Srinagar’s prominent leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called for the protection of peaceful demonstrations in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the right to express grief over recent events in Iran. Speaking on Wednesday, he praised the unified response from Muslims across the Kashmir Valley, Pir Panjal, and Jammu, who observed a shutdown to mourn and condemn the attacks.
This show of solidarity, Mirwaiz said, reflects the vibrant moral conscience of the community, standing firm against oppression and alongside the victims. The region-wide bandh served as a powerful yet peaceful expression of these sentiments.
However, he expressed deep concern over reports of detentions targeting protesters, including women and minors, who were simply voicing their hurt feelings. ‘The right to peaceful protest and expression of wounded emotions must be honored,’ he asserted.
Mirwaiz also criticized actions against social media users and local outlets covering the events. Filing FIRs on platforms like Facebook and blocking accounts of regional media is unjust under the country’s laws, he argued.
Authorities should immediately release all those detained and reconsider their policy of censorship and punishment for free expression, he urged.
Earlier, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti voiced regret over the Indian government’s and ruling National Conference’s silence on the US-Israel strikes on Iran, which she claimed included the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Addressing a press conference, Mufti recalled India’s past support from Iran during sanctions, when it supplied free oil.
She lamented that speaking out against such aggression should not brand citizens as criminals liable for legal action. As global order unravels, Jammu and Kashmir’s voices deserve to be heard without fear.