Jailed J&K MP Engineer Rashid gets parole to attend Parliament
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has granted two-day custody parole to jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid to attend the ongoing budget session of Parliament. The court imposed conditions on him, including a ban on using phones, the internet, and speaking to media or anyone else.
Engineer Rashid, a prominent leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been lodged in Tihar Jail since July 2017 in connection with a terror funding case. The case was lodged by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The court’s decision came after Rashid’s counsel, Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, moved an application seeking temporary parole to enable him to attend the Parliament session. Aggarwal argued that Rashid’s presence in the House was essential to raise important issues related to Kashmir and the country.
The court, after considering the application, granted the custody parole to Rashid for a period of two days, subject to certain conditions. According to the conditions imposed by the court, Rashid will be accompanied by police personnel at all times during his parole period. He will also be barred from using his phone, internet, and social media, and will not be allowed to speak to media or anyone else.
The court’s decision has been welcomed by Rashid’s supporters, who see it as a significant victory for the MP and his party. “This is a historic victory for Engineer Rashid and the people of Kashmir,” said a senior PDP leader. “Despite being in jail, Rashid has continued to raise the voice of the people of Kashmir and this decision will enable him to continue his fight for their rights.”
The decision has also been welcomed by opposition parties, who have been critical of the Centre’s handling of the Kashmir issue. “The government should have shown more compassion and allowed Engineer Rashid to attend the Parliament session without imposing any conditions,” said a senior Congress leader. “This decision is a small step towards restoring democracy in Kashmir and we hope it will pave the way for more such decisions in the future.”
Engineer Rashid’s journey in politics began in the early 2000s when he joined the PDP, a party founded by the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the party’s most prominent leaders. In 2014, he won the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, defeating his nearest rival by a margin of over 20,000 votes.
However, his political career took a significant hit when he was arrested in 2017 in connection with a terror funding case. The NIA accused Rashid of receiving funds from Pakistan-based terrorist organizations to fuel unrest in Kashmir. Rashid has consistently denied the charges, claiming that they are baseless and aimed at silencing him.
Despite his imprisonment, Rashid has continued to be an important voice for the people of Kashmir. He has written several articles and given interviews from jail, highlighting the plight of the people of Kashmir and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The court’s decision to grant Rashid parole has been seen as a significant victory for him and his supporters. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for justice and redemption.
