Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been released from house arrest after four years and was allowed to address the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in Jammu and Kashmir. His release was met with enthusiasm from regional political parties, including the ruling BJP. Thousands of worshipers, including women, welcomed Mirwaiz with enthusiasm, showering him with petals and sweets. Mirwaiz expressed his gratitude to the people for their support during his difficult times. He talked about the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in resolution efforts, beyond violence and separatism. Mirwaiz emphasized that the issues in Jammu and Kashmir are a human problem, not a territorial conflict, and called for their resolution. He also called for the release of journalists, traders, lawyers, and political activists who were detained during the government’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir. Former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, along with other politicians, welcomed Mirwaiz’s release and hoped that he would be able to resume his social and religious responsibilities freely. Mirwaiz’s release is seen as a positive step towards peace and stability in the region.