ibn sultan
SRINAGAR: In his first public address following the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (AAC), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called for the immediate revocation of the government’s decision, terming it “harsh and uncalled for.” Addressing the Friday congregation at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid, the Mirwaiz highlighted the organisation’s long-standing commitment to peace, dialogue, and social reform.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed his dismay at the government’s decision to declare the AAC an “illegal association,” saying that the allegations against it were not only “strange but also ironic.” He underscored that the AAC, despite facing immense adversity, has always championed patience and nonviolence. “Those who suffered personal tragedies yet practised patience and advocated peace even in the most trying of times are accused of disrupting law and order. These allegations are unfounded in the face of facts and the party’s glorious history,” he said.
Tracing the organisation’s roots, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq spoke about the legacy of Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah, who played a pivotal role in shaping the political consciousness of Kashmiris under autocratic rule. He further highlighted the contributions of his father, Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq, who founded the AAC in 1964 after the Moi-e-Muqaddas agitation. “Shaheed-e-Millat was a visionary and bold leader whose heart beat for the people, their concerns, and their well-being. Throughout his life, he strived for people’s empowerment through religious, social, and educational reforms, especially stressing women’s education, their rights, and upliftment,” he said.
Referring to his father’s unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq recalled how in 1983, as AAC president, he initiated reconciliation with long-time political rivals to unite the people. He also reminded the audience of his father’s opposition to violence in Kashmir and his appeals to the then-government in New Delhi to engage with youth who had taken up arms. “He had the moral courage of conviction to go against the tide and openly condemn the abduction of a young woman on national media, calling for her immediate release as Islam and humanity forbid such cowardly acts. I want to ask those who have banned the AAC—is an organisation founded by a man of such principles a threat to law and order?”
Reflecting on his own journey as the head of the AAC after his father’s assassination, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq recalled his calls for peace and restraint during a time when emotions ran high. “Do they not remember that this young boy of 16, struck with tragedy and unimaginable grief, stood atop the truck carrying his father’s body, pleading with the people for peace and unity? If my family, AAC leaders, and activists had not shown tremendous patience, a civil bloodbath could have ensued. So how can AAC be a threat to peace when even in such times it has shown exemplary restraint?” he asked.
He further stressed the AAC’s consistent advocacy for dialogue and resolution, stating that talking in good faith has always been the party’s stance. “When Vajpayee ji, Advani ji, or Manmohan Singh ji engaged in dialogue with us, it was in good faith. Despite the tragic loss of Abdul Gani Lone during the talks and then my uncle, Molvi Mushtaq, as well as the burning down of Islamia High School and grenade attacks at my house, we remained committed to peaceful engagement. It is a different thing that the present ruling dispensation in New Delhi has a different take on the issue. But that does not make AAC an ‘unlawful association’.”
Highlighting the AAC’s social and humanitarian efforts, he noted that its volunteers have always played an active role in providing aid during natural disasters and emergencies. He pointed to their work during the 2014 floods, where hundreds of volunteers helped rescue thousands of people and later took part in reconstruction efforts. “Medical and blood donation camps are also organised by them, along with various other welfare initiatives.”
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remarked that the decision to ban the AAC has deeply shocked the people due to the party’s strong religious, social, and voluntary associations. “Due to its affiliation with the Mirwaiz and its community service with no ambition for power, people have immense respect and reverence for it. The ban is unjustified and should be revoked immediately.”
Expressing gratitude to those who have condemned the ban, he thanked various political parties, organisations, and members of the Kashmiri Pandit and Sikh communities for their support. He also conveyed appreciation to AAC members for their unwavering commitment to the party’s principles, urging them to remain steadfast in their dedication to people’s rights and welfare. “It surely is a tough time for all of us, but by the mercy of Allah, this too shall pass,” he concluded.(Agencies)
