Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief and Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid (Er Rashid) has hinted at quitting electoral politics, citing the immense personal and family toll it has taken over the years.
While addressing mourners at the funeral of his father, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, in his ancestral village Mawer Payeen, Handwara, Rashid emotionally revealed that he is seriously considering stepping away from contesting elections in the future. He was granted interim bail from Delhi’s Tihar Jail to attend the last rites. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Main Reasons Behind His Decision:
- Heavy Personal and Family Cost: Rashid has spent several years in jail. During this period, he lost several close relatives, including now his father. The prolonged incarceration and political struggle have caused deep personal suffering for him and his family.
- Struggle Beyond Power and Elections: He clarified that his fight was never just for votes, power, Article 370, or statehood. It has always been for the dignity, honour, justice, and freedom of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He feels electoral politics may no longer be the most effective way to continue this struggle.
- Emotional Exhaustion: In his heartfelt address, Rashid said he wants to give “good news” to those who only focus on vote politics. “I may not contest elections in the future… the thought has come from my heart,” he stated, adding that a final decision is yet to be taken.
Strong Appeal for Peace in J&K:
While hinting at quitting elections, Engineer Rashid made an emotional appeal for peace:
- “Let me remain in Tihar Jail, but let peace prevail in Jammu and Kashmir.”
- He urged both India and Pakistan to end violence and allow Kashmiris (whether Hindu or Muslim) to live with dignity and without fear.
- Rashid emphasised that reconciliation, trust-building, and winning the hearts of the people — especially the youth — is the only way forward, instead of using harsh laws and force.
He drew a parallel with authorities trying to reform a man-eating leopard, questioning why the government cannot adopt a similar compassionate approach towards Kashmiris.
This statement comes while Rashid continues to remain lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a terror-funding case, even after winning the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat from prison in 2024.