Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 31: Terming it the only option left amid the “political crisis” in Kashmir, former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), Sheikh Ashiq, today joined jailed Member of Parliament Er Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP).
Addressing a press conference, Ashiq said that after deliberations with the party’s top leadership over the past few days, he concluded that AIP was the only option left.
“After careful consideration, I came to the conclusion that we have only one option left, and that is Er Rashid’s AIP. The party will unite all of Kashmir and provide the much-needed platform,” he said.
The spokesman of AIP Inam Un Nabi hinted on the occasion that Sheikh will contest elections from Ganderbal Assembly seat against NC Vice president Omar Abdullah. “I want to share an important thing with you that Ashiq Sahib lives in the outskirts of Ganderbal and he will shut the doors of Ganderbal for those who have deceived the people,” he said.
The former KCCI President emphasized that the people’s mandate should go to Er Rashid, who, he said, “doesn’t bow down.”
“People have a role in strengthening the voice of Er Rashid so that there is a proper mandate to effect change,” he added.
He pointed out that during the Lok Sabha elections, 5 lakh people voted for Er Rashid in North Kashmir alone, and there is a need to double these numbers during the Assembly elections.
“Er Rashid lives in the hearts of 5 lakh people, even while he is in jail. We must double that number; 5 lakh must be converted into 50 lakh. It is our duty. What we saw in the North must spread to South and Central Kashmir as well so that Kashmir is united and the issues people face are resolved,” he said.
Stating that the party’s manifesto will focus on the “service of the people,” with an emphasis on restoring honor, respect, and dignity, Ashiq stressed that they will work for the welfare of the people in Kashmir and that “wherever there have been compromises, we will ensure a reversal.”
He noted that this is a “time of political crisis” and the right moment for the party and its leaders to serve the people.
“People know what they have endured. There are numerous families suffering, like that of Er Rashid’s. The voices that have been suppressed must be elevated,” he said.
“We will be out there to serve the people. AIP has the people of Kashmir as its cadre. The people must ensure that Er Rashid wins because he deserves all the support,” he added.
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