Devotees at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar observed a one-minute silence on Friday to honor the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which tragically claimed over 26 lives. The solemn moment was led by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and Chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, Umar Farooq, who condemned the brutal assault as an inhuman act that has deeply shaken the fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a congregation gathering, Mirwaiz expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as a heartbreaking event that has left families shattered. “This incident broke our hearts. The way people were brutally killed after identification and interrogation, in front of their families—it is beyond belief, and horrifying,” he said, emphasizing the shared grief experienced by the people of the Valley.
Mirwaiz called for unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, asserting that everyone is mourning the loss of innocent lives. “Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones. We pray to Almighty Allah to give them patience and to grant speedy recovery to the injured,” he added.
In addition to condemning the attack, Mirwaiz raised alarm over reports of Kashmiri students facing backlash and targeted violence in other parts of India following the Pahalgam tragedy. He deemed these incidents “deeply disturbing” and urged J-K govt to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all Kashmiris outside their home region. “The administration must ensure the safety and security of all Kashmiris outside the Valley and stop such communal targeting”.
