January 31:The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) was denied permission by authorities to hold its planned hunger strike at Press Colony, Srinagar. The program was organized to show solidarity with AIP Supremo and Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, who has been imprisoned in Tihar Jail and is reportedly on a hunger strike today.
The initial plan included a solidarity march from Ghanta Ghar Lal Chowk to Press Colony, followed by a hunger strike. However, authorities refused to grant permission.
Reacting to the denial, AIP Spokesperson Firdous Baba said, “This is a denial of our democratic rights. The program was aimed at pressing the government for justice and standing in solidarity with Er. Rashid, who is on hunger strike in Tihar Jail. We are not against anyone but are seeking our rightful democratic space. We have full faith and respect for the judiciary and its proceedings.”
In light of the restrictions, the party decided to hold the hunger strike at its office in Sangermal Complex, MA Road, at 11:00 AM.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to our supporters, but our commitment to justice and solidarity remains unwavering,” added Baba.
Pertinently, the jailed Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, announced his decision to start a hunger strike from today, January 31, after he was denied permission to attend the Budget Session of Parliament. To show solidarity with their leader, AIP leaders also announced they would observe a hunger strike.
Meanwhile, a government official, when asked about the matter, said, “They were not given permission to do so. It is the work of the government and what the reasons were, the government knows better.”
