In touch with MPs, seeking their voice for Er Rashid’s release, entry to Parliament: AIP

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Appeals parliamentarians to rise above political affiliations, stand for democratic principles

Srinagar, Nov 23 (KNO): Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Saturday said that the party is in contact with the Members of Parliament, seeking their support in raising the voice of the party Chief and Member of Parliament from Baramulla constituency, Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh’s immediate release and allowing him to participate in the next parliament session.

As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), addressing a news conference here, AIP leaders appealed to the parliamentarians to raise their voice in favour of Er Rashid’s immediate release and also his participation in the session.

“It has been six years now since the AIP Chief was arrested in a case, which has not proved so far against him. We want the parliamentarians to support us in this regard by raising the voice for his release and also his participation in the parliament session,” Advocate Shaheeen, a party leader said.

Furthermore, while replying to a query, he said that the party is already in contact with several parliamentarians from different political groups and seeking their support in this regard.

“We have already hired an efficient team of lawyers in New Delhi, who are in consultation with the Srinagar team of lawyers to plead the case of Er Rashid for his release,” he added

“It is the time to show the support to Er Rashid’s release as such a situation can be faced by the other leaders in the future as well,” he said, appealing to the parliamentarians from National Conference (NC), Congress and other parties to raise their voice in this regard.

The appeal read by the Advocate Shaheen, reads, “Respected Members of Parliament, As the winter session of Parliament commences on 25th November, we extend our best wishes to you all as you step into the temple of democracy—a sacred space where the voice of the common man finds expression through their elected representatives. Democracy is rightly called the battle of ideologies, and Parliament is its ultimate arena.”

“Today, we bring to your attention a grave injustice that demands your immediate attention—the continued incarceration of your fellow Parliamentarian, Er Rashid, who represents the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu and Kashmir,” it reads.

“On 5th August 2019, the day Article 370 was abrogated, Er Rashid was summoned to Delhi and detained under false and baseless charges. Despite being held in custody, he contested the parliamentary elections, won with a massive mandate and became the elected voice of the Baramulla constituency. However, since taking his oath as a Member of Parliament, he has not been allowed to attend even a single session of the Lok Sabha,” the appeal added.

“Baramulla, the constituency he represents, consists of 18 assembly segments and accounts for nearly 40% of Jammu and Kashmir’s population. From 2008 to 2018, Er Rashid fearlessly served his people, voicing their concerns and aspirations without compromise. Yet, today, the same voice is being silenced under the pretext of incarceration, denying the people of Baramulla their rightful representation,” it reads.

“We urge all parliamentarians to rise above political affiliations and stand for democratic principles by raising your voice for Er Rashid’s release and his right to attend Parliament. Denying him this opportunity is not just a betrayal of his mandate but an insult to the democratic process itself. It sets a dangerous precedent where the will of the people is suppressed and their chosen representative is silenced,” the appeal added.

“What is happening with Er Rashid today could happen to any of you tomorrow. If raising the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is considered a crime, then Er Rashid will continue to “commit” this crime proudly, as he is not a criminal but a leader who lives in the hearts of the people. On behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in general and the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency in particular, we appeal to you with the utmost respect and hope. On the first day of this parliamentary session, we urge you to: Demand Er Rashid’s immediate release. Advocate for his right to attend the Parliament sessions to represent his people,” the appeal reads.

“The world is watching how the democratic fabric of this nation treats its elected representatives and their mandate. By standing for Er Rashid’s rights, you safeguard not just his credibility but the sanctity of democracy itself. If a Parliamentarian cannot speak for another Parliamentarian’s democratic rights, how can we expect justice for the common man? We trust in your cooperation and commitment to democracy and look forward to your support in ensuring that Er Rashid can fulfill his duty to his constituents. With highest regards and hope,” it added—(KNO)

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