JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 24: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Thursday questioned the prolonged delay in granting bail to Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, saying that an elected representative has remained behind bars for more than seven years, while his bail plea has been pending before the Delhi High Court for around one-and-a-half years.

Referring to the recent default bail granted to six Ukrainian nationals in an NIA case, Inam Un Nabi in a statement issued, said the distinction was significant. Although the NIA filed a chargesheet against the foreign nationals, it did not invoke UAPA provisions in that chargesheet, while the agency stated that its UAPA investigation was continuing. The court subsequently granted them default bail.

“Er. Rashid, meanwhile, has spent more than seven years in custody despite being an elected Member of Parliament.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHis bail plea has remained pending before the Delhi High Court for around one-and-a-half years. How long should an elected representative and his constituents be made to wait for a decision on his liberty?” Inam Un Nabi asked.

He said AIP has consistently maintained that the allegations against Er. Rashid have not been established against him and that the party believes his prolonged incarceration is linked to his being a fearless and outspoken political voice of the people of Kashmir.

“Er. Rashid represents nearly 40 percent of Kashmir’s population in Parliament. His incarceration therefore affects not only his personal liberty but also the democratic representation of millions of people,” Inam Un Nabi said.(KNS)