Srinagar

Kashmir's chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday expressed concern over mass detentions in the valley in the wake of the killing of a policeman by a lone terrorist in Anantnag, and demanded an investigation into the attack.

Addressing the Friday congregation at the Jamia Masjid here, Farooq expressed serious concern and anguish over large-scale detentions, questioning and "harassment" of youth across Kashmir during the past few days.

Over 3,500 suspected over-ground workers have been detained across the valley since the attack, police had said.

He said the killing of the policeman came after the government's claim that militancy has ended in Kashmir.

"Taking of every human life is wrong and unacceptable, but an act of violence by one cannot justify collective punishment for all. The killing should be investigated and those responsible be dealt with according to law. But innocent youth and their families should not be made scapegoats and made to suffer," he said.

Referring to the demolition of the houses of terrorists in Anantnag following the cop's killing, the valley's chief preacher said it is another "extrajudicial and unjust measure".

"Such measures deepen resentment and are ultimately counterproductive," he added.

Referring to the Cockroach Janta Party protests in Delhi, Farooq said young people raising their "genuine concerns" should be heard and engaged with, not subjected to policing and force.

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"Reports of pellet injuries among protesters are a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of pellet guns suffered by hundreds of Kashmiris over the decades, scarring their eyes and lives forever. It is sad to see students in Delhi facing it now. Use of force cannot resolve grievances or issues, whether in Delhi or Kashmir; dialogue, accountability and engagement are the only way for resolutions," he said.