Overview
- Mirwaiz removed “Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference” from his verified X bio and edited his Facebook profile, calling the move a “Hobson’s choice.”
- He stated that officials warned his X account would be taken down because Hurriyat constituents, including his Awami Action Committee, are banned under the UAPA.
- He reported being barred from leaving home to lead Friday prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid around the time of the social‑media change.
- Political reactions diverged: the National Conference’s Tanvir Sadiq and PDP’s Waheed Parra defended him and criticized pressure, Mehbooba Mufti said Hurriyat remains an idea, the BJP welcomed the step, and Sajad Lone accused him of capitulation.
- Mirwaiz framed the change as tactical rather than a shift in his stance, reflecting the post‑2019 crackdown that has weakened Hurriyat structures and restricted public communication.