Srinagar, Nov 10 (KNS): Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq on Tuesday sought accountability over the six years spent in jail by two young men from Baramulla, who were acquitted by a court after the evidence against them was found unreliable.

Expressing concern over their prolonged incarceration under stringent anti-terror laws, Mirwaiz said the case raised serious questions about the consequences of extended detention when the evidence ultimately fails to sustain a conviction.

He said the six years spent by the two men behind bars could not be returned and called for accountability over the loss of their precious years.

In a post on X, Mirwaiz said, "Deeply saddening that two young men from Baramulla had to spend six precious years in jail under stringent anti-terror laws, before being acquitted as the evidence against them was found unreliable.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis case once again highlights the indiscriminate arrest and prolonged detention of Kashmiri youth. Will accountability be fixed for their wasted years?"

He urged the authorities to review their approach towards such cases and reconsider the continued detention of young people in prisons.

"Authorities should review this approach and relook and do justice to the thousands of youth under prolonged detention," he added.

The Mirwaiz's remarks come in the wake of the acquittal of the two Baramulla residents following six years of incarceration, bringing renewed attention to concerns surrounding prolonged detention, the evidentiary basis of arrests and the legal process in cases registered under stringent anti-terror laws.(KNS)