Srinagar: The authorities on Thursday lifted restrictions on the movement of Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who was placed under house arrest in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370 provisions.
“The police has informed the Mirwaiz that there were no restrictions on his movement anymore and that he was free to visit Jamia Masjid on Friday,” a close aide of the Hurriyat chairman said.
However, the administration neither confirmed nor denied the claim made by the Mirwaiz”s aide.
The Mirwaiz, who is also the chief priest of Kashmir, was among hundreds of political leaders — both separatist and mainstream — who were taken into custody or placed under house arrest as the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir”s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution 19 months ago.
While most leaders were released by March last year, some including the Mirwaiz continued to be under detention.
Sources said that Mirwaiz will address Friday congregational gathering at historic Jamia Masjid tomorrow after 82 weeks.
Mirwaiz’s release assumes significance given the fact that India and Pakistan recently agreed to honour the ceasefire pact as guns have fallen silent on the LoC across J&K with border residents welcoming the move.
“There is every likelihood that the fresh CBMs may include release of more political leaders who are serving detention but not those facing serious offences/charges,” a source said.
