Srinagar, March 15, KNT: Langate MLA Engineer Rashid on Friday stirred a storm in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly by accusing Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference (NC), of betraying the people of Kashmir for personal political gains. Rashid’s remarks, made in the context of Pakistan’s resolution in support of Afzal Guru, provoked a heated exchange with National Conference members.
Addressing the Assembly, Rashid alleged that Sheikh Abdullah was complicit in the miseries endured by the people of Kashmir, accusing him of political opportunism. “Sheikh Abdullah first let down Pakistan, facilitated Kashmir’s accession to India, then shifted his stance to advocate for a plebiscite for 22 years, only to abandon it in 1975 through the ‘shameful Indira-Abdullah Accord,’” Rashid claimed. He went on to say, “Sheikh Abdullah’s actions created confusion among Kashmiris, leaving them with no choice but to take up arms after being repeatedly let down by their tallest leader.”
The remarks enraged National Conference ministers and members, who vocally protested, demanding Rashid leave the Assembly. Despite the uproar, Rashid held his ground, asserting, “I am here because of my people, not because of the blessings of any political party or New Delhi.”
Rashid further accused the National Conference of legitimizing the oppression of Kashmiris, stating that the party had played a role in enabling India to suppress the Valley. His speech led to a heated verbal clash, with members from the NC, BJP, and National Panthers Party uniting to oppose him.
During the confrontation, Deputy Speaker repeatedly asked Rashid to return to his seat, but he refused, declaring that he would continue to fight for Kashmiris even if it cost him his life. He challenged the Assembly to acknowledge Jammu and Kashmir’s disputed status, pointing to agreements such as the Shimla, Tashkent, Lahore, and Agra accords as evidence that both India and Pakistan had committed to resolving the issue.
Rashid also criticized the government for imposing curfews and restrictions across the Kashmir Valley, questioning why people were even barred from offering Friday prayers. He highlighted that no strike call had been issued by Muttahida Majlis-e-Mushawarat for the day, yet curfew remained in place.
The session ended in chaos as Rashid’s remarks and the ensuing uproar highlighted the deep divisions within the Assembly over Kashmir’s contentious political issues. [KNT]
