Mirwaiz expresses concern over deadly violence in PoK and calls for dialogue

Kashmiri Chief Cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. File | Photo credit: PTI

As Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) remained on the sidelines following street protests, Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) called for “engagement and peaceful correction” and demanded an end to “arbitrary arrests and threats to life”. Ruling National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah also called for the return of peace in PoK.

“It is the responsibility of those in authority (in PoK) to listen, engage and resolve the matter peacefully rather than allowing it to escalate into violence, arbitrary arrests and loss of life,” Mirwaiz said.

He was reacting to the reported death of around 11 people during street protests in PoK’s Rawalakot following the ban on the amalgam of civil society, Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC).

Expressing concern over the civilian deaths, Mirwaiz said, “The killing of more than a dozen protesting civilians and police officers is extremely sad. When people take to the streets to express their concerns, it is a signal that they want to be heard.”

Mirwaiz said the PoK government “should know better than to use force to address public grievances and demands in this manner”.

Meanwhile, the JKJAAC, in a statement issued on X, “welcomed and deeply appreciated the sincere concern expressed by Mirwaiz” over the loss of life, violence, arrests and “painful escalation” in PoK.

In Srinagar, the ruling NC President Abdullah also called for the return of peace in PoK. “Pakistan-administered Kashmir is going through dismal times. We hope peace will return to PoK,” Mr Abdullah said.

Published – 11 Jun 2026 02:22 IST