Srinagar, Jul 24 (KNS): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday expressed concern over the recent detention of a large number of youths and alleged demolition of houses in Kashmir following the killing of a policeman, saying those responsible for the crime should be punished but innocent people should not suffer.
In a statement issued , Mirwaiz said reports suggested that more than 2,000 youths had been detained or questioned on allegations of being over-ground workers (OGWs).
Referring to the recent killing of a policeman, Mirwaiz said every loss of human life was condemnable, but an act of violence by an individual could not justify what he described as collective punishment.
He called for a thorough investigation into the killing and said those found responsible should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
"However, innocent youth and their families should not be made scapegoats," he said, while also expressing concern over alleged demolition of houses linked to suspected militants, describing such actions as "extrajudicial" and "counterproductive".
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Mirwaiz also welcomed the grant of bail to human rights activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj after years of incarceration and expressed hope that restrictions preventing their return to Kashmir would be lifted.
He also sought relief for other Kashmiri prisoners, including those who have secured bail but continue to remain in custody in other cases, as well as those whose bail applications are pending.
Referring to the recent student protests in New Delhi, Mirwaiz said young people raising genuine concerns should be engaged through dialogue rather than force.
He expressed concern over reports of pellet injuries to some protesters and said the use of force could not resolve grievances, whether in Delhi or Kashmir, advocating dialogue, accountability and engagement instead.(KNS).