JAMMU: The chief cleric of India-held Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has said that despite unilateral changes introduced in 2019, the Kashmir conflict remains unresolved and continues to keep the region in a fragile and volatile state.
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media on the first Friday of the new year, Mirwaiz said the prevailing calm masks deep-rooted tensions that could resurface at any time. He added that he was once again prevented from reaching Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid to deliver the weekly sermon.“That is why wars are paused, not ended, and dialogue finds no takers,” he wrote, underscoring what he described as the absence of meaningful political engagement.
Mirwaiz said Kashmiris continue to face suspicion and hostility in different parts of India, while little has changed on the ground. “The trust deficit between the people of Kashmir and New Delhi has widened, not narrowed. Enforced silence is projected as acceptance. Wounds remain unhealed, problems unaddressed, and even an elected Union Territory government complains of being powerless,” he said.
He warned of a growing sense of despair among locals, driven by fears of losing their identity amid demographic changes following the downgrading of the former state to a Union Territory, the withdrawal of constitutional safeguards, and amendments to laws and regulations. “An existential crisis looms large,” he remarked.
Reiterating his long-standing commitment to peace and reconciliation, Mirwaiz recalled his past engagement with Indian leadership, including former prime ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, as well as senior leader L.K. Advani. “My path remains unchanged — one of dialogue and reconciliation,” he said.Addressing the question of peace, he wrote: “Is real peace possible? Yes.
Kashmiris are natural optimists. Dialogue has worked elsewhere, and our hope remains alive. When there is a sincere willingness to engage in the spirit of Insaniyat (humanity) and Jamhooriyat (democracy), as Vajpayee ji once said, peace has its best chance.”
Reflecting on the past year, Mirwaiz described 2025 as a period marked by tragedy and uncertainty. He said the Pahalgam attack had deeply shaken the Valley and, despite being unequivocally condemned by Kashmiris, was followed by anxiety, targeting of civilians, and demolition of homes. He also referred to another India–Pakistan war during the year, calling it a stark reminder of the region’s fragile peace.
Mirwaiz further criticised what he termed the shrinking space for dissent, saying that expressions of views contrary to the state narrative were increasingly being criminalised and labelled “anti-national”.“There is no public space available to us. Most local media is unwilling to provide a platform for people’s voices. I cannot hold press conferences, move freely without official clearance, or meet people without permission.
Even access to the pulpit of Jama Masjid — the spiritual heart of Kashmir — has been curtailed,” he said, adding that he had been placed under house arrest for consecutive Fridays.
With Hurriyat constituents banned, offices sealed, institutions shut down, and many leaders and activists either imprisoned or under constant surveillance, Mirwaiz said social media had become the only remaining avenue to communicate with people and the outside world.