Mirwaiz Extends Rare Praise to J&K MPs for Role in Operation Sindoor Debate

In a striking departure from his usual stance, Kashmir's Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has extended rare public praise to the Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir for their "dignified and bold" contributions during the Operation Sindoor debate in the Lok Sabha. The unexpected commendation has drawn both intrigue and reflection, marking a moment of rare convergence between separatist sentiments and mainstream political representation in the Union’s most volatile region.

What Is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor, launched recently by the Indian armed forces, was aimed at flushing out militants from a cluster of high-altitude terrains in south Kashmir. The operation gained national attention due to its intensity, the number of days it lasted, and the strategic importance of the areas it targeted. More importantly, it reopened conversations around internal security, human rights, and the long-standing debate on demilitarization in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the parliamentary session, MPs across party lines—be it National Conference, PDP, BJP, or Congress—voiced their concerns, raised regional perspectives, and even challenged the Centre’s narratives in a measured and unified manner.

Mirwaiz’s Rare Applause

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the religious and political leader of Kashmir’s moderate Hurriyat faction, is known for his critiques of India’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir and his advocacy for a negotiated settlement with Pakistan. His statements often place him at odds with the Indian Parliament and its representatives from J&K, whom he accuses of compromising Kashmiri interests.

However, in a written statement released from Srinagar, Mirwaiz lauded the MPs for what he called "courageous yet civil interventions" in the Operation Sindoor debate. “For once, the voices from Kashmir in Parliament echoed the pain, the complexity, and the human cost of military operations. That honesty deserves acknowledgment,” he stated.

Why This Praise Matters

This statement is more than symbolic. For decades, the separatist Hurriyat Conference and mainstream political leaders in J&K have functioned in silos—often antagonistic, rarely cooperative. Mirwaiz's praise indicates a possible thaw, or at least a willingness to recognize democratic mechanisms as legitimate avenues for Kashmiri expression.

Political observers note that the Hurriyat leader’s endorsement of parliamentary action could suggest a strategic shift—a subtle acknowledgment that elected representatives, even under the Indian Constitution, can champion regional concerns effectively.

Political Leaders Respond

Reactions to Mirwaiz’s statement have been mixed but largely positive. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, while maintaining his distance from Hurriyat politics, called it “an encouraging sign of mutual acknowledgment.” PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti tweeted that “when truth is spoken in Parliament, even adversaries respect it.”

BJP MPs, while pleased with the acknowledgment, reminded that military operations like Sindoor are essential for national security. “We welcome all who recognize parliamentary discourse, but we also remain firm on our security doctrines,” said Jugal Kishore Sharma, BJP MP from Jammu.

Civil Society Welcomes the Tone

Kashmiri civil society leaders and analysts have responded to Mirwaiz’s tone with cautious optimism. Many view the statement as an olive branch that could reopen lines of dialogue between separatists, elected representatives, and civil society stakeholders.

“This could be an inflection point. If Hurriyat leaders start engaging with parliamentary discourse—even from a distance—it creates space for larger reconciliation,” said a political science professor from Kashmir University.

Public Reaction: A Divided Valley

On the ground, public reaction remains nuanced. In downtown Srinagar, where Mirwaiz enjoys substantial support, many residents welcomed the change in rhetoric. “It’s good to see leaders stop attacking each other and focus on real issues,” said Faheem Dar, a college student.

However, others in southern districts—more affected by Operation Sindoor—remained skeptical. “Unless it leads to actual relief on the ground—reduced militarization, fewer raids—it’s just talk,” said a local shopkeeper from Pulwama.

The Broader Implications

Mirwaiz’s statement is unlikely to dramatically shift the current political status quo in J&K, but it does signal a rare moment of introspection and bridge-building. As the region continues to evolve under the weight of past traumas, present challenges, and uncertain futures, such acknowledgments may serve as building blocks for more inclusive and sustainable dialogue.

There’s also the symbolic aspect. For decades, mainstream leaders were dismissed as “collaborators” by separatist groups. This newfound recognition could reduce hostility between camps that, for too long, have spoken over each other rather than to each other.

New Chapter or One-Off Remark?

Whether this was a one-time appreciation or the start of a longer-term strategy shift by the Mirwaiz remains to be seen. Some speculate that with a declining Hurriyat presence on the ground and sustained clampdowns by the state, Mirwaiz may be repositioning himself more pragmatically. Others believe this moment of praise may be just a tactical acknowledgment of eloquent speeches and not necessarily an endorsement of the larger system.

In the complex mosaic of Jammu and Kashmir politics, even small gestures carry enormous weight. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s rare praise for J&K’s MPs during the Operation Sindoor debate may not immediately alter ground realities, but it offers a glimpse of what is possible when adversaries respect each other’s platforms. At a time when the Valley needs dialogue more than division, this moment of unexpected praise could be a subtle but meaningful start.