Overview

• Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was allowed to lead Friday prayers at Srinagar's Jama Masjid for the first time in four weeks, where hundreds joined him in observing a one-minute silence for the 27 victims of the Pahalgam attack.
• The Pahalgam attack, carried out by militants, marked the deadliest civilian massacre in Kashmir since 2019, leaving the region in mourning and sparking widespread shutdowns, protests, and vigils.
• Local Kashmiris risked their lives to aid victims during the attack, with pony operator Adil Hussain tragically losing his life while helping others escape.
• Leaders, including Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, called for unity and protection of Kashmiris, as hate-driven rhetoric has reportedly forced many to flee other parts of India.
• The Mirwaiz condemned the attack as shocking and highlighted the resilience of the community, while also urging authorities to reconsider restrictions on religious freedoms and address communal tensions.