Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq in a post on X has said that May 21 remains a painful reminder of one of the darkest days in the history of Kashmir, when the people lost their beloved leader and voice, Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq (RA), through his martyrdom.
In a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) Recalling the tragic events that followed, Mirwaiz said that the mayhem in which more than 70 mourners were killed and hundreds injured remains deeply etched in the collective memory of the people. He said the sacrifices of the Martyrs of Hawal continue to be remembered with grief, reverence and resolve.
Mirwaiz further said that years later, on the same date, another sane and courageous voice was silenced when Shaheed-e-Hurriyat Khawaja Abdul Ghani Lone was snatched from the people.
Expressing strong resentment over the restrictions imposed on remembrance gatherings and tributes, Mirwaiz said it was unfortunate and condemnable that through intimidation, might and media gags, the authorities prevented people from expressing their sentiments and paying homage to their beloved leaders and the Martyrs of Hawal.
He said that even individual visits to Mazar-e-Shuhada, Eidgah, to offer Fatiha prayers were disallowed, while he himself had been placed under house arrest since yesterday evening.
Mirwaiz said that such repressive tactics cannot change reality, nor can they erase the immense contribution of these beloved leaders or their abiding place in the hearts of the people