Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Mirwaiz Farooq drops Hurriyat Chairman title, signaling separatist decline.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric and moderate separatist leader, removed his designation as “Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference” from his X profile on December 25, 2025, following persistent pressure from Jammu and Kashmir authorities threatening account suspension. He described the action as a “Hobson’s choice,” noting that Hurriyat factions, including his Awami Action Committee, stand banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) post-2019 abrogation of Article 370, curtailing their influence amid internal rifts and security measures. This move, coinciding with house arrest barring him from Friday prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, signals the Indian government’s firm resolve to neutralize separatist activities, fostering stability and mainstream integration in the region.​

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