Srinagar, Oct 30 (KNS): Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Friday said that while the decline in militancy, protests and violence in Jammu and Kashmir was a welcome development, lasting peace could not be achieved without justice, reconciliation, restoration of civil liberties and rebuilding public trust.
As per the statement issued here, Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz referred to the recently released International Crisis Group report on Jammu and Kashmir, saying its findings and recommendations deserved serious consideration.
“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.
However, he cautioned that a 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,” Mirwaiz said.
Expressing concern over arrests and detentions since 2019, he cited figures attributed to the Union Home Ministry, stating that 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 same period.
He said the figures raised serious questions about prolonged detention, due process and the application of stringent laws.
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, among others.
He reiterated his appeal for their release, review of their cases and humanitarian consideration for elderly and ailing prisoners, particularly those lodged in prisons far from their families.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“Justice and compassion cannot be separated from the pursuit of peace,” he said.
Referring to restrictions on political and civic activities, peaceful expression and independent reporting, Mirwaiz said such concerns should not be brushed aside, particularly when the security situation was being described as improved.
“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.
“Peace cannot simply be measured by the absence of protests,” he added.
Mirwaiz said the International Crisis Group report had also recommended restoration of statehood, meaningful powers for the elected government, review of stringent anti-terror laws and renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan.
He maintained that these recommendations warranted serious consideration, stressing that political issues required political engagement and longstanding grievances demanded sincere reconciliation efforts.
Referring to tensions between India and Pakistan last year, Mirwaiz said the developments had once again demonstrated the dangers of confrontation between the two countries.
He reiterated that dialogue, rather than confrontation, remained the most responsible way forward.
Mirwaiz said his observations were not intended to provoke confrontation but reflected genuine concern for the future of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“If meaningful progress has been made in improving security, the next step should be to build upon it through reconciliation, release and review of political prisoners, restoration of civil liberties and sincere political engagement,” he said.
Concluding his address, Mirwaiz said, “The real measure of peace is not merely how much violence has declined, but how much trust has been restored.” (KNS)