National desk
12 September
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Sheikh Abdul Rashid, a Parliamentarian who recently returned home on interim bail after spending more than five years in jail, expressed a strong message about the need for peace in Kashmir. Speaking to the media upon his arrival at the Srinagar airport, Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, emphasized that while the people of Kashmir desire peace, it must be achieved on their own terms, not dictated by the central government.
As he exited the airport, Rashid was seen paying obeisance on the road, a gesture symbolizing his deep connection to the region. He addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly, stating, “No one needs peace more than us, but this peace will come on our terms, not on your terms. We don’t want the silence of a graveyard; we want genuine peace.”
Rashid’s remarks highlight the ongoing tensions in Kashmir and the desire of its people for a resolution that respects their aspirations. His return and strong statements are likely to resonate with many in the region who share similar sentiments about the future of Kashmir.