Srinagar, August 1 (KNS) : Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent message calling for compassion towards young people who make mistakes in their younger years, saying the sentiment offers hope. However, he urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the same compassion is also extended to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued, Senior AIP Leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed said he was encouraged to hear the Prime Minister speak about forgiveness, guidance and giving young people a second chance instead of pushing them into courts and police stations.
"The Prime Minister's message is positive and reassuring. Every young person deserves an opportunity to learn from mistakes and move forward in life. But my humble question is, should this compassion not also reach the youth of Jammu and Kashmir?" he asked.
Sheikh Khursheed said thousands of young men and women in Kashmir continue to live with the burden of long-pending cases, repeated police summons and verification-related hurdles, even as they try to build careers, support their families and lead ordinary lives.
"There are young people who study hard, clear competitive examinations and dream of serving the country, yet many continue to face obstacles during verification. Others struggle to obtain passports or move ahead in life because of cases that have remained unresolved for years. Their families, too, carry this burden every single day.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThey deserve dignity, fairness and a chance to move forward," he said.
The MLA also spoke about those who remain in jail under different security-related laws, saying that while every case must follow its legal course, a humane and compassionate approach should be adopted wherever the law permits.
"Many young people have spent the most precious years of their lives behind bars while their cases continue. Wherever there is legal and constitutional space, the Government should consider measures that help deserving youth return to society, rebuild their lives and contribute positively to the nation," he said.
Appealing directly to the Prime Minister, Sheikh Khursheed expressed hope that the message of compassion would also be reflected in policies concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
"I sincerely hope the Hon'ble Prime Minister will reassure the youth of Jammu and Kashmir that they have not been forgotten. A message of hope, along with meaningful steps to address genuine concerns relating to long-pending cases, police verification and passport clearances in accordance with the law, would give thousands of young people renewed confidence in their future," he said.
He added that extending the same spirit of compassion, fairness and equal treatment to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir would not only change lives but also strengthen trust, promote reconciliation and deepen the bond between the people and the nation.(KNS)