The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and the People’s Conference recently paid homage to Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone, two prominent separatist leaders who were assassinated in the early 2000s. The commemorative events held in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted the enduring legacy of these leaders in the Kashmiri separatist movement and the ongoing struggle for self-determination in the region.
Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir’s Jama Masjid, was assassinated on May 21, 1990. His death marked a significant blow to the separatist cause, as he was a moderate voice advocating for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict. His assassination was followed by widespread unrest and protests, further intensifying the conflict in the region.
Abdul Gani Lone, another key figure in the separatist movement, was assassinated on May 21, 2002, exactly twelve years after Mirwaiz Farooq. Lone was a leader of the People’s Conference and a vocal advocate for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. His assassination, which occurred during a memorial rally for Mirwaiz Farooq, underscored the volatile nature of Kashmiri politics and the high stakes involved in the separatist struggle.
At the recent commemoration events, leaders from the APHC and the People’s Conference, along with other political and social groups, gathered to honor the memory of Mirwaiz Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone. The events included prayer meetings, speeches, and tributes, reflecting on the contributions of the two leaders and the impact of their assassinations on the separatist movement.
In his speech, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the son of Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq and the current chairman of the APHC, emphasized the need for unity and perseverance in the face of ongoing challenges. “The sacrifices of our leaders and people will not go in vain. We must continue our struggle for justice and self-determination through peaceful and democratic means,” he said.
Sajad Gani Lone, the son of Abdul Gani Lone and the current chairman of the People’s Conference, also paid tribute to his father. He called for renewed efforts to achieve the goals for which his father and Mirwaiz Farooq had laid down their lives. “We must honor their legacy by striving for a peaceful and just resolution to the Kashmir issue,” Sajad Lone stated.
The commemoration events also served as a reminder of the ongoing conflict and the human cost it continues to exact on the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The region has seen decades of violence, political instability, and social upheaval, with numerous lives lost and countless families affected. The assassinations of Mirwaiz Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone are emblematic of the sacrifices made by many in the pursuit of their political beliefs and aspirations.
While the APHC and the People’s Conference continue to push for self-determination and a resolution to the Kashmir conflict, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The Indian government maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has taken measures to assert its control over the region, including the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which granted special autonomy to the state.
Despite these challenges, the leaders at the commemoration events called for continued dialogue and peaceful resistance. They stressed the importance of keeping the memory of Mirwaiz Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone alive as symbols of the Kashmiri struggle and as inspirations for future generations.
In addition, the homage paid to Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone by the APHC and the People’s Conference underscores the enduring impact of their leadership and sacrifices. As Kashmir continues to grapple with its complex political landscape, the legacy of these assassinated leaders serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s ongoing quest for justice, peace, and self-determination.