Er Rashid, the jailed leader of the Awami Itehad Party (AIP) and Member of Parliament from Baramulla, has been on hunger strike since January 31 in Tihar Jail. Rashid’s protest continues for the third consecutive day as he demands to be allowed to attend parliamentary proceedings.
Speaking about the hunger strike, Rashid’s legal team confirmed that he will continue the strike until he is granted permission to participate in the upcoming session of Parliament. “I will not end my fast until I am allowed to attend the Parliamentary proceedings,” Rashid said in a statement.
Meanwhile, AIP has launched a campaign to demand the immediate release of Er Rashid. The party is rallying support for his cause and urging the Government of India to intervene. AIP leaders have voiced their concerns about Rashid’s treatment and the lack of action from the authorities.
Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, Senior AIP leader and MLA from Langate, criticized the delay in Rashid’s bail and said, “The trial court has not yet decided on Er Rashid’s bail, and the administration is doing nothing to help. We approached the High Court but are still waiting for justice. The Chief Minister promised to address the suppression of people’s voices, but nothing has been done.”
Inam Un Nabi, another senior AIP leader, expressed support for Rashid’s hunger strike, calling it an act of courage against injustice. “Er Rashid’s hunger strike represents the voice of the people of Baramulla and Kashmir. Suppressing it is an attack on democracy. The government must address his demands,” Un Nabi said.
