The Lieutenant Governor’s administration on Thursday (May 21, 2026) placed Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) chief Sajad Lone under house arrest on the death anniversaries of their fathers, who were assassinated by gunmen in 1990 and 2002 in separate attacks. Unlike in the past, no shutdown was observed in the Valley.
The authorities also imposed restrictions around the Martyrs Graveyard in Srinagar, where the two leaders are buried. “Ahead of Fatiha Khwani (special prayers) at Martyrs Graveyard Eidgah, Srinagar, Mr. Farooq was placed under house arrest late Wednesday (May 20, 2026) evening. Access to the graveyard was restricted,” a spokesman for Mr. Farooq said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Farooq, in a statement, said, “21st of May 1990 is a painful reminder of one of the darkest days in the history of Kashmir”.
“The mayhem that followed saw 70 mourners killed and hundreds injured, which remains etched in the collective memory of people. Years later on the same day (in 2002) another sane voice was silenced when Khawaja Abdul Ghani Lone was snatched from us,” Mr. Farooq said.
He termed the “restriction and intimidation” on the occasion as “unfortunate and condemnable”.
“Repressive tactics will not change reality nor erase the contribution of these beloved leaders and their place in people’s hearts,” said Mr. Farooq, who also released a video documentary on the slain leader online on the occasion.
Meanwhile, no shutdown was observed and no rallies were held. Official sources said the authorities barred locals from organising any shutdown or holding rallies on the occasion.
JKPC chief Lone, who is also a legislator from Handwara, said he and his colleagues intended to visit the Martyrs Graveyard to offer ‘fateha’ for his father, who was assassinated 22 years ago.
“But the police came early this morning and informed me that I have been placed under house arrest. We had a similar gathering at the Handwara office. This office has also been put out of bounds by the police,” Mr. Lone said.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti paid tributes to the slain leaders.
“Remembering with immense respect the Late Molvi Mohammed Farooq and Abdul Ghani Lone saheb on their martyrdom anniversary. Their supreme sacrifice reminds us of their commitment and contribution to the cause of Jammu and Kashmir. As we pay our tribute to them, we renew our pledge to restoration of our constitutional rights, lasting peace with dignity and creation of a welfare state free of fear and intimidation,” Ms. Mufti said.
Published - May 21, 2026 09:04 am IST
