New Delhi: Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the jailed Member of Parliament (MP) popularly known as Engineer Rashid, has made a striking entry into the winter session of Parliament, identifying himself as an "MP from Tihar Jail". Rashid, who represents Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, was granted permission to attend the parliamentary session despite being incarcerated since 2019.
Rashid's presence in Parliament has drawn attention to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the circumstances of his imprisonment. He faces trial in connection with a 2017 terror funding case and has been charged by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
On his first day, Rashid handed letters to prominent national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, urging them to adopt a "humane, realistic, and dialogue-centered approach" towards resolving the issues in Jammu and Kashmir. According to a spokesperson from Rashid's Awami Itihaad Party (AIP), this gesture was intended as a sincere appeal for justice and reconciliation, rather than a political statement.
In his letter, Rashid reminded national leaders that Kashmiris should not be reduced to being labeled as Indian or Pakistani proxies, emphasizing that they are the primary stakeholders in the region. He urged leaders to move beyond electoral politics and adopt a pragmatic approach that prioritizes dialogue and addresses the humanitarian aspects of the conflict.
Specifically, Rashid called for the release of all political prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir, the restoration of full statehood, and an end to what he described as state oppression. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits and other displaced communities who fled the region in the early 1990s. He stated that these communities deserve justice and a dignified return to their homeland.
Rashid has previously been granted custody parole to attend parliamentary sessions. In July 2025, he spoke during a discussion on the Pahalgam terror attacks, emphasizing the plight of the Kashmiri people and urging both the ruling and opposition parties to address their concerns. During that address, he stated that holding onto the land of Kashmir would be of no use if the government fails to win the hearts of its people. He also called for an end to changing the demography and destruction of the culture of Kashmir. In February 2025, he raised the issue of civilian deaths in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding a full investigation into the matter.
The court had granted Rashid custody parole between July 24 and August 4 to attend the Monsoon session of Parliament. It also granted him interim bail to campaign during the J&K Assembly elections.
