Prominent Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been released from his four-year house arrest in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

This significant development comes in the aftermath of his detention in 2019, coinciding with India’s revocation of Kashmir’s special status, which led to a period of political unrest in the region.

Following his release, Mirwaiz was granted permission to lead Friday prayers in Srinagar, the principal city of the disputed territory.

At the age of 50, Mirwaiz displayed visible emotions as he addressed the congregation from the pulpit of a historic mosque in Srinagar. His return to public life was met with tears of joy from numerous supporters who had long awaited his release.

During his extended period of house arrest, Mirwaiz played a central role in organizing protests against Indian governance in the contested region. His detention coincided with India’s decision to strip Kashmir of its statehood, separate constitution, and established land and employment protections.

The news of Mirwaiz’s release was conveyed to him by senior police officials who visited his residence and informed him of the authorities’ decision to end his house detention, allowing him to attend Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid, a significant mosque in Srinagar.

While Mirwaiz’s release is seen as a positive step, several Kashmiri separatist leaders, some of whom remain under house arrest or in police custody, continue to advocate for their cause. Their demands include the recognition of Kashmir as a disputed region by New Delhi, the release of political detainees, the repeal of stringent emergency laws, and a plan for the demilitarization of Kashmir.

The disputed Kashmir region, predominantly Muslim, is currently under Indian administration, with a small portion also under Chinese control. Since their partition in 1947, India and Pakistan have engaged in three wars over the territory. Various Kashmiri groups persist in opposing Indian rule, either seeking independence or reunification with Pakistan.

While Mirwaiz’s release offers a glimmer of hope for Kashmir’s future, it’s worth noting that his prolonged house arrest ranks second only to the late Syed Ali Geelani, an 89-year-old Hurriyat leader who passed away while under house detention in September 2021.

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