PoK unrest: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq demands impartial probe, appeals for dialogue

Srinagar, July 31: The chief cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday demanded a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the recent violence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and appealed to Pakistan to engage sincerely with the representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society group leading protests in the region.

Addressing the weekly congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, the Mirwaiz expressed deep concern over the continuing unrest and tragic loss of lives across the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in Rawalakot. He led special prayers for those who lost their lives in PoK this week.

“We are deeply anguished by the continuing unrest and the tragic loss of precious lives during the past month and a half. The truth must be established through a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation. We mourn every life lost, whether that of a civilian protester or a member of the police force, and pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured,” the Mirwaiz said.

Calling upon Pakistan to show restraint, the Mirwaiz appealed to the Government of Pakistan and the local administration across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir to engage with the JAAC and all sections of the people. “Durable peace and stability can only be achieved through dialogue, constitutional fairness and respect for the rights and dignity of every segment of society,” he said.

The Mirwaiz noted that the recent events across the LoC, particularly in Rawalakot, were a reminder that while governments may administer territories and advance competing political positions, it is the people of Jammu and Kashmir who remain the true stakeholders of their homeland. He said governments on both sides of the LoC claim to act in the interests of the people, yet the people themselves must remain at the centre of every decision affecting their future.

“We are one people, bound together by history, family, culture and our common State Subject identity. Whether we live in Srinagar, Muzaffarabad, Birmingham or elsewhere across the world, we remain one people. The LoC has divided the territory, but not our families, our shared history or our collective stake in our destiny,” he added.

The cleric also emphasised that any genuine people's movement must itself remain inclusive. “It cannot advance the rights of one section of the people while questioning or diminishing the constitutional rights of another. The voting rights and constitutional status of nearly three million Kashmiri refugees and migrants living across the provinces of Pakistan should not become a matter of political bargaining or exclusion. Their rights form an integral part of the collective rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and deserve equal respect and protection. Both sides should therefore strive to find a fair and mutually acceptable middle ground to address this important issue,” said the Mirwaiz.

He said the struggle has always been one for justice, dignity, human rights and the political rights of the entire people of Jammu and Kashmir across regions and ethnicities, including minorities.

At least 30 people were reported killed and dozens injured in two days this week in PoK. Local residents alleged that security forces opened fire on participants of a long march organised by the JAAC in Rawalakot. The JAAC has been leading an agitation over a range of demands, including economic and political reforms, in the region.