SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq on Thursday appealed to the Government of India to release incarcerated MP Engineer Rashid on humanitarian grounds so that he can meet his critically ill father, who is admitted at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar.
In a post on X, the Mirwaiz said he visited the ailing father of the Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla, who is currently lodged in Tihar jail, and described the family’s suffering as heartbreaking.
“Visited the critically ill father of incarcerated MP Engineer Rasheed admitted at SMHS, who yearns for a meeting with his son lodged in Tihar jail, which could be their last,” the Mirwaiz wrote.
“This silent suffering of political prisoners lodged in jails across India and in Jammu Kashmir and their families, is heartbreaking. I urge the Government of India to release Engineer Rashid to meet his ailing father, at least on humanitarian grounds,” he added.
The Mirwaiz also prayed for the recovery of Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, the father of the incarcerated MP. “May Allah grant shifa to Khazir Mohammad Sheikh Sahab and ease the family’s hardship,” he said.
Engineer Rashid, who won the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat in 2024, has been lodged in Tihar jail since 2019 in connection with a terror funding case. His family has repeatedly sought his release on bail or parole to attend to personal and family matters.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of noted medical professional Dr Zafar Ahmad Rava, who passed away in hospital following a tragic accident.
Conveying his heartfelt condolences, Mirwaiz extended sympathy to the bereaved family, especially his son, Dr Samiq Rava. He also condoled with Altaf Ahmad Shah, General Secretary of Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, and his son Yasir Altaf Shah, who was the deceased’s son-in-law.
Mirwaiz prayed for the maghfirah of the departed soul and for patience and strength for the family to bear this irreparable loss. He also visited the bereaved family at HMT, Srinagar, to personally offer condolences and express solidarity with them in this moment of grief.