Mirwaiz Calls for Probe Into Policeman’s Killing, Says Innocent People Should Not Be Punished
Srinagar, July 24, KNT: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday expressed concern over the recent large-scale detentions and demolition of residential houses in Kashmir, asserting that while the killing of a police personnel was condemnable, innocent people should not face collective punishment.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, the Mirwaiz referred to the recent killing of a police personnel by suspected militants and said every loss of human life was unacceptable. He, however, maintained that the incident should be investigated and those responsible dealt with in accordance with the law.
He said the detention, questioning and alleged harassment of more than two thousand youths across Kashmir on suspicion of being Over Ground Workers (OGWs), along with the reported demolition of houses belonging to suspected militants, had caused widespread concern.
“An act of violence by one cannot justify collective punishment for all. Innocent youth and their families should not be made scapegoats,” he said, adding that such measures were extrajudicial, unjust and ultimately 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 reviewed so they could reunite with their families in Srinagar.
He also hoped for relief to other Kashmiri detainees, including those who have secured bail but continue to remain in custody in other cases, as well as those whose bail applications are pending before courts.
Referring to student protests in New Delhi, the Mirwaiz said young people raising genuine concerns should be heard rather than subjected to force. Expressing concern over reports of pellet injuries among protesters, he said such incidents evoked painful memories of the impact of pellet guns on hundreds of people in Kashmir over the years.
“Use of force cannot resolve grievances or issues, whether in Delhi or Kashmir. Dialogue, accountability and engagement are the only way to resolve such issues,” he said. [KNT]
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