Peaceful protest in support of incarcerated MP Rashid’s hunger strike disallowed: AIP

Authorities in Kashmir deny AIP permission for hunger strike in support of incarcerated MP Rashid, sparking condemnation and protests.

The authorities in Kashmir on Friday (January 31, 2025) denied permission to the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) to hold a hunger strike in favour of incarcerated Member of Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid, who sat on an indefinite hunger strike inside the Tihar Jail, Delhi, over denial to attend the Parliament session.  

“The authorities denied us permission for holding a peaceful hunger strike and solidarity march for incarcerated MP Rashid,” AIP spokesman Inam-Un-Nabi said.

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The AIP condemned the authorities’ decision. “This morning, hundreds of AIP leaders and activists were detained, including senior leaders Firdouse Ahmad Baba, Adil Nazir Khan and MP Rashid’s son Abrar Rashid,” the AIP spokesman said.

Mr. Nabi said a democracy thrives on dialogue and dissent not repression. “Silencing voices through force is a dangerous precedent that contradicts the very essence of democratic principles,” he said.

Meanwhile, the AIP informed that MP Rashid has started an indefinite hunger strike at the Tihar Jail and said MP Rashid’s decision to go on a hunger strike “was a desperate yet courageous response to the injustice meted out to him”. 

“His voice represents the aspirations of the people of Baramulla and Kashmir at large and suppressing that voice is a direct affront to democracy. The government must address his grievances instead of turning a blind eye to the legitimate demands of an elected representative,” Mr. Nabi said.