IIOJK MP Engineer Rashid protests in Lok Sabha, demands release of Kashmiri protesters
New Delhi: Indian parliamentarian from Baramulla constituency in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Engineer Rashid, raised several political and humanitarian issues related to the territory in the Lok Sabha. Although he was not allowed to speak, he later submitted his speech in writing to be placed on record.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Engineer Rashid staged a protest in the Lok Sabha and briefly moved to the well of the House while the Indian Home Minister was speaking, demanding the release of Kashmiri mourners and withdrawal of FIRs against those who had protested the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Syed Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike.
In his written submission, he expressed disappointment at being denied the opportunity to speak.
Referring to international developments, the Kashmiri MP condemned the violence and civilians deaths in US-Israeli strikes. He stated: “Being the largest democracy of the world, India must condemn US and Israeli aggression against Iran. I strongly condemn the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei, and the deaths of over 150 children in US-Israeli bombings.”
He also demanded release of all protesters arrested during recent protests in IIOJK, stating: “I seek unconditional release of all those who were detained and arrested in J&K over the recent protests against the US-Israeli attack.”
Highlighting the marginalization of opposition members in India’s decision-making, he criticized the manner in which major decisions are taken without consultation. Citing the abrogation of Article 370, Engineer Rashid wrote: “Even Cabinet Ministers were unaware of the decision until hours before the bill was introduced. Sitting and former lawmakers from J&K were jailed, and the bill was passed on August 5, 2019, solely because the ruling party had a majority.”
