Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday expressed deep concern over media reports regarding the deteriorating health of incarcerated political leader Engineer Rashid, who has now been shifted to a hospital.
He also condemned the reported decision of Tihar Jail authorities to arbitrarily withdraw phone call and video meeting (e-mulaqat) facilities for political prisoners in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), calling it a distressing development.
In a post on Social media, Mirwaiz wrote, “Concerned by media reports of deteriorating health of Engineer Rashid, now shifted to hospital . Also the news report that Tihar jail authorities have arbitrarily withdrawn phone call and e-mulaqat facilities( video call) to political prisoners in custody of NIA , is very distressing . Besides reports of health condition of many political prisoners especially the elderly in jails is a matter that worries not just their families but all people. The policy of severity in dealing with Kashmiris is a zero sum game.”
“Once again urge the Government of India to release all political prisoners including the leadership,lawyers, civil society members, media personnel and youth and at least while they are in jails to respect and restore their rights as per the law”, he said.
He said, “Also it is the responsibility of the elected government in J&K to honour its commitment in its manifesto and work for the release and relief of these prisoners.”
