Srinagar, Sept 15: In a recent election rally in the Tral area of Pulwama district, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, commonly known as Engineer Rashid and the chief of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), launched a scathing attack on the Modi Government’s ‘Naya Kashmir’ slogan, branding it a “fraud.” Rashid condemned the current administration for failing to bring about meaningful change in Kashmir, claiming that atrocities and injustices persist under the so-called new regime.
Rashid highlighted his electoral success in the Lok Sabha as a testament to widespread public dissatisfaction with the BJP’s handling of the Kashmir issue. He asserted that his campaign is centered on advocating for truth, rights, and justice, refuting claims that he serves as a proxy for the BJP.
He strongly rebuked those accusing him of being a BJP ally, stating, “The people who accuse me of being a BJP proxy should be ashamed. I am the only mainstream leader who has faced persecution from the ruling party. While Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were detained in SKICC during the abrogation of Article 370, I was the only MLA imprisoned in Tihar Jail.”
Rashid criticized both Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti for their failures in addressing the needs of the people, particularly following the central government’s revocation of Article 370. He assured the residents of Tral that their support for the AIP would be honored and pledged to work towards restoring their rights.
During his visit, Rashid was joined by Dr. Harbakash Singh, the party candidate for Tral, and other AIP leaders, reinforcing his commitment to addressing the issues facing the region and advocating for the rights of its people.