Srinagar: The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has voiced strong concern after its jailed leader and Baramulla MP, Engineer Rashid, revealed disturbing details of a recent attempt on his life inside Tihar Jail during a legal consultation with his lawyer, Advocate Javeed Hubbi.
According to Advocate Hubbi, Er Rashid said how jail authorities have been “using new tactics to harass Kashmiri prisoners,” including placing male eunuchs in their barracks who are allegedly incited to provoke, attack, and create an intimidating atmosphere.
Rashid reportedly had a narrow escape when a group of such inmates shoved a gate onto him. “The gate nearly crushed him. If it had struck directly, it could have been fatal. This was clearly a premeditated attempt to cause serious harm,” Hubbi said.
He added that several Kashmiri prisoners — Ayoub Pathan of Beerwah, Bilal Mir of Qamarwari, and Amir Gojri of Srinagar — were earlier assaulted by the same group, while Arshid Tanch of Kupwara was also humiliated. The harassment, Rashid alleged, escalates during prayers, with deliberate provocations whenever Kashmiris begin their nimaz.
Even more alarming, Rashid claimed the eunuchs have been declared HIV positive and are being deliberately housed with Kashmiri detainees. He further warned that dreaded gangsters lodged in Tihar appear to be backing this campaign, which has specifically targeted Kashmiri prisoners over the past three months.
The AIP, expressing outrage, has called for an impartial inquiry, strict action against those responsible, and immediate assurances for the safety and dignity of Er Rashid and all Kashmiri inmates.
