Mirwaiz raises concern over mass detentions after policeman’s killing
SRINAGAR — Mirwaiz Kashmir Umar Farooq on Friday expressed concern over the reported large-scale detention, questioning and harassment of youth across Kashmir following the recent killing of a policeman, urging authorities to ensure that innocent people are not subjected to collective punishment.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, the Mirwaiz said that while the killing of any human being is unacceptable, the incident should be investigated and those responsible brought to justice in accordance with the law.
He said reports of over 2,000 youth being detained on allegations of being over-ground workers (OGWs) and the demolition of homes belonging to suspected militants’ families were a matter of concern, describing such actions as unjust and counterproductive.
The Mirwaiz also welcomed the grant of bail to Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj after years of incarceration.
He expressed hope that restrictions preventing their return to Kashmir would be reconsidered and sought relief for other Kashmiri prisoners, including those granted bail but still in custody in other cases.
Referring to the recent student protests in New Delhi, the Mirwaiz said students raising genuine concerns should be heard through dialogue rather than force.
Expressing concern over reports of pellet injuries to some protesters, he said the use of force cannot resolve grievances, whether in Delhi or Kashmir, and called for dialogue, accountability and engagement as the way forward. — (KIMS)
