Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is likely to deliver a Friday sermon this week, first since the Centre removed special provisions of Article 370 in August 2019. In a telephonic conversation with The Hindu , the Mirwaiz talks about the time spent within the confines of his home and the path ahead to find a permanent peace in Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha says you are a ‘free man’ and was never detained since August 2019. Are you a ‘free man’?
Yes, I am free enough to move inside my house, thankfully. If I was a ‘free man‘ why wasn’t I allowed to offer Friday prayers and deliver the sermons at the Jamia Masjid for the last three years? Since 4th of August 2019, I have been forcibly confined to my house. Police vehicles and forces personnel are stationed on both sides of my house near the gates. I am not allowed to move out and only close relatives and a few office staff allowed to come in, after verification by the police at the gate. It is for all to see, not something hidden. Three years of continuous house incarceration so far.
