Baramulla Member Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid on Tuesday hinted at stepping away from electoral politics while delivering an emotional address during the last rites of his father Khazir Mohammad, saying his struggle was far beyond Article 370 and statehood and centred on the dignity and freedom of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rashid, who was granted interim bail from Tihar Jail to attend the funeral, said he may not contest future elections, asserting that his political journey had come at a high personal cost.
“I want to give a message to those who keep counting votes that Er Rashid is most likely not to contest elections. It is my heart’s choice, though a final decision will be taken later,” he said,.
The AIP chief said his fight was never for personal or political gains but for the dignity and status of Kashmiris. “My struggle is beyond Article 370 and statehood. It is for the dignity and honour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, while thanking even those who “did not bother to take my name”.
Rashid said politics should remain a battle of ideas and urged people not to fear him. “Don’t frighten. I don’t know whether I will continue politics or not, but I will never forget what happened to me,” he said.
Recalling his release from Tihar Jail to attend the funeral, the MP said he had initially resisted coming out but was persuaded by family members and friends. “I was forced yesterday by my family and friends to come out of Tihar,” he said.
On detentions and imprisonment of youth in Jammu and Kashmir, Rashid cited the example of a man-eating leopard in Handwara that had killed several people. “If the government can mend the behaviour of an animal after killings, why can’t the hearts of Kashmiris who made small mistakes be won instead of sending them to jails under PSA?” he asked.
He said reconciliation and trust-building were the only ways to address the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “I have shown them the way to win hearts,” he added.
Rashid maintained that prison could not break his resolve. “Let me live in Tihar only. Tihar can’t break me because I have done nothing wrong,” he said.
He also appealed to both India and the neighbouring country to stop violence in Jammu and Kashmir and allow people to live peacefully. “I urge everyone, whether from this side or the neighbouring country, not to kill people of J&K, whether Hindu or Muslim. Let us live freely,” he said.
Addressing the people of India, MP Rashid said Kashmiris were not enemies and reiterated that Islam teaches peace and coexistence. “We welcome tourists from across the country and want them to visit every corner of Kashmir, including Bungus. But don’t come with the mindset that you have won Kashmir,” he said.
