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.
