Srinagar, Apr 25 (UNI) In a rare gesture, devotees at Kashmir’s historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar observed a one-minute silence on Friday in solidarity with the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
The emotional tribute came as Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was allowed to return to the pulpit after being barred from delivering sermons and offering prayers at the mosque for over a month.
On his return to Jamia, Mirwaiz strongly condemned the Pahalgam massacre, where 26 people were brutally killed in front of their families after being identified.
“The manner in which a carnage was carried out after ascertaining their identities and in front of their families is shocking and chilling beyond belief. We strongly condemn it. Who better can understand the pain and grief of loss to the families of those affected than a people who have suffered it for decades and still continue to,” Mirwaiz said in his Friday sermon.
“ Today, as I say this, as per the Islamic calendar, it is the 36th martyrdom anniversary of my father, Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq, and 70 others who lost their lives on this tragic day. Our hearts go out to these families who will never see their loved ones again, and our prayers are with them. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Mirwaiz said that Kashmiris are known for their hospitality, and once again, they showed it during this tragic time.
“…Being left helpless, locals helped those at the spot to flee, even at the risk to their own lives, in which pony operator Adil Hussain lost his life. We pay homage to this brave young Kashmiri who gave the ultimate sacrifice of life while saving that of others. Others rushed the injured, some even on their backs, trekking miles to hospitals. Kashmiris, in every manner, reached out to help the distressed tourists, as can be seen in videos where tourists are thanking them for opening up their homes to them, giving them food and free taxi rides to airports and other destinations, and even providing emotional support,” he said.
The Hurriyat chairman said that people observed a complete shutdown, held spontaneous and silent protests, and candlelight vigils in memory of those killed in this horrific manner.
“The people of Kashmir send a strong message of their total disapproval of such actions and their solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved by standing shoulder to shoulder with them,” he said.
He also expressed deep concern over what he called the rising vulnerability of Kashmiris across India in the wake of communal rhetoric being pushed by sections of the mainstream media.
“I appeal to the governments concerned in different states of India to ensure the safety of our students and all other Kashmiris,” he said.
Mirwaiz also asked the authorities to allow him to visit the injured in hospitals and to the house of Adil Hussain to pay my condolences to the family of this brave heart.

Prior to prayers, in solidarity with the bereaved families, a one minute silence was observed.
UNI MJR PRS