Assassination of Mirwaiz Farooq and Jagmohan’s Ouster

(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Thirty-four years ago, this day, on May 21, 1990, three young men visited the home of Kashmir’s head priest and prominent political leader, Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq, in Srinagar. They fatally shot Mirwaiz Farooq and fled the scene. The assassination was orchestrated by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which had labelled Mirwaiz as an “Indian Agent.”

The murder sent shockwaves through Kashmir. Despite the peak support for the separatist movement at the time, there was a potential for a public backlash against armed militants suspected to be the culprits. However, instead of turning against the separatists, public anger was directed at the government. During a funeral procession from Shere-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences to Mirwaiz’s home, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) fired upon the crowd near Hawal in Old City, resulting in at least 60 deaths and numerous injuries. This tragic event prompted the Central Government to recall Governor Jagmohan, against whom there was already significant propaganda fuelled by Pakistan and its sympathizers since he took office in January 1990.

Governor Jagmohan’s Account

In his book, “My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir,” Jagmohan defends his actions while dealing with Kashmir terrorism, stating that the calls for his ouster linking him to the incident were unjustified. He criticized his police chief J.S. Saxena and Additional DGP M.N. Sabharwal, arguing that a strong police presence could have prevented the killings of mourners. Jagmohan claimed that Sabharwal’s failure to accompany the procession or send adequate police protection was highly irresponsible, contributing to the tragedy.

Aftermath and Investigation

The week following the assassination was fraught with tension. Despite Jagmohan recommending handing over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), propaganda against him persisted, even in the national media. A notable instance was a Times of India report on May 25, 1990, which suggested Jagmohan was asked to step down, a claim he strongly refuted.

While most Kashmiri leaders and terrorist organizations supported Jagmohan’s removal, he retained substantial backing from the Jammu division, which observed a complete bandh when news of his ouster spread and people also prayed for his welfare at Holy town of Katra.

The CBI investigation revealed that the assassination was planned by Hizbul Mujahideen commanders Abdullah Bangroo and Rehman Shigan, and executed by operatives Ayub Dar, Javed Bhat, and Zahoor Bhat. Bangroo and Shigan were later killed in encounters with security forces, and Dar was sentenced to life imprisonment. After 33 years’ of assassination, on May 16, 2023, police arrested the remaining two operatives, Javed Ahmad Bhat and Zahoor Ahmad Bhat.

Mirwaiz Farooq: The Leader and His Legacy

Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq Shah led the Awami Action Committee (AAC), a political party in Kashmir opposed to the dominant National Conference. Known for his stately presence and respected as a religious figure, Mirwaiz Farooq often gave talks on Radio Kashmir Srinagar. Journalist Aasha Khosa, in one of her write-ups, highlights his deep religious knowledge and the respect he commanded within the community. His family was known for its charitable acts, including helping those affected by a massive fire in downtown Srinagar.

Mirwaiz Farooq’s legacy was inherited by his 17-year-old son, Omar Farooq, who was nominated as his successor soon after former’s assassination.  Omar Farooq was formally installed as new Mirwaiz of Kashmir on June 1, 1990.

Concerned for his safety, his mother  had sent him to Egypt for religious studies. Today, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, known for his moderate views, continues to be a significant figure in Kashmir, despite constant surveillance by ISI and its agents in past.

Controversies and Accusations

Eight years after the assassination, during a political speech, Shia leader Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari  accused former Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of being responsible for Mirwaiz Farooq’s death. This claim has been a point of contention and speculation within the political landscape of Kashmir.

The assassination of Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq remains a pivotal event in Kashmir’s tumultuous history, symbolizing the complex interplay of political, religious, and militant forces in the region.

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