The hearing on the bail plea of the Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramulla in north Kashmir and the leader of the Awami Itehad Party (AIP), scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed by one day.
The AIP has urged the central government to release Rashid because of the upcoming Parliament session scheduled for November 25.
The party said that Rashid should be allowed to advocate for the people of his constituency and region in Parliament.
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Rashid has been detained in Tihar Jail since August 2019 after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a terror funding case. He made history by winning the 2024 Lok Sabha elections for the Baramulla constituency while still in jail.
His sons, Abrar Rashid and Asrar Rashid, launched an emotional campaign urging voters to support their father for his release.
AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said Tuesday’s hearing has been deferred for Wednesday.
“It has been deferred until tomorrow." He added that the people of north Kashmir want their AIP leader to represent them in Parliament,’’ he said. “Engineer Rashid made history in 2024 by winning while still in Tihar Jail.”
He said the government of India must respect this democratic mandate by ensuring his release before the Parliament session begins.
“His participation in Parliament would enhance discussions and provide a vital platform to address the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He said that as a grassroots leader advocating for human rights and justice, Rashid's continued incarceration sends a negative message and undermines the democratic principles of the nation.
The AIP has called on civil society, political leaders, and human rights organisations to support their demand for Rashid’s release.
With the Parliament session approaching, attention now turns to whether the central government will respond to the request.