Mirwaiz Calls for Justice Amid Crackdown and House Demolitions in Kashmir

New Delhi, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: Calls for probe into policeman’s killing
Welcomes bail to Khurram Parvez, Irfan Mehraj

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, a prominent religious and political leader in the region, addressed the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, where he voiced serious concerns regarding the recent large-scale detentions and harassment of youth across Kashmir. In the past few days alone, reports indicate that over two thousand young men have been detained under allegations of being “over-ground workers” or OGWs, a term often used to describe individuals who are believed to facilitate militant activities without directly engaging in violence.

This wave of detentions follows the tragic killing of a policeman by suspected militants, an incident that has sparked heightened security measures and a crackdown on perceived dissent. Mirwaiz emphasized that while he condemns any act of violence, including the killing of the policeman, it is unjust to impose collective punishment on innocent individuals and their families. He stated, "Taking of every human life is wrong and unacceptable, but an act of violence by one cannot justify collective punishment for all." This statement underscores a critical aspect of the ongoing conflict in Kashmir, where the cycle of violence often leads to retaliatory actions by security forces against broader communities.

The context of these events is deeply rooted in the history of Kashmir, which has experienced decades of conflict, marked by insurgency, military operations, and civil unrest. The region's political status remains disputed between India and Pakistan, leading to a complex security situation that often sees the local population caught in the crossfire. The term “over-ground workers” itself is contentious; it is often used by security forces to label individuals who may have ties to militant groups, leading to widespread suspicion and stigmatization of many young men in the region.

Mirwaiz called for a thorough investigation into the policeman's killing, urging that those responsible be held accountable under the law. He also highlighted the troubling trend of home demolitions linked to alleged militant activities, which he described as extrajudicial and unjust measures. Such actions not only render families homeless but also exacerbate existing grievances within the community. "Such measures deepen resentment and are ultimately counterproductive," he warned, pointing to the long-term implications of punitive actions on the social fabric of the region.

The practice of demolishing homes of alleged militants has been criticized by various human rights organizations, which argue that it constitutes collective punishment and violates international human rights standards. This approach not only impacts the immediate victims but also sends ripples through the entire community, fostering an environment of fear and resentment towards state authorities. In a region where trust in the government is already fragile, such actions can lead to further alienation and radicalization.

Welcomes bail to Khurram Parvez and Irfan Mehraj
In a related context, Mirwaiz welcomed the recent release on bail of Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj, who had spent years in incarceration under contentious circumstances. Their release has been viewed as a small but significant step towards addressing the broader issues of human rights and freedom of expression in the region. Mirwaiz expressed hope that the restrictions preventing their return to Kashmir would be reconsidered, allowing them to reunite with their families in Srinagar. He extended his hopes for relief to other Kashmiri prisoners, particularly those who have secured bail but remain incarcerated due to ongoing legal challenges or new charges, as well as those whose bail applications are still pending.

The situation reflects a wider trend in Kashmir, where many individuals face prolonged detention without trial, often under laws that critics argue are draconian and violate fundamental human rights. The Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), for instance, allows for detention without trial for up to two years, raising significant concerns among human rights advocates about the potential for abuse and the lack of due process. The PSA has been used extensively in the region, often leading to arbitrary arrests and the detention of individuals based on vague criteria.

Mirwaiz's call for justice and accountability resonates deeply with the aspirations of many Kashmiris who seek an end to the cycle of violence and a restoration of their rights. The release of activists like Parvez and Mehraj, while a positive development, highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights in a region where dissent is often met with harsh reprisals. The international community has been increasingly vocal about the need for India to uphold human rights standards in Kashmir, urging the government to review and repeal laws that enable such detentions.

Expresses concern over pellet injuries to Delhi students
Mirwaiz also expressed concern regarding recent student protests in New Delhi, where reports indicated that some demonstrators suffered pellet injuries during clashes with law enforcement. He remarked that young people raising genuine concerns should be heard and engaged with, rather than subjected to forceful policing. The use of pellet guns, which have caused severe injuries to many Kashmiris over the years, has become a contentious issue in discussions about crowd control and the use of force in democratic societies. Mirwaiz lamented, "It is sad to see students in Delhi facing it now," drawing a parallel between the experiences of Kashmiri youth and those of students protesting in the national capital.

The implications of such incidents are profound, as they not only highlight the ongoing struggles faced by youth in Kashmir but also resonate with broader issues of civil rights and state violence in India. The use of pellet guns has been widely criticized for its brutal impact, particularly on the eyes, leading to permanent disabilities for many victims. This has raised questions about the ethical considerations of using such weapons in crowd control scenarios, especially in a democracy where the right to protest is constitutionally protected.

Mirwaiz’s statements reflect a growing concern among Kashmiri leaders and civil society regarding the need for dialogue and engagement rather than the use of force to resolve grievances. He emphasized that both in Delhi and Kashmir, the path to resolution lies in accountability, dialogue, and genuine engagement with the community. The call for dialogue is particularly significant in the context of Kashmir's complex socio-political landscape, where decades of conflict have led to deep-seated mistrust between the local population and state authorities.

As the situation in Kashmir continues to evolve, the implications of these events extend beyond immediate concerns. They touch upon the broader issues of governance, human rights, and the quest for justice within a region that has long been marked by conflict. The call for justice and accountability resonates with the aspirations of many Kashmiris who seek a peaceful resolution to their grievances and a future where their rights are respected and upheld.

Moreover, the ongoing unrest and the government's response to it have significant implications for regional stability. The international community is closely watching the developments in Kashmir, and any escalation of violence or human rights abuses could lead to increased scrutiny from global human rights organizations and foreign governments. This could potentially impact diplomatic relations and India's image on the world stage.

In conclusion, Mirwaiz's address at Jama Masjid highlights the urgent need for a re-evaluation of the strategies employed by the Indian state in dealing with Kashmir. His emphasis on justice, accountability, and dialogue underscores the necessity of addressing the root causes of discontent in the region. As Kashmir grapples with its complex realities, the voices calling for peace and justice must not be ignored, as they represent the hopes and aspirations of a generation yearning for a better future.