The father of jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment at AIIMS in New Delhi. He was 85.
Confirming the news, the spokesperson of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), Inam Un Nabi, described the deceased as a respected teacher and a man known for his honesty and service to society.
In a statement, Nabi said Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh had dedicated his life to education and community welfare and remained a strong support for Engineer Rashid throughout his political journey.
“Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh was widely respected for his lifelong commitment to education, ethics and community service,” the statement said.
Delhi High Court Grants Interim Bail to Engineer Rashid
Following his father’s death, the Delhi High Court granted interim bail to Engineer Rashid until June 2, allowing him to attend the funeral and perform last rites.
A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain said Rashid would remain under strict conditions during the bail period.
The court ordered that he must be accompanied at all times by at least two plainclothes police personnel from the time he leaves Tihar Jail until his return to Srinagar.
The bench allowed Rashid to visit the burial ground and places of worship but restricted his movement to his residence in Srinagar and Langate.
“Due to the demise of the appellant’s father, interim bail is granted to the appellant until June 2, 2026,” the court said.
The court also directed Rashid not to contact witnesses or engage in unlawful activity. He has been instructed to use only one mobile number, which must remain switched on and shared with investigators.
AIP Appeals for Humanitarian Relief
AIP spokesperson Inam Un Nabi urged the Government of India to ensure Engineer Rashid could attend his father’s final rites on humanitarian grounds.
“It is a son’s basic right to bid farewell to his father. No political difference should come in the way of human compassion at such a time,” Nabi said.
He added that the death of Haji Khazir Sheikh was a major loss for the family, former students and people across Jammu and Kashmir who knew him.
Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti Condole Demise
Several political leaders expressed grief over the death, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.
In a message, Omar Abdullah conveyed condolences to the family and prayed for strength for them during the difficult time.
“The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul,” the Chief Minister’s Office said.
Mehbooba Mufti also expressed sadness, writing that losing a parent is deeply painful.
“The pain of losing a parent is devastating. May Allah grant the family patience and strength and give him the highest place in Jannah,” she said.
Engineer Rashid has been lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail since 2019 after being arrested by the NIA in a 2017 terror-funding case. He is facing charges under the UAPA and other laws related to alleged terror financing and conspiracy. Rashid has denied the allegations.
