Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) Chairman and Member of Parliament from North Kashmir, Engineer Rashid, was greeted by a massive gathering and given a rousing welcome as he addressed a large public rally in Anantnag. The event showcased growing support for Er Rashid’s leadership, particularly in South Kashmir, where he sharply criticized regional political figures for their double standards.
During his speech, Er Rashid targeted National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti, accusing them of hypocrisy in handling legal and political matters. “Our so-called regional leaders, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, were quick to congratulate Arvind Kejriwal on his bail from the Supreme Court, yet they criticized my interim bail. They hold sit-ins in Delhi and other places for the release of Kejriwal, but have never organized any sit-in or protest in favor of Kashmiris languishing in jails inside and outside Kashmir. They have never spoken up for my detention in Tihar either,” Er Rashid remarked, highlighting their lack of solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
Er Rashid made it clear that his struggle is not against NC or PDP but is focused on the broader cause of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. “Our fight is not against NC and PDP; my fight is based on the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A. Our goal is the resolution of the Kashmir issue, which these leaders have consistently sidelined,” he added.
He also strongly criticized Mehbooba Mufti’s tenure as Chief Minister, particularly her treatment of South Kashmir. “The people of South Kashmir once placed their trust in Mehbooba Mufti and voted for her. But when she came to power, she bruised the people of Kashmir in general, and South Kashmir in particular. She used pellets, bullets, and filled jails with the very people who voted for her,” Er Rashid said, condemning her heavy-handed approach during her rule.
Er Rashid’s rally in Anantnag highlighted his growing influence in South Kashmir, as he continues to push for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and a just resolution to the Kashmir conflict. His criticism of the established political leadership resonated strongly with the crowd, reinforcing his position as a champion of the people’s cause.
