Srinagar, June 6 (UNI) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra with Srinagar, Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed the improved connectivity but reminded the Centre on Friday that it is “human links, not just train links,” that matter more.

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 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 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.

“Zubair’s 'custodial-like death' — as claimed by his family — has brought back haunting memories of such deaths and raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of Kashmiris residing or working in different parts of India,” Mirwaiz said.

“After the recent Pahalgam incident, Kashmiris across the country are increasingly facing hostility. And now, an innocent young trader has been killed in cold blood. How long will this go on?” Mirwaiz asked.

He urged the Government of India and the UT administration to fulfill their constitutional responsibility and ensure the safety, security, and dignity of all Kashmiri citizens, especially those outside the region.

“The silence and inaction only embolden those targeting Kashmiris,” he warned.

Mirwaiz also made a heartfelt appeal to civil rights organisations, writers, intellectuals, and conscientious citizens of India to raise their voice against the growing onslaught on Kashmiris and to stand up in solidarity with the victims of such brutality. UNI MJR BD SSP