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New Delhi, Jul 21: In a symbolic and powerful act of protest, incarcerated Member of Parliament from Baramulla Engineer Rashid Tuesday walked barefoot from the prison escort vehicle to Parliament after being brought from Tihar Jail under judicial custody to attend the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Member Parliament Er. Rashid observed a day-long hunger strike to press for a meaningful, time-bound and result-oriented dialogue between the Union Government, elected representatives and all legitimate stakeholders of Jammu and Kashmir.
He reiterated that the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, along with full Statehood, release of political prisoners, revocation of AFSPA, protection of human rights and restoration of all democratic and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, remain indispensable for achieving lasting peace and justice.
Despite observing a hunger strike, Er. Rashid entered the Well of the Lok Sabha three times while remaining barefoot, drawing the attention of the House towards the unresolved political issues of Jammu and Kashmir.
During his protest inside Parliament, he raised the slogan that "it is becoming a graveyard of aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir ," urging the Government of India to move beyond rhetoric and initiate a sincere political process to address the aspirations of the people.
His symbolic barefoot protest and hunger strike attracted the attention of several Members of Parliament cutting across party lines.
A number of parliamentarians approached Er. Rashid during the proceedings and expressed sympathy with him, appreciating his peaceful and democratic manner of highlighting the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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