SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that the bail granted to jailed MP Engineer Rashid to attend his father’s funeral reflected the “ground reality” in Jammu and Kashmir, where several detainees have reportedly been unable to meet family members before their deaths or attend last rites.
Speaking to reporters in Langate after offering condolences at Rashid’s residence, Mehbooba said the court granted him bail under “some kind of pressure” to allow him to visit his ailing father, attend the funeral, and participate in condolence gatherings.
She said the issue was not confined to one family but reflected the situation of many households across Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, with several detainees lodged in jails outside the region allegedly denied the opportunity to see their parents, siblings, or relatives before their deaths.
“Engineer Rashid is an elected Member of Parliament and a respected public representative, which is why he was allowed to attend his father’s last rites. But many others never got the chance to see their loved ones one last time or attend their funerals,” she said.
Calling it a “major tragedy”, the PDP chief said the situation reflected the prevailing conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)
