Srinagar December 27 (KNS) While defending Mirwaiz Umar Farooq senior political leader Bilal Gani Lone on saturday cautioned against what he termed as shallow, dishonest and dangerous attempts to reduce the Mirwaiz’s stature to social media optics.
According to a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Lone said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s stature cannot be measured by a Twitter bio and that diminishing his role through social media commentary reflects a profound misunderstanding of his position and responsibilities. He said that beyond the murky world of politics, Mirwaiz saheb is the custodian of an institution that represents faith, culture and collective identity. He added that as a political leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s consistent position has always been peace, unity and reconciliation, never the pursuit of power.
Recalling his long association with the Mirwaiz, Lone said he has known and worked with him for over two decades and can personally vouch for his sincerity, sense of purpose and unwavering commitment to the self respect and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has paid an enormous personal price from a very young age, losing both his father and later his uncle to the conflict, while shouldering responsibilities that many of his critics would lack the courage to accept, he said.
Lone said it is deeply ironic and hurtful that sections of the political class, social media trolling machinery and what he termed white collar criminals are indulging in abuse, conspiracy theories and character assassination, without acknowledging the dangerous consequences such campaigns have produced in the past. He said everyone falters and makes mistakes, but that does not define a person as a bad human being. He said what truly matters is the ability to course correct, adapt and find more practical ways to create meaningful impact as times and circumstances evolve, adding that this is what responsible leadership demands.
He also said rigidity does not resolve conflicts but instead deepens them, and that addressing complex political challenges requires foresight, vision and a willingness to accept ground realities so that society can move forward without inflicting further harm.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said politics is not static and demands evolution, particularly in asymmetrical conflicts where lives are at stake. He added that the principles of human dignity, respect and preservation of life are non negotiable.
Questioning the motives of those attacking Mirwaiz Umar Farooq over a bio change, Lone asked them to clarify whether they genuinely stand for peace or are comfortable with the continuation of conflict and the loss of more lives. He said it is easy to pontificate from the comfort of one’s home, but far harder to stand where Mirwaiz saheb stands and confront the brutal realities that come with that position.
Lone said the All Parties Hurriyat Conference is an idea, not a gospel truth frozen in time, and that ideas must evolve with changing political realities if lives are to be saved and people’s honour preserved. He warned that many of those attacking the Mirwaiz fail to grasp the damage they are causing, not only to society, but also to the very idea of a well meaning Kashmiri that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq represents.
While affirming that asking questions is legitimate in a democracy, Lone cautioned that reckless vilification is creating a dangerous situation for the Mirwaiz, compromising not only his dignity but also his security. He said such conduct is irresponsible and should invite accountability under the law.
Reiterating his personal bond, Lone said he regards Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as a younger brother, irrespective of political differences, and that disagreements have never diminished his responsibility to stand by him as a friend and as a matter of principle. He said these values were instilled in him by his father, who sacrificed his life in pursuit of peace and reconciliation.
Lone said he continues to carry that mission forward through democratic means, seeking relief and dignity for people who have been wronged, humiliated and abused. He urged Mirwaiz’s critics to look inward before pointing fingers at others. He said honest introspection may offer a much needed reality check on the fraud, deceit and sheer nastiness that many themselves promote and practise in Kashmir, ironically in the name of politics and so called change.(KNS)