Engineer Rashid's Triumphant Return: A Fight for Dignity and Peace in Kashmir

Returning from over five years in prison, MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, known as Engineer Rashid, emphasized the need for peace based on the conditions of Kashmiris, not those set by the Centre. Addressing supporters, he reaffirmed his commitment to dignity, rights, and resolving the Kashmir conflict.

After spending more than five years in prison, Member of Parliament Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly referred to as Engineer Rashid, returned home Thursday, emphasizing that nobody needs peace more than the people of Kashmir. He asserted that this peace must come under their conditions, not those set by the Centre.

The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief was granted interim relief from Tihar Jail on Wednesday. Upon exiting the airport, Rashid went down on his knees and touched his forehead to the ground, expressing gratitude to his supporters who had gathered to welcome him.

'We want to tell Prime Minister Narendra Modi that no one needs peace more than we do. But that peace will come at our conditions, not yours,' he stated. 'We want peace with dignity, not the peace of a graveyard.' Rashid further added that the people of Kashmir are strong and on the path of truth, denouncing the Centre's revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Flanked by his son and party leaders, Rashid urged his supporters not to lose courage, asserting that the truth is on their side.

(With inputs from agencies.)