In Parliament, jailed MP Engineer Rashid calls himself ‘MP from Tihar Jail’ | India News – The Times of India
SRINAGAR: North Kashmir’s Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid described himself on Wednesaday as an “MP from Tihar jail” whereas elevating in his Parliament speech the problem of poor web connectivity in border areas of his constituency.His social gathering, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), issued an announcement right here saying Rashid highlighted the “non-existent internet connectivity” in distant areas of his constituency, together with Karnah, Machil, Gurez and Uri.“Forget 5G or 4G, even basic mobile towers are missing and there is no network connectivity at all,” the AIP stated, quoting Rashid. Rashid additionally cited the “distressing situation” in Gujjarpati village of Uri, saying he had seen on tv in jail that villagers had been interesting to lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah for 5 days to revive telephone entry. “…But why should border areas in Kupwara and Baramulla suffer,” he stated, looking for intervention from the communications minister.An AIP spokesperson stated Rashid’s assertion in Parliament, “I am an MP from Tihar Jail”, was not a criticism however “a painful truth”. “He was reminding the nation that even while confined, without resources, staff or basic communication facilities, he is still fighting for his people,” the spokesperson stated.A Delhi courtroom final week permitted Rashid to attend the complete winter session of Parliament from Dec 1 whereas remaining in jail. Rashid has been in Tihar jail since Aug 9, 2019 after the NIA arrested him in a terror-funding case registered below the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His detention got here 4 days after the nullification of Article 370.However, whereas in jail his political profession took a dramatic flip within the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when he contested and gained Baramulla by greater than 204,000 votes, defeating his nearest rival, National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah. “In J&K, people look for someone who will hold the govt — whether in J&K or at the Centre — accountable. Rashid is doing the same in Parliament,” the AIP stated.
