Published: December 06, 2007

Government of India Must Release Prisoners: Kashmir Minister

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Srinagar, Dec 6: The pro-Indian Kashmir minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yasin has called on Government of India to release the Kashmiri prisoners languishing in different jails and interrogation centres.

Yasin, transport minister in Kashmir government said Government of India must release those prisoners on priority, who were not involved in serious cases. "This would be a goodwill gesture on the eve of Idd-ul-Azhah (the Muslim festival on the culmination of Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia).

Thousands of Kashmiris prisoners are presently detained in jails, sub jails and interrogation centres in Kashmir and other parts of India. The separatist groups and human rights organizations have been repeatedly calling on Government of India to release the Kashmiri prisoners languishing in Indian jails.

The pro-Indian leader also urged the leaders of India and Pakistan for taking forward the peace process to resolve all issues. "The dialogue is the only method to address the problems and strive for peace in the sub-continent. The leaders of political parties of the Kashmir including separatists should be involved in the dialogue process to make it result-oriented", he added.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.