Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, has declared a two-day hunger strike starting October 1, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. Rashid, currently imprisoned in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail for alleged terror funding, aims to underscore the importance of non-violence.
In a poignant handwritten letter addressed to Mahatma Gandhi, which was shared with the Lok Sabha Speaker, Rashid emphasized the world’s urgent need for peace. He described how Gandhi’s message of non-violence is increasingly pertinent in an era marked by conflict.
“Those who extoll your message, Bapu, often fail to translate their words into action,” Rashid remarked, supporting his assertion with observations about the violence exercised by nations in the name of peace.
Rashid expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing turmoil in Kashmir, stating that the region once served as a symbol of hope and harmony during the Partition. However, he lamented the portrayal of Kashmiris today, stating they are unjustly labeled as anti-national and extremists.
“Even while being labelled as militants and radicals, it remains an honor to be a true Muslim,” Rashid declared, reinforcing his belief that true Islam is rooted in peace and coexistence.
He conveyed that the political and human rights of Kashmiris have been systematically disregarded, noting how many remain silent out of fear of repercussions from laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
“Thousands remain oppressed by the outcomes of Partition, with no one willing to take responsibility. We also recognize the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, who have remained refugees despite the protection they received from Kashmiri Muslims during dark times,” Rashid wrote, reflecting on the region’s complicated history.
Rashid’s letter criticized the current political landscape, stating that Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence has been eclipsed by harsh policies that breed division. He remarked, “Our helplessness is exploited by extremist elements. The state’s inability to reconsider its oppressive tactics turns Jammu and Kashmir into an experimental laboratory for authoritarianism.”
He poignantly captured the emotional toll on Kashmiris, suggesting that Gandhi’s spirit must be in disquiet as he observes the struggles inflicted upon them since 1989.
“Rather than fostering unity, Muslims face branding as outsiders through derogatory terms that incite hatred. The internal strife we face is exacerbated by ultranationalistic voices attempting to sow discord, achieving what external enemies could not,” he asserted.
In his declaration of the hunger strike, Rashid called for renewed attention to Gandhi’s principles, planning to abstain from food from 10 am on October 1 until 10 am on October 3. His message seeks to remind the nation of the ongoing relevance of non-violent transcendence in addressing personal and collective grievances.
