Srinagar, Oct 27: Member of Parliament (MP) for Baramulla and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) president Er Rashid on Sunday urged the Government of India to start talks with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, just as it has done with groups in Nagaland, Assam and Ladakh.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event in the Mawar area of Handwara, Rashid questioned the government’s hesitation to engage with Kashmiris, who have faced difficulties for the past three decades.
He said Kashmir Valley has witnessed an immense loss of life in the past. “Around 100,000 lives have been lost, including soldiers, militants and civilians—all of them human lives,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who killed whom; what matters is that each of these lives was valuable.”
The AIP chief called for all concerned parties, including India, Pakistan and Kashmiris to come together for discussions to find a “solution”. “Violence will lead us nowhere. We must understand this,” he said, adding that lasting peace can only come through dialogue.
Rashid criticised the tendency to label Kashmiris as “Pakistani agents”, saying this does not address the real issues or ease the hardships people face.
The MLA said the solution to Kashmir’s challenges goes beyond debating Article 370’s removal or return.
Rashid suggested that India and Pakistan should address all regional issues, calling for the need for serious talks considering the voices and well-being of the affected people.
AIP holds strategic meeting ahead of crucial bail decision for Er Rashid
Baramulla, Oct 27: The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) convened a meeting of constituency heads and district presidents in Baramulla today to discuss recent political developments and the implications of the upcoming bail decision scheduled for tomorrow at Patiala House Court. The meeting served as a strategic assessment of AIP’s outreach and impact across Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the meeting, Er Rashid addressed a press conference, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of the court’s decision. “Whether in Tihar Jail or outside, I will never be deterred from representing the sentiments and legitimate aspirations of the people,” he asserted. He highlighted his outreach efforts during his interim bail, which extended beyond the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency to parts of central and southern Kashmir.
Er Rashid also expressed conditional support for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stating he would back any initiatives that benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged Abdullah to fulfill his election promises, including providing 100,000 jobs, 200 free units of electricity, and 12 free gas cylinders. Additionally, he questioned Abdullah about his discussions with key national leaders, including the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Home Minister. He called for clarification on whether issues like the restoration of Article 370 and the release of political prisoners were part of those discussions and what responses were received.
Moreover, Er Rashid extended his gratitude to civil secretariat officers and district-level officials for their cooperation in review meetings and addressing public concerns. He confirmed that financial commitments made during his visits had been recommended for release from the MPLADS fund and urged the administration to ensure the swift implementation of these projects.
Concluding his remarks, Er Rashid reassured the public that he, his team, and the newly established AIP offices across the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency remain dedicated to serving the community.
He was joined by the party’s General Secretary Nazir Ahmad Khan, Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq, and senior leaders Adv. Javeed Hubbi, Tanveer Ahmad Dar, and Tahir Ahmad Mir.
