For the first time after the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, leaders of the moderate faction of Hurriyat held an informal meeting. The meeting was presided over by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, whose house arrest has recently ended. Mirwaiz said that this meeting was informal. Senior Hurriyat members Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Masror Abbas Ansari also attended the meeting along with Mirwaiz. Mirwaiz shared the video of this meeting on the social media platform ‘ Felt the loss of him. But glad to see Professor Saheb in good condition at this age.”
Nothing important was discussed in the meeting
Lone and Bhat are also called professors. Both of them have been executive members of the moderate Hurriyat while Abdul Ghani Bhat has also served as the organization’s president. Masroor Abbas Ansari is the son of former Hurriyat chairman Abbas Ansari, who died in 2021. Mirwaiz said that nothing important was discussed in the meeting. Mirwaiz called it just an informal meeting. “He was not allowed to meet me while I was under house arrest. This meeting was an informal meeting after a long time,” he told HT.
Since 2018, the crackdown was being tightened against the separatist leadership, especially radicals, with many in jail in UAPA and money laundering cases. However, Mirwaiz was put under house arrest after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. He was allowed to move out in September 2023 after almost four years following a High Court order. During this time he continued his sermons in Jamia Masjid, Srinagar. In recent times, he has sometimes been under house arrest, regarding which the administration said that this is being done for his personal safety.
Hurriyat also ready to cooperate – Mirwaiz
In his latest Friday prayers, Mirwaiz urged the central government to initiate talks to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue, in which Hurriyat is also ready to cooperate. He said, “Elections in Jammu and Kashmir are not the solution to this issue and even after the unilateral decisions of 2019, this issue remains the same.” This meeting of Hurriyat leaders is giving rise to a new discussion in Kashmir. A new government has recently been formed under the leadership of National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, but it will have no authority over security issues, which come under the Lieutenant Governor.
Meanwhile, reactions are also coming in political circles regarding the Hurriyat meeting in Jammu and Kashmir. Apna Party President Altaf Bukhari said, “Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Sahib and his associates are finally allowed to meet after a long time, it is a sign of a clear change in the political atmosphere of Kashmir, which is very significant in the larger interest of the public.” It is possible.” He further said, “Despite political and ideological differences, all parties, especially political entities, can play a positive role in building a better future for Jammu and Kashmir, in which peace, prosperity and welfare of the people should be the main objective.”
What is Hurriyat?
Hurriyat is a separatist political organization in Jammu and Kashmir. This organization was formed in 1993 and its main objective is to struggle for the autonomy and independence of Jammu and Kashmir. Hurriyat believes that Jammu and Kashmir should not be a part of India and the people there should get the right to self-determination.
Hurriyat is divided into two main factions-
Hurriyat (Moderate faction) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq – This faction is in favor of finding a solution to the Kashmir problem through dialogue.
Hurriyat (radical group) led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani – This group demands complete independence of Kashmir and rejects any kind of talks with the Indian government.
Hurriyat Conference includes many small and big parties, whose aim is to give the people of Jammu and Kashmir the right to decide about the political future of Jammu and Kashmir. This organization also tries to raise the Kashmir issue on international forums.
