Srinagar, Nov 11: Jailed Member of Parliament and Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) founder Er Rashid has announced a two-day hunger strike inside Tihar Jail from November 12 to 13, in protest against the recent Delhi blast and the rising tide of violence, which he described as an assault on humanity.
Confirming the development, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said that Er Rashid has formally notified the Tihar Jail authorities about his decision to observe the symbolic hunger strike inside Jail No. 1.
Quoting from Rashid’s letter addressed to the Director General (DG) of Prisons, New Delhi, Inam Un Nabi said, “Er Rashid Sahib has expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of human lives in the Delhi blast of November 10, 2025. He has unequivocally condemned the attack and described it as an assault on humanity.”
Rashid, who represents Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, has raised concern over recent media reports suggesting that educated youth, including doctors, are being drawn towards militancy and violent ideologies. “Through his hunger strike, he wants to remind Kashmiris that we cannot afford to lose more of our young and educated minds,” Inam said.
He added that despite being incarcerated, Rashid “continues to uphold the moral responsibility of representing the sentiments and aspirations of the people.” According to the AIP, Rashid has appealed to all stakeholders to give peace a genuine chance, reaffirming that “violence has no place in a civilized society.”
Citing a Gandhian reference from Rashid’s letter, Inam Un Nabi said, “He recalled Gandhi’s words, ‘If I am to make a choice between supporting violence or being called a coward, I would like to be called a coward.’ This, he said, reflects Rashid’s deep conviction towards peace and non-violence.”
The AIP termed the hunger strike as a moral protest and an appeal for collective introspection, urging Kashmiri youth to shun violence and re-embrace peace and reconciliation as the only path forward. [KNT]
