Srinagar, July 18: Jailed Baramulla MP Er Rashid on Saturday extended support to the National Conference’s proposed July 20 protest for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood but asserted that the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) would continue to seek restoration of all constitutional and political rights of the people.
A message from Er Rashid, currently lodged in Tihar Jail, was read out by AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi during a press conference in Srinagar, attended by senior party leaders.
In his message, Rashid accused the National Conference of restricting its political agenda to statehood while abandoning broader issues such as Article 370, Article 35A and other constitutional rights. He alleged that the party had failed to fulfil the promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections and criticised regional parties for not doing enough to safeguard the rights of the people.
Despite the criticism, Rashid said the restoration of statehood remained a legitimate demand and deserved support in the larger public interest. He said the Centre should have restored statehood immediately after the 2024 Assembly elections and claimed the National Conference should have insisted on it before forming the government.
Announcing AIP’s solidarity with the July 20 protest, Rashid said he would observe a day-long hunger strike and undertake a barefoot march to Parliament on July 21 to press for a meaningful, time-bound dialogue between the Centre and the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir.
He, however, clarified that AIP’s support for the protest should not be construed as an endorsement of the National Conference’s political stand on other issues.
Addressing the press conference, Inam Un Nabi said AIP has consistently advocated restoration of statehood along with Articles 370 and 35A, release of political prisoners, revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), an end to the use of the Public Safety Act (PSA), and restoration of democratic rights.
He termed the National Conference’s decision to protest for statehood as “too little, too late”, alleging that limiting the struggle to statehood alone ignored the broader aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
