Mehbooba Mufti Appeals to Religious Leaders in Kashmir to Pray for Pahalgam Attack Victims, Welcomes Mirwaiz’s Return to Jamia Masjid
SRINAGAR, April 25: In the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of innocent civilians, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday made a heartfelt appeal to the religious leadership of Kashmir, urging them to remember the victims in their Friday sermons and prayers. Calling for a collective act of spiritual solidarity, she emphasized that the entire community must come together in this moment of grief to pray for the departed souls, to extend strength to the bereaved families, and to seek peace for the region.
In an emotional post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir wrote, “On this sacred day of Friday prayers, I earnestly appeal to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, as well as to all Imams and religious leaders across the valley, to offer special prayers for those who lost their lives in the brutal Pahalgam attack. Let us unite in faith and compassion.”
Mehbooba also welcomed the administration’s decision to allow Hurriyat Conference chairman and the Valley’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, to lead congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar after a four-week hiatus. “Allowing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq sahib to lead the prayers at Jamia Masjid is a much-needed and welcome step during this time of profound sorrow. As we grieve the loss of innocent lives, we seek solace in shared prayers and spiritual unity,” she said.
She further urged that this moment of collective mourning be transformed into an opportunity to reinforce unity, empathy, and the resolve for peace. “Let us all raise our hands, regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs, and come together as one community to pray for healing, justice, and an end to senseless violence,” she added.
Meanwhile, the office of the Mirwaiz confirmed that the authorities had informed him of the decision to lift the restrictions that had previously barred him from offering Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid. “After four consecutive Fridays of restrictions, the authorities have conveyed that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will be allowed to go to Jamia Masjid to offer Friday prayers,” read a statement posted from his official account.
