Allow jailed Rashid to take oath as Lok Sabha MP: Omar Abdullah

Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday congratulated Lok Sabha members, including leaders representing his National Conference, for taking oath.

He said that Abdul Rashid Sheikh, alias Engineer Rashid, who is currently in Tihar jail on UAPA charges, should be given an opportunity to take oath and represent his constituents.

Rashid won the Lok Sabha poll from Baramulla by defeating Abdullah and J&K People's Conference chief Sajad Lone. Rashid got 472,481 votes.


"This is a momentous occasion for our democracy. It is important to acknowledge that while the people of North Kashmir have elected Engineer Rashid, he should be given the opportunity to take his oath and represent his constituents. It is equally important to recognise the injustice faced by those imprisoned, who are unable or unwilling to participate in elections," said Abdullah. He said that NC Lok Sabha members Aga Ruhullah (Srinagar) and Mian Altaf (Anantnag-Rajouri), will demand justice for all prisoners, including Rashid. "We will also demand immediate transfer of these prisoners held in jails outside J&K back to jails in Kashmir, pending their release. One of our main demands will be a broader amnesty for all individuals detained after August 5, 2019," said Abdullah.

In response to Rashid's interim bail application, a Delhi court on Saturday asked the National Investigation Agency to respond by July 1.

Another former CM Mehbooba Mufti said: "Parliament - India's temple of democracy will stand stark in contrast to the despair and despondency these youngsters (those affected by NEET, NET mess) have been pushed into. Hope every parliamentarian will rise above party affiliation and raise their voice for our younger generation whose future looks very bleak."