How Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's meeting with JPC is a shift in Kashmir's separatist politics

In an important development, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a well-known leader in the Hurriyat Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, met the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Board in New Delhi. This gathering is seen as a crucial moment for the region, suggesting a shift in separatist leader’s approach to dealing with New Delhi.

Mirwaiz has also been known for his moderate views and has always supported peaceful means to resolve the issues regarding Kashmir. At times, he faced opposition from some of the separatist leaders for his stand, but his stand has remained consistent.

The Mirwaiz family is revered in Kashmir for being the custodian of Jama Masjid—Kashmir’s largest and most influential mosque at Nowhatta in downtown Srinagar. His family has been the vanguard for educational and social reforms in the region for long.

He inherited both his religious and political stature after the assassination of his father, Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq, in 1990. Maulvi Farooq, a revered religious leader and then-chairman of the Awami Action Committee, was tragically killed during a period of intense militancy in Kashmir.

The event marked a turning point in Umar’s life, as he was only 17 years old at the time. Despite his youth, he stepped into his father’s role as the Mirwaiz of Kashmir—a position that combines religious leadership with significant political influence—and eventually became the chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of separatist groups, which post Article 370 has been struggling to find its relevance.

As the head of the Mutahida Majlis-E-Ulema (MMU), a coalition of several religious groups in Kashmir, Kargil, and Jammu, he wields religious and political influence.

Observers opine that his meeting with the JPC marks a significant departure from the traditional stance of separatist leaders, who have shied away from wading into matters other than the issues concerning the politics and future of Kashmir.

The Mirwaiz’s decision to engage directly with a parliamentary committee represents the first time a separatist leader has participated in formal dialogue with an Indian constitutional body. This move has sparked surprise and optimism, signalling a potential shift in his political approach.

The meeting revolved around the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, of 2024, which Mirwaiz and his delegation perceive as a move to disempower Muslims further. Speaking to The Week Mirwaiz expressed concerns over the amendments.

“This appears to be politically motivated, as the government is unwilling to acknowledge or address our concerns,” he said. The MMU delegation submitted a detailed six-point memorandum to the JPC, highlighting key issues with the proposed legislation, including the lack of records for centuries-old properties and fears that such properties would automatically be declared government assets under the new bill.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has interpreted Mirwaiz’s participation as a tacit recognition of India’s democratic framework. Party leaders argue that this engagement underscores the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to stabilise the region and encourage inclusive political participation.

They view it as a turning point, reflecting the gradual transformation of Jammu and Kashmir’s political environment, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. According to the BJP, this policy shift has paved the way for greater integration and normalisation in the region.

Mirwaiz, however, voiced dissatisfaction with the JPC’s handling of the matter. He said the committee failed to visit Jammu and Kashmir despite repeated requests over the past three months. “This shows the entire process is nothing more than a public relations exercise,” he said, adding that the proposed amendments threaten to economically disempower an already politically marginalised population in Kashmir.

The meeting also marked the first instance of the Mirwaiz being allowed to travel outside Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. The development is significant not only for its political implications but also for its potential to reshape dialogues between separatist leaders and New Delhi. While challenges remain, the willingness of a prominent figure like Mirwaiz to participate in such discussions is seen as a positive step towards reconciliation and progress.

Observers opine the meeting could open doors for more constructive conversations between separatist leaders and the Indian government. Mirwaiz’s participation may indicate a shift in his political strategy, suggesting a greater willingness to engage with New Delhi and explore avenues for dialogue and cooperation to ease the situation in Kashmir. The meeting also reinforces the importance of Mirwaiz as a key player in Kashmir politics and religious landscape.