As the counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections began, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President & Separatist leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, made a passionate appeal to political parties to delay the formation of a government until statehood is restored to the region. His call has sparked a significant debate in the region’s political landscape, as many view this as a critical moment for Jammu and Kashmir’s future.
"Statehood Before Government Formation"
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Rashid, who has been out on interim bail since September 11, urged the mainstream political parties of Jammu and Kashmir to refrain from forming a government until full statehood is restored. "This is not the time for party politics", he declared. "We must unite and prioritize the restoration of statehood. It's about the dignity and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir."
Rashid's comments come at a time when exit polls predict a close contest in the assembly elections, with the National Conference-Congress alliance leading. Despite this, Rashid believes that forming a government under current conditions would only serve to extend central rule, a scenario that he feels would be detrimental to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He called on parties like the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others to stand united and demand the restoration of statehood before taking the oath of office.
A Divisive Call for Unity
While Rashid’s stance has resonated with some, it has also sparked controversy. National Conference vice president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized Rashid’s position, accusing him of "playing into the hands of the BJP." Abdullah took to X (formerly Twitter) to say, "The man goes to Delhi for 24 hours and comes back to play straight into the hands of the BJP. The BJP would like nothing more than to extend central rule in J&K."
In response, Rashid countered that his call was not politically motivated but rooted in the desire for dignity and democracy. "We cannot have a government with limited powers while our statehood is still stripped away. The restoration of statehood is the wish of every voter in J&K," Rashid said, adding that his party, AIP, would support any party that stood united for the cause, regardless of election results.
Strategic Importance of Jammu and Kashmir
Rashid also emphasized the global significance of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the region’s geopolitical position between Pakistan and China. "The world is watching us. Jammu and Kashmir is no ordinary region. We need to ensure that the people of Kashmir live with honor, dignity, and self-respect," he stated.
He urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to leverage his upcoming visit to Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to work towards bringing meaningful peace to the region. "This is not just about attending a conference; it’s about taking real steps behind the scenes for the future of Kashmir."
Uncertainty Over Assembly Nominations
Another critical issue facing Jammu and Kashmir’s political future is the nomination of five members to the Assembly by the Lieutenant Governor. With exit polls indicating that no party may secure a simple majority, the question of these nominations has caused anxiety among political parties. While many argue that these nominations should be made with the “aid and advice” of the new Council of Ministers, the BJP maintains that the Lieutenant Governor is not required to follow such advice as per the J&K Reorganisation Act.
Legal experts have expressed differing opinions on the implications of these nominations, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the formation of the new government.
Engineer Rashid's Role in the Elections
Rashid’s AIP contested 34 of the 90 Assembly seats, primarily in Kashmir, on a platform focused on the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite limited resources and time, Rashid has positioned himself as a significant figure in the region’s political discourse, advocating for unity among all parties to achieve the common goal of statehood restoration.
"Power is not permanent," Rashid reminded the public. "Our fight is for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not for power. We need to focus on what truly matters—restoring the dignity of our people."
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Conclusion - What's Next
As the counting of votes continues, the political future of Jammu and Kashmir hangs in the balance. Engineer Rashid’s call for unity and statehood has added a new dimension to the post-election discourse, raising important questions about the region's autonomy and governance. Whether political parties will heed his call remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the demand for the restoration of statehood is likely to shape the region’s political landscape for the foreseeable future.
With the world watching, the decisions made in the coming days will be crucial not just for the political actors but for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, whose dignity and rights remain at the heart of the issue.
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