Srinagar, April 25 — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq delivered an emotional address from Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid on Friday, condemning the Pahalgam attack and expressing profound grief over the tragedy.
"We have lived through such pain—who can understand it better than us?" Mirwaiz said, noting the incomprehensibility of seeing civilians brutally killed in front of their families.
Addressing a religious gathering at Jama Masjid, Mirwaiz said the entire Kashmiri society had been devastated by the killings.
A minute of silence was observed at the mosque as worshippers stood in solemn tribute to the victims.
"This tragedy has wounded the collective soul of Kashmir," he added.
Mirwaiz stressed that people across Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of faith or background, are united in grief over the incident.
He also raised concerns about the reported harassment of Kashmiri students and traders in various Indian states following the attack.
"Such communal targeting only furthers the agenda of those seeking division," Mirwaiz stated, urging authorities to ensure the safety of Kashmiris living outside the region.
In his address, Mirwaiz appealed to the administration for permission to visit the injured civilians in the hospital and meet the family of Adil Hussain, one of the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
“It is my heartfelt wish to offer condolences and support to those who have suffered such a devastating loss,” he said.
This was Mirwaiz’s first public appearance at Jama Masjid after months of restrictions.
He expressed his return as an effort to share the collective sorrow and raise his voice against the brutal killings that have shaken the entire valley.
(JKNS Inputs)