Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Abdul Rashid has completed seven years in Tihar Jail while facing UAPA charges and terror funding allegations. He was briefly granted interim bail to campaign during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating current Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by nearly 2.5 lakh votes and securing over five lakh votes across 18 assembly constituencies. However, he remains imprisoned post-election, attending Parliament sessions only under heavy security or receiving brief parole for personal tragedies like his father’s death. Local residents and family members expressed deep concern over the lack of representation for North Kashmir’s population of around 20 lakh people. Voters stated that ongoing developmental projects, local works, and public issues have come to a standstill in his absence. Family members and constituents questioned why bail was permitted for election campaigning but is denied for public service, demanding his immediate release to ensure the region’s voice is heard.
