SRINAGAR: Jailed Member of Parliament and Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) President Engineer Rashid will observe a 24-hour hunger strike inside Tihar Jail from 8:00 pm on June 28 to 8:00 pm on June 29.
According to AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, the hunger strike is intended to protest the denial of democratic rights to Kashmiris and to draw attention to the detention of individuals under laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Rashid reportedly conveyed his decision during a recent family meeting. He criticised both the BJP and Congress for raising concerns over each other’s past actions while remaining silent on issues related to Kashmir. He said the BJP has highlighted the 1975 Emergency but has ignored the situation in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. He also noted that opposition parties criticising the current government have not addressed the detention of Kashmiris under UAPA.
The hunger strike, according to the party, is intended to remind the public of ongoing concerns following the constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir. Jail authorities have been informed about the proposed action.
