Defending Mirwaiz Umar Farooq: A Stand Against Shallow Criticism
On December 27, Srinagar witnessed senior political leader Bilal Gani Lone stepping forward to defend Mirwaiz Umar Farooq against what he deemed as shallow, dishonest, and dangerous attempts to diminish the Mirwaiz’s stature to mere social media optics.
Lone emphasized that reducing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s significance to a Twitter bio is a gross misunderstanding of his role and responsibilities. Beyond the realm of politics, Mirwaiz saheb holds the custodianship of an institution symbolizing faith, culture, and collective identity. As a political figure, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has consistently advocated for peace, unity, and reconciliation, rather than power-seeking endeavors.
Having a longstanding association with the Mirwaiz spanning over two decades, Lone attested to his sincerity, sense of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the self-respect and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has endured personal losses at a young age, having lost both his father and uncle to the conflict, all while shouldering immense responsibilities that many would shy away from.
Lone expressed dismay at the abuse, conspiracy theories, and character assassination campaigns being waged against Mirwaiz Umar Farooq by certain sections of the political class, social media trolls, and white-collar criminals. He stressed the need for course correction, adaptability, and practical solutions to create meaningful impact in changing times, underscoring the essence of responsible leadership.
Furthermore, Lone highlighted the futility of rigidity in resolving conflicts, emphasizing the necessity for foresight, vision, and a realistic approach to address complex political challenges without exacerbating harm.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of questioning in a democracy, Lone cautioned against reckless vilification that poses a threat to Mirwaiz’s dignity and security. He urged for introspection among Mirwaiz’s critics, pointing out the irony of promoting fraud and deceit in the guise of politics and change.
Moving Forward Responsibly
Lone emphasized the evolutionary nature of ideas in the context of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, emphasizing the need for adapting to changing political realities to safeguard lives and honor. He warned against the inadvertent damage caused by those attacking Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, calling for accountability under the law for irresponsible conduct.
In conclusion, Lone reaffirmed his unwavering support for Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, viewing him as a younger brother despite political disparities. He underlined the values of peace and reconciliation instilled in him by his father, driving his mission for relief and dignity for the oppressed in Kashmir through democratic means.
Ultimately, Lone’s message resonates with a call for introspection, accountability, and a shift towards constructive dialogue and actions to foster a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
