Srinagar: In a rare yet significant interaction between a mainstream political figure and a separatist leader in Kashmir, National Conference (NC) MLA Tanvir Sadiq visited Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at his residence to extend Eid greetings.
Sadiq, who represents Srinagar’s Zadibal constituency, later shared the news on social media platform X, writing:
“Called on Islamic scholar @MirwaizKashmir Umar Farooq Sahab to extend Eid Mubarak greetings and wished him good health.”
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also acknowledged the visit, confirming that Sadiq had stopped by to convey his Eid wishes.
While it is customary in Kashmir for leaders to visit one another during Eid, such meetings between mainstream and separatist figures remain rare. This marks the second time an NC leader has met Mirwaiz Umar Farooq since the party’s recent electoral win. Earlier in February, senior NC leader and MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi met with Mirwaiz in New Delhi, where they discussed the Centre’s Waqf Bill amendments and other important matters.
Tanvir Sadiq, who also serves as the chief spokesperson of the National Conference, has long been a close associate of party vice-president Omar Abdullah. However, the NC has downplayed any political significance of this meeting. Party spokesperson Imran Nabi described it as a simple and routine exchange of Eid greetings.
