APHC pays tributes to Mirwaiz Farooq, Ghani Lone, Hawal martyrs

SRINAGAR — On the occasion of the martyrdom anniversaries of Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq and Shaheed-e-Hurriyat Khwaja Abdul Ghani Lone, APHC paid “glowing tributes” to both the “visionary and towering leaders and to their supreme sacrifice.”

APHC also paid tribute to the “supreme sacrifice of the martyrs of Hawal and all the martyrs of J&K.” APHC said that it believes that living nations never forget their martyrs but keep them alive in their hearts and memories.

APHC in a statement said that with time, the absence of these visionary leaders and their guidance is acutely felt by a people continuing to be in flux; the wisdom and selflessness of Shaheed Mirwaiz and the experience and passion of Shaheed Lone Sahab.

APHC said that while their loss can never be compensated, what can be done is to emulate the values they lived by and follow the path they did, which is one of humanity, respect, belief in freedom of will and expression, tolerance for differences, engagement, safeguarding of minority rights and striving for justice.

APHC said it has always tried to observe these principles in its functioning and while engaging in the resolution of the Kashmir conflict. “It is precisely because we staunchly believe in them that despite facing countless hurdles and hardships, Hurriyat stands firm in its approach to dealing with the conflict – severely affecting the people of J&K for decades, which is of dialogue among stakeholders. Peace, stability, and security of the region will naturally follow. Belligerence and violence will only keep the pot boiling,” it added.

APHC said that while the spate of arrests and raids continue and thousands of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and youth languish in jails for years many without trial, APHC chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is also subject to an on-off house arrest, despite being released after four-plus years in September 2023 after going to the court. “Since May 3rd, he has again been put under house arrest and is not even allowed to deliver the Friday sermons at Jama Masjid Srinagar.”

APHC said it has always argued that rulers should desist from using forcible measures and tactics and release all political prisoners and youth if they want to genuinely improve the situation and make headway.

APHC said that on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of both these leaders and the martyrs of Hawal, commemorative functions would have been held, but in the current situation of coercion, it is unlikely that any such event will be allowed by the authorities involving people’s participation, especially holding a rally at Eidgah on May 21 to pay homage to the leaders.

APHC said that if authorities allow, at an individual level, people should visit Eidgah and offer Fatiha to the Shaheed leaders and the martyrs and pray for their salvation.