KASHMIR NEWS
SRINAGAR: Prominent Kashmiri religious and political leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has once again been listed among the World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), based in Amman, Jordan.
The RISSC publication recognizes Dr. Farooq — the 14th Mirwaiz of Kashmir — for his enduring influence and leadership. He took on this spiritual and social responsibility in 1990 at the age of 17, following the assassination of his father, Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq.
By the age of 20, he had established and was leading the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, becoming a significant voice in the region’s political and religious discourse.
The annual report commends Dr. Farooq for his unwavering advocacy of peace and his efforts to uphold the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It also emphasizes his continuous calls for dialogue among all parties to achieve a lasting and peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue.
Even during his house detention after August 2019, which lasted for more than four years, the RISSC notes that Dr. Farooq “remained an important voice for Kashmir, combining religious leadership with active engagement in human rights and regional diplomacy.”
His repeated inclusion in the RISSC list highlights his broad influence across the spiritual, social, and political spheres, as well as his steadfast dedication to promoting peace and understanding.
The publication also named the men and women of Gaza as this year’s “Persons of the Year”, honoring their extraordinary resilience and courage in the face of ongoing hardship — a recognition that has resonated deeply around the world.
Read more:https://nayakashmir.com/kashmiri-journalists-mourn-the-passing-of-veteran-reporter-tariq-ahmad-bhat/
