Srinagar, Sep 20 (KNO): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today condemned his continued "undeclared" and "illegal" house arrest, preventing him from going to Jama Masjid for the third consecutive Friday to deliver sermon and offer prayers.
Mirwaiz, in a statement, issued to news agency-Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that it's strange that while the head of the government claims he is a "free man" all over media, he is detained. "No reason is given for this infringement to my fundamental right to freedom and liberty. Instead, it is enforced in private and denied in public. No visitors, especially media is allowed to meet me," reads the statement.
It added said that while claims of normalcy and peace in J&K are broadcast day in and out, one wonders why he is detained at home and not allowed to move, and then the fact vehemently denied.
Mirwaiz said that repeated detentions are badly affecting his obligations as Mirwaiz and his socio-educational initiatives. "Being a public person it also prevents him from engaging with people socially and participating in their lives in grief and happiness."
He stated that he will be filing a rejoinder before High Court concerning his ongoing lawsuit seeking permanent release from house arrest.
Mirwaiz also condoled death of Mohammad Shafi Pandit and expressed deep sorrow at his passing away.
Mirwaiz said that late Shafi sahab was a dynamic bureaucrat, for whom the welfare of the people of J&K was the motivating force throughout his career.
"Even after his retirement he continued to serve the society through philanthropic and social initiatives. Such people are an asset to the society and he will always be remembered for that."
Mirwaiz prayed for the highest place in Jannah for him and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family. He regretted that he could not attend the funeral prayers of the deceased or visit the family personally due to his house arrest—(KNO)