AIP Condemns Repression, Calls for Justice Amid MP’s Indefinite Hunger Strike in Tihar Jail
Srinagar, January 31 – The Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched a sweeping crackdown on protests in support of Engineer Rashid, the jailed Member of Parliament from Baramulla, who has begun an indefinite hunger strike inside Tihar Jail. Police have detained hundreds of Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) leaders and activists, while authorities have denied permission for peaceful demonstrations in Srinagar, Jammu, and Delhi.
The detained include senior AIP leaders Firdouse Ahmad Baba, Adil Nazir Khan, Ajaz Ahmad Lone, Showkat Pandit, Tahir Mir, Bashir Mir, Lateef Naikoo, Altaf Dar, Syed Uzair, and District President Anantnag Auqib Mushtaq. Among those arrested is Er Rashid’s son, Abrar Rashid.
Authorities Deny Protest Permission, Clampdown in Multiple Cities
In Srinagar, police thwarted an attempted hunger strike at Pratap Park, detaining key AIP figures and forcefully dispersing activists. A similar event in Jammu, led by Ishtiyaq Qadri, General Secretary Prince Parveez, Advocate Javeed Hubbi, and Ajaz Yousuf, was also blocked. Despite repeated appeals, the administration refused to allocate an alternate protest site.
AIP Calls It a 'Democratic Betrayal'
AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi strongly condemned the suppression of peaceful dissent, stating:
“A democracy thrives on dialogue and dissent, not repression. Silencing voices through force is a dangerous precedent that contradicts the very essence of democratic principles.”
He added that Er Rashid’s hunger strike is a courageous stand against injustice and represents the voice of Kashmiris, which the government is attempting to stifle.
Legal Delays and Political Inaction Under Scrutiny
Senior AIP leader and MLA Langate Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh criticized the judicial delays in Rashid’s case, pointing out that the trial court has yet to rule on his bail application, prompting an appeal to the High Court. Expressing frustration, he stated:
“We are being denied justice both in court and by the administration. If the government refuses our protest at Pratap Park, they must provide an alternative venue. We will not back down.”
Sheikh also called out J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who secured 45 assembly seats promising to defend Kashmiri voices, yet remains silent on Rashid’s incarceration and the clampdown on protests.
A Brewing Political Storm
The government’s response to Er Rashid’s hunger strike and the AIP-led protests has raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. With political tensions rising and public sentiment growing stronger, the administration’s next move will be closely watched.
As AIP vows to continue its struggle, the question remains: Will the government heed the voices demanding justice, or will repression further fuel the unrest?
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