Srinagar, Sep 03: The Awami Ittehaad Party (AIP), led by the incarcerated Member of Parliament (MP), Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, is experiencing a resurgence in political activities despite the prolonged detention of its leader. Several prominent figures have recently joined the party.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the party, which has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Kashmiri people, continues to mobilise support across Jammu & Kashmir, especially following the parliamentary polls in which Er Rashid won the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat. He defeated Omar Abdullah, the former chief minister and the National Conference Vice President, by a margin of over 200,000 votes.
Er Rashid, known for his outspoken stance on various political issues, has been in detention since 2019 on charges of terror funding. The former legislator was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Despite Rashid’s imprisonment, AIP has managed to maintain its political relevance, largely due to the efforts of its second-rank leadership and grassroots supporters. This includes his son, Abrar Rashid, who played a major role in the Lok Sabha polls with his impressive campaigning for his jailed father.
In addition to its core members like Khursheed Ahmed Dar (DDC Mawer) and Showket Pandit (BDC Langate), the party has seen new faces since the Lok Sabha polls.
Shoiab Nabi Lone, who left Azad-led DPAP, was the first prominent figure to join AIP. Other notable additions include Adv Dawood of Lolab, Yasir Reshi of Sonawari (who recently parted ways with the People’s Conference), Naseer Ahmed Rather of Wagoora (who left a government job), Sheikh Aashiq (former KCCI president of Srinagar), Adv Hubi Javeed of Budgam, Nazir Ahmed Khan (DDC Chairman, Budgam), Raja Waheed (DDC Shopian), and Ch Anwar Phambra, a prominent Gujjar leader from south Kashmir. A number of people from various walks of life have also joined the party.
Party sources told KNO that AIP is planning to field around 35 candidates in the upcoming elections, including approximately 12 in south Kashmir, 8 in central Kashmir, all 16 in north Kashmir and a few from the Chenab Valley.
The AIP is gearing up for the forthcoming assembly elections, with Abrar Rashid emerging as a star campaigner, they said, adding that crowds have been gathering in large numbers in both north Kashmir and the southern parts of the valley to show their support.
“Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) remains committed to meeting the people’s expectations. We assure the people that the party will always be available in times of need,” Abrar said.
Other political parties are also preparing for the elections, with people hoping for better future plans to improve their lives—(KNO)
