SRINAGAR, OCT 30: Islamic religious cleric of Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq has welcomed the reported decline in militancy, street protests and violence in Jammu and Kashmir, but maintained that lasting peace would require more than improved security conditions, calling for reconciliation, restoration of civil liberties, release or review of cases involving political prisoners and meaningful political engagement.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz referred to a recently released report by the International Crisis Group on Jammu and Kashmir, urging the authorities to give serious consideration to its findings and recommendations.
He said the reduction in violence was welcome, particularly for people who had endured decades of conflict and uncertainty, but cautioned that an improvement in the security situation should not automatically be interpreted as the resolution of underlying political grievances or restoration of public confidence.
According to Mirwaiz, security measures are necessary for protecting lives, but a lasting solution also requires addressing the political and human dimensions of the situation. He argued that the prevailing circumstances should provide an opportunity to initiate confidence-building measures and create greater space for peaceful political and civic activities.
Referring to figures attributed to the Union Home Ministry and cited in the International Crisis Group report, Mirwaiz stated that 3,662 people were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Jammu and Kashmir between 2019 and 2023, while 23 convictions were recorded during the same period.
He said the figures raised concerns about prolonged detention, due process and the use of stringent legal provisions, adding that thousands of families continued to face uncertainty because of arrests, detention and lengthy legal proceedings.
Mirwaiz also expressed concern over the continued incarceration of several Kashmiri political prisoners, including Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Shahid-ul-Islam, Engineer Rashid, Asiya Andrabi and Masrat Alam. He reiterated his appeal for their release, review of their cases and humanitarian consideration, particularly in the cases of elderly and ailing prisoners.
Emphasising that justice and compassion should remain integral to any peace-building process, he called for a review of detention-related matters and measures to address the concerns of affected families.
He further referred to concerns highlighted in the International Crisis Group report regarding restrictions on political and civic activities, freedom of expression and independent reporting. Mirwaiz said that if the security situation had improved, it should be accompanied by steps to ease restrictions, restore civil liberties and provide an environment where people could express their views and grievances peacefully.
Calling for a broader political approach to the Kashmir issue, Mirwaiz referred to recommendations in the report concerning 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 longstanding political issues required political engagement and reconciliation, rather than relying exclusively on security measures. He also stressed that while governments have their own security considerations, the concerns and aspirations of the people must also find a place in efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Referring to tensions between India and Pakistan, Mirwaiz reiterated that dialogue remained the most responsible way forward, cautioning that confrontation could undermine efforts towards regional stability. He said the developments of the previous year had once again highlighted the risks associated with tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
Clarifying the intent behind his remarks, Mirwaiz said he was raising these concerns out of genuine concern for the future of the people and not in a spirit of confrontation.
He concluded that improvements in the security environment should be followed by concrete confidence-building measures, including reconciliation, 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,” Mirwaiz said, emphasising that rebuilding public confidence should remain central to any meaningful and sustainable peace process in Jammu and Kashmir.
