After a two-week absence, prominent religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq resumed delivering the Friday sermon at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid. His return follows a period of restrictions imposed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, preventing him from fulfilling his religious duties.

In a powerful address, Mirwaiz Farooq called upon the authorities to respect the religious rights of the people. He strongly criticized the repeated restrictions placed upon his access to the mosque, characterizing them as undue interference in religious practices. He emphasized that these actions, while impacting his ability to lead prayers, would not alter the underlying realities of the situation.

Beyond local concerns, the sermon also touched upon the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Mirwaiz Farooq expressed his deep solidarity with the people of Gaza, highlighting their suffering due to starvation and the broader conflict. His words served as a reminder of the global implications of regional conflicts and the importance of humanitarian aid.