Srinagar, Feb 04 –- The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, has issued a strong appeal for the release of Engineer Rashid, an elected Member of Parliament, urging authorities to allow him to fulfill his constitutional responsibility of representing his constituents in Parliament.
In a statement issued to Current News Service, JKCSF emphasized that democracy thrives when elected representatives are permitted to voice the concerns of the people who have entrusted them with their mandate. The forum argued that preventing an MP from attending Parliament not only denies him his rights but also suppresses the voice of the electorate.
“The legitimacy of governance is drawn from the participation of elected representatives. The people of Engineer Rashid’s constituency exercised their democratic right by electing him, expecting him to raise their issues at the national level. His absence weakens the democratic framework and leaves his constituents without representation in crucial policy discussions,” the JKCSF statement read.
The civil society body has urged the authorities to take immediate steps to facilitate Engineer Rashid’s participation in parliamentary proceedings, underscoring the importance of adhering to democratic principles.
Additionally, JKCSF called for an expedited legal review of all political detainees to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied. The organization also appealed for the humanitarian relocation of ailing prisoners, elderly detainees, and women inmates to jails in Srinagar, allowing them better access to medical care and family visits.
Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani reiterated that a democracy prospers when every elected voice is heard, justice is delivered without delay, and human dignity is protected. He expressed hope that the authorities would act in the spirit of democracy, justice, and humanity to address these pressing concerns.
