Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the jailed Lok Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency, plans to sit on a two-day hunger strike in Tihar Jail, commencing at 10 am on October 1, 2023, ahead of Gandhi Jayanti. Rashid aims to highlight the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence philosophy in today’s world.
In a heartfelt handwritten letter directed to Gandhi, which he forwarded to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Rashid emphasizes that the world is in a desperate need for peace. He articulates that while numerous nations profess to propagate peace, they often engage in violent actions.
Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, asserts, “Those who speak most of your message, Bapu, hardly match their words with deeds.” The MP expresses deep concern regarding the current situation in Kashmir, referring to it as a region overshadowed by violence and misunderstanding.
He reflects on Gandhi’s role during the Partition, stating, “You saw Kashmir as a beacon of hope and harmony.” In contrast, he laments that Kashmiris today face negative labels such as anti-national, militant, and radical due to the prevailing socio-political atmosphere.
According to Rashid, the most glaring issue is the denial of legitimate political and human rights for Kashmiris. He critiques the silence of those who fear the consequences of speaking out against stringent laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) which limits freedom of expression.
He says, “Thousands lie in graves, men in prisons lose their lives, and thousands of us are in jails because of the misdeeds of Partition, for which nobody takes responsibility.” Expressing solidarity with Kashmiri Pandits and other vulnerable groups, he points to their ongoing struggles and housing issues.
Rashid argues that Gandhi’s message of non-violence has increasingly been overshadowed by divisive politics and draconian policies. “Our helplessness is being enjoyed by fascist forces, and our commitment to non-violence is interpreted as weakness,” he states in his letter.
He strongly criticizes the prevailing political climate, asserting, “The state has converted Jammu and Kashmir into an experimental lab rather than introspecting its draconian policies.” He calls for reflection and dialogue instead of hostility.
The MP reassures that it deeply disturbs Gandhi’s spirit to witness Kashmiris enduring suffering since 1989, where Muslims are labeled as outsiders and subjected to derogatory terms. “I say with responsibility that the great Indian state does not need enemies from outside. The ultranationalists are doing all that enemies of India cannot do,” he concludes.
Through his planned hunger strike, Rashid hopes to remind the nation of Gandhi’s message of non-violence, conducting the protest in Tihar Jail from October 1 to October 3. His goal is to resonate with every Indian about the significance of peaceful coexistence and to reconnect society with Gandhi’s timeless ideals.
