AIP chief to observe hunger strike on July 20, followed by barefoot march to Parliament for J&K rights
Srinagar : Jailed Baramulla MP Er Rashid has announced his support for the National Conference’s (NC) upcoming July 20 statehood protest, while simultaneously accusing the party of diluting Jammu and Kashmir’s broader political goals.
In a message from Tihar Jail shared by the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP), Rashid stated that while AIP supports the protest for the public good, the move should not be seen as an endorsement of the National Conference’s “weak and diluted” political stand.
Rashid argued that the NC has failed the public by limiting its demands solely to the restoration of statehood, asserting that the region’s sacrifices were for all legitimate constitutional rights. He also challenged other regional parties to account for their own efforts regarding Article 370 and Article 35A.
To press for a meaningful dialogue between the Centre and local stakeholders, Rashid will observe a symbolic hunger strike on July 20 and walk barefoot to Parliament the following day. AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi reiterated that the party remains committed to broader issues—including the return of Articles 370 and 35A, the revocation of AFSPA, and the release of political prisoners—calling the NC’s localized focus “too little, too late,” for ignoring the true aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir.
