Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Urges Centre-Kashmir Dialogue After Praising J&K MPs on Operation Sindoor
By: Javid Amin | 01 Aug 2025
A Remarkable Shift in Rhetoric
In a rare political moment that caught national attention, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hurriyat Conference chairman and one of Kashmir’s most influential separatist leaders, broke away from his usual rhetoric to publicly commend three Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir. This appreciation came amid the Parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, triggered by the tragic Pahalgam attack, and is being seen as a potential inflection point in Kashmir’s troubled political discourse.
More than a simple statement of praise, Mirwaiz’s remarks represent a strategic and symbolic appeal for a fresh Centre-Kashmir dialogue. His words reflect a maturing realization: that peace, reconciliation, and regional stability cannot be built on silence or force, but through inclusive engagement and empathetic politics.
Let’s unpack this dramatic development and its implications for the region, the nation, and the lingering Kashmir issue.
Mirwaiz Praises J&K MPs in a Rare Gesture
The Parliamentarians Who Earned His Respect
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq lauded three MPs from Jammu and Kashmir for their powerful interventions in Parliament during the debate on Operation Sindoor:
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Mian Altaf Ahmad (National Conference)
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Engineer Rashid (Awami Ittehad Party)
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Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi (National Conference)
He commended them for speaking “with passion and pain” about the ground realities in Kashmir—particularly the sense of political disempowerment, social alienation, and economic exclusion faced by ordinary Kashmiris.
This recognition from a separatist leader—who has historically denounced participation in India’s parliamentary framework—was highly unusual and, to many, unexpectedly constructive.
Mirwaiz’s Message: Peace Through Dialogue, Not Dominance
In a Friday sermon at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz delivered a carefully worded appeal to the Indian government. His message was clear:
“War, violence or coercion will not resolve Kashmir’s problems. Only sincere engagement at all levels can.”
He stressed that the government in Delhi must “listen to the voices from Kashmir” if it truly intends to bridge the “dil ki doori” (emotional disconnect) between New Delhi and the people of the Valley.
Operation Sindoor: The Context Behind the Comments
The backdrop of this development was the Parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, which followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where several security personnel lost their lives.
This operation—an assertive and wide-ranging counter-terror initiative launched in South Kashmir—sparked a fierce debate on:
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The efficacy and proportionality of militarized responses
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Civil liberties and surveillance concerns
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Emotional and psychological costs for Kashmir’s civilian population
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Political silence and misrepresentation of local pain in national discourse
It was during this emotionally charged debate that the aforementioned MPs raised voices that resonated with Mirwaiz’s long-standing concerns—not just about political autonomy, but the day-to-day dignity and rights of Kashmiris.
Why Mirwaiz’s Comments Matter
01. A Rare Convergence of Mainstream and Separatist Views
For decades, Hurriyat leaders like Mirwaiz have rejected India’s parliamentary institutions, viewing them as instruments of occupation. This open acknowledgment of elected MPs and appreciation for their articulation of Kashmiri sentiment breaks new ground. It suggests that the gap between separatist and mainstream political thought may be narrowing, at least on humanitarian and civic issues.
02. Moral Credibility Among Kashmiris
As Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz commands substantial religious and moral authority. His Friday sermon platform is a powerful political pulpit, often shaping public sentiment. By appreciating elected MPs, he is indirectly endorsing political expression over violence—a message that could influence a generation raised amid insurgency and alienation.
03. An Invitation to Delhi
This praise is not just recognition—it is an invitation. An opening. A call for New Delhi to see political representation not as a threat but as a bridge. Especially as many believe the Modi government is missing a chance to engage with moderate voices like Mirwaiz, who have consistently advocated non-violence.
From Separatism to Strategic Softening?
Mirwaiz’s Carefully Calibrated Evolution
While his political ideology hasn’t shifted dramatically, Mirwaiz’s tone and tactics have clearly evolved.
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Pre-2019: He was part of the Hurriyat umbrella resisting any engagement with the Indian state.
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Post-Abrogation: After the abrogation of Article 370, he adopted a more cautious, reconciliatory posture—urging dialogue, condemning violence, and focusing on the emotional disconnect between Kashmir and Delhi.
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Now in 2025: His public praise for Parliamentarians suggests he is testing the waters for a possible new political paradigm—one in which dialogue and dignity can coexist with India’s democratic structures.
Centre’s Response: A Deafening Silence?
So far, there has been no official response from the Modi government. This silence may stem from:
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Reluctance to be seen as legitimizing a separatist voice
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The complex optics of engaging with a religious leader critical of India’s policies
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An institutional preference for dealing with elected representatives only
Yet, several political analysts argue that ignoring Mirwaiz’s olive branch would be a wasted opportunity—especially when Kashmir is again on edge following recent attacks, economic stagnation, and increasing frustration among the youth.
Kashmir’s Political Climate: Shifting Fault Lines
01. Operation Sindoor and Public Fear
The operation has intensified surveillance and security operations, particularly in South Kashmir. While officials claim it has helped dismantle terror networks, locals speak of harassment, mass checking, and psychological trauma. This reality formed the emotional heart of the MPs’ speeches Mirwaiz applauded.
02. Return of Mainstream Engagement
The high voter turnout in recent municipal and panchayat elections shows that electoral engagement is slowly reviving in Kashmir. Yet, many voters express deep cynicism about political promises, especially around unemployment, land rights, and internet freedom.
03. Fractured Political Alliances
With the PAGD (People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration) fractured, and mainstream parties like the National Conference and PDP accusing each other of betrayal, there’s a political vacuum—one that moderate voices like Mirwaiz could partially fill if given space.
Reactions from Political and Civil Society
Positive Responses
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Civil society groups in Kashmir welcomed the statement, seeing it as a “small but meaningful” step toward political normalcy.
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National Conference leaders expressed appreciation for Mirwaiz’s recognition of their role.
Cautious Skepticism
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Some Delhi-based media outlets dismissed it as “tactical rhetoric.”
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Right-wing figures warned against “mainstreaming separatist propaganda.”
Ground Sentiment
On the streets of Srinagar, Anantnag, and Baramulla, many Kashmiris described the moment as “strangely hopeful”. One university student put it plainly:
“We are tired of extremes. If Mirwaiz is changing, maybe the Centre should too.”
What This Means for the Future of Kashmir
01. Revival of Centre-Kashmir Dialogue?
The door is open—if only slightly. Engaging with religious and civil society leaders like Mirwaiz, alongside elected MPs, could broaden the dialogue spectrum and help rebuild trust.
02. A New Civic-Political Synthesis
This could be the start of a new model—where faith leaders, elected representatives, and civil society work together to amplify non-violent, rights-based approaches to conflict resolution.
03. Challenge to Extremist Narratives
Mirwaiz’s gesture undermines the extremist argument that India offers no room for dialogue. If the government responds constructively, it may blunt radical recruitment and polarizing narratives.
Bottom-Line: A Moment Worth Seizing
In a region where symbolism often matters as much as substance, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s rare praise for J&K MPs is more than just a political footnote. It’s a signal—of restraint, reconsideration, and the possibility of reimagined engagement.
It is now up to the Government of India, particularly the leadership in New Delhi, to decide whether to meet this gesture with silence, suppression, or sincere engagement.
One thing is clear: Kashmir’s future will be shaped not only by its protests but by its conversations. And this could be the beginning of one worth having.
