Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid was released from Tihar Jail on Wednesday, following a court decision to grant him interim bail until October 2. The temporary relief allows Rashid to participate in campaigning for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, despite the ongoing terror funding case against him.

Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Rashid vowed to persist in his fight for his constituents. Upon his release, he was greeted warmly by his sons and supporters, who were present to welcome him.

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, has been incarcerated since 2019. His detention began after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the 2017 terror funding case.

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, has been incarcerated since 2019. His detention began after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the 2017 terror funding case.

“He was released from jail at 4.15 pm,” said a senior prison official.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rashid defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Baramulla. His party, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), is now actively participating in the upcoming assembly elections.

“I was in jail for five-and-a-half years. I am committed to fighting for my people. I am coming back to unite people and not divide them,” he told reporters outside Tihar.

“I want to bring everlasting peace to Kashmir and prove that Kashmiris are not stone pelters. But we will not compromise with our political rights,” he said, adding, “I will fight the prime minister’s narrative of Naya Kashmir.” National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said Rashid has been granted bail to fetch votes from the people of Kashmir and not to serve them.

Regarding People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti’s description of Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party as a proxy for the BJP, Abdullah commented that while he was being cautious on the matter, “it is good that she has openly stated what many people were already thinking.”

Lashing out at Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, Rashid on Wednesday alleged that they have “destroyed” Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be conducted in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the results to be announced on October 8.

Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh granted Rashid interim bail on a personal bond of ₹2 lakh and a surety of the same amount. The release comes with conditions, including a restriction on discussing the case with the media.

Image source: PTI