· RISSC recognizes Mirwaiz’s continued role in promoting peace and dialogue
· Namesmen,women of Gaza as ‘Persons of the Year’ for courage & resilience
SRINAGAR: The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC) based in Amman, Jordan, has once again this year included Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq in its prestigious list of “The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World”.
The centre notes that Dr Farooq, the 14th Mirwaiz of Kashmir, assumed his father’s mantle in 1990 at the age of 17 following his father’s assassination. By the age of 20, he had founded and become the Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference
Throughout his career, Dr Farooq has been a consistent voice of peace advocating the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The publication also highlights his persistent efforts to promote dialogue between stakeholders to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue.
It further acknowledges that despite being placed under house arrest in August 2019 for four plus years, Dr Farooq continues to be a “key voice for Kashmir, bridging religious leadership with active engagement in human rights and regional diplomacy.”
The inclusion of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in this global list yet again underscores his continued spiritual, social, and political influence, and the recognition of his steadfast commitment to peace and dialogue.
This year’s “Persons of the Year” have been named as the men and women of Gaza for showing exceptional courage, resilience, and steadfastness in the face of immense adversity — a recognition that has deeply moved people across the world.