Mirwaiz seeks release of Kashmiri political prisoners as a Ramzan goodwill gesture

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric and chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, urged authorities on Friday to release Kashmiri political prisoners lodged in jails in the Union Territory and across the country as a gesture of goodwill in the holy month of Ramzan.

“I appeal to the authorities to listen to the voice of people’s collective conscience and unconditionally release thousands of Kashmiri political prisoners, who are in jails in J&K and all over India, as a gesture of goodwill in the holy month of Ramzan,” Mr Farooq said as he delivered Friday sermon to hundreds of worshippers at the historic Jamia Masjid.

He said that the “condition of many prisoners is very bad causing great distress to people”.

He also said the authorities must address the critical issues faced by the people, including the “lack of electricity that has increased the hardships for people, especially in the holy month”, particularly for the poor who do not have alternative means.“The condition of roads is pathetic making commuting a nightmare,” he added.

Mirwaiz urged all sects and organisations, whether religious, social, or political, to put personal and sectarian interests aside and promote unity and brotherhood among the people of Jammu and Kashmir to preserve and protect their collective identity. He said the best way to ensure collectivism is by following basic human, moral and religious principles and values.

It was the first time after 5 years, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was permitted to deliver a sermon in Ramzan following the repeal of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.