Srinagar- Chief cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to release Kashmiri prisoners, saying the step would go a long way in winning the hearts of the people of the valley.

Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid here, Mirwaiz said, “Unfortunately, hundreds of Kashmiris, young and old, and from all walks of life, continue to languish in jails for years and even decades, many under draconian laws, merely for holding dissenting views.”

“Their mental and physical health has been gravely affected, and their families continue to suffer immensely,” he said.

Mirwaiz said among those imprisoned are political leaders including Democratic Freedom Party chief Shabir Shah, JKLF chief Yasin Mal

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