SRINAGAR — Mirwaiz Kashmir Umar Farooq on Friday called for the restoration of civil liberties, release of political prisoners and meaningful political engagement in Jammu and Kashmir, saying a decline in violence was welcome but lasting peace required justice, reconciliation and restoration of public trust.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz referred to a recently released report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) on Jammu and Kashmir and said its findings deserved serious attention.
He said the decline in militancy, street protests and violence in recent years was welcome, but reduction in violence did not necessarily mean that underlying political grievances had been resolved or public confidence restored.
“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,” he said.
Referring to figures from the Union Home Ministry, Mirwaiz said 3,662 people were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Jammu and Kashmir between 2019 and 2023, while only 23 convictions were recorded during the period.
He said the figures raised serious questions about prolonged detention, due process and the widespread use of stringent laws, adding that thousands of families continued to face uncertainty over the future of their detained loved ones.
Mirwaiz also expressed concern over the continued incarceration of Kashmiri political prisoners, including Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Shahid-ul-Islam, Engineer Rashid, Asiya Andrabi and Masrat Alam.
He reiterated his appeal for their release, a review of their cases and humanitarian consideration for elderly and ailing prisoners.
“Justice and compassion cannot be separated from the pursuit of peace,” he said.
The Mirwaiz further raised concerns over restrictions on political and civic activities, shrinking space for peaceful expression, curbs on free reporting and growing alienation among people.
He questioned why restrictions could not be eased if the situation had improved, calling for a review of detentions and restoration of civil liberties to enable people to express their views and grievances peacefully.
“Peace cannot simply be measured by the absence of protests,” he said.
Referring to the recommendations of the International Crisis Group report, Mirwaiz said restoration of statehood, meaningful powers for the elected government, review of stringent anti-terror laws and renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan deserved serious consideration.
He reiterated that the Kashmir issue could not be addressed through a security approach alone, saying political issues required political engagement and longstanding grievances sincere efforts at reconciliation.
While acknowledging the security concerns and responsibilities of governments, he said the concerns and aspirations of the people were equally important and must be given space in any meaningful process towards peace. — (KIMS)