Srinagar, May 20 : On the occasion of Martyrdom anniversaries of shaheed e Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq and Shaheed e Hurriyat Khwaja Abdul Ghani Lone, APHC Monday paid glowing tributes to both the visionary and towering leaders and to their supreme sacrifice.
As per a statement issued to the news agency, APHC also paid tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs of Hawal and all the martyrs of J&K.
APHC believes that living nations never forget their martyrs but keep them alive in their hearts and memories. APHC said that with time the absence of these visionary leaders and their guidance is acutely felt by a people continuing to be in a flux ;The wisdom and selflessness of Shaheed Mirwaiz and the experience and passion of Shaheed Lone.
APHC said that while their loss can never be compensated, what can be done is to emulate the values they lived by and follow the path they did, which is one of humanity, respect, belief in freedom of will and expression , tolerance for differences, engagement, safeguarding of minority rights and striving for justice. APHC said it has always tried to observe these principles in its functioning and while engaging for the resolution of the Kashmir conflict.
“It is precisely because we staunchly believe in them that despite facing countless hurdles and hardships, Hurriyat stands firm in its approach of dealing with the conflict- severely affecting the people of J&K for decades, which is of dialogue among stakeholders. Peace, stability and security of the region will naturally follow. Belligerence and violence will only keep the pot boiling,” it added.
APHC said that While the spate of arrests and raids continue and thousands of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and youth languish in jails for years many without trial, APHC chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is also subject to an on off house arrest, despite being released after four plus years in September 2023 after going to the court. Since May 3rd he has again been put under house arrest and is not even allowed to deliver the Friday sermons at Jama Masjid Srinagar.
APHC said it has always argued that rulers should desist from using forcible measures and tactics and release all political prisoners and youth if they want to genuinely improve the situation and make headway.
APHC said that on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of both these leaders and the martyrs of Hawal, commemorative functions would have been held, but in the current situation of coercion it is unlikely that any such event will be allowed by the authorities involving people’s participation, especially holding a rally at Eidgah on the 21st of May to pay homage to the dear leaders. APHC said that if authorities allow, at an individual level people should visit Eidgah and offer fatiha to the shaheed leaders and the martyrs and pray for their magfirat
