The interim bail hearing for jailed Member of Parliament and Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) President Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, has been deferred to tomorrow as the presiding judge is currently on leave.
AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi expressed dissatisfaction over the postponement of the bail plea. “AIP remains steadfast in its support for Er Rashid and will continue to fight for his rights,” he said. “We urge all his supporters to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as we await tomorrow’s proceedings.”
Rashid, a prominent political figure from Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested in 2019 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on charges of terror funding. The arrest was widely criticised by his supporters and allies, who viewed it as an attempt to suppress his dissenting voice.
Despite his incarceration, Rashid contested and won the Baramulla parliamentary seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating heavyweights Omar Abdullah of the National Conference and Sajad Lone of the Peoples Conference. His victory underscored the enduring trust and support he commands in north Kashmir.
Ahead of the assembly elections, Rashid was granted temporary bail to campaign for his party. However, the AIP managed to secure only one seat, Lolab, where Rashid’s brother, Sheikh Kursheed, emerged victorious.
The repeated deferment of Rashid’s bail hearing has raised concerns among his supporter
Nabi, however, expressed optimism. “Justice may be delayed, but we trust the judiciary to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality,” he said.
Rashid’s arrest and subsequent political journey continue to draw attention as he remains a significant figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics. His supporters see him as a relentless advocate for the region’s marginalised and a symbol of resistance. The upcoming bail hearing will be closely watched, with potential implications for his political career and the larger dynamics in Kashmir’s volatile political landscape.
