Mirwaiz appeals for de-escalation amid rising tensions

SRINAGAR — Amid escalating border tensions, Hurriyat Conference chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday urged India and Pakistan to urgently de-escalate and not tread the dangerous path, which can only lead to more destruction.

In a post on X, Mirwaiz, who was not allowed to go to Jamia Masjid on Friday, said every soul was praying for peace.

“As the threat of war intensifies and the loss of precious lives continues, deep sorrow and anxiety grip our hearts. Unfortunately, whenever tensions rise between India and Pakistan, the brunt which follows is primarily borne by the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Mirwaiz said that across the Line of Control, people are suffering immense hardships, as the loss of their lives, shelter and livelihood is seen only as collateral damage.

“I urge both countries to urgently de-escalate and not to tread on this dangerous path, which can only lead to destruction,” he said.

“Though not allowed by authorities to go to Jama Masjid today, I join in spirit with every soul praying for “Aman-o-Amaan” (peace and tranquility). Let today’s Juma (Friday) be a moment of collective duaa (prayer) — asking Allah to protect us, avert further bloodshed, and guide us toward peace and wisdom,” he added.