Jailed Kashmiri leader Engineer Rashid to take oath as MP on July 5

Rashid, the MP from Baramullam was arrested in a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case,

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday gave its consent for jailed Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid or Engineer Rashid, to take oath as MP on July 5. Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh will deliver a ruling on Rashid’s interim bail plea on Tuesday.

Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh will pass an order on the plea on Tuesday. Rashid, the MP from Baramulla who was arrested in a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case, had moved the court seeking interim bail, or custody parole in the alternative, to take oath and perform his parliamentary functions. A special court here on June 22 had adjourned the matter and asked the NIA to file its response.

The NIA's counsel said Rashid's oath taking can be subject to some conditions like not speaking to the media. He also said Rashid must complete everything within a day.

Rashid has been in jail since 2019 after he was charged by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged involvement in a terror funding case. He is currently lodged in Tihar jail.

Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as “Engineer Rashid”, emerged victorious in Kashmir’s Baramulla seat. He defeated National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.

Rashid’s election campaign was led by his 24-year-old son Abrar that unfolded in recent weeks, unlike any other. With Rashid behind bars, a dedicated team of volunteers travelled across different towns and villages, spreading his message of hope and change. Supporters shared videos of Rashid's past speeches, highlighting his commitment to the people. His incarceration turned him into a symbol of “resistance against oppression”, drawing parallels to other historical figures who fought for people from behind the bars. The sympathy wave for Engineer Rashid drowned the campaigns of heavyweights like Omar Abdullah and Sajjad Gani Lone.

(With inputs from PTI)