Legislator Engineer Rasheed led Awami Itihad Pary Monday declared that it will stay away from upcoming Parliament elections.Addressing a press conference here in Srinagar, the party chief Engineer Rasheed announced that party will not participate in upcoming parliamentary by-elections for Anantnag and Srinagar seats.He said that though Party strongly believes in democratic process and the available forums including Assembly and Parliament are the best places to plead Kashmir cause, but the main political parties including National Conference and Congress have not only disappointed Kashmiris but are also responsible in creating a situation where one feels ashamed to seek votes, as these parties have always tried to represent New Delhi in Kashmir rather representing Kashmir in New Delhi by acting like collaborators.There is a huge trust deficit between the main stream parties and the people, who have been the worst victim of state terrorism. Under such manipulated atmosphere when bullets and pallets are being used as the only way to make world community Kashmiri’s voice heard, it would have been proper not to conduct elections at this stage but the ego of New Delhi is forcing Kashmiris into another political battle for its vested interest.”He said that the terrible events of last eight months in particular have proven that the elected representatives of both ruling and opposition parties have failed to make any impact on both civil and police administration and whatsoever the security agencies have deemed proper for their interests, they have ruthlessly implemented it.
Rasheed said: “the events and all other evidences and records are ample proof to confess that AIP despite being a small political force has fought for the Right to Self Determination in and outside Assembly with sincerity, as party strongly believes that J&K is a disputed territory and New Delhi is not sincere in resolving the issue. However contesting elections or boycotting them carries no significance. Participating in these elections or boycotting or non-participation doesn’t make anybody or organization pro-movement, anti-movement, anti-national or anti-India, as elections have been held in the past and undoubtedly they will be held till Kashmir issue is resolved. AIP doesn’t need certificate from anyone to prove its loyalty towards the mass public sentiment and party appeals for a unity among all Kashmiris of different thoughts to compel New Delhi for a durable settlement. However Indian state for the lack of sincerity has bulldozed itself the democratic institutions in J&K and there is every apprehension that in future the New Delhi’s shameful act of using elections against Kashmiris as a tool to mislead the world community may prove counterproductive to the extent that New Delhi may not find even candidates for various elections.Er. Rasheed added that Party has always tried to take a decision what situation demanded in the interest of people of J&K and its future course of action will depend on the ground situation and New Delhi’s response to situation in Kashmir. (CNS)