Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Released After 4 Years, Advocates Peaceful Resolution
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hurriyat chairman, returned to Srinagar's Jamia Masjid after more than four years of detention at home. Breaking down during his sermon, he expressed his commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution of people's issues and agreed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that this is not an era of war. Mirwaiz called for the return of Kashmiri Pandits and urged a rethink on a stern approach to issues, emphasizing the need to release detained leaders and activists. Political parties in Kashmir welcomed his release and hoped for his continued freedom.