Calls for reviving Kashmir’s historic links with Iran, Central Asia
Voices concern over attempts to communalise Urdu
SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq paid heartfelt tributes toAyatullah Ali Khamenei, terming him “a towering figure of the Muslim Ummah who consistently stood for the oppressed and voiceless, especially the people of Palestine”.
Speaking at a rally organised by Aga Syed Hadi Al-Moosvi at Imam Barah Bemina to pay tribute to the late leader, Mirwaiz expressed solidarity with the people of Iran.
Expressing concern over the prevailing global situation, Mirwaiz said, “Sadly, the international politics of ‘might is right’ is pushing the whole world towards instability and danger, while people are increasingly losing trust in international institutions, including the United Nations. No war can ever truly be won through the violation of international laws and human values.”
Recalling Ayatullah Khamenei’s affection for the people of Kashmir, Mirwaiz remembered his historic visit to Kashmir and his offering of Friday prayers at the historic Jama Masjid, Srinagar, alongside Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq (RA). He appreciated his role in promoting Muslim unity and said that in today’s challenging times—marked by political, social, and moral crises—the need to uphold unity and mutual respect within the Ummah has become even more important.
Mirwaiz also highlighted Kashmir’s historic civilisational and cultural links with Iran and Central Asia, saying that these deep-rooted connections, dating back to the Silk Route era, need to be revisited and revived. He said that Kashmir’s arts, crafts, carpets, language, and intellectual traditions bear the imprint of this centuries-old association, which should continue to be strengthened for the benefit of future generations.
On the occasion, Mirwaiz also spoke about the urgent need to preserve Kashmir’s distinct identity, language, and culture, which are facing serious challenges in the present times. Referring to the growing concern regarding Urdu—a language spoken and cherished by millions—Mirwaiz regretted that it was being viewed through a religious prism merely because it is widely spoken by Muslims and was hence being targeted. He said that all languages deserve respect and recognition, and politicising or communalising languages is deeply unfortunate and harmful to the composite cultural ethos of society.
Concluding his address, Mirwaiz said that under the banner of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), they will continue to work for sectarian unity, mutual respect, and brotherhood among all schools of thought within the Muslim Ummah. He urged people to support and strengthen these efforts and to be wary of those who promote division and sectarian discord within the community.