Mirwaiz Demands Transparent Inquiry into PoK Deaths and Urges State-Civil Dialogue
Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called for an impartial investigation into recent fatal clashes in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. He urged the Pakistani government to initiate sincere negotiations with the Joint Awami Action Committee to end ongoing civil unrest.
Key takeaways
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq demanded an impartial probe into the deaths of at least 30 people in Rawalakot, PoK.
- The cleric urged the Pakistani government to negotiate sincerely with the Joint Awami Action Committee to resolve civil unrest.
- Farooq emphasized that the three million Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan must not have their constitutional rights used as political bargaining chips.
- He stated that residents on both sides of the LoC remain the primary stakeholders in the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The Mirwaiz called for restraint from security forces following reports of gunfire during a JAAC-organized long march.
Mirwaiz Calls for Accountability After Rawalakot Violence
Addressing a Friday congregation at Srinagar's historic Jama Masjid on July 31, 2026, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep concern regarding the escalating violence across the Line of Control. The chief cleric specifically addressed the fatalities reported in Rawalakot, where at least 30 individuals were killed and dozens injured during a two-day span this week. Local reports suggest security forces opened fire on a long march organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
Farooq insisted that the truth behind these events can only emerge through a prompt and transparent investigation. He led special prayers for the deceased, noting that the loss of any life—whether a civilian protester or a police officer—is a cause for profound anguish. The Mirwaiz emphasized that governments may manage territories, but the residents remain the primary stakeholders in their own homeland.
A Plea for Dialogue and Constitutional Fairness
The Mirwaiz appealed directly to the Pakistani government and local authorities across the LoC to practice restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue with JAAC representatives. He argued that stability depends on constitutional fairness and respect for the dignity of all societal segments. According to Farooq, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are a unified entity linked by history and culture, regardless of whether they reside in Srinagar, Muzaffarabad, or abroad.
Protecting the Rights of Refugees
Beyond the immediate violence, the Mirwaiz addressed the political status of nearly three million Kashmiri refugees and migrants living in various Pakistani provinces. He warned against using their voting rights as leverage in political bargaining.
- The Mirwaiz demanded that the constitutional status of refugees remain protected as part of the collective rights of the region.
- He urged all parties to find a fair middle ground that avoids the exclusion of any group.
- The cleric reaffirmed that the struggle for justice must encompass the rights of all ethnicities and minorities.
The recent unrest follows a month and a half of sustained protests. Farooq noted that while the LoC serves as a physical divide, it has failed to sever the familial ties or the shared destiny of the Kashmiri people.
Source: The Hindu — National
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