‘Our blood is not cheap’
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): In his maiden speech during the ongoing Budget session, Engineer Rashid, the newly-elected Member of Parliament from Baramulla, raised serious concerns about the recent civilian deaths in Kathua and Baramulla, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into both cases.
Rashid emphasized that the lives of Kashmiris should not be treated as expendable, and called for justice to be served in these tragic incidents.
Rashid’s speech came in the wake of the deaths of Waseem Ahmed Mir, who was shot during an Army firing incident at a naka checkpoint in Baramulla, and Makhan Din, who allegedly died by suicide due to police harassment in Kathua. Both deaths sparked widespread outrage across Jammu and Kashmir, with political leaders, activists, and citizens alike demanding accountability and transparency from the authorities.
Addressing the Parliament, Rashid said, “Our blood is not cheap. We have the right to live.” He questioned the need for such incidents to occur, particularly at the hands of security forces, and demanded that the government conduct a thorough investigation into both cases. “Do our forces need Waseem Mir’s blood every day?” he asked, highlighting the perceived impunity with which such incidents take place.
In addition to his call for justice, Rashid also shed light on the ongoing struggles of residents in remote areas of north Kashmir, particularly Karna, Keran, and Machil. These areas are often cut off from the rest of the region for months due to harsh winters, leaving the people there to survive on limited resources. Rashid urged the government to take immediate steps to improve infrastructure in these areas, specifically by constructing a tunnel to ensure year-round access and provide much-needed relief to these isolated communities.
Rashid’s appearance in Parliament was especially significant, given his recent release from Tihar Jail. He had been detained since 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with a 2017 terror-funding case. Despite his detention, Rashid won the Baramulla seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a testament to his political influence and public support. The Delhi High Court granted him two-day custody parole to attend the ongoing Budget session, subject to restrictions on internet use and media interactions.
Rashid’s bold speech in Parliament has brought attention to issues of civilian safety, security force accountability, and the dire need for infrastructure development in Kashmir’s remote regions. His calls for justice and equal treatment for Kashmiris are likely to resonate with many, sparking continued debate and discussion in the coming days (DD)