Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's Plea for Peace Amid Middle East Tensions
Call for Peace in the Middle East
During the Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, urged US President Donald Trump to avoid military intervention in Iran and instead foster peaceful discussions between Iran and Israel as tensions rise in the Middle East.
Mirwaiz expressed grave concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of 92 individuals, including children. He described the dire situation faced by Palestinians, who are struggling to find food amidst the violence, stating, “Every day, starving Palestinians gather for food aid, only to face bombings and death. What could be more horrifying and inhumane?”
Highlighting the risk of further escalation, Mirwaiz implored President Trump to reconsider any military actions against Iran, asserting that such measures would only worsen the situation and lead to increased casualties. He stated, “We urge President Trump not to attack Iran and escalate the conflict, which would only lead the region towards death and destruction.”
Mirwaiz emphasized the cultural and religious connections between Kashmiris and those in the Middle East, noting that the ongoing conflict is particularly distressing for the people of Kashmir. He advocated for dialogue over military solutions, which complicate issues and result in humanitarian crises.
“Concerns from all parties can be resolved through peaceful dialogue,” he remarked, warning that neglecting this approach could have disastrous outcomes, including the risk of a global conflict. “We are witnessing a scenario that some experts fear could escalate into World War III and threaten global annihilation,” he cautioned.
In addition to advocating for peace in the Middle East, Mirwaiz raised alarms about the health of separatist leader Shabir Shah, who is currently imprisoned in Tihar Jail, Delhi. He criticized the inadequate medical attention provided to Shah, who is in urgent need of surgery, and condemned the two-year communication ban between Shah and his family.
“The extended imprisonment without due legal process has turned their confinement into a punishment,” Mirwaiz stated. He called on the Indian government and relevant authorities to ensure that political prisoners receive necessary medical treatment and that their families are permitted access during critical times.