Power not my priority, want to restore peace in Kashmir: Engineer Rashid

Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) president Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid on Tuesday dismissed speculation about aligning with the BJP and asserted that the main aim of his party is to restore peace in Kashmir.

“Why will I join hands with the BJP? Power is a very small thing for me. If power had been my priority I would have joined hands with PM Modi. Many people have died in Kashmir. My biggest concern is to make sure that these killings should stop,” the Baramulla MP said.

“Priority is how the leadership will work after getting the mandate of the public. Will they, like the traditional parties PDP, JKNC, INC, and BJP after winning elections roam like VVIPs...Kashmir has to go beyond that...Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) will aim to bring permanent peace to Kashmir,” he added.

Engineer Rashid attributed the recent increase in voter turnout in Kashmir to the state’s repression. He emphasised that the people of Kashmir are eager for change and wish to express their feelings through democratic means.

“The voting percentage has increased because people have been victims of state repression. The voice of the people has been suppressed since the PDP came to power in 2014. People want to express their feelings and they want change because they have understood that they can achieve something only through democratic means. Violence has no place in society. The people of Kashmir have always believed in democracy. They also wanted a democratic solution to the Kashmir issue. I hope an era of reconciliation will begin after the voting,” Rashid said.

Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party has fielded 34 candidates in the Assembly elections. His younger brother, Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, is a candidate for the Langate seat.