Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Under House Arrest
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Srinagar, Dec 20 (NationPress) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious leader and the Chairman of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, has been placed under house arrest in Srinagar, J&K on Friday to restrict him from delivering his weekly sermon at the Jamia Mosque located in the old city, as reported by sources close to the cleric.
While there has been no official confirmation regarding this, insiders from the Anjuman-e-Nusratul Islam, the socio-religious organization led by Mirwaiz Umar, indicated that he is under house arrest at his residence in Nigeen, on the outskirts of the city.
According to these sources, a heavy police presence outside his home has prevented Mirwaiz Umar from stepping outside.
Since 2019, Mirwaiz Umar has largely remained under house arrest, with his weekly sermons at the Jamia Mosque occurring only when he is permitted to leave his home.
The local administration has not provided any statement clarifying whether Mirwaiz is indeed under house arrest.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference, a separate coalition, was established in 1993, with Mirwaiz Umar being elected as its inaugural Chairman. In September 2003, senior hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani formed his own faction of the Hurriyat.
Despite these developments, Mirwaiz Umar has continued to lead his own faction within the conglomerate. He also oversees the Anjuman-e-Nusratul Islam, which manages the Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta area of the old city, along with operating the historic Islamia School located in the Rajouri Kadal area of Srinagar.
This organization was founded in 1899 by the then Mirwaiz, Molvi Rasool Shah, starting from a modest cottage and eventually evolving into a significant educational institution offering both secular and religious education to the people of Kashmir. In addition to his religious responsibilities, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been actively involved in social and educational initiatives. He received his education at the Christian missionary Burnhall School in Srinagar.
