AIP announces hunger strike for Engineer Rashid’s release, Demands his participation in Parliament

AIP announces hunger strike for Engineer Rashid’s release, Demands his participation in Parliament

KINS Correspondent 

Srinagar, Jan 30 (KINS): The Awami Itihad Party (AIP) Thursday  announced a hunger strike in protest against the continued detention of its leader, MP Engineer Rashid, and has urged the Government of India to allow him to participate in the upcoming parliamentary session beginning on January 31.

Addressing an emergency press conference in Srinagar, AIP leaders expressed concern over Engineer Rashid’s prolonged incarceration and stated that he was being denied his right to represent the people of his constituency in Parliament. “The Indian government has a responsibility to ensure that a duly elected representative is able to perform his parliamentary duties,” they said according to news agency KINS.

The leaders also stated that Rashid, currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, has decided to go on a hunger strike starting tomorrow in protest against what they termed as “political injustice.”

“In solidarity with him, AIP members and supporters will also begin a hunger strike at Pratap Park in Srinagar and Jantar Mantar in Delhi,” the party announced. They added that party spokesperson Inam-ul-Nabi, who has been in Delhi for the past three days, will lead the protest in the national capital, while demonstrations will also be held in Jammu.

AIP has sought permission from local authorities for the Srinagar protest and expects approval by the evening, they said.  The party also appealed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to intervene and ensure Engineer Rashid’s release and participation in Parliament.

“The voters have given a clear mandate to Engineer Rashid. His continued detention is a violation of democratic principles,” the party stated, emphasizing that all legal avenues were being pursued but political intervention was necessary. (KINS)