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News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Kashmiri Locals Responsible For Pilgrims' Safety During Amarnath Yatra, Says Mehbooba Mufti
Last Updated: PDP leader urged locals to ensure the annual pilgrimage, starting next month, runs smoothly Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday said that the safety of pilgrims during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra is in the hands of Kashmir's local people. Speaking at a meeting in Pahalgam, south Kashmir's Anantnag district, she urged locals to ensure the annual pilgrimage, starting next month, runs smoothly. Addressing PDP workers and stakeholders at the Pahalgam tourist resort, Mufti stressed the importance of protecting the yatris (pilgrims). 'The security of the yatris is your responsibility. Every stakeholder has the responsibility to safeguard the yatra and yatris. More than the police and the security forces, it is you who have to secure them," she said. She specifically called on party workers living along the yatra route to take an active role in safeguarding the pilgrims. Mufti also highlighted the long tradition of Kashmiri hospitality towards Amarnath pilgrims. 'The way in which the people of Kashmir have welcomed them for centuries, God willing, they will be welcomed this year as well. They will be served well and they will return safe and sound to their homes," she said, expressing hope that the pilgrimage would boost tourism in the region. The PDP leader noted that tourism in Kashmir suffered after a terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which halted visitor arrivals. This has hit local ponywallas, hoteliers, shopkeepers, and drivers hard, many of whom are struggling to repay bank loans. To help revive the local economy, Mufti urged Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the elected government to reopen popular tourist spots like Chandanwari, Aru, and Beetab Valley in Pahalgam. She also appealed to the government to stop troubling ordinary citizens. 'I appeal to the government to stop calling ponywallas to Srinagar or Pahalgam for hearing. Do not do this to them. If you have to fight militants, do that, but do not harass common people. If you harass common people or make them your enemy, then it will not have good consequences," Mufti said. Reflecting on past tensions, Mufti recalled a 2016 visit by an all-party delegation from Delhi during unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The delegation was turned away by Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. 'I had said this before to the Government of India that there was a time when leaders from Delhi came to the doors of the Hurriyat, but Hurriyat did not open the doors. Today, the people of Jammu and Kashmir want to lend a hand of friendship towards you, but you should not do what the Hurriyat did that time," she stated. (With inputs from PTI) First Published: June 10, 2025, 20:20 IST
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Train links are a welcome now release prisoners on Eid to reduce Dil Ki Doori: Mirwaiz to Modi
ANI Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq 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 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."
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Train links are a welcome now release prisoners on Eid to reduce Dil Ki Doori: Mirwaiz to Modi
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. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 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 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 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 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 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 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."
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mirwaiz urges PM Modi to bridge ‘dil ki doori' by releasing Kashmiri prisoners, Mufti echoes him
SRINAGAR: Bridging the 'dil ki doori' (distance between hearts) between Delhi and Srinagar by freeing Kashmiri prisoners is as crucial to establishing a connection as opening the Valley's first rail link with the rest of the country, J&K's chief cleric and separatist Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said Friday after PM Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural Vande Bharat Express train from Katra station. 'If the PM truly seeks to close the gap, as he often mentions in his speeches, then humanitarian steps are the real way forward. Train links are welcome, but it is the human links that matter and endure,' Mirwaiz told an Eid-ul-Adha congregation at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar. He said the festival doesn't bring any joy to thousands of families in J&K whose sons, husbands, fathers and brothers had been incarcerated for years, many allegedly without a trial, in jails within and outside J&K. 'With each passing day, more of our youth are detained,' he said. 'All such prisoners, including politicians, remain in the prayers and thoughts of the people of Kashmir.' PDP chief and ex-CM Mehbooba Mufti said now that J&K's long-awaited rail link had become a reality, it was time for PM Modi to 'show statesmanship and compassion, especially towards those languishing in jails across India without serious charges'. Mehbooba urged him to consider releasing Kashmiri youth 'jailed on mere suspicion' after the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. 'The collective condemnation of the incident by people across the political spectrum reflects our shared rejection of violence…Let this Eid be a moment of healing and reconciliation,' she said.
United News of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
PM launches Kashmir train, Mehbooba and Mirwaiz urge release of Kashmiri prisoners
Srinagar, June 6 (UNI) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra with Srinagar, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti and Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed the improved connectivity but appealed Centre to release Kashmiri prisoners ahead of Eid for healing and justice. PDP chief Mehbooba welcomed the launch of Vande Bharat connecting Kashmir to Jammu via rail and said this long-awaited step promises ease for commuters & boosts connectivity in our region. The former chief minister urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show statesmanship by releasing Kashmiri youth and political detainees. 'On the solemn occasion of Eid Al Adha, I urge Hon'ble PM to consider releasing Kashmiri youth jailed on mere suspicion post the Pahalgam attack. The collective condemnation of the incident by people across the political spectrum reflects our shared rejection of violence. It's time to show statesmanship and compassion, especially towards those languishing in jails across India without serious charges. Let this Eid be a moment of healing and reconciliation,' she said in a statement. Addressing the Friday congregation at Srinagar's historic Jamia mosque in old Srinagar, Mirwaiz, who is also Kashmir's chief cleric, called for the release of prisoners on Eid-ul-Adha as a goodwill gesture. He said that for thousands of families in J&K, the Eid festival brings more pain than 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,' he said. Mirwaiz said that all such prisoners, including political leadership, remain in the prayers and thoughts of the people. '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,' Mirwaiz said. Kashmir's chief cleric also termed the death of Zubair Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Srinagar, under mysterious circumstances in New Delhi on Monday deeply disturbing. While Zubair's family claimed their son was killed in Delhi, police in Delhi said there was no 'indication of foul play' in his death. UNI MJR BD
