Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the jailed Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, announced a two-day hunger strike in Tihar Jail, set to commence from 10 am on October 1 until 10 am on October 3. This protest precedes Gandhi Jayanti and seeks to highlight the urgent need for peace derived from Gandhi’s principle of non-violence.
In a heartfelt handwritten letter to ‘Bapu’, Rashid emphasized that the world stands in desperate need of the peace Gandhi championed. Currently incarcerated in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail due to a terror funding case, the MP argued that the relevance of Gandhi’s teachings is more pronounced today as nations continue to engage in violence while professing to seek peace.
“Those who most vocally espouse your message, Bapu, often fail to reflect it in their actions,” Rashid noted in his letter. His words reflect a deep concern over the ongoing strife in Kashmir, where he believes the narrative around the region has turned overwhelmingly negative.
Rashid articulated a poignant reflection on Kashmir’s tumultuous history, recalling Gandhi’s vision during the Partition. He stated, “You saw Kashmir as a beacon of hope and harmony during a time of crisis.” In stark contrast, Rashid lamented how contemporary identities assigned to Kashmiris often depict them unfavorably, labeling them as anti-national or radical.
The MP expressed distress at the lack of acknowledgment for the political and human rights of Kashmiris. He asserted, “Nobody has the courage to address our snatched legitimate political and human rights.” He criticized the climate of fear surrounding discussions on laws like the UAPA, stating that political dissent often leads to dire consequences for many Kashmiris.
Sheikh Abdul Rashid’s remarks extended to the hardships faced by Kashmiri Pandits and the broader populace. He highlighted that Kashmiri Pandits, who were historically safeguarded by Kashmiri Muslims, still exist in a refugee status. He noted, “Tihar Jail has transformed into a second home for those striving for your vision of non-violence to fight for their legitimate rights.”
Rashid denounced what he termed “divisive politics” and argued that the state has forsaken Gandhi’s vision for “draconian policies”. He condemned the enjoyment of the current political climate by forces he described as fascist, lamenting that the commitment to non-violence is misconstrued as weakness.
He reflected on the turmoil in Kashmir since 1989, stating, “I am sure your soul must be restless witnessing the plight of Kashmiris.” He noted a growing branding of Muslims as outsiders, quoting extreme terms that exacerbate societal divides. He stated, “The great Indian state does not need enemies from outside; ultranationalists are doing the work that external foes could not accomplish.”
In light of his hunger strike, Sheikh Abdul Rashid aims to remind his fellow citizens of the core significance of Gandhi’s principle of non-violence. As the nation prepares to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, he hopes to reignite conversations about peace and reconciliation in a time marked by persistent unrest and division.
