Handwara, Sept 24: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) president and Member of Parliament (MP) for Baramulla, Er Rashid, announced on Tuesday that he will launch a hunger strike if Article 370 is not restored.
Speaking at a public gathering in Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Rashid said he will pressure Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reinstate the article.
He added that the inconsistencies within political alliances are increasingly evident, saying that leaders like Farooq Abdullah (National Conference president) and Altaf Bukhari (Apni Party president) are losing support across the region. “These politicians have been exposed, and their influence is waning,” he said.
When asked about criticism from his opponents, the AIP chief acknowledged their right to speak out against him, but said the people’s verdict in elections carries more weight.
He said that during his time in Tihar Jail, he remained committed to his “duties” while others “enjoyed” power. “I don’t need to justify my sacrifices,” he said.
Rashid is scheduled to return to Tihar Jail on October 04, 2024. He expressed confidence that his promises to the people will be fulfilled.
He likened his situation to that of Arvind Kejriwal, who received bail from the Supreme Court, saying that he has not committed any wrongdoing and is entitled to his legal rights.
The MP Baramulla criticised political figures like Farooq Abdullah and alleged the NC chief was involved in large-scale fraud without facing legal consequences, while he himself has spent five and a half years in jail “unjustly”.
Regarding his alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, Er Rashid said their relationship is founded on shared principles and should be viewed as legitimate. “All pro-Kashmir forces must unite on a common platform to peacefully address the Kashmir issue,” he said, adding that only through collective action can meaningful progress be achieved.
The AIP president said his upcoming return to Tihar Jail on October 04 will be significant and that his efforts will leave a lasting impact. “I am dedicated to the people and committed to resolving the challenges facing Kashmir,” he added.
