Political parties should prioritise statehood before govt formation in J&K: Er Rashid

Srinagar, Oct 07: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief and Member of Parliament (MP) for Baramulla, Engineer Rashid on Monday said the priority of the regional parties should be restoration of statehood before forming any new government.
Addressing a press conference here, Rashid urged political parties to focus on this critical issue rather than rushing to form an administration. “Statehood is vital for the dignity and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Rashid said, urging parties to unite and make statehood a priority.
He criticised the BJP’s move to nominate MLAs in the UT, questioning its democratic legitimacy and suggesting that the government should allow elections instead. Rashid expressed support for opposition parties in Jammu & Kashmir working towards a new vision for the region.
The AIP chief also called for dialogue between India and Pakistan to address ongoing tensions over Kashmir and stressed that resolving the statehood issue should come before broader concerns about Articles 370 and 35A. He appealed to political parties like the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), People’s Conference (PC) and Apni Party to collaborate on a common minimum agenda that prioritises statehood.
Meanwhile, the MP condemned the division of Jammu Kashmir House in New Delhi, accusing the administration of discrimination in allocating resources. “Why has Ladakh, with a population of 4 lakh, been given two main blocks, while Jammu & Kashmir’s 2 crore population is left with just one dilapidated block?” he questioned.
On the People’s Conference chairman’s claims, Er Rashid said, “If he (Lone) is saying he wrote articles in my name, then the NIA should investigate it.”
Er Rashid also demanded that Yeti Narsinghanand be booked under the UAPA for his inflammatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
With exit polls indicating a hung assembly in Jammu & Kashmir, the political landscape remains uncertain ahead of tomorrow’s 8 election results. Political parties face a crucial decision on whether to form a government or push for the restoration of statehood as a united front.