Srinagar, May 19 (KNS): Thousands of people from across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday participated in the Nimaz-e-Jinazah of Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, the father of Member of Parliament from Barramulla, Engineer Rashid, at the family’s ancestral village of Mawar Payeen in Handwara.
The funeral prayers were led by senior Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) leader and MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, in an emotionally charged atmosphere. Earlier in the day, Er Rashid was released from Tihar Jail on interim bail, arriving directly at Srinagar Airport before proceeding to his native village to perform the last rites of his father.
Addressing the gathering, the AIP chief made an emotional appeal, urging people to reflect upon the futility of hatred and revenge. He stated that his political struggle is not against individuals but against “injustice and systems that allow injustice to flourish.”
Recalling an incident from his days as a social activist, Er Rashid narrated how authorities once announced a reward to capture a man-eating animal alive for rehabilitation.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelDrawing a parallel, he said if society can attempt to reform a dangerous animal, then humans who have erred also deserve opportunities for reform and dignity.
The Lok Sabha member further maintained that his political fight transcends issues like Article 370 or Statehood, asserting it is fundamentally linked to justice and respect for people. He reiterated that he harbours no enmity with the 140 crore people of India, and his disagreement is only with systems perpetuating inequality.
Several mourners were visibly moved during his brief address, which centred on compassion and reconciliation. Meanwhile, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi thanked the civil and police administrations for smoothly managing the massive gathering and maintaining order during the proceedings. (KNS)