Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Mirwaiz Reflects on 2025 Challenges
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a leader in Kashmir, talked about the difficulties he faced in 2025.
He was not allowed to lead prayers at the Jamia Masjid and was put under house arrest.
He also removed the title 'Hurriyat chairman' from his social media because the Hurriyat group was banned by the government.
Mirwaiz said this change was necessary to keep his only way of communicating with people.
He mentioned tragic events like the Pahalgam attack and the Delhi blast, which affected everyone in the Valley.
He believes that the situation in Kashmir is still unstable and that dialogue is needed to resolve the conflict.
Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful and committed to his beliefs.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was restricted to his residence and unable to lead prayers at Jamia Masjid on the first Friday of 2026.
He reflected on the tragedies of 2025, including the Pahalgam attack and the Delhi blast, which deeply affected Kashmiris.
Mirwaiz removed the 'Hurriyat chairman' title from his X bio to safeguard his minimal communication channel, as Hurriyat was banned under UAPA.
He emphasized that his beliefs and convictions remain unchanged despite the removal of the title.
Mirwaiz highlighted the widening trust deficit between Kashmiris and New Delhi, and the existential crisis faced by Kashmiris due to demographic changes and loss of identity.
- Who
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir's chief cleric and separatist leader
- What
- Reflected on 2025 challenges and removed 'Hurriyat chairman' title from his X bio
- When
- First Friday of 2026
- Where
- Kashmir, India
- Why
- To adapt to restricted communication channels and maintain a voice amidst bans and restrictions
Government Perspective
Mirwaiz's Perspective
Hurriyat Ban
Government Perspective
The government banned Hurriyat under UAPA for alleged subversive activities.
Mirwaiz's Perspective
Mirwaiz views the ban as an attempt to silence dissent and criminalize disagreement.
Communication Restrictions
Government Perspective
The government imposes restrictions to maintain law and order.
Mirwaiz's Perspective
Mirwaiz sees these restrictions as enforced silence and a violation of his rights to communicate and lead.
- Person
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
- Title Removed
- Hurriyat chairman
- Platform
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Reason for Removal
- To safeguard minimal communication channel
- Controversy
- Debate over Hurriyat's relevance and Mirwaiz's stance
- Hurriyat Status
- Banned under UAPA since March 2025
- Allegations Against Hurriyat
- Supporting terrorism and secessionist activities
- Key Events in 2025
- Pahalgam attack, Delhi blast, cross-border hostilities
- Current Status
- Under house arrest, restricted from leading prayers at Jamia Masjid
