recalling his father’s attitude, Mirwaiz said, “He advocated dialogue and practiced it throughout his life – in his constant outreach to everyone, even his political opponents. He saw dialogue between countries, communities, sects and people as the best means of peaceful and respectful coexistence leading to their healthy growth, prosperity and development,” Mirwaiz said.

He highlighted the path shown by his late father, where he emphasized “determination, peace, brotherhood, dignity and coexistence”. “The path of dialogue and moderation is what has guided me through the ups and downs of the last 36 years as I follow in his footsteps,” Mirwaiz said.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz said that id prayers will be held at Eidgah in Srinagar on May 27. For many years, the authorities refused permission to hold id prayers at the Eidgah in Srinagar.

Published – 23 May 2026 09:56 IST