Engineer Rashid ended his hunger strike inside the Tihar Jail on the 11th day following the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant him two-day custody parole for February 11 and February 13. File
| Photo Credit: PTI
The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Monday (February 10, 2025) said the party chief Engineer Rashid, a Member of Parliament from the Baramulla constituency, ended his hunger strike inside the Tihar Jail on the 11th day following the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant him two-day custody parole for February 11 and February 13.
The AIP chief went on a hunger strike to protest over his inability to attend the Parliament sessions in spite of being elected from the Baramulla constituency in J&K last year. Mr. Rashid, who was arrested in 2019 under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, faced charges of money laundering.
AIP spokesman Inam Un Nabi, who informed the media about Mr. Rashid’s decision to end his hunger strike, welcomed the court’s move. He expressed gratitude to the people of the Baramulla constituency “for their overwhelming support”. “Despite the hardships, Mr. Rashid remains resolute in his commitment to representing the sentiments and aspirations of the people of J&K. His dedication to the cause remains unshaken. AIP will continue its fight for justice and democracy,” Mr. Nabi said.
Mr. Rashid’s son Abrar Rashid described the court bail as a “positive step”. “I think he will be able to represent the people of his constituency now. He won the elections with a huge margin. However, this is a conditional parole. He will not be allowed to talk to family members or party leaders except for the officials of the Parliament. I am hopeful he will now get a regular bail for the larger interest of people,” he said.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti expressed surprise over limited custody parole. “Gurmeet Singh also calling himself Ram Rahim, convicted of rape and murder charges, has been out on parole for months since his imprisonment. Meanwhile, we have the honourable MP Engineer Rashid, who has finally been granted just two days of custody parole to attend Parliament, and that too only by a High Court order. This is truly the “mother of democracy” at work!”
Ruling National Conference (NC) leader Imran Nabi Dar sought relief for other detained leaders from Kashmir. “The NC, in fact Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Mr. Rashid (due to hunger strike). The government of India should accord the same privileges and treatment to other inmates from Kashmir. We expect others will be released too, especially those who do not face serious charges. We take the bail with a pinch of salt. Last time when he was released on bail, many said it was under a design. We will wait and watch how it plays out,” he said.
Published – February 10, 2025 10:46 pm IST