Mirwaiz of Kashmir says violence and force is weakness while dialogue is the path to peace
Speaking to the congregation at the historic Jama Masjid on Friday, Mirwaiz said that violence and power are a weakness, while dialogue and participation are the way to achieve peace and address the democratic aspirations of the people. He remembered his father, Mirwaiz Farooq, who was killed on May 21, 1990, even though the administration did not allow them to visit Mazar-e-Shuhada in Eidgah.
“Martyr Mirwaiz strongly hated violence. He saw violence and force as weakness, not strength. He advocated dialogue and practiced it throughout his life; he constantly helped everyone, even his political opponents,” Mirwaiz said. He also said that the past thirty-six years have been very difficult for Kashmir, which has witnessed tragedies, violence and losses, but it is not over yet.
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“Shaheed Mirwaiz understood that the Kashmir conflict was being played out at the expense of the Kashmiri people who were treated like foolishly led cattle while it was the sovereignty and territory of India and Pakistan. His political struggle was for their voices to be heard, their democratic aspirations to be respected and their dignity to be established,” Mirwaiz said.
The Hurriyat leader said that international commitments regarding the Kashmir issue have never been fulfilled and wars between neighboring countries due to the conflict have led them nowhere. “Shaheed Mirwaiz strongly advocated for them to talk to each other to find a way out and voice their concerns and democratic aspirations, taking the people of J&K with them in the process. His vision and the path he followed remains as valid today as it was 36 years ago,” Mirwaiz said.
“My father absolutely hated violence. He saw violence and force as weakness, not strength. He advocated dialogue and practiced it throughout his life – constantly applying it to everyone, even his political opponents,” Mirwaiz said, adding: “He saw dialogue between countries, communities, sects and people as the best means of peaceful and respectful coexistence, leading to their healthy growth, prosperity and development.” His dream for the people of J&K was to see them as strong, kind and humane. The peaceful development of the people through true and deep-rooted democracy. “The path shown by Shaheed Mirwaiz for resolution, peace, brotherhood, dignity and coexistence – the path of dialogue and moderation – is what has guided me through the ups and downs of these last 36 years as I followed in his footsteps,” he said.
The Mirwaiz also announced that the Eid prayer will be offered at Eidgah on 27 May 2026.
