Mirwaiz Calls for Restoration of Civil Liberties, Release of Political Prisoners in J&K

SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s chief Muslim cleric, Mirwaiz Muhammad Umar Farooq, on Friday called for the restoration of civil liberties in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that while the decline in violence across the region is a welcome development, sustainable and lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, reconciliation and the rebuilding of public trust.

He also stressed the need for the release of political prisoners and meaningful political engagement to address the aspirations of the people and help a region that has endured more than three and a half decades of turmoil move towards enduring peace and development.

Addressing worshippers during his customary post-Friday sermon speech on current affairs at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid, the Mirwaiz drew attention to a recently released report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), an independent organisation working on conflict prevention and resolution. Describing the report as significant, he said its findings deserved serious consideration by policymakers and stakeholders alike.

According to the Mirwaiz, the report acknowledges a noticeable decline in militancy, street protests and violence in recent years, a development welcomed by the people of J&K who, he said, understand the value of peace better than anyone after decades of suffering. However, he underscored that the report makes an equally important observation- a reduction in violence does not necessarily mean that the underlying political grievances have been resolved or that public confidence has been fully restored.

While recognising the government's responsibility to maintain security and protect lives, the Mirwaiz argued that security measures alone cannot offer a lasting solution to an issue that also carries profound political and humanitarian dimensions. He noted that J&K continues to remain heavily militarised and expressed concern over what he described as the large-scale arrests and detentions carried out since 2019.

Referring to figures cited in the report, he said that according to data from the Union Home Ministry, 3,662 people were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in J&K between 2019 and 2023, while only 23 convictions were recorded during the same period. These numbers, he said, raise serious questions regarding prolonged detention, due process and the application of stringent legal provisions.

The Mirwaiz stated that thousands of families continue to bear the emotional and social burden of arrests, detentions and lengthy legal proceedings, often living in uncertainty about the future of their loved ones. He also reiterated concern over the continued incarceration of several Kashmiri political prisoners, including Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Shahid-ul-Islam, Engineer Rashid, Asiya Andrabi and Masrat Alam, among others, “many of whom have spent years in prisons far from their homes and families.”

“We have repeatedly appealed for their release, review of their cases and humanitarian consideration, particularly for elderly and ailing prisoners. I reiterate that appeal today,” he said, adding that justice and compassion must remain central to any genuine peace process.

The Mirwaiz further voiced concern over restrictions on political and civic activities, what he described as shrinking space for peaceful expression, limitations on free reporting and a growing sense of alienation among sections of the population. Such concerns, he said, should not be dismissed and instead require careful reflection.

Questioning whether the prevailing improvement in the security situation could pave the way for greater political openness, he said the moment presented an opportunity to ease restrictions, review detentions, restore civil liberties and create an atmosphere in which people can express their views and grievances peacefully. “Peace cannot simply be measured by the absence of protests,” he remarked.

Highlighting key recommendations contained in the International Crisis Group report, the Mirwaiz said these include the restoration of statehood to J&K, granting meaningful powers to the elected government, reviewing stringent anti-terror laws and reviving dialogue between India and Pakistan. He described these recommendations as important and worthy of serious attention.

Reiterating his long-held position, the Mirwaiz said the Kashmir issue cannot be resolved through a security-centric approach alone. “Political issues require political engagement, and longstanding grievances require sincere efforts at reconciliation,” he said, adding that while governments have legitimate security concerns, the aspirations and concerns of the people must also find place in any meaningful effort aimed at achieving lasting peace.

Referring to tensions between India and Pakistan in recent years, he maintained that dialogue remains the most responsible path forward and warned against the risks posed by continued confrontation. “We have always maintained that dialogue, rather than confrontation, offers the best chance of progress,” he said.

The Mirwaiz further stated that his remarks were motivated not by confrontation but by concern for the future of the people of J&K. He argued that if significant progress has indeed been made in improving security, the next phase should focus on reconciliation, the review and release of political prisoners, restoration of civil liberties 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, urging all stakeholders to reflect on what he described as the central message of the report.