EXCLUSIVE: Engineer Rashid To News24 - 'I'm Prisoner Of My Own Conscience And Agent Of My People'
Engineer Rashid is a name on everyone's lips in the Kashmir Valley for the past ten days since his release from Tihar Jail. Whether among local people or top politicians, everyone is discussing Rashid. Despite accusations from many politicians, including Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, and Farooq Abdullah, who label him a BJP proxy, and the BJP's characterization of him as radical, the fact remains that Rashid is a topic of conversation everywhere, shaking the established political setup in the Kashmir Valley.
In an exclusive interview with News24, Engineer Rashid expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the established political parties of Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, these parties have inflicted pain on the people of Kashmir solely for their own interests.
'Haven't Armed the Youth With Stones or Guns'
Rashid stated that he has not armed the youth of the Kashmir Valley with stones or guns; instead, he believes that political issues—referring specifically to the Kashmir issue—should be addressed politically. He emphasized that he has always practiced politics rooted in truth and the welfare of the people. In the past, he advocated for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir, a stance he maintains today. He questioned, "Didn't Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh claim that the people of POK want to be with India? To my understanding plebiscite is the only way to determine where people want to go; who knows if the people of J&K may vote in favor of 'Akhand Bharat' said Rashid.
Engineer Rashid Slams Former CMs
Engineer Rashid criticized former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti for calling him a BJP proxy. He pointed out that he spent five years in Tihar Jail before the abrogation of Article 370 while these leaders enjoyed luxury accommodations for a few months before being released. He questioned whether they held any symbolic protests against the abrogation of Article 370 after their release. He also asked why they did not speak out for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir while vacationing in foreign countries. Rashid wondered if these leaders ever visited his home during his years in Tihar.
Rashid asserted that he speaks the truth about the Kashmir issue, Article 370, and the plight of the people, which is why he believes the BJP kept him imprisoned in Tihar Jail. He stated that he has not accepted money from any agency or government; rather, it is the local people who fund his campaign, which he describes as a people's movement.
'Sajad Lone Went to Delhi and Became Close to Modi'
He accused Sajad Lone and his late father, Abdul Gani Lone, of running a terrorist outfit called 'Albarq' in the 1990s and held them responsible for the deaths of thousands who joined that outfit under their direction. Rashid remarked that despite being responsible for the destruction of countless families, Sajad went to Delhi and became close to Narendra Modi. "This same Sajad is now calling me a BJP proxy," he noted, highlighting the irony.
A Challenge To Sajjad, Omar, Farooq and Mehbooba
Engineer Rashid challenged Sajjad Lone, Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti who accused him of being a BJP proxy. He stated that there is no need for him to clarify whether he stands with the BJP or with the people; he believes it should be left to the people to decide.
He acknowledged that his party has given mandates to a few leaders previously affiliated with the PDP or other parties but insisted that these leaders have not done anything wrong in the past. Therefore, AIP has accepted them into the party and granted them mandates.
Engineer Rashid on Party's Loyalty
Regarding the question of whether his party leaders will remain loyal if they are elected as independents during the upcoming assembly polls, and not leave him to join the BJP or other parties, Engineer Rashid stated, "First of all, this raises questions about the credibility of the Election Commission, which has yet to register our party. However, I believe in the conscience of my leaders who have joined us on an ideological basis; I trust that they will remain with us and not abandon the people."
Engineer Rashid's party, the Awami Ittihad Party (AIP), has announced its candidates for around 30 assembly seats in the Kashmir Valley out of a total of 47. The party has also forged an alliance with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI). AIP is assisting JEI candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama, while Jamaat has declared its support for AIP candidates in other areas of the valley. In some constituencies, such as Langate, Zainapora, and Sopore, both parties are engaged in a friendly contest.
The National Conference, PDP, and People's Conference have all directed their criticisms at Engineer Rashid's AIP, labeling it a proxy for the BJP. In response, AIP is not leaving any stone unturned to target back these parties. It will be interesting to see whether Rashid will again achieve unexpected results, similar to the recent Lok Sabha polls where he defeated Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone by a significant margin, or if the established regional political leaders will manage to retain their influence.
