Through your esteemed publication, I wish to draw attention to the continued imprisonment of Member of Parliament Sheikh Abdul Rashid, widely known as Engineer Rashid. His captivity is a matter of deep concern for many of us in Kashmir, particularly the people of Baramulla, who recently re-elected him to represent them in the Lok Sabha.
Engineer Rashid, a native of Mawer Handwara, has long exemplified genuine public leadership. From his early days as a civil engineer to his entry into politics in 2008, he has consistently placed people’s welfare at the core of his work. He won the hearts of voters as an independent MLA from Langate twice, later founding the Jammu Kashmir Awami Itehad Party (JKAIP) in 2013. Even while incarcerated under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act since 2019, his landslide victory in the 2024 general election speaks volumes about the trust and hope people continue to place in him.
What makes Engineer Rashid stand out is his tireless commitment to public utilities and social justice. He has been a vocal advocate for improving hospitals, roads, courts, and above all, education. His compassion for the downtrodden, especially students, and his dedication to guiding the youth is both inspiring and sorely missing in today’s political landscape.
Honest leaders like him are crucial for fostering economic growth, promoting civic engagement, and upholding the ideals of justice and democracy. Keeping such a voice behind bars not only undermines the democratic mandate of his constituents but also robs society of a leader who could help build a more inclusive and equitable future.
I appeal to the concerned authorities to release Engineer Rashid at the earliest and allow him to fulfill the duties entrusted to him by the people who chose him as their representative.
– Basharat Ahad Qureshi, Handwara
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