Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Thursday sought the release of prominent Islamic Preacher Mirwaiz Muhammad Umar Farooq, saying the continued detention is violative of basic human rights.
Urging the government to set Mirwaiz free so that he can perform his religious obligations, Party’s Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said, “Notwithstanding our disagreements with Mirwaiz sahib, we mince no words to express our concern on his continued incarceration. Our constitution provides for freedom of conscience and the right of all individuals to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. Same should not be denied to Mirwaiz.”
“His prolonged detention hurts the religious sentiments of people, who would otherwise hear the Pulpit and Spirals of Jamia Masjid reverberate with his sermons, especially on Fridays and various other auspicious days. We demand that he be allowed to walk free and perform his religious duties. We hope that the government will reconsider their decision and set Mirwaiz free from house detention,” he said, adding that Mirwaiz should be allowed to perform his religious duties.
“The other recourse to the detention is to challenge it in court as many mainstream leaders were forced to do after Aug 2019. We are of the opinion that Mirwaiz Sb should also explore such a legal route,” he added.
