Rashid’s brother likely to contest poll

The J&K administration has approved the voluntary retirement of Sheikh Khursheed, brother of jailed Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid. Khursheed had earlier expressed interest in joining electoral politics.

An order issued by the J&K Education Department said sanction had been given for granting voluntary retirement to Khursheed, a teacher.

Khursheed is likely to contest from Rashid’s stronghold of Langate. The move is, however, has not sent a positive signal to locals who feel that several family members of Rashid have entered politics, giving rise to another political family in the Valley.

Clarifying the charges, Khursheed said though it was dynasty politics, its aim was to serve the people. “I have sacrificed my remaining 15 years of government service to work for the people,” he said.