Tauseef Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: Out on bail and ready to make waves, Engineer Rasheed hit the campaign trail with a powerful rallying cry echoing across the Kashmir valley: “Jail Ka Badla Vote se” (the avenge of jail with the vote). His emotional return electrified supporters as he vowed to challenge mainstream political parties and combat the BJP’s influence in the region.
Rasheed’s campaign has gained quick momentum, drawing massive crowds with his defiance and determination. His commitment to fighting for Kashmir’s dignity and rights has attracted thousands, especially the youth, making him a formidable force against established political parties in the ongoing assembly elections.
In rallies attended by thousands across the valley, Rasheed promised that if elected, his top priorities would be to repeal the PSA and UAPA and bring home Kashmiri prisoners held outside the valley. His words resonated deeply with the people, particularly those frustrated with the political status quo in Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing its first assembly elections after five years of direct rule following the abrogation of its special status. The election will occur in three phases, with the first phase completed on September 18, which saw a voter turnout of approximately 61%. While mainstream political parties like the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are in the race, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) is emerging as a significant contender, expanding its candidate base for the first time and targeting 40 assembly seats.
Backed by Sheikh Abdul Rasheed, popularly known as Engineer Rasheed, a former legislator from Langate in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has quickly gained popularity among the Kashmiri people, particularly in northern regions.
Born in 1967 in Langate, Kupwara district, Rasheed completed his Bachelor’s of Science in 1978, followed by a diploma in civil engineering. He worked for the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation for several years before entering politics in 2008. He won his first election from Langate as an independent candidate, and in 2013, he founded the AIP. Retaining his seat in 2014, Rasheed served the people of Langate until 2019, when he was jailed; he is now released on bail until October 1.
In April this year, despite being in jail, Rasheed achieved a significant political victory by winning parliamentary elections from Baramulla, defeating former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by a significant margin. His release and the return of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Kashmir, to politics have reshaped the political landscape in the valley, positioning him as a strong force against parties often viewed as “BJP agents”.
Upon his release, Rasheed arrived in Srinagar, kissed the ground and launched his first campaign for the assembly polls, declaring his intent to fight against the BJP’s agenda in Kashmir. He pledged to resolve the Kashmir issue if elected, a sentiment echoed by many in the valley who deem it crucial.
He emphasised that the votes in the recent parliamentary election were against the BJP, not fuelled by mere emotion.
Allegations of Being a BJP Agent
Addressing a rally in Sopore, Rasheed recounted his 16 years in politics, stating he has faced violence for the people. “I spent five years in Tihar Jail, but throughout, I had one dream: to one day speak to my people again,” he said.
He continued, “The people of Kashmir now understand that Er. Rasheed is one of them and that he has been risking his life for their sake.” He remarked, “The Sopore people have taken revenge for burying Syed Ali Shah Geelani at night, believing it would suppress the truth, but the voices of truth cannot be silenced.”
He emphasised, “The people of north Sopore have taken a stand. We are not stone pelters or terrorists; we simply want justice for our people. We want the killings to stop and the Kashmir issue resolved.” He added that his battle is not to exploit people’s emotions but to challenge the mindset of mainstream political parties that have overlooked the Kashmir issue.
Rasheed’s Rise in Kashmir Politics
With political parties vying for influence, youth like Waseem Ahmad have expressed their support for Engineer Rasheed. “He is the only person who understands the pain of Kashmiri youths detained in jails,” he shared. His family had seldom cast votes in the past, but now they will, believing Rasheed will better represent the Kashmiri people than traditional political parties.
In the last parliamentary election, north Kashmir recorded the second-highest voter turnout since 1967, with 61% in May this year. Many parties allege that the votes were cast out of emotional sentiment rather than a desire for development. “We have given our votes to the NC and the PDP for decades; they did some development. Now we want change, and people see that in the AIP. What is wrong with that?” said young voter Zeeshan.
He hopes the people will engage in the democratic process and choose candidates who will genuinely address their issues once elected.
AIP’s Decision to Expand
In South Kashmir, the AIP supports JeI leaders, while in North Kashmir, they are contesting against the Jamaat. The Awami Ittehad Party has fielded 42 candidates in the assembly elections out of 47 seats in the Kashmir valley. “We are receiving a good response in our rallies across Kashmir. We hope the people’s love and support remain with us,” said AIP General Secretary Prince Parvaiz.
“It was essential for a Kashmiri to expand the AIP. The people are fed up with the hollow promises of traditional politicians. They want change as evidenced by our victory against the ex-chief minister in North Kashmir,” he said.
He believes Engineer Rasheed represents a viable alternative in Kashmiri politics and hopes the people will choose them for the region’s development.
“In our manifesto, we promise to release Kashmiri prisoners held outside the state and repeal PSA and UAPA; these will be our priorities if we come to power,” he stated.
When asked about AIP’s selection of many first-time candidates, Parvaiz remarked that not everyone is trained from birth; those chosen by the AIP are educated and capable leaders for the Kashmiri people.
“Kashmiri people are now aware of whom to choose. They will select candidates based on their merits and support those without corruption charges,” said Yasir Reshi, former MLC and AIP candidate from the Sumbal constituency.
He added the AIP will reclaim Jammu and Kashmir’s dignity and respect, promising not to sacrifice the people’s mandate for power if elected.
“We are hopeful that people will participate in large numbers in the assembly elections, just as they did in the parliamentary elections,” he concluded.