Er. Rashid Takes Oath as MP During 2-Hour Custody Parole
Srinagar, Jul 5 (WD): MP-elected Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Er. Rashid, took his oath as a Member of Parliament from the Baramulla Lok Sabha segment on Friday.
The 56-year-old politician has been held in Delhi’s Tihar jail for over five years on accusations of militant funding under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Despite multiple delays, he was granted a two-hour custody parole by Delhi’s Patiala House Court on July 2, following consent from the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Er. Rashid’s oath-taking ceremony was attended by several of his family members, including his sons Asrar Rashid and Abrar Rashid, his daughter and wife, his brother Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, and at least two other party functionaries.
As per court directives, attendees were allowed to participate only upon production of identity cards, with strict disallowance of phone and internet usage to ensure security and compliance with the legal conditions.
Following the ceremony, Er. Rashid interacted briefly with his family members before being taken back to jail. The court’s directions strictly prohibited him from speaking to the media or any other unauthorized individuals during this time.
Er. Rashid’s victory in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency was noteworthy, as he triumphed over several prominent candidates, including JKNC’s Omar Abdullah, JKPC’s Sajjad Gani Lone, and JKPDP’s Fayaz Ahmad Mir.
The event marks a significant moment in Er. Rashid’s political career, highlighting the complex interplay between legal proceedings and electoral success. His brief parole underscores the stringent legal measures in place while allowing him to fulfill his parliamentary duties.
Despite his current imprisonment, Er. Rashid’s successful election and subsequent oath-taking signify his continued influence and relevance in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
