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 the Jama Masjid in Srinagar. 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.

This harassment extends beyond any individual; it undermines the collective values and beliefs of the Kashmiri people.

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 abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

The rights to mobility, free expression, and religious practice have been systematically eroded in Kashmir.

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 a 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. The 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.

The valley has been so quiet, just like in recent years, during this year’s Eid al-Adha. The appearance of weapons at the religious sites, strict limitations on the gathering of people, and the absence of the main religious leaders at the major events are becoming a usual thing these days. In comparison with other Muslims who celebrate and worship, individuals who reside in Kashmir are likely to spend the Eid day with painful sentiments and relative opposition.

The denial of mosque access to religious leaders serves as a broader signal of state hostility toward indigenous leadership.

The frequent religious and civil rights abuses in Kashmir need to be very well observed by the world. Freedom of religion is a prerogative of people worldwide, as it is listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as numerous international agreements. Preventing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from offering Eid prayers is against the law in the Constitution of India and contravenes global human rights.

The move to restrict the religious groups in the name of law and order in Kashmir is not only annoying, but it is also worth the attention of the people who believe in justice and democracy. The consideration of ambitions and honour of Kashmiris demands urgent participation and strategizing by the political leadership. It makes the population lonelier, and it becomes harder to resolve the conflict.

Since the society in Kashmir continues to experience political issues and constraints, the sentiments of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq cannot be overlooked. The leader of Norway is not only appealing basic human rights, freedom of religion in particular, as a political position, but as an ethical, humane one. People are not equal when they are denied the right to pray by a religious leader, and this can only cause more suffering to a community that has struggled too long to achieve justice.

Blocking religious figures from leading prayers on Eid is a direct violation of both domestic constitutional protections and international human rights standards.

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.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.