Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has voiced grave alarm over what he described as systematic killings of innocent youth in fake encounters and mass arrests under oppressive laws in IIOJK, pressing for an immediate cessation and accountability.According to Kashmir Media Service, while addressing  congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq drew attention to the shocking killing of Kashmiri youth Rashid Ahmad Mughal in a staged encounter in the Arhama area of Ganderbal district.

He described the incident as deeply distressing and a matter of grave concern. Mirwaiz noted that the family of the martyred youth stated he was a part-time computer operator with no links to militancy, yet he was forcibly taken and killed in cold blood.He emphasized the innocence of the victim and condemned the arbitrary targeting of civilians.

He added that the grieving family is demanding justice through an impartial investigation, but expressed skepticism, saying, “We can only hope that justice is done, though past experiences do not inspire confidence,” highlighting the bitter reality that the perpetrators of such crimes are rarely held accountable.

The Mirwaiz also criticized the denial of the body to the family for burial, terming it “inhuman and condemnable. He further said that frequent cases, charge sheets and arrests involving Kashmiris by multiple agencies, including the NIA, SIA, CIK, and Cyber Cell, contribute to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)