Incarcerated Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramulla, Er Rashid, has announced his decision to commence a hunger strike starting January 31, 2025, citing continued denial of his right to participate in parliamentary sessions. In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Hon'ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Er Rashid detailed his grievances and highlighted the persistent disregard for the representation of four districts and eighteen assembly segments of Kashmir.
Er Rashid emphasized that despite repeated communications from the Lok Sabha Secretariat and official invitations to attend sessions, he has not been allowed to participate even once. He noted, “Isn't it strange and like mocking democracy to invite me to attend the house but actually not allowing me to attend it?”
Drawing parallels to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s past comments on being denied a U.S. visa, Er Rashid remarked, “Why should he and his government not be reminded of his words when it comes to the worst treatment I am getting as an elected representative?”
The letter also underscored what Er Rashid described as selective and unjust application of laws, particularly citing the differential treatment of political leaders arrested during the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. He pointed out that while other prominent leaders were detained in guest houses and later released without charges, he continues to languish in Tihar Jail under what he termed as "a draconian route of UAPA to silence my voice."
Er Rashid, who was elected to Parliament while incarcerated, stated, “The people’s court cleared me of all charges on June 4, 2024, by electing me to Parliament. Yet, I find my space choked, my roads blocked, and myself suffocated.”
Reacting to the development, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi criticized the continued incarceration of Er Rashid as an affront to democratic principles. “The denial of parliamentary access to an elected representative is a grave injustice not just to Er Rashid but to the entire population of Baramulla. The government must respect the mandate of the people and ensure Rashid Sahab’s participation in the upcoming budget session,” he asserted.
Inam further appealed to the political fraternity and civil society to break their "criminal silence" over Rashid's prolonged detention. “Silence on such matters emboldens injustice. We urge all responsible voices to demand the restoration of Er Rashid’s rights and dignity as an MP,” he added.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Chief Justice of India, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and Er Rashid’s legal counsels, Advocates Vikhyat Oberoi and Javeed Hubbi. Er Rashid has called upon these institutions to uphold democratic values and protect the rights of elected representatives.
In solidarity with incarcerated AIP President and MP Baramulla Er Rashid, the Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) has announced simultaneous hunger strikes in Srinagar, Jammu, and Delhi. Party members emphasized that these protests are aimed at drawing national attention to the continued injustice faced by their leader and highlighting the democratic rights of the people of Baramulla.
On the government to address Er Rashid’s grievances. The announcement signals a critical juncture in Kashmir’s political landscape and raises significant questions about democratic representation and judicial fairness.
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