Train links are a welcome now release prisoners on Eid to reduce Dil Ki Doori: Mirwaiz to Modi

Time of India

07-06-2025

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressed a gathering at Jama Masjid. He urged the government to release prisoners as a goodwill gesture for Eid. He emphasized the importance of human connections. Mirwaiz condemned the death of Zubair Bhat in Delhi. He expressed concern over the safety of Kashmiris living outside Jammu and Kashmir.
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Srinagar: Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said that if the Prime Minister truly seeks to reduce the ' Dil Ki Doori ' then humanitarian steps like release of prisoners need to be taken immediately. Mirwaiz while addressing a Friday gathering here at historic Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar said that train links are a welcome, but it is the human links that truly matter and endure.On the eve of Eid-ul-Adha , Mirwaiz said that for thousands of families in J&K, the festival brings no joy. 'Their sons, husbands, fathers and brothers have been incarcerated for years—many without trial—in jails within and outside J&K. And each passing day, more of our youth are detained,' said Mirwaiz.The Hurriyat chief said that all such prisoners, including political leadership, remain in the prayers and thoughts of the people. Mirwaiz urged Government of India that a goodwill gesture be made on the occasion of Eid , by releasing these prisoners.'If the Prime Minister truly seeks to reduce the 'dil ki doori' (distance of hearts) which he often mentions in his speeches, then such humanitarian steps are the real way forward. Train links are welcome, but it is the human links that truly matter and endure," said Mirwaiz.The Hurriyat leader also condemned the tragic and inhuman killing of 30-year-old Zubair Bhat of Ali Kadal, Srinagar, who was working in New Delhi."The incident is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Zubair's custodial-like death—allegedly at the hands of Delhi police as claimed by his family—has brought back haunting memories of such deaths and raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of Kashmiris residing or working in different parts of India," said Mirwaiz.The Hurriyat leader said that the killing has sent shockwaves through the community and added to the prevailing fear and anxiety among the thousands of Kashmiri students, professionals, traders, and labourers living outside J&K. 'After the recent Pahalgam incident, Kashmiris across the country are increasingly facing hostility. And now, an innocent young trader has been killed in cold blood. How long will this go on?' Mirwaiz asked.The Hurriyat leader urged the Government of India and the Union Territory administration to fulfill their constitutional responsibility and ensure the safety, security, and dignity of all Kashmiri citizens, especially those outside the region. 'The silence and inaction only embolden those targeting Kashmiris,' he warned.Mirwaiz also made a heartfelt appeal to civil rights organisations, writers, intellectuals, and conscientious citizens of India to raise their voice against "the growing onslaught on Kashmiris and to stand up in solidarity with the victims of such brutality."