Kashmir Separatist Leader Released from House Arrest After Four Years

India has released prominent Kashmir separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq after he completed a four-year house arrest term. Farooq, the chairperson of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, was granted permission to give a sermon and guide Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar. He called for the freedom of political prisoners and criticized the Indian government's forceful policies towards Kashmir. India revoked Kashmir's autonomous status in 2019, leading to a clampdown in the region. The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing challenges to the suspension of Kashmir's autonomy.