Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the jailed Lok Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency, announced on Saturday that he plans to sit on a two-day hunger strike in Tihar Jail. This protest, timed to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, aims to highlight the enduring significance of Gandhi’s principle of non-violence.
Currently imprisoned for his alleged involvement in a terror funding case, Rashid expressed through a handwritten letter that peace is in “desperate need” globally. He sent this letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker while addressing Mahatma Gandhi directly, underscoring that the relevance of non-violence grows stronger as violent conflicts persist worldwide.
“The countries that pay lip service to peace still indulge in violence,” wrote Rashid, emphasizing his belief that Gandhi’s ideology should inspire current and future generations. He lamented how Kashmiris are labeled as anti-national and violent, a sentiment he articulated passionately in his correspondence.
In the letter, Rashid reminisced about Gandhi’s advocacy during the tumultuous times of Partition, stating, “When the subcontinent was burning in communal flames, you saw Kashmir as a beacon of hope and harmony.” He asserted that the current branding of Kashmiris contradicts Gandhi’s vision and burdens them with negative labels that impact their identity.
“Nobody is addressing our snatched legitimate political and human rights,” Rashid lamented. He criticized the silence of those who oppose draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), particularly when they know innocent lives are being affected.
Moreover, he brought attention to the plight of Kashmiri Pandits and other displaced community members. “Resistance to oppression stems from our deep commitment to Gandhi’s vision,” he argued. He remarked that Tihar Jail feels like a sanctuary for those striving for justice through non-violent means.
Rashid condemned divisive politics, stating, “Gandhi’s vision of non-violence has been overshadowed by draconian policies.” He claimed that the state treats Jammu and Kashmir as an experimental ground for its oppressive strategies, leaving many feeling helpless.
“I am certain that your soul must be in a state of restlessness while witnessing the plight of Kashmiris since 1989,” Rashid wrote, addressing Gandhi with respect for the struggles faced in his homeland.
He also mentioned that Muslims are unjustly labeled as outsiders, and that ultranationalist forces threaten the integrity of the state more than any external enemy could. “The state does not require enemies to undermine its values; its own ultranationalists accomplish that,” he declared emphatically.
Rashid has set the time frame for his hunger strike from 10 am on October 1 to 10 am on October 3, a display aimed at reminding Indian citizens of Gandhi’s enduring message against violence. The hunger strike serves as both a personal commitment and a broader call for reflection on the state of human rights and dignity in Kashmir.
The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir remains complex, with issues of identity, rights, and governance challenging peace and harmony in the region. Rashid’s protest draws attention to these systemic injustices and reiterates the need for dialogue rooted in the principles of peace, a call that echoes Gandhi’s own legacy.
