Engineer Rashid: A voice of resilience and resistance

The life of Engineer Rashid, a prominent Kashmiri politician, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Kashmiri people. Born in the tumultuous Langate region of Kashmir, Rashid's childhood was marked by the hardships and uncertainties of living under Indian occupation. Despite these challenges, he pursued education with unwavering determination, eventually completing his engineering degree amidst the political unrest of the 1980s.
Rashid's political journey began in the early 2000s, when he joined the Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference (ANC). His charisma and commitment to social justice quickly propelled him through the ranks, and he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Baramulla constituency in 2009.
Rashid's tenure as an MP has been marked by an unwavering advocacy for the rights of the Kashmiri people. He has fearlessly voiced his opposition to the Indian government's oppressive policies, including the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which grants immunity to security forces accused of human rights violations. His unwavering support for the right to self-determination for Kashmir has often put him at odds with the Indian establishment, leading to his arrest and imprisonment on multiple occasions.
In 2016, Rashid was arrested on charges of sedition and waging war against the state. He spent three years in prison, during which time he was subjected to torture and ill-treatment. Despite these hardships, his resolve remained unshaken. Upon his release in 2019, he immediately resumed his political activities, becoming a symbol of resilience and resistance for the Kashmiri people.
Rashid's courage and determination have earned him widespread admiration and respect, both within Kashmir and beyond. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the International Alliance for Justice (IAJ) Human Rights Award in 2021.
The story of Engineer Rashid is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can prevail. His unwavering commitment to justice, self-determination, and the rights of his people serves as an inspiration to all those who believe in the power of nonviolent resistance.