Jailed MP’s Release Sparks Political Tensions in Jammu and Kashmir

The release of jailed Member of Parliament (MP) Sheikh Rashid, widely known as Engineer Rashid, on Tuesday (September 10, 2024) has sent ripples through the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The two main regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), are expressing concerns over Mr. Rashid’s decision to field candidates in strongholds of the Muftis and the Abdullahs in south and north Kashmir respectively, particularly given the upcoming Assembly elections.

Omar Abdullah, NC vice-president and candidate for the central Kashmir’s Ganderbal and Budgam seats, questioned the timing of Mr. Rashid’s release, suggesting it was politically motivated. “The bail was not given for the benefit of the constituents but for electoral gain. I pity the people of Baramulla as their MP received bail not to serve or represent them but to gain votes. After the election, he will return to Tihar, leaving north Kashmir without representation,” said Mr. Abdullah, who was defeated by Mr. Rashid in the Lok Sabha election in April-May.

With Mr. Rashid’s party, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), fielding candidates from the stronghold of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in south Kashmir, the latter has launched a scathing attack on the MP. “Parents of poor jail inmates are not even allowed to meet. And some people are contesting elections from jail and forming parties. Vehicles and security are provided to them,” Ms. Mufti stated. She accused AIP of being a “proxy of the BJP,” alleging that an AIP candidate attacked a PDP candidate in Shopian on Sunday, prompting the Election Commission to issue a notice to her party. “From the Election Commission’s notice, you should come to know about the person contesting elections from inside jail,” Ms. Mufti added.

Meanwhile, Ghulam Nabi Azad, president of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), welcomed the interim bail granted to Mr. Rashid, calling it “a step towards justice.” “I welcome the interim bail order granted to Eng. Rashid Sahib by the Delhi Patiala House Court. As a democratically elected MP with a strong mandate, this is a step towards justice and his right to campaign in the assembly elections,” Azad said in a post on X.

The release of Mr. Rashid has undoubtedly added a new dimension to the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, with the political parties bracing for an intense campaign period.

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