Mirwaiz, Sajad Lone placed under house arrest on fathers’ death anniversaries

Key points

• The Lieutenant Governor’s administration on Thursday (May 21, 2026) placed Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) chief Sajad Lone under house arrest on the death anniversaries of their fathers, who were assassinated by gunmen in 1990 and 2002 in separate attacks.
• Unlike in the past, no shutdown was observed in the Valley.
• The authorities also imposed restrictions around the Martyrs Graveyard in Srinagar, where the two leaders are buried.
• “Ahead of Fatiha Khwani (special prayers) at Martyrs Graveyard Eidgah, Srinagar, Mr. Farooq was placed under house arrest late Wednesday (May 20, 2026) evening.
• Access to the graveyard was restricted,” a spokesman for Mr. Farooq said.