Srinagar : Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today strongly condemned his continued undeclared and illegal house arrest preventing him from going to Jama Masjid for the third consecutive Friday to deliver the sermon and offer prayers . Mirwaiz said that it’s strange that while the head of the government claims that he is a “free man “all over media , he is detained ! No reason is given for this infringement to his fundamental right to freedom and liberty. Instead, it is enforced in private and denied in public . No visitors, especially the media is allowed to meet him .

Mirwaiz said that while claims of normalcy and peace in JK 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 the 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 .

Mirwaiz stated that he will be filing a rejoinder before the Honorable High Court concerning his ongoing lawsuit seeking permanent release from house arrest.

Mirwaiz also condoled the death of Mr Mohammad Shafi Pandith 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 . Mirwaiz regretted that he could not attend the funeral prayers of the deceased or condole the family personally due to his house arrest.

CNI