Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir's chief cleric and chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, stated on Monday that bans are ineffective in a democratic society, whether imposed on books, ideas, or organizations. His remarks follow the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor's suspension of eight School Education Department officials after two books containing 'highly inappropriate content' were supplied to government schools.
Kashmir's 5,000-Year-Old History Cannot Be Viewed Selectively
Responding to the controversy, Mirwaiz emphasized that Kashmir possesses a '5,000-year-old rich and layered history' that cannot be viewed selectively. 'Kashmiris are proud of their civilisational legacy, from the Buddhist period to Shaivism and Hindu traditions, and later the Islamic period, which shaped the region’s spiritual, social and cultural identity. After 1947, Jammu and Kashmir also became a political issue, and that too is part of its modern history,' he said.
He argued that societies grow through openness, discussion, and engagement, not by suppressing books or silencing differing perspectives. 'Facts remain facts,' he added. Mirwaiz stressed that history cannot be erased or selectively projected to suit a particular narrative.
Amarnath Yatra and Pilgrim Safety
Speaking about the annual Amarnath Yatra, Mirwaiz described it as a religious pilgrimage and noted that the people of Kashmir have always respected the religious sentiments of all communities. 'Kashmir has a long tradition of hospitality, and pilgrims who come here for their faith should be treated with respect and care,' he said.
He also called on the administration to ensure the safety and adequate facilities for pilgrims while minimizing disruption to the daily lives of local residents.
Dialogue Over War for Conflict Resolution
Mirwaiz welcomed the efforts of civil society groups from India, Pakistan, and Jammu and Kashmir that advocate peace and engagement between the two countries. He referenced the dialogue processes initiated during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan Singh, urging that this legacy be revived and carried forward.
'Meaningful dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad, as well as between New Delhi and Srinagar, is essential for ensuring peace, dignity and a just resolution,' he said, adding that the emerging global order has demonstrated that war is not a solution to conflicts.
