Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday expressed hope that the government would rethink its policy on the release of political prisoners by adopting a “humane approach” and showing some leniency.
Mirwaiz was allowed to offer Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jama Masjid here after four weeks.
Speaking to reporters after the prayers, Mirwaiz said he expects the “new government” at the Centre to understand the situation in the valley and take such initiatives which would help in establishing sustained peace.
He said they have always supported dialogue and want talks to initiate so that pending issues are addressed and resolved. “We have supported talks a lot, and in the meanwhile we suffered attacks, but we didn’t move from our principal stance. Hope government should come forward with a realistic approach,” he said.
He alleged several youths and political prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir were still in jail.
“The process of verification for jobs and passports has also been complicated and I think the government needs to show some leniency on these aspects,” he said, adding “we expect the government will change its policy, show some leniency and move forward with a humane and realistic approach”.
Mirwaiz also said that his “informal release” and “unending house detention” by the J&K administration is unfortunate.
“I don’t know why the government keeps me under house arrest without producing any legal note. It is unfortunate. I am hoping this policy should end and I should be allowed to move freely and put forth my view in public,” he said.
Reiterating his stand, Mirwaiz said, “If government thinks I will leave my ethical stand on issues, then they are wrong. I hope the government will realize the situation and take amicable steps accordingly.” (With additional inputs from PTI)
