Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the jailed Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, announced on Saturday that he will observe a two-day hunger strike in Tihar Jail from October 1 to October 3. This strike coincides with Gandhi Jayanti and aims to emphasize the importance of non-violence in today\u2019s tumultuous world.<\/p>\n
In a poignant handwritten letter forwarded to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Rashid stated that the global atmosphere demands urgent calls for peace. He underscored that while nations profess to champion peace, many engage in violent acts, undermining the essence of Gandhian principles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose who proclaim your message, Bapu, often fail to translate their words into actions,\u201d Rashid lamented, expressing deep concern about the violent tendencies observed worldwide.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the situation in Kashmir, Rashid recalled Gandhi\u2019s vision during the Partition. \u201cYou saw Kashmir as a beacon of hope and harmony,\u201d he stated, drawing a contrast with the contemporary narrative that tags Kashmiris as anti-national or pro-Pakistani.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe face unjust branding\u2014being called anti-Hindu, militants, and more. Truly, no devout Muslim would identify with radicalism,\u201d he asserted, highlighting the pressing need for recognition of the Kashmiris’ political and human rights.<\/p>\n
Rashid criticized the deafening silence surrounding the controversial Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). \u201cThousands have perished, and many more languish in prisons due to the aftermath of Partition, yet no accountability is sought,\u201d he declared passionately.<\/p>\n
He did not hesitate to address the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, noting that they once found protection among Kashmiri Muslims. \u201cDespite these historical ties, Kashmiri Pandits still live as refugees,\u201d Rashid pointed out, shedding light on a significant humanitarian issue.<\/p>\n
Rashid\u2019s letter condemned the divisive politics that have marred the region. He asserted that Gandhi\u2019s non-violence philosophy has succumbed to \u201cdraconian policies.\u201d He argued that rather than fostering communal harmony, the state has often heightened divisions, branding Muslims as outsiders.<\/p>\n
\u201cFascist forces seem to thrive on our helplessness, misinterpreting our dedication to peace as weakness,\u201d Rashid wrote, voicing his frustration over the state\u2019s failure to introspect on its policies.<\/p>\n
The Lok Sabha MP shared his feelings of unease when contemplating the struggles faced by Kashmiris since 1989. \u201cOur state, instead of being a land of peace, has turned into a testing ground for harsh policies,\u201d he argued.<\/p>\n
Rashid\u2019s remarks drew attention to the harmful rhetoric used against Muslims. \u201cTerms like \u2018Babar ki Aulad\u2019 only serve to legitimize hate and division among communities,\u201d he said, emphasizing that internal threats are often more damaging than external ones.<\/p>\n
To reaffirm Gandhi\u2019s teachings and their relevance today, Rashid plans to commence his hunger strike at 10 am on October 1. He envisions this gesture as a reminder to fellow citizens about the power of non-violence as a tool for addressing grievances.<\/p>\n
As Rashid prepares for his hunger strike, his actions and words reflect a desperate plea for peace, harmony, and a return to the fundamentals of Gandhi\u2019s philosophy in Indian society.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sheikh Abdul Rashid, jailed MP from Baramulla, announces a two-day hunger strike in Tihar Jail, urging for peace on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti and highlighting the relevance of non-violence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4883,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[88],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4884","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kashmir"},"yoast_head":"\n