Supporters of Jailed MP Engineer Rashid Protest in New Delhi for His Release

Quick summary:

• Supporters of Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader and MP Engineer Rashid staged a protest at Jantar Mantar,New Delhi,on August 25,2025.
• Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, Rashid’s brother and MLA of Langate, led the sit-in demanding his release after six years of detention.
• Mr. Rashid was arrested in 2019 under terror funding charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), filed by the National Inquiry Agency (NIA).
• Protesters described Mr. Rashid’s continued detention as an “assault on democracy” and “unjust,” claiming it undermines the mandate given to him by voters.
• Mr. Rashid defeated National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Parliament election while campaigning from jail.
• he attended Parliament during its recent session at personal expense but returned to Tihar Jail after short-term bail ended.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The exhibition highlights political tensions surrounding incarceration practices under UAPA allegations. Engineer Rashid’s election victory while detained emphasizes voter trust amid judicial scrutiny, spotlighting Kashmir’s political complexities and debates around portrayal and governance. Allegations of “overwhelming public support” versus accusations of serious crimes pose critical questions about balancing individual rights with national security imperatives in India.

Observers should consider whether prolonged detentions influence perceptions of justice or democratic engagement for constituents feeling disenfranchised by such situations. The protest imploring Supreme Court intervention also reflects growing grassroots pressure for reconsideration or openness in cases involving elected representatives like Mr. Rashid.

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