Rashid Engineer Criticizes PM Modi After Release from Tihar Jail

Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer, released on interim bail, has openly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to abrogate Article 370. Rashid asserted Kashmir's resilience and predicted the failure of Modi's 'Naya Kashmir' vision. His bail conditions restrict him from discussing the ongoing terror funding case.

Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer arrived in Kashmir on Thursday following his release from Tihar Jail, granted interim bail by Delhi's Special NIA Court in a terror funding case. Speaking to the media, Rashid criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision on the abrogation of Article 370, expressing confidence in Kashmir's eventual victory.

Grateful for public support, Rashid stated, 'Kashmir is not weak. The people of Kashmir will win. We do not accept the decisions made by the Prime Minister on August 5.' On September 12, after being granted bail, he emphasized the importance of elections at this crucial juncture for Kashmir.

Lashing out at the center, Rashid declared that PM Modi's 'Naya Kashmir' vision would collapse. 'Truth will prevail. I hope for justice. The people of J&K will successfully fight for justice as they are united. PM Modi's so-called vision of 'Naya Kashmir' will fail,' he asserted.

The Patiala House Court issued a release order for Rashid on Wednesday, with the condition that he must not discuss the ongoing terror funding case with the media. He has been granted interim bail until October 2, however, the decision on his regular bail plea has been deferred to October 5, 2024. His counsel, Vikhyat Oberoi, argued the need for interim bail for campaigning in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

Rashid's past includes a 2005 arrest by the Special Operations Group in Srinagar for alleged militant support, and an August 2019 arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Remarkably, while incarcerated, he filed his nomination for the 2024 parliamentary elections and won by a margin of 204,000 votes, defeating former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

(With inputs from agencies.)