NC Chief Farooq Abdullah: National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah slammed the Jammu and Kashmir administration for not allowing Jumme-ul-Vida prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid. Dr. Farooq, who attended the Friday prayers at Dargah Hazratbal, told the media after the prayers that the government should allow prayers when the situation becomes normal.
Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Farooq Abdullah demanded the release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has been under house arrest for the last four years. Farooq said, "The Mirwaiz should be released and allowed to address the people. We need people like him to address the growing drug menace among the youth and the harm it is causing to our society."