SRINAGAR: Senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called on India’s spiritual leader Sri Ravi Shankar to play his role in the release of illegally detained Kashmiris in jails of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and across India.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Ravi Shankar met Mirwaiz at his Nigeen residence in Srinagar, with both leaders emphasising dialogue, peace, and interfaith harmony in the occupied territory. The meeting took place before Shanker’s planned visit to Central Jail Srinagar.
Mirwaiz emphasized that empathy and understanding must guide all efforts for the release and rehabilitation of those held in connection with the ongoing political turmoil in the occupied territory.
During the meeting, the leaders exchanged views on coexistence, compassion, and the dangers of radicalization and social alienation. They noted that injustice and disempowerment fuel unrest, and only sustained dialogue and mutual understanding can help societies heal and uphold human dignity, a statement from the Mirwaiz’s office said.
Welcoming Ravi Shankar after seven years, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq highlighted the role of the Mirwaiz institution in promoting peace and dialogue, and lauded the Hindu spiritual leader’s anti-drug campaign in the Valley, which mobilised 20,000 youth pledging to build a drug-free Kashmir.
India tightens restrictions, frisking across Jammu region in IIOJK
The Jammu region of illegally occupied Indian Jammu and Kashmir has been placed on high alert, with Indian forces intensifying restrictions, frisking, and monitoring across mountainous and Line of Control areas.
According to Kashmir Media Service, checkpoints have been established at multiple locations, and police alongside army-controlled Village Defence Guards (VDGs) have been put on heightened alert, especially in border-adjacent and sensitive zones.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Samba, Virender Singh, chaired a meeting with VDG members at District Police Lines (DPL) Samba to review the prevailing situation. “The meeting aimed to brief VDG members on the current scenario and ensure close coordination with police and other Indian armed forces,” a police statement said.
The SSP highlighted ongoing weapon handling and firing practice sessions for VDGs and directed officers to hold such drills regularly to maintain operational readiness.
