Awami Ittehad Party MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid (File photo)
SRINAGAR: North Kashmir’s Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid described himself on Wednesaday as an “MP from Tihar jail” while raising in his Parliament speech the issue of poor internet connectivity in border areas of his constituency.His party, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), issued a statement here saying Rashid highlighted the “non-existent internet connectivity” in remote areas of his constituency, including Karnah, Machil, Gurez and Uri.“Forget 5G or 4G, even basic mobile towers are missing and there is no network connectivity at all,” the AIP said, quoting Rashid. Rashid also cited the “distressing situation” in Gujjarpati village of Uri, saying he had seen on television in jail that villagers had been appealing to lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah for five days to restore phone access. “…But why should border areas in Kupwara and Baramulla suffer,” he said, seeking intervention from the communications minister.An AIP spokesperson said Rashid’s statement in Parliament, “I am an MP from Tihar Jail”, was not a complaint but “a painful truth”. “He was reminding the nation that even while confined, without resources, staff or basic communication facilities, he is still fighting for his people,” the spokesperson said. A Delhi court last week permitted Rashid to attend the entire winter session of Parliament from Dec 1 while remaining in jail. Rashid has been in Tihar jail since Aug 9, 2019 after the NIA arrested him in a terror-funding case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His detention came four days after the nullification of Article 370.However, while in jail his political career took a dramatic turn in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when he contested and won Baramulla by more than 204,000 votes, defeating his nearest rival, National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah. “In J&K, people look for someone who will hold the govt — whether in J&K or at the Centre — accountable. Rashid is doing the same in Parliament,” the AIP said.
