Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, will embark on a two-day hunger strike in Tihar Jail from October 1 to 3, to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti and underscore the need for non-violence in today’s world.
In a poignant handwritten letter addressed to Mahatma Gandhi, Rashid expressed that the world is in a “desperate need” for peace, asserting that Gandhi’s teachings continue to bear relevance. Currently imprisoned for a terror funding case, Rashid—popularly known as Engineer Rashid—criticised nations that engage in violence while claiming to pursue peace.
“Those who speak most of your message, Bapu, hardly match their words with deeds,” Rashid wrote, voicing his concerns about the pervasive violence that contradicts Gandhi’s ideals. He lamented the situational plight in Kashmir, noting that Kashmiri individuals face severe misrepresentation as anti-national or radical elements.
Reflecting on the legacy of Gandhi during the tumultuous period of Partition, he recalled that Kashmir was once viewed as a symbol of hope and tranquillity. Today, however, he stated, “We Kashmiris are being branded anti-national, Pak proxies, and whatnot,” stressing that the dignity and rights of Kashmiris have eroded.
Rashid highlighted how the struggles of Kashmiris have been misconstrued. He stated, “Being Islamist is an honour for every Muslim, and no true Muslim can ever be radical.” He underscored the issue that despite widespread injustices, few dare to speak against the stringent laws imposed in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Thousands lie in graves, while men in prisons lose their lives due to the misdeeds of Partition,” he lamented, urging for accountability and a recognition of the legitimate rights of his constituents. He also pointed out the lingering challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits, who he says live as refugees, despite their historical connections to the land.
Rashid wrote, “Tihar jail has become a second home for those who aspire for the vision of non-violence to claim their rights,” associating his hunger strike with a broader call for justice and non-violence.
In his letter, Rashid condemned what he described as divisive politics, noting that Gandhi’s vision has been overshadowed by repressive policies. He voiced concern that state-induced oppression feeds into the narrative of helplessness among Kashmiris, leading to misinterpretations of their commitment to non-violence as weakness.
“I am sure your soul must be in a state of restlessness while watching what we Kashmiris have passed through since 1989,” he stated, appealing to Gandhi’s spirit to inspire change.
Rashid articulated that instead of fostering harmony, discriminatory labels such as ‘Babar ki Aulad’ (children of Babar) exacerbate social divides. He added, “The great Indian state does not need enemies from outside; ultranationalists are doing what external adversaries cannot accomplish.”
With his hunger strike, Rashid aims to remind the nation of the essence of Gandhi’s teachings and the urgent necessity for peace in the current socio-political landscape. His actions seek to evoke a collective reflection on the relevance of non-violence today.
