Er Rashid kisses ground in emotional homecoming, Declares battle for Kashmir’s dignity
Srinagar, Sep 11 (KB): Firebrand Member of Parliament from North Kashmir Engineer Rashid, after serving five years in the Tihar Jail imbroglio, which was a game-changer in the region’s politics, on Thursday reached Srinagar.
According to news agency—Kashmir Bulletin (KB), An interim bail from a terror funding case brought Rashid back in a reunion that was emotionally and politically loaded to rewrite the narrative ahead of any future elections.
The moment Rashid’s feet touched the soil of Srinagar, he went down on his knees on the main road, kissed the ground, and tearfully thanked the Almighty.
The symbolic gesture, watched by journalists and supporters alike, drove home the point of how attached he was to the piece of land that he says he fights for. “This is my land,” he said, his voice ringing with confidence.
In strongly worded statements, Rashid has attacked the current political debate in Kashmir, pitting himself squarely against two former Chief Ministers, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti.
“I am fighting the battle that neither Omar nor Mehbooba can comprehend,” he declared. It’s a bold proclamation, reflecting the singular path he’s cut through Kashmiri politics-one that’s focused not merely on power but on restoring the dignity and self-respect of his people.
Unlike many of his political colleagues, Rashid emphasized that his struggle is not for the “peace of a graveyard’’.
He explained, “My dream about peace is permanent and honorable peace. “I will fight for my people until Kashmir achieves peace with honor, not silence under oppression,” he said.
He also did not leave the chance to rubbish the tall claims made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Naya Kashmir concept, an all-promising tale of growth and development under the central government’s policies.
“North Kashmir has already punctured Modi’s balloon of Naya Kashmir,” Rashid said while referring to June’s local election results that saw a stiff resistance against the BJP’s narrative from the region.
This, to Rashid, is a clear indication from North Kashmir’s electoral behavior that people have rejected Modi’s vision and are looking for something deeper in the form of self-respect, dignity, and peace rooted in justice rather than coercion.
The return of Er Rashid has sent ripples down the political spectrum of Kashmir. His next steps could potentially dent the ruling Balance of Power as it gears up for possible assembly elections.
Considering his populist rhetoric and grass-root level support in North Kashmir, Rashid evokes a formidable presence, especially among those disillusioned with the traditionally elitist political elites represented by the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party.
His address, which is likely to be attended by thousands in Baramulla, will set the tone for his political re-entry.
According to observers, Rashid could emerge as a critical voice against the policies being adopted by the central government in Kashmir, and also against the dynastic politics that has dominated the politics of the region for years.
But the legal troubles are far from over. The Delhi court has granted him interim bail up to October 2nd, and it has to be seen how his case goes further. But with this, the return of Rashid has already galvanized his supporters and set a possible stage for a revival of his political career.
For the people of North Kashmir, the release of Rashid is not only that of a political leader; it is a symbol of new hope for different politics, which promises dignity, respect, and a future without a constant sword hanging over their head.
The melodramatic homecoming of Engineer Rashid to Kashmir is not a personal victory but a defining moment in the political future of this region. His bold statements, emotional connect with the land, and critical comments on regional and national political leadership indicate that his fight is far from over. As a matter of fact, it may have just begun.
As Kashmir looks ahead, every action and word from Rashid will be watched-closely-not just by his supporters but the political establishment that has now again been faced with a resurgent challenge from a leader who has come back to reclaim his rightful place in the hearts and minds of the people.— (KB)
