The Union Territory administration on Friday lifted the restrictions imposed on the free movement of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, ending the four year long period of house arrest.
Mirwaiz, was originally placed under house arrest at his Nigeen residence on August 4, 2019 ahead of the Abrogation of Article 370.
Leaders belonging to the several political parties in Kashmir welcomed the release of Kashmir's head priest hoping he would be allowed to walk free and discharge his religious duties in the coming days.
Hours after his house arrest ended, Mirwaiz stepped out of his house, in his traditional attire, to lead the congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
On his arrival Mirwaiz was accorded a warm welcome by the worshippers. Before climbing the pulpit Mirwaiz broke down as he was attending the prayers after a long gap of 212 Fridays.
Mirwaiz also recited a 'Naat Shareef', poetry that is recited in honor of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Addressing the gathering Mirwaiz said he was released following a court order and described the past four years of his house detention as the worst period of his life after his father’s death.
He said “that despite advocating for peace, it is unfortunate that he was branded as anti-national, anti-peace and separatist as well”.
“I was allowed to deliver a sermon on the pulpit of Jamia Masjid after 212 consecutive Fridays. People are aware that after August, 04, 2019, I was kept under house detention and I was not being allowed to move out of my home, due to which I couldn’t perform my duties as Mirwaiz” he said.