Sheikh Abdul Rashid, a Lok Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla, has announced that he will engage in a two-day hunger strike starting October 1 in Tihar Jail. This initiative aims to highlight the importance of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence principles.
The MP, known popularly as Engineer Rashid, forwarded a handwritten letter to Lok Sabha Speaker, conveying his sentiments on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti. Rashid, currently detained on charges related to terror funding, expressed his concern over the world’s pressing need for peace.
Rashid stated that Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence has become increasingly relevant in today’s world. He lamented that countries across the globe continue to participate in violence while professing a commitment to peace. In his letter, he remarked, “Those who speak most of your message, Bapu, hardly match their words with deeds.”
Addressing the situation in Kashmir, the MP reminisced about Gandhi’s role during the Partition of India and how he viewed Kashmir as a symbol of hope. Rashid articulated his frustration with the current portrayal of Kashmiris, saying, “We Kashmiris are being branded anti-national, Pak proxies, communal, stone-pelters, anti-Hindu, militants, and what not.” He asserted that such labels are unjust and pointed out that being an Islamist does not equate to being a radical.
Rashid emphasized the neglect of Kashmiri people’s legitimate political and human rights. He criticized the politics surrounding the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, claiming it silences dissenters. He stated, “Thousands lie in graves, men in prisons lose their lives, and thousands of us are in jails because of the misdeeds of Partition.”
In his letter, Rashid also brought attention to the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, stating that many remain refugees despite past assurances of protection by Kashmiri Muslims. He remarked that Tihar Jail has become a second home for individuals who seek to uphold Gandhi’s vision of non-violence.
Rashid condemned what he termed “divisive politics,” arguing that Gandhi’s vision of peace has been overshadowed by oppressive policies. He voiced concern that the suffering of Kashmiris has become a source of enjoyment for those in power. He noted, “Our helplessness is being enjoyed by fascist forces, and our commitment to non-violence is interpreted as weakness.”
The MP’s letter poignantly expressed, “I am sure your soul must be in a state of restlessness while watching what we Kashmiris are passing through since 1989.” He critiqued the narrative that labels Muslims as outsiders, asserting that ultranationalists do more harm to the nation than any external enemy could.
Rashid’s hunger strike from 10 am on October 1 to 10 am on October 3 aims to remind the nation of Gandhi’s fundamental message of non-violence. This act of protest seeks to reignite discussions around peace, tolerance, and understanding in the contemporary socio-political landscape of India.