Rare Optics in Kashmir: Mirwaiz Shares Stage with Mainstream Leaders at Book Launch | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: In an unusual public moment in Kashmir’s political landscape, Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday shared the stage with leaders from across the mainstream political spectrum during a book release function in Srinagar. The book was teh autobiography of a Kashmiri Pandit doctor celebrated for his access and expertise.

The event, held at a city hotel, marked the launch of Healer in Exile: The Untold Story of Dr Sushil Razdan, authored by Sachin Razdan. It drew a diverse gathering of political leaders, senior administrators, medical professionals and civil society members.

Among those present were National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, BJP leader Ashok Koul, senior Congress leader Saif-ud-din Soz, PDP leader Naeem Akhtar, and JK Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. Notably, Mirwaiz and Rather were seen seated together on the same sofa.

Such a coming together is considered rare in Kashmir, where separatist and mainstream political leaders have largely maintained public distance, even at social or non-political gatherings.

Speaking after the event, Mirwaiz described his participation as “purely literary and social,” stating that the occasion was meant to acknowledge the life and humanitarian contributions of a respected doctor. “Such events are above politics and highlight values like service, compassion and shared humanity,” he said, adding that attending a social function alongside mainstream politicians does not reflect or alter political positions.

During the function, Mirwaiz paid tribute to neurologist Sushil Razdan, praising his compassion and dedication to patients. He said Razdan’s approach to medicine embodied “humanity, love and care,” recalling that many patients felt reassured simply through their interactions with him.

Addressing the gathering, Farooq Abdullah termed the migration of Kashmiri Pandits a “big loss” for the Valley, emphasising Kashmir’s shared cultural and social fabric. Other speakers also highlighted Razdan’s contributions to neurology and his humane approach to medical care, describing him as a figure who transcended social and political divides.

The event brought together voices from political, administrative, religious and civil society spheres, turning the book launch into a broader reflection on Kashmir’s collective memory, loss and continuity.