Kashmir's Chief Cleric Appeals for Release of Incarcerated MP on Humanitarian Grounds
In a heartfelt plea, Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has urged the central government to release Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid from Tihar Jail in New Delhi. The appeal was made on humanitarian grounds, as Rashid's father is critically ill and yearning to see his son after five years of separation.
Critical Health Condition of MP's Father Sparks Urgent Calls
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq issued a statement on Thursday, revealing that he had visited Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, the jailed MP's father, at SMHS hospital in Srinagar. The cleric described the situation as dire, stating, "He is critically ill and yearning to see his son... which could be their last meeting." This emotional appeal highlights the urgency of the matter, with the father's health rapidly declining.
Supporting this call, Inam Un Nabi, spokesperson of the Awami Itihaad Party founded by Rashid, confirmed that Sheikh's health has been deteriorating. He has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), intensifying the need for immediate action. Nabi urged the government to take a compassionate and humanitarian decision by releasing Rashid, allowing him to care for his ill father during this critical time.
Background of Engineer Rashid's Incarceration
Engineer Rashid has been incarcerated at Tihar Jail for the past five years, following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terror-funding case. The case was registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, just four days before the nullification of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Despite his imprisonment, Rashid attended the budget session of Parliament in January this year after a Delhi court granted him custody parole, showcasing a brief respite in his detention.
Broader Concerns Over Political Prisoners
In his statement, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also expressed deep concern over the "silent suffering" of political prisoners lodged in various jails across the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir. He described their plight as heartbreaking, emphasizing the human cost of prolonged incarcerations without resolution. This appeal not only focuses on Rashid's personal tragedy but also sheds light on the wider issue of political detainees and their families' struggles.
The call for Rashid's release underscores a growing demand for humanitarian considerations in legal and political matters, particularly in cases involving family emergencies. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders await the government's response to this urgent plea, hoping for a compassionate outcome that prioritizes human welfare amidst legal proceedings.
