Mirwaiz seeks end to restrictions, restoration of civil liberties in J&K
With concerns over shrinking space for peaceful expression and restrictions on civic activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday called for restoration of civil liberties, saying people must be allowed to voice their views and grievances without restrictions.
Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz referred to the International Crisis Group report and said the decline in violence should be an opportunity for authorities to review detentions, ease restrictions and create an environment conducive to peaceful political and civic engagement. The report deserves serious attention, he stressed.
The report says that militancy, street protests and violence have declined in recent years, which everyone welcomes, as no one understands the value of peace more than the people of Kashmir, who have suffered enormously over the past several decades.
“But the report also makes a fundamental point: reduction in violence does not necessarily mean that underlying political grievances have been resolved, or that public confidence has been restored”, he said.
“Security is necessary, and the government has a responsibility to protect lives. But security measures alone cannot provide a lasting answer to a problem that also has deep political and human dimensions”.
“Kashmir still remains one of the most militarised places on earth. One of the most disturbing aspects highlighted in the report is the scale of arrests and detentions since 2019. According to the Union Home Ministry’s own figures, 3,662 people were arrested under UAPA in Jammu and Kashmir between 2019 and 2023, while only 23 convictions were recorded during that period. These figures raise serious questions about prolonged detention, due process and the widespread use of stringent laws”.
Mirwaiz said that “Thousands of families suffer the consequences of arrests, detentions and prolonged legal proceedings. They continue to live with uncertainty about the future of their loved ones”.
“The continued incarceration of Kashmiri political prisoners, including Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Shahid Ul Islam , Engineer Rashid , Asiya Andrabi, Masrat Alam, and many others, who have spent years behind bars, often in prisons far away from their homes and families, remains a matter of concern”.
Seeking their release and review of their cases and humanitarian consideration towards elderly and ailing prisoners, Mirwaiz said “Justice and compassion cannot be separated from the pursuit of peace”.
He said “The report also raises concerns about restrictions on political and civic activities, the shrinking space for peaceful expression, curbs on free reporting and a growing feeling of alienation”.
The report calls for the restoration of statehood, meaningful powers for the elected government, a review of stringent anti-terror laws and renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan. These are important recommendations that deserve serious consideration.
“Our consistent position has been that the Kashmir issue cannot be addressed through a security approach alone. Political issues require political engagement, and longstanding grievances require sincere efforts at reconciliation,” Mirwaiz added.