In a religious address during the Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, Kashmir’s head priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called on US President Donald Trump to refrain from military action against Iran and to promote peaceful dialogue between Iran and Israel amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, Mirwaiz highlighted the tragic loss of lives, with 92 individuals, including children, killed in recent Israeli attacks. He painted a grim picture of desperate Palestinians struggling for food amid ongoing violence, stating, “Each day, starving Palestinians gather to receive food in aid, and even there, they are bombed and killed. What can be more horrifying and inhuman?”
Addressing the potential for further escalation, Mirwaiz urged President Trump to reconsider any plans for military strikes against Iran, emphasizing that such actions would only exacerbate the situation and lead to more death and destruction. “We appeal to President Trump not to strike Iran and further escalate the situation, pushing the region onto the path of death, destruction, and revenge,” he said.
Mirwaiz spoke about the shared cultural and religious ties between the people of Kashmir and those in the Middle East, noting that the ongoing conflict is particularly painful for Kashmiris. He stressed the need for nations to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to military might, which only complicates matters and leads to humanitarian crises.
“Concerns on all sides can easily be addressed through peaceful engagement,” he said, warning that failure to do so could lead to catastrophic consequences, including the potential for global conflict. “We are witnessing a situation that some analysts believe could lead to World War III and the annihilation of the world,” he cautioned.
In addition to his call for peace in the Middle East, Mirwaiz raised concerns about the health of incarcerated separatist leader Shabir Shah, who is currently imprisoned in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. He criticized the lack of medical care provided to Shah, who reportedly requires urgent surgery, and condemned the denial of communication between Shah and his family for the past two years.
“The prolonged imprisonment, devoid of due legal process, has made their incarceration a punishment in itself,” Mirwaiz said. He urged the Indian government and relevant authorities to ensure that political prisoners receive necessary medical care and that their families are allowed access during critical times.
Also Read: Karnataka: Tiger Kills Woman Near Omkar Range In Bandipur Reserve, Combing Operation Launched
