Srinagar: Engineer Rashid, leader of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), said that Pakistan remains a stakeholder in the Kashmir issue and advocated for a “workable solution.” Dismissing rumours of aligning with the BJP, Rashid clarified that his primary goal is to restore peace in Kashmir, as reported by ANI.
“Power is not important to me,” Rashid said, as quoted by the news agency. “I was an independent MLA and could have joined any party if power was my priority, but my main concern is ending the violence in Kashmir,” he said.
He further criticised traditional parties like the PDP, JKNC, and BJP for behaving like “VVIPs” after elections and vowed that AIP will focus on achieving permanent peace.
Rashid attributed the increased voter turnout in recent elections to the state’s repression, noting that people are eager for change and wish to express their views through democratic means. “Kashmiris have always believed in democracy, and they want a peaceful, democratic solution to the issue,” he added.
Formerly a two-time MLA from Langate, Engineer Rashid was recently granted interim bail from Tihar Jail, where he had been detained under UAPA charges, to campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. His bail is set to expire on October 3, after which he must surrender. Despite being in jail, Rashid achieved a significant victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating key figures like Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone, with his son Abrar Rashid leading his campaign.
Rashid’s party has fielded 34 candidates in the 2024 Assembly elections, including his younger brother Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, who is contesting from Langate. The third and final phase of the assembly elections is currently underway, with 415 candidates, including former deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand of Congress and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, competing. The votes will be counted on October 8.
