After his interim release from Tihar Jail, Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid made a defiant pledge to fight against Prime Minister Modi’s narrative of “Naya Kashmir.” Addressing his supporters, who greeted him with cheers of “Kashmir humara hai” (Kashmir belongs to us), Rashid emphasized that his fight is for the people, not power.
Rashid’s Bold Declaration
“I will not let down my people. I pledge to fight against PM Modi’s failed policies in Jammu and Kashmir,” Rashid declared. “People have rejected the actions taken on 5th August 2019, and I am committed to the welfare of Kashmiris.”
This statement references the abrogation of Article 370, a move that has been met with widespread resentment in the region. Rashid continued, making it clear that his fight is against Modi’s vision for Kashmir.
A Strong Stance Against BJP
Rashid rejected any suggestion that he might become a “proxy” for the BJP, stating, “I am a victim of the BJP’s policies. I will fight against them until my last breath. There is no ‘Naya Kashmir’ here.” He pointed to the increasing voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir as a referendum against Modi’s actions, particularly the abrogation of Article 370.
A Message to Youth and Political Rivals
Rashid also addressed the region’s youth, urging them to focus on education and leave the political struggle to leaders like himself. “My fight is for the people. I won’t lower myself to the level of politicians like Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, who are only interested in power.”
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He dismissed Abdullah’s claim that Rashid’s involvement was a win for radicals, saying, “I am proud to be an Islamist, but that does not make me a radical. The people of Kashmir have spoken, and they will speak again.”
The Aftermath of Tihar
Rashid, reflecting on his time in Tihar Jail, spoke about the hardships faced by Kashmiris detained there. “To be in Tihar, even for a day, is worse than living in hell for a hundred years. I will share my story in my autobiography.”