Engineer Rashid’s bail

THE interim bail granted to Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, MP from Baramulla, signals an interesting moment in Jammu & Kashmir’s evolving political landscape. Arrested in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act by the National Investigation Agency, Rashid has been associated with the separatist ideology and faces terror-funding allegations. His release allows him to campaign in the upcoming Assembly elections, an opportunity that could alter the region’s political dynamics.

Rashid’s electoral history is striking. He defeated heavyweight Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, proving he has significant local support. Now, his return to the political fray raises questions about the inclusion of former separatist leaders in the mainstream democratic process. His Awami Ittehad Party, often seen as controversial, might gain ground due to a divided electorate. While Mehbooba Mufti has labelled his party a proxy for the BJP, suggesting that his bail is strategically timed to benefit the ruling party, Ghulam Nabi Azad has welcomed the bail and Omar has cautioned voters against splintering the mandate, fearing that support for Rashid could indirectly benefit the BJP's ambitions. Notably, after coming out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday evening, Rashid declared that he would fight PM Modi’s narrative of ‘Naya Kashmir’.

Rashid’s release may either integrate former separatists into J&K’s political fabric or deepen the existing divide. Rashid’s return also touches on the broader question over how J&K would reconcile with its separatist past. It could either foster political stability or reignite old tensions, depending on the people’s response to his re-emergence. This delicate balance between democracy and separatism underscores the complexity of J&K’s political future, as figures like Rashid seek both legitimacy and influence within the existing framework. The coming weeks will reveal whether this bail signals genuine political reintegration or a tactical manoeuvre ahead of the polls.