States » NorthPosted at: Oct 30 2026 3:54PM


Mirwaiz calls for restoration of civil liberties, says decline in violence must lead to lasting peace, justice

Srinagar, Oct 30 (UNI) Hurriyat Conference chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday called for the restoration of civil liberties, saying that while the decline in violence is welcome, lasting peace in Kashmir requires justice, reconciliation and rebuilding public trust.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz referred to a recently released report by the International Crisis Group on Jammu and Kashmir, saying its findings deserved serious attention as a reduction in violence did not necessarily mean that underlying political grievances had been resolved or public confidence restored
“..I believe its findings deserve serious attention. 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,” he said.
“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. 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.
Mirwaiz said Kashmir still remains one of the most militarised places on earth.
He said one of the most disturbing aspects highlighted in the report is the scale of arrests and detentions since 2019.
Referring to arrests and detentions since 2019, he cited union Home Ministry figures, according to which 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 suffer uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
Mirwaiz said 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.
He reiterated his appeal for their release, review of their cases and humanitarian consideration for elderly and ailing prisoners, saying justice and compassion could not be separated from the pursuit of peace.
The Hurriyat chairman also flagged concerns over restrictions on political and civic activities, shrinking space for peaceful expression, curbs on free reporting and growing alienation, saying such issues should not be brushed aside.
“..If the situation has improved, as is being acknowledged, should it not also be an opportunity to ease restrictions, review detentions, restore civil liberties and create an environment in which people can express their views and grievances peacefully?,” he asked
Mirwaiz said peace cannot simply be measured by the absence of protests.
Referring to the recommendations of the report, he said the 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.
Mirwaiz said his 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. While governments have their own security concerns and responsibilities, but the concerns and aspirations of the people are equally important and must find a place in any meaningful process towards peace,” he said.
Recalling the events of last year and the dangers of confrontation between India and Pakistan, he reiterated that dialogue remained the most responsible way forward.
“I raise these issues not in a spirit of confrontation, but out of genuine concern for the future of our people,” he said.
Mirwaiz said the next step following improvements in the security situation should be reconciliation, restoration of civil liberties, review of political prisoners' cases and sincere political engagement.
“The real measure of peace is not merely how much violence has declined, but how much trust has been restored,” he said.
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Tags: #Mirwaiz calls for restoration of civil liberties# says decline in violence must lead to lasting peace# justice
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