SRINAGAR: A Delhi court, on September 10, granted temporary bail to Lok Sabha MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, widely recognized as Engineer Rashid, until October 2. This move allows him to actively campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Since 2019, Rashid has been held in Tihar Jail, Delhi, for a case linked to alleged terror funding.
Rashid, who ran as an Independent in the Lok Sabha elections, made headlines after defeating National Conference leader Omar Abdullah in Baramulla. On July 5, he was briefly released from Tihar to take his oath as an MP. His bail plea was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh, with the decision on his request being reserved on August 28.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) opened a case on May 30, 2017, under charges of criminal conspiracy and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The case involved Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed and several other separatist leaders, accused of raising funds through hawala channels in partnership with militants from Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Dukhtaran-e-Millat, and Lashkar-e-Taiba to fuel unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.
ALSO READ: Modi rallies for new leadership, vows to end terrorism in J&K – THE NEW INDIAN
Rashid wasn’t initially named in the investigation or the early chargesheets of 2018 and 2019. However, following the revocation of Article 370, he was arrested on August 9, 2019, alongside other prominent Kashmiri political leaders. His name later surfaced in the NIA’s second supplementary chargesheet filed on October 4, 2019, alongside figures such as Yasin Malik, Shabir Shah, Masrat Alam, and Aasiya Andrabi.
Rashid’s political party, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), is fielding 34 candidates in the J&K elections, with further nominations pending. His participation is expected to galvanize his party’s chances, bolstered by his significant Lok Sabha victory. The National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party have hinted at a potential understanding between AIP and the BJP.
Engineer Rashid’s return to the political arena is viewed as a bold challenge to the government, with his campaign rekindling the fervour of past separatist movements. His appeal particularly resonates with those disillusioned by mainstream politics, signalling a shift in the Valley’s political landscape. His sons, who spearheaded his Lok Sabha campaign, utilized slogans such as “Tihar ka badla” (revenge for Tihar) and “Zulm ka badla” (revenge for injustice), calling for justice through the power of voting.
ALSO READ: Jamaat’s comeback disrupts Left’s hold in South Kashmir’s Kulgam – THE NEW INDIAN
The New Indian’s Principal Correspondent Emaad Makhdoomi conducted an exclusive interview with the Engineer immediately after he arrived in Srinagar from New Delhi after getting bail :
Q1) Can you share your experience of the last 5 years in Tihar Jail?
Ans) My time in Tihar has been extremely challenging. I encountered people from all walks of life – from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. I saw the best and worst of humanity. I spent time with hardened criminals, political figures, and business leaders. It’s a world of its own, like a state within a state, completely isolated from the outside world. I have written about my experiences and will share them when the time is right.
Q2) When you discuss resolving the Kashmir issue, do you believe Pakistan should be involved as a stakeholder?
Ans) It’s up to the Government of India to decide. The government needs to engage with the Kashmiri people, who they claim are their own. Right now, I believe that Modi Ji has no real solutions to offer. He has changed the narrative. True leadership would mean explaining his vision to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their elected representatives. Many do not see the revocation of Article 370 as the final solution. The people of Kashmir want peace, but not at the cost of their self-respect and identity. If the government ignores this, I am urging the people to support me and AIP, so we can elect strong voices to demand that Delhi listens. At the right time, all stakeholders, including Pakistan, may need to be part of the conversation.
a) Do you think the people of Kashmir have moved on from Pakistan and are now focused on peaceful living?
Ans) What do you mean by peaceful living? Yes, the people desire peace, but not at the cost of their dignity and self-respect.
Q3) Your party saw great success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. What contributed to this victory?
Ans) Our victory was a direct rejection of the policies of suppression under the Modi government. It was also a recognition of the work I’ve done as an MLA and political leader from 2008 to 2019. I didn’t beg for votes, nor did I ask for sympathy because I was in Tihar. People voted for my governance model in Langate, for my commitment to fight for their rights, and against the oppression they’ve endured.
Q4) Were you subjected to any kind of torture inside Tihar Jail?
Ans) Torture comes in many forms. What I experienced was primarily mental and social. However, I don’t think it’s the right time to discuss this in detail. There were kind individuals in Tihar, but the name “Tihar” alone is enough to strike fear. It felt like being in the depths of hell.
ALSO READ: Two soldiers killed in Kishtwar; Fresh encounter erupts in Baramulla – THE NEW INDIAN
Q5) How do you respond to Omar Abdullah’s claims that you are an Islamist and a BJP proxy, echoed by Mehbooba Mufti?
Ans) You have already answered the question. Let them decide what they want to call me. Honestly, I don’t see the need to respond. Everyone knows that I spent five and a half years in jail, undergoing surgeries and facing unimaginable hardships. I couldn’t even see my family. Now, after 5 years, I am seeing my parents. Who is he to question my integrity? The people gave their verdict during the Lok Sabha elections. While he enjoyed a life of luxury, I was fighting for survival. My battle is far more significant than his baseless accusations.
Q6) What will be your focus in the upcoming J&K Assembly elections?
Ans) My focus is clear – I am fighting for the honour and dignity of the people of Kashmir and pushing for a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue. I will also work towards restoring Articles 370 and 35A, which were unjustly revoked in 2019. I must return to jail on October 2 unless my bail is extended, but I hope to continue my fight for justice and the people’s rights.
Q7) What message would you like to give to the people?
Ans) A great question. Just today in Baramulla, we were denied permission to hold a rally in the main town and had to shift to Delina. Still, thousands of young people attended, travelling in their personal vehicles without any arranged transport. This kind of gathering was remarkable. My message to the youth is simple: your place is in schools and colleges. When you elect representatives, they must voice your concerns in Parliament. I urge the youth to stay away from violence, focus on education, and elect strong leaders. We need at least 40 dedicated MLAs, like myself, who will stand up for your rights and the future of Kashmir.