Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
By Tehelka Web Desk
Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Monday said Kashmir’s history cannot be erased or selectively rewritten to suit a particular narrative, asserting that the region’s past did not begin in 2019.
His remarks came days after the Lieutenant Governor administration suspended eight officials over the publication of two books that allegedly glorified separatists.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Mirwaiz said Kashmir has a rich history stretching back nearly 5,000 years. “Kashmir has a history spanning nearly 5,000 years, and we are proud of every chapter of it. It includes the Buddhist period, Shaivism, Hinduism, the Islamic period and later the developments of 1947, when India and Pakistan came into being. People have naturally written extensively about these phases. Kashmir’s history did not start after 2019. You cannot ban everything.”
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, he said history cannot be erased or selectively presented. “You cannot erase history or selectively project only that part of history which suits a particular narrative. Facts remain facts.”
Mirwaiz said societies progress through openness, dialogue and engagement rather than by suppressing books or silencing differing viewpoints. He added that every individual has a perspective that should be debated instead of being suppressed.
Questioning the banning of books, organisations and political parties, he said such actions send the wrong message. “If someone’s point of view differs from yours, engage with them and have a discussion. Is banning books, banning organisations and banning political parties the answer?”
He also noted that several books by Indian and foreign authors had been banned over the years and said efforts should focus on promoting understanding and democratic engagement.
On the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, Mirwaiz said it is a religious pilgrimage and that the people of Kashmir have always respected the religious sentiments of all communities. He said the administration should ensure adequate security and facilities for pilgrims while minimising inconvenience to residents and protecting the Valley’s fragile environment.
He also said religious occasions should not be politicised and expressed hope that the pilgrimage would conclude peacefully.
Commenting on India-Pakistan relations, Mirwaiz said he has consistently advocated dialogue since the killing of his father, Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq. “We did not back down. My uncle, shaheed Molvi Mushtaq, was killed, Islamia School was burnt down, my house was attacked, but I did not give up on my principle that dialogue is the only way forward.”
He said the changing global order has shown that wars cannot resolve disputes and welcomed efforts by civil society groups in India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir to promote peace and dialogue.
Mirwaiz also said the dialogue process initiated during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh should be revived, adding that meaningful engagement between Delhi and Islamabad, as well as between Delhi and Srinagar, is essential for peace, dignity and a just resolution.
