A Reflection on Religious Suppression in Kashmir

Once again on the day of Eid-ul-Adha, the spiritual leader and chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was stopped from offering prayers at Jama Masjid in Srinagar. A Reflection on Religious Suppression in Kashmir Not only does this act reduce the freedom to practice religion, but it also shows that the Indian government’s policy in Kashmir involves larger and ongoing political repression.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a respected person in Jammu and Kashmir, condemned the arrest and issued strong criticism because it happened on a big religious festival. Mirwaiz has not been able to join the community prayer at Jama Masjid for the seventh year running, which has been a centre of religious and political life in Kashmir for many years. The way Bush described it, this restriction showed a clear breach of fundamental human rights, mainly the right to freedom of religion.
The Mirwaiz stated on the media that he finds it both painful and embarrassing to be put under house arrest many times on religious festivals like Eid. It makes it clear how much oppression people in Kashmir are facing. This harassment involves much more than me personally; it also harms the values and beliefs of the people. He further pointed out that the lack of permission to attend mosques on holy days is another example of how India rules in an undemocratic and authoritarian manner in Kashmir.
It is well known that the Indian government has eased these freedoms in Kashmir for a long time, but targeting the prominent Mirwaiz continues to highlight their methods for suppressing the voices of people in Kashmir. Because of his spiritual and political standing among the people, Mirwaiz has urged both sides to find a peaceful way out of the Kashmir conflict by sitting down and talking. Still, even though he always highlights non-violence, he has continued to face many restrictions, regular monitoring, and restrictions on going out, especially after the address of Article 370 in August 2019.
These actions are just more examples of the oppression that the people in occupied Kashmir have experienced for years. The situation itself is bad enough, but the region has also seen stronger military presence, restrictions on the internet, random arrests, and people’s basic freedoms being limited. Journalists, activists, students, and many others have told stories of being harassed and threatened only because they share their opinions or take part in religious or cultural activities. A situation where an important religious figure is prohibited from praying with followers is clear proof that those in charge aim to control the cultural and religious aspects of society in the region.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is widely known for urging peace and speaking against every act of violence because of his moderate approach to religion using Islamic values of compassion and justice, he is recognized around the world. Rather than talking with him, the state keeps using repression as its method. Not giving him access to the mosque for religious purposes is not only about rules, it means the government is sending a message against indigenous leaders and trying to influence how religion and politics are viewed in the area.
Through his speech, the Mirwaiz confirmed his sympathy for the people of Kashmir, who, according to him, are still dealing with a constrictive atmosphere. The basics of our human rights are no longer intact. Freedom to roam, voice our thoughts, and practice our faith is taken away from us. By pointing out the limits on Eid, he reminded everyone that these rules reflect the situation of all Kashmiri Muslims who want to uphold their dignity and honour.
Just as in recent years, the valley has been so quite during this year’s Eid-ul-Adha. These days, seeing weapons at religious places, following strict rules on gatherings, and lack of main religious figures in large events is becoming normal. Whilst other Muslims celebrate and worship, people living in Kashmir tend to experience Eid as a day full of painful feelings and moderate resistance.
It is very important for the world to see these frequent abuses of religious and civil rights in Kashmir. People everywhere have a guaranteed right to freedom of religion, as it is included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and many global treaties. Stopping Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from attending Eid prayers is a violation of illegal according to India’s constitution and violates the worldwide standards for human rights.
Restricting religious groups in Kashmir under the guise of law and order is bothersome and deserves attention from people committed to justice and democracy. Respect for the ambitions and honour of Kashmiris requires immediate involvement and planning among political leaders. It increases loneliness in the population and makes it more difficult to solve the conflict.
Because Kashmir is still affected by political problems and limitations in society, the views of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq cannot be ignored. Norway’s leader is appealing for basic human rights, especially freedom of religion, not just as a political stance, but from an ethical and humane standpoint. By denying a religious leader the right to pray, people are treated unequally and this only leads to further distress for a community that has fought for justice for too long.
All in all, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s ban from Eid prayers in Srinagar represents a much wider campaign of repression across Kashmir. It highlights that the world should once again centre its attention on the region’s human rights and quickly support freedom, justice, and the right to religion. People in Kashmir must be allowed to follow their faith and leaders like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq ought to guide their communities safely.