Kashmiri religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, has been permitted to travel to Delhi for personal reasons. This comes after months of restricted movement for the cleric, who was released from house arrest in September 2023.
The management body of the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar confirmed the visit in a statement on Tuesday. They clarified that Farooq had informed authorities of the personal nature of his trip, leading to their approval.
However, the statement also highlighted Farooq’s continued limitations. Despite the lifting of house arrest, he has faced repeated detentions at his residence, particularly on Fridays. Additionally, he has been barred from visiting the Jamia Masjid, where he traditionally delivers Friday sermons, since last October.
The statement concluded by assuring that Farooq’s stay in Delhi will be temporary, and he is expected to return to Kashmir within a couple of weeks.
