MP Rashid raises mobile connectivity issue in Parliament

Jailed MP Engineer Rashid, who has been permitted to attend the ongoing Parliament session, on Wednesday highlighted the severe lack of mobile connectivity in the border areas of north Kashmir during his address in the Lok Sabha.

Rashid, the MP from Baramulla, told the House that in Karnah, Machil, Gurez and Uri, “forget 5G or 4G, even basic mobile towers are missing and there is no network connectivity at all.”

He cited the distressing case of Gujjarpati village, saying he had seen on television from jail that residents “have been pleading with the L-G and the Chief Minister for five days just to get phone access.”

Calling for urgent intervention, he urged the Minister concerned to take immediate action. “Why should border areas in Kupwara and Baramulla suffer?” he asked.

Rashid also said that while the Ministry had claimed to have written to all MPs, he had received no communication. “I am an MP from Tihar Jail, yet I have not received any such letter. Let us also convey our pain,” he remarked.

The MP further called for a complete liquor ban in Jammu & Kashmir, arguing that the move was vital to protect the social fabric and the future of the youth. He said those advocating such a “necessary and moral step” should not be labelled “anti-national” or “anti-social,” as their concerns stem from public health, community well-being and societal harmony.