Overview

• Indian authorities released Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a leading Kashmiri cleric, after four years of house arrest.
• Farooq had led protests against Indian rule before being detained in 2019 when India revoked Kashmir's special status.
• Kashmiri separatist leaders are continuing their push for independence, refusing dialogue with India.
• Kashmir remains a disputed territory claimed by both India and Pakistan since 1947.
• Farooq's release comes as the separatist movement in Kashmir continues despite years of crackdowns.