Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, has strongly criticized the Indian government’s actions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), challenging the claims of normalcy being restored in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mirwaiz issued a statement following his house arrest in Srinagar, detailing the recent increase in detentions and harassment of citizens, particularly political workers and youth, as assembly elections near. He highlighted that many are being coerced into reporting to police stations and providing surety bonds, with the looming threat of being charged under stringent laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Mirwaiz called for an immediate cessation of these repressive measures and condemned his own ongoing house arrest as arbitrary and a violation of democratic norms. His confinement has also prevented him from fulfilling his religious duties and participating in significant community meetings, such as those discussing the controversial amendments to the Waqf Bill.
He asserted that these actions starkly contrast with the Indian government’s public narrative of having reinstated normalcy in the territory.