Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Challenges House Arrest in J&K High Court Amidst Growing Controversy
SRINAGAR, Oct 2: Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has taken legal action by filing a petition in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, contesting what he describes as his ongoing “house arrest.” The separatist organization made this announcement on Wednesday, indicating that the court is set to hear the petition on Friday.
According to the Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz has been subjected to house detention for the past month, during which his movements have been significantly restricted. In contrast, the Jammu and Kashmir administration asserts that Mirwaiz is a free man but acknowledges that security agencies have imposed limitations on his movements due to safety concerns.
The Hurriyat stated, “The hearing regarding Mirwaiz’s house arrest and illegal detention has been scheduled for October 4 in the High Court. The Mirwaiz has been under house detention for the last month.” The organization emphasized that this detention is unjustified and unlawful, violating his fundamental rights.
Previously, Mirwaiz had filed a writ petition in the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, which is set for a hearing in November 2024. However, the Hurriyat claims that despite this pending petition, he has been subjected to renewed illegal and unauthorized detention without any formal orders from the administration. This ongoing situation has deprived him of essential rights, including his religious freedoms, prompting him to file another petition, this time accompanied by an urgency memo.
The Hurriyat Conference expressed hope that the High Court would grant much-needed relief to Mirwaiz, highlighting the principles of natural justice and the human rights provisions enshrined in the Constitution. In light of the circumstances, the organization has called upon the legal community, political entities, and human rights advocates to lend their voices to this pressing issue, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms.
