Wednesday 13th May, 2026
Srinagar, Mar 11: (UNI) Citing security concerns and resultant situation that could arise in Kashmir, moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq said he will not appear before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi on Monday though agreed to be questioned in Srinagar by the investigation agency.
Mirwaiz who was summoned by NIA to appear before its headquarters in New Delhi at 1030 hrs today has asked the NIA to conduct his examination in Srinagar.
In reply to NIA summons, Mirwaiz through his lawyer Advocate Aijaz Ahmad Dhar alleged that attempts were being made to link the moderate HC chairman in false and fabricated cases of terror funding through manipulation.
Advocate Dhar alleged that the notice in question appears to have been issued on the basis of fallacious assumptions and misinformation solely aimed at maligning The Mirwaiz-i-Kashmir, knowing his status and position, it appears to be outcome of considerations other than the law. My client is not acquainted with the subject matter of FIR/NIA Crime No. RC- 10/2017/NIA/DLI, referred to in the notice.
Dhar further said that “ I have been further informed that my client has cooperated with the Investigating Agencies. Recently, when his house was raided on 26/02/2019, no obstruction of any kind was caused. Many documents, personal belongings, Laptop, Cell-Phone etc. were taken away but no receipt was given. Earlier also, on several occasions close relatives of my client were called by the Investigating Agency and as a matter of fact, they too cooperated.
That in order to apprise you about the activities of my client, may it be, Religious, Spiritual, Socio and Politico, he said and said “My client is the Mirwaiz of Kashmir.
Embedded in the cultural ethos of Kashmir , the 300 year old institution of Mirwaiz has nurtured the spiritual and religious identity of Kashmir, fostering its tradition of harmony and good will within and amongst communities.
They have been pioneers in spreading education in Kashmir and always stood for human, social and political rights of the people of Kashmir.
In keeping with this tradition Mirwaiz who is the l3th Mirwaiz of Kashmir, is committed to the abiding tradition of upholding truth and justice to represent the aspirations of the people of I&K. The Mirwaiz is highly revered and a large section of people have a deep Emotional connect with him.
Mirwaiz’s stand is clear. He has always stated that the ‘Kashmir issue is a Political and human issue which needs a political resolution either through the implementation of UN resolution or through dialogue amongst the three stake holders India, Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
Dhar on behalf of his client Mirwaiz said that there are few serious concerns “ the security of my client in case your agency insists that he travel is Delhi, resultant situation which may merge in the valley and possible disturbance of fragile situation for its obvious reason that the religious sentiments of the people of the state will be Aggrieved’.
He further said that if NIA wants to examine my client Mirwaiz they can do so in Srinagar. Mirwaiz is willing to cooperate as he has nothing to hide.
Dhar said that in totality of the circumstances, it will be reasonable and prudent if contemplated examination is conducted t Srinagar. Needless to state that my client has been following centuries old traditions and legacy of his ancestor for the last several decades s such all his activities and initiatives have been transparent and known to people which are already in public opinion.
He has always stated that amicable relationship between India and Pakistan are imperative for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue and for peace and prosperity in the entire region of south Asia.
It is on record that in 2004 and 2005 Mirwaiz and his colleagues from the Hurriyat Conference engaged in a dialogue initiated by the then PM of India Ata1 Behari Vajpayee and continued by his successor Manmohan Singh. The Government Of India facilitated the travel of Mirwaiz and his colleagues to Pakistan to pave the path for a peaceful resolution of the issue.
The state government recently withdrew security cover to Mirwaiz, following directions by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to review security and other facilities of all separatist leaders, after the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) fidayeen attack on CRPF convoy at Awantipora on Srinagar-Jammu national highway that left 44 jawans dead.
The sleuths of NIA also conducted searches at the residence of JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik at Maisuma near here on February 26.
The NIA and Enforcement Directorate have already arrested about two dozen separatists and businessmen and lodged them in Delhi’s Tihar jail, for their involvement in alleged terror funding.
They included Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chief Shabir Ahmad Shah and Spokespersons of both the factions of the HC- Aiyaz Akbar, Advocate Shahidul Islam and Naeem Khan.
The list further included sons of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)-based Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) Syed Salahuuddin, apart from son and son-in-law of Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
The security forces, during raids after Pulwama attack, had arrested about 200 leaders of HC, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and Jamait-ul-Ahalhadees (JuA) from different parts of the valley.