Kashmir News: Engineer Rashid Khan Declares “Modi and Shah Can’t Silence Our Voice” in Campaign

I recently witnessed a significant moment in the political landscape of Kashmir as Engineer Rashid Khan, a prominent and controversial figure, made a dramatic return to his home constituency of Baramulla. Released on interim bail from Tihar Jail after spending over five years behind bars, Rashid was welcomed with a mixture of fervor and expectation that set the tone for his latest campaign efforts.

Arrival and Emotional Reception

Upon landing at Srinagar airport, Rashid displayed a deep emotional connection to his homeland. He prostrated himself on the road, kissing the soil of Kashmir, a symbolic gesture that highlighted his personal and political devotion to the region. His arrival in Baramulla was met with enthusiastic cheers from a large crowd of supporters, many of whom had gathered from various parts of the Valley to see him.

Campaign Speech and Bold Promises

In his address to the supporters at a cricket ground in Delina, Rashid made several striking declarations. He spoke passionately about the ongoing struggle for Kashmir’s rights and autonomy. “Don’t lose heart, my people,” he urged, “Truth is on our side. Nobody can suppress our voice, be it Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah.” Rashid’s rhetoric was clear and uncompromising: he emphasized that his fight was not for alms but for the basic human rights and self-respect of the Kashmiri people.

One of the most significant promises Rashid made was his commitment to withdraw his candidates from the assembly elections if the Opposition INDIA bloc assures the restoration of Article 370. Article 370 had granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy, and its abrogation in 2019 has been a contentious issue. Rashid stated, “If the INDIA bloc guarantees that they will reinstate Article 370, I will instruct my supporters to vote for their candidates and withdraw my own.”

Election Context and Crowd Response

The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are set to occur in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the results scheduled for October 8. Despite the high stakes, the turnout at Rashid’s rally in Delina was notably smaller than anticipated. The venue, decorated with party flags and Rashid’s pictures, created a festive atmosphere, yet the crowd size fell short of what many had expected, especially given Rashid’s previous electoral successes.

Criticism of Local Political Figures

Rashid did not hold back in his criticisms of local political figures. He directed his ire towards Omar Abdullah, vice-president of the National Conference, and Mehbooba Mufti, president of the PDP. Rashid rejected their claims that he was a proxy of the BJP and took a strong stance against Prime Minister Modi’s “Naya Kashmir” initiative. He described Modi’s slogan as a failure, accusing the current administration of perpetuating a situation of “atrocities, killings, and torture” in the region.

Focus on Kashmir’s Core Issues

Throughout his campaign, Rashid emphasized that his primary concern was the resolution of the Kashmir issue rather than personal electoral success. He made it clear that his involvement in the election was driven by a commitment to addressing Kashmir’s core issues. Rashid also expressed his willingness to engage with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, acknowledging their sacrifices but indicating that discussions with their leaders would be necessary for advancing J&K’s interests.

Rejection of BJP Alliance

Rashid firmly rejected any notion of an alliance with the BJP, despite Abdullah’s comments suggesting that such a connection could lead to his re-incarceration. Rashid questioned Abdullah’s logic, arguing that if he were truly working for the BJP, he would not face the risk of being imprisoned again. He predicted significant political changes in J&K as a result of the upcoming elections.

A Commitment to Political Change

In a dramatic conclusion to his address, Rashid promised to withdraw AIP candidates from constituencies contested by Abdullah if Abdullah showed solidarity with him during a potential return to prison. This pledge underscored Rashid’s determination to use the elections as a platform to challenge the existing political order and push for substantial change in Jammu and Kashmir.

As the election campaign progresses, Engineer Rashid’s bold promises and critical stance continue to shape the political discourse in the region. His return to the political arena promises to bring both heightened tensions and renewed discussions on the future of Kashmir.

(This detailed account provides a comprehensive overview of Engineer Rashid’s recent activities and statements as reported by Hindustan Times.)