All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) said that today its Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq completed 40 months of arbitrary and extra-judicial house detention.
In a press release, Hurriyat said, Mirwaiz was put under detention on August 4 2019 at his residence and has since continued to be incarcerated.
“All his rights stand suspended. He is not allowed to come out of his house nor can visitors meet him. Police and paramilitary troops are permanently stationed outside his residence,” Hurriyat said in its statement.
APHC said that this extra-judicial incarceration of Mirwaiz, without being informed of reasons for it or any charges levelled against him, is a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of a person and is in complete violation of the Human Rights Convention of which India is a signatory as well as the General assembly and Human Rights Council. It is also a violation of articles 14, 19 and 21 of the constitution of India.
“Yet for the last 40 consecutive months despite appeals for his release from all quarters, being the religious head of the state also, he continues to be incarcerated,” read the statement.
Meanwhile, Hurriyat also expressed serious concern over the plight of Kashmiri political leaders, activists, journalists, youth and others who are languishing in prisons and various jails outside Kashmir for years, many without trials and under draconian laws, stating that their plight is worrisome as they are simply left to suffer in jail for their convictions.
APHC emphasised that policies based on oppression and coercion, are short-lived and cannot alter the facts of history. Problems and disputes have to be resolved sooner or later and peaceful negotiations provide the best option.
APHC once again reiterates the call for the unconditional release of all political prisoners, activists, journalists and youth including its chairman, which will lead to creating a favourable environment for reconciliation and resolution of issues, read the press release.