Srinagar, July 24 (KNO): Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday expressed concern over the recent detention of more than 2,000 youths and the demolition of houses in Kashmir, saying innocent people should not be punished for the actions of a few.
He also called for a fair probe into the killing of a policeman, welcomed the bail granted to Khurram Parvez and Irfan Mehraj, and urged authorities to address student protests in Delhi through dialogue instead of force.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said Mirwaiz, while addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, expressed serious concern over large-scale detentions, questioning and harassment of youth across Kashmir over the past few days, with more than 2,000 young men being picked up on allegations of being over-ground workers (OGWs).
Referring to these measures following the killing of a policeman by suspected militants despite the government’s claim that militancy has ended, Mirwaiz said every human life is precious and its loss is unacceptable, but an act of violence by one individual cannot justify collective punishment.
“The killing should be investigated and those responsible be dealt with according to law. But innocent youth and their families should not be made scapegoats and forced to suffer. Reports of the demolition of houses of suspected militants, rendering their families homeless, are another extrajudicial and unjust measure. Such actions deepen resentment and are ultimately counterproductive,” he said.
The spokesperson said Mirwaiz welcomed the release on bail of Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj after years of incarceration and hoped that restrictions preventing their return to Kashmir would be reconsidered so they could reunite with their families in Srinagar.
He also expressed hope for relief to other Kashmiri prisoners, including those who have secured bail but continue to remain incarcerated after being booked in other cases, as well as those whose bail applications are still pending.
Referring to the student protests in New Delhi, Mirwaiz said young people raising genuine concerns should be heard and engaged with, not subjected to force.
“Reports of pellet injuries among protesters are a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of pellet guns suffered by hundreds of Kashmiris over the decades, scarring their eyes and lives forever. It is sad to see students in Delhi facing it now. Use of force cannot resolve grievances or issues, whether in Delhi or Kashmir. Dialogue, accountability and engagement are the only way to resolve them,” he said.—(KNO)