Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the Hurriyat Conference and Kashmir’s chief cleric, expressed his satisfaction at meeting a foreign dignitary without any restrictions for the first time in several years. This sentiment followed his recent meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi. The interaction marked a significant departure from the curbs he has largely experienced since August 2019.
The meeting with Araghchi took place on Saturday, two days after Mirwaiz attended an interfaith conference in New Delhi addressed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, Mirwaiz stated that this was his first such engagement with a visiting foreign leader since the significant political developments in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the Centre’s decision to allow this meeting signals a potential shift in its approach to engaging with moderate separatist voices.
During his discussion with Foreign Minister Araghchi, Mirwaiz noted that the Iranian minister conveyed a strong desire to visit Kashmir. Araghchi also spoke with warmth about the enduring historical relationship between Iran and Kashmir, a connection that spans centuries. Mirwaiz highlighted that Persian scholarship, literature, art, and spirituality have profoundly influenced Kashmiri civilization, and these cultural bonds have persisted across generations and evolving political landscapes. This historical context underscores the deep-rooted ties between the two regions, transcending contemporary political divisions.
The current development stands in contrast to past instances where such interactions faced objections. In 2015, India had raised concerns over an invitation extended by the Pakistan embassy to Hurriyat leaders for a meeting preceding talks between the national security advisors of India and Pakistan. That situation led to the brief detention of Hurriyat leaders in Srinagar and the subsequent cancellation of the NSA-level dialogue. The present allowance for Mirwaiz to meet a foreign dignitary without impediment is therefore noteworthy.
Mirwaiz, widely regarded as a moderate figure within the separatist movement, has consistently advocated for dialogue as a means to resolve issues. His engagement with the formal democratic process was also evident in January 2025, when he appeared before the Joint Parliamentary Committee to present his views on proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, opposing changes to the parent law. This marked his first formal participation in such a process in over a decade.
Since 2019, Mirwaiz has largely been under house arrest, and the Hurriyat Conference, as a unified entity, has been largely inactive, with leaders from his faction refraining from issuing statements on recent developments. Mirwaiz reiterated his long-held belief that reducing the distance between New Delhi and Kashmir is crucial for progress. He emphasized that addressing underlying issues is essential for a peaceful and dignified way forward, a stance he has maintained both before and after 2019.
In this context, Mirwaiz expressed hope that New Delhi would reconsider its policy of imposing repeated restrictions and instead create space for engagement. He shared his conviction, drawn from experiences in South Asia, that prolonged tensions and unresolved differences lead to painful consequences. Mirwaiz firmly believes that engagement and dialogue are ultimately indispensable for finding lasting solutions.
The Hurriyat leader further observed a growing global realization that while wars inflict immense suffering and destruction, they rarely offer enduring solutions. Drawing parallels with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa, Mirwaiz suggested that India could play a constructive role in fostering restraint, diplomacy, and peaceful engagement, particularly at a time of increasing international tensions. He asserted that the current need is not for further confrontation but for dialogue, diplomacy, and a sincere pursuit of peaceful resolutions.
During the meeting with Minister Araghchi, Mirwaiz was accompanied by Muntazir Mehdi, a Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman Sharie Shian, and Imran Reza Ansari, president of the All J-K Shia Association and a leader of the People’s Conference. Mirwaiz has also conveyed his views on the importance of engagement and dialogue for resolving issues through a letter addressed to President Pezeshkian.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.