Overview
- The cleric removed “Chairman, All Parties Hurriyat Conference” from his verified X and Facebook bios, with Facebook now describing him as a spiritual leader.
- In a post, he said officials pressed him to make the change because Hurriyat constituents, including his Awami Action Committee, are proscribed under the UAPA.
- He wrote that noncompliance would have led to his X handle being taken down and called the decision a Hobson’s choice given limited avenues for outreach.
- The same day, he was prevented from leaving home to lead Friday prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, according to multiple reports.
- Political responses ranged from NC’s call for a review of the pressure and PDP’s public support to the BJP welcoming the step, with some leaders criticising him.