SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed concern about the recent nocturnal arrests of senior functionaries and advocates of the High Court Bar Association, who have been slapped with PSA and sent to outside jails.
Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz noted media reports indicating that more such arrests are expected.
He questioned who would fight people’s cases in court if lawyers are detained and urged the judiciary to take notice and intervene.
Mirwaiz stated that the treatment of senior advocates is troubling for society and warned that other community members, such as traders and shopkeepers, could also face similar detentions.
He criticised the authorities for instilling fear and alienating people, rather than releasing political prisoners, journalists, and youth who have been in jail for years.
He appealed to those in power to end arbitrary arrests and show humanity and compassion by releasing the lawyers, advocating for dialogue over force.
