Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, Sep 10: Delhi’s Patiala House Court Tuesday granted bail to jailed Member Parliament Engineer Rashid and allowed him to campaign in the upcoming polls in J&K till October 2. The news triggered jubilations within the Awami Itehad Party (AIP) with Er Rashid’s family crediting the people of north Kashmir who voted in large numbers for the jailed politician in the recently held Lok Sabha polls.
“It’s a great news for us. Every rank and file within the party are happy. There is joy all around,” said AIP Chief Spokesman Inamun Nabi. He said the news of bail is not just a morale booster for the party but a major relief for Er Rashid’s family as well.
“His family members will be seeing Er Rashid for the first time in person after five long years. So it is indeed a big relief,” said Inam. He said allowing Er Rashid to campaign will give a big push to AIP and the candidates in fray from north, south and Central Kashmir.
Inam said bail was actually a victory of the people of north Kashmir who voted in large numbers for Er Rashid in Lok Sabha polls. “They deserve the credit,” he said. Er Rashid’s son, Abrar Rashid expressed his happiness amid sobs. “I am short of votes. Today, people of north Kashmir have come to know the power of vote,” he said, adding that “I am eager to see my father. Want to hug him.”
Abrar was the main campaigner for his father in Lok Sabha polls in north Kashmir Parliamentary seat. Er Rashid won with a huge margin defeating Omar Abdullah of NC and Sajad Lone of Peoples Conference. (TDD)
