New Delhi, Feb 11 : Member of Parliament used his intervention during the Union Budget discussion in the Lok Sabha to forcefully reiterate the demand for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A, asserting that the constitutional guarantees taken away from Jammu and Kashmir must be returned.
Speaking in the House, Engineer Rashid said he had already submitted his legal demands to the Finance Minister and expressed hope that they would be duly examined. He said his core concern, however, remains the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Baramulla MP Er Rashid said political parties may fight based on their respective ideologies, but his struggle for Jammu and Kashmir’s rights would continue “even if it takes a hundred years”. He categorically told the House that Article 370 and Article 35A cannot be wished away and must be restored. “You will have to return Article 370 — and you will have to return it with interest,” he said, underlining the political and emotional damage caused by its abrogation.
Taking a sharper tone, Engineer Rashid said, “You have committed numerous atrocities against Kashmiris; even if you carpet the streets of Kashmir with gold, you will still have to return Article 370.” He said the constitutional rights of Kashmiris cannot be bought, compensated or silenced through economic packages or political narratives.
Engineer Rashid challenged the narrative surrounding the abrogation and called for a referendum in Jammu and Kashmir to ascertain the will of the people. He said Kashmiris should be asked directly whether they favour the restoration of Article 370 and 35A or support their abrogation, instead of decisions being imposed without consent.
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