Srinagar, Feb 11: Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid in his first speech in Parliament raised concerns over the recent civilian deaths in Kathua and Sopore, asserting that the lives of Kashmiris cannot be treated as expendable.
Addressing the ongoing Budget session, Er Rashid demanded an impartial probe into the deaths of Waseem Ahmed Mir, who was killed in Army firing during a naka checking in Sangrama, Sopore and Makhan Din, who allegedly died by suicide following police harassment in Kathua. Their deaths have sparked widespread outrage, with political parties and civil society demanding accountability.
“Our blood is not cheap. We have the right to live,” Rashid stated during his speech. He also questioned the role of security forces, asking, “Do our forces need Waseem Mir’s blood every day?” while urging the government to conduct an impartial investigation into both incidents.
Besides raising these concerns, Rashid highlighted the hardships faced by people living in remote areas of north Kashmir, including Keran, Karna, and Machil, which remain cut off for months due to harsh weather. He appealed to the government to construct tunnels to ensure year-round connectivity for these regions.
Rashid, who has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in a terror-funding case, was granted a two-day custody parole by the Delhi High Court to attend the Budget session. His arrest stemmed from a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into alleged funding of separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir in 2017.
The court permitted him to attend Parliament under strict conditions, including a ban on using the internet or engaging with the media during his parole period. Security agencies were directed to ensure his movement remained strictly within the premises of Parliament before he was returned to judicial custody.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court Tuesday listed Rashid’s plea for hearing on February 24 regarding the lack of a forum for his bail application in a terror funding case. The Supreme Court recently clarified that the NIA court handling his case could decide his bail plea.
Rashid had earlier moved the court, arguing that his bail plea was left in limbo after his election to the Lok Sabha.
