Multiple security agencies target Kashmir employees to create an atmosphere of fear: Mirwaiz

Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in his sermon on Friday, April 3, 2026, said that many security agencies want to “create an atmosphere of fear” by going after Kashmiris, especially local employees, on the pretext of cases.

Speaking from the dais of the historic Jama Masjid, Mr. Farooq said Kashmir records daily cases, charges and arrests of Kashmiris by multiple agencies operating such as State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir Counter-Intelligence, Cyber ​​Cell, Anti-Corruption Bureau and National Investigation Agency.

“This creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation and reinforces the narrative that portrays an entire population as dangerous and suspicious to be kept under control,” Mr. Farooq said.

He said the firing of public employees was seen as “a deliberate act to create fear” with lawsuits being filed against local employees. “This coercive policy cannot build a sustainable peace or lead to progress if this is what the authorities want,” he added.

He also condemned the killing of a civilian, Raashid Ahmed Mughal, a resident of Ganderbal, in an encounter. “The victim’s family says he was a part-time computer operator who had no connection with militancy. Not giving his body to the family for burial is also inhumane and condemnable. His family is seeking justice through an impartial investigation,” Mr. Farooq said.

He hoped that justice would be served, as “past experiences do not inspire confidence.” “Let us hope that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s order of inquiry will deliver justice and those responsible will be held accountable and punished,” Mr. Farooq said.