AIP workers to follow suit in Kashmir, Delhi
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): In a major political development, Awami Itehad Party (AIP) chief and newly elected Member of Parliament from North Kashmir, Engineer Rashid, is set to go on an indefinite hunger strike from tomorrow inside Tihar Jail, where he is currently lodged.
The move comes in protest against his continued detention, which prevents him from attending the upcoming Parliament session beginning tomorrow.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, senior AIP leaders expressed strong resentment over what they termed the “deliberate denial of democratic rights” to their party chief. They argued that Er Rashid’s absence from Parliament means that the voice of 18 lakh people of North Kashmir remains unheard, effectively nullifying their representation at the national level.
In solidarity with their leader, AIP workers have announced mass hunger strikes in both Kashmir and Delhi, vowing to continue their protest until Er Rashid is either released or allowed to attend the parliamentary proceedings.
“Despite being elected by the people of North Kashmir, Er Rashid is being prevented from performing his constitutional duty as an MP. This is not just an injustice to him but also to the democratic mandate of the people who voted for him. If the government truly believes in democracy, they should let him take his rightful place in Parliament,” an AIP spokesperson stated.
The party has also appealed to civil society, political groups, and human rights organizations to intervene and ensure Er Rashid’s participation in the parliamentary session. They warned that continued suppression of democratic voices could have serious consequences for the political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir.
Growing Pressure on Govt Over Rashid’s Detention
Engineer Rashid, who defeated former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla constituency, has been in Tihar Jail since 2019 in connection with a terror-funding case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Despite his landslide victory, the government has not taken any steps to facilitate his release or temporary parole for parliamentary duties, unlike some other political figures in the past who were allowed to attend sessions under judicial supervision.
AIP leaders have criticized the selective application of legal provisions, alleging that Er Rashid is being singled out for his strong political stance on Kashmir’s affairs.
With protests planned in both Kashmir and Delhi, political observers believe that this issue could snowball into a major controversy, putting the government under pressure to justify its stance on an elected representative’s prolonged incarceration.
The coming days will be crucial as the Parliament session begins, and it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its position in light of growing protests and political pressure.(DD)
