Authorities foil AIP hunger strike in support of jailed MP Rashid

Authorities in Srinagar on Friday thwarted an attempt by the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) to stage a hunger strike in solidarity with jailed Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, who has begun an indefinite hunger strike in Tihar Jail.

Officials had informed the AIP leadership that permission for the event had been denied. According to the party, hundreds of AIP leaders and activists were detained, including senior leaders Firdouse Ahmad Baba, Adil Nazir Khan, and Er Rashid’s son, Abrar Rashid. The administration also reportedly refused permission for a similar protest in Jammu.

AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi condemned the denial of permission. “Democracy thrives on dialogue and dissent, not repression. Silencing voices through force sets a dangerous precedent that contradicts the very essence of democratic principles,” he said.

Commenting on Er Rashid's indefinite hunger strike, Inam Un Nabi added, “Er Rashid’s decision to go on a hunger strike is a desperate yet courageous response to the injustice he has suffered. His voice represents the aspirations of the people of Baramulla and Kashmir at large. Suppressing that voice is a direct affront to democracy.”

“The government must address his grievances instead of turning a blind eye to the legitimate demands of an elected representative,” he stated.

Speaking to the media while participating in the hunger strike alongside party vice president GN Shaheen, senior AIP leader and Langate MLA Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh said, “The trial court has not given any decision on Er Rashid’s bail, so we approached the High Court. However, we are not getting justice from either the court or the administration.”

Meanwhile, People’s Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone voiced support for the protesters. “Irrespective of our political differences with AIP, we defend their right to protest. J&K has a history of muzzling peaceful civilian dissent, and that proved costly. Let us hope we learn from past mistakes and create a dignified space for peaceful dissent and protest,” he said.