I hope the government will rethink its policy regarding the release of political prisoners: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Srinagar: Hurriyat conference president Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on 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.

After four weeks, Farooq was allowed to offer Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid.

Talking to reporters after the prayers, Mirwaiz said he expected the “new government” at the Center to understand the situation in the valley and take initiatives that would help establish lasting peace.

“The Hurriyat Conference always said that the resolution would be taken through dialogue and we also suffered because of this,” he said.

He alleged that several youths and political prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir are still in jail.

“The verification process for work and passports has also been complicated and I believe the government should show some understanding in these aspects,” he said, adding, “we expect the government to change its policy, show some understanding and move forward with a humane and realistic approach.” .