SRINAGAR: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) MP from Baramulla, Er Rashid, on Thursday urged the Government of India and Members of Parliament to approach Jammu and Kashmir with “humanity, sincerity and moral responsibility,” rather than through political calculations, during his address in the House.
Speaking on the floor of the House, he said that despite repeated calls to bridge the “distance of hearts,” little had changed on the ground, leaving communities across JK and Ladakh in continued distress. He appealed to both Treasury and Opposition benches to view all JK-related issues through a humanitarian, not political, lens.
Er Rashid called on the Centre to initiate an inclusive dialogue with Jammu Kashmir’s elected representatives and other stakeholders, saying such engagement was vital for a durable and dignified resolution. He also reminded the House of more than 35 years of turmoil endured by the people of the region and said their primary aspiration remained peace and stability.
Ahead of International Human Rights Day on 10 December, he urged all stakeholders to “give peace a chance,” and, referring to his incarceration, said, “At present, Tihar Jail is my home.” He announced a one-day hunger strike to highlight Kashmir’s unresolved pain and the need for reconciliation.
AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the MP’s remarks reflected “rare sincerity and moral clarity,” adding that even from confinement he continued to speak with “courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to justice and peace.”
