SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the prominent religious and political leader of Kashmir, has strongly condemned his continued undeclared and illegal house arrest, which has prevented him from delivering sermons and offering prayers at Jama Masjid for the third consecutive Friday.

In a statement, the Mirwaiz expressed frustration over the contradiction between the government’s claims and his actual detention. He said that while the head of the government publicly claims that Mirwaiz is a “free man”, he remains confined to his home without any formal reason given for this infringement on his fundamental right to freedom and liberty.

“The detention is being enforced in private while denied in public, creating a confusing and unjust situation,” the statement said, adding that no visitors, especially media personnel, are permitted to meet him, further isolating him from public interaction.

Mirwaiz said that as a public figure, the restrictions hinder his ability to engage with the community, share in their joys and sorrows, and fulfill his role effectively. He said that he will be filing a rejoinder before the High Court concerning his ongoing lawsuit, seeking a permanent release from house arrest.

KR Desk