Srinagar, July 6: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, on Monday said Kashmir’s history cannot be viewed selectively, asserting that the Valley’s 5,000-year-old civilisational legacy predates contemporary political narratives and encompasses Buddhist, Shaivite, Hindu and Islamic traditions.
Addressing reporters after inaugurating an educational consultancy initiative at Lal Chowk here, the Mirwaiz touched upon the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra, the recent ban on books and the need for renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan as well as between New Delhi and Srinagar.
Referring to the annual Amarnath Yatra, the Mirwaiz said the pilgrimage is a religious affair and that the people of Kashmir have always respected the religious sentiments of all communities. He said Kashmir has a centuries-old tradition of hospitality and that pilgrims visiting the Valley should be welcomed with dignity and care.
He, however, said it is equally the responsibility of the administration to ensure adequate facilities and security for the pilgrims while making certain that the daily lives of local residents are not unnecessarily disrupted and that Kashmir’s fragile environment is protected.
The Mirwaiz said religious occasions should not be politicized and must remain symbols of faith, peace, mutual respect and communal harmony. He expressed hope that the pilgrimage concludes peacefully and safely.
Responding to a question on the government’s decision to ban certain books, the Mirwaiz said bans on books, ideas or organisations do not succeed in democratic societies. He said Kashmir possesses a rich and layered history spanning nearly 5,000 years.
“Kashmir’s history did not begin in 2019,” he said, adding that Kashmiris take pride in their civilisational heritage, beginning with the Buddhist era, followed by Shaivism and Hindu traditions, and later the Islamic period, which shaped the Valley’s spiritual, social and cultural identity. He added that the political developments after 1947 also form an integral part of the region’s modern history.
“You cannot erase history or selectively project only that part of history which suits a particular narrative,” he said, asserting that societies progress through openness, dialogue and engagement rather than by suppressing books or silencing differing perspectives.
Speaking on India-Pakistan relations, the Mirwaiz said he has remained committed to peace and dialogue since assuming his public role following the assassination of his father, Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq.
He said he continued to advocate dialogue despite facing criticism and violence. Recalling the turbulent years, he said his uncle, Mirwaiz Molvi Mushtaq, was killed, Islamia School was set ablaze and his residence was attacked, yet he never abandoned his belief that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving issues.
The Mirwaiz said the changing global order has once again demonstrated that war cannot provide lasting solutions. He welcomed initiatives by civil society groups in India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir advocating peace and engagement.
He called for the revival of the dialogue process initiated during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan Singh, saying meaningful engagement between Delhi and Islamabad, as well as between Delhi and Srinagar, is essential for lasting peace, dignity and a just resolution of issues. [KNT]
