Mirwaiz Urges Release of Detained Protesters, Calls for Respect for Free Expression | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, has called on authorities to release protesters and mourners detained during demonstrations across Jammu and Kashmir and urged a reassessment of restrictions on freedom of expression.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mirwaiz praised the unity of Muslims in the region—from the Valley of Kashmir to Pir Panjal and Jammu—who expressed grief and condemnation over recent events in Iran. He described the widespread shutdown as a peaceful yet powerful demonstration of solidarity with the oppressed.

Mirwaiz expressed concern over reports that women, minors, and other participants were detained during the protests, calling such actions “unfortunate and unwarranted.” He also highlighted issues regarding FIRs filed against participants and the suspension of accounts of local media outlets by social media platforms, including Facebook, for covering the events.

The religious leader urged authorities to respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of sentiments, and to reconsider policies that impose censorship or penalise freedom of speech.