Pahalgam terror attack: At Jama Masjid, worshippers join Mirwaiz to observe one-minute silence for victims

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq observes one minute’s silence for victims of the attack on tourists in Pahalgam during his Friday sermon at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, Friday, 25 April 2025.
| Photo Credit: Imran Nissar

Hundreds of worshippers on Friday joined Hurriyat chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to observe one-minute silence in solidarity with the families of the Pahalgam victims, as the cleric used strong words to condemn civilian killings. 

Follow Pahalgam attack updates on April 25

Allowed to lead the prayers after four weeks, the Mirwaiz appeared at the Jama Masjid and asked devotees to hold one-minute silence. “The terrifying incident has left our hearts bleeding. The manner in which a carnage was carried out — more than two dozen people killed after ascertaining their identities and in front of their families — is shocking and chilling beyond belief,” the Mirwaiz said.

He said who better can understand the pain and grief of loss to the families of those affected than a people who have suffered it for decades and still continue to. He urged the authorities to desist from pursuing the approach of bans and bars in Kashmir, referring to the banning of organisations and barring him from religious duties.

The Mirwaiz also highlighted the role of locals. “Known for our hospitality to visitors, people of Kashmir once again upheld the tradition of outreach, help, and humanity in this distressing time. Locals helped those at the spot to flee, even at the risk to their own lives, in which pony operator Adil Hussain lost his life,” he said.

He also praised the people for observing a complete shutdown, spontaneous and silent protests, and candlelight vigils in memory of those killed in this horrific manner. “The people of Kashmir send a strong message of their total disapproval of such actions and their solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved by standing shoulder to shoulder with them,” the Mirwaiz added.

He, however, expressed concern over the communal rhetoric of hate directed against Kashmiris, “forcing hundreds to leave cities and towns, especially the students”. 

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also criticized a section of the media for “spreading hatred against Kashmiris”.

“The silence that took place in Jama Masjid is a response to all those channels that are trying to spread poison against Kashmiris,” Mr. Abdullah said. 

After meeting tourism stakeholders in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said, “No one talked about the losses to business due to the incident but were united in condemnation of what happened”.

Facing an outcry over the attacks on students and businesspersons from Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Abdullah on Friday deployed Cabinet Ministers to key cities across India.

“The purpose of these visits is to coordinate efforts with the respective State Governments and ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Meanwhile, J&K Anjuman-E-Sharie Shian president Aga Syed Hassan, also a well known Shia cleric, condemned the “heart wrenching and brutal attack on tourists in Pahalgam”.