Er Rashid Demands Economic Package For J&K

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) New Delhi- Engineer Rashid on Thursday demanded a special financial package for the region.

Speaking in Parliament, Rashid criticized the Centre for reducing J&K's budget allocation by Rs 1,000 crore compared to last year. He questioned the government's allocation priorities, pointing out that while states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar received financial packages, Jammu and Kashmir's allocation was reduced.

“You have given packages to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, but the place that truly needs a package is Jammu and Kashmir, which has been devastated by militancy for 30 years,” Rashid said.“Instead of increasing our allocation, you have reduced it by Rs 1,000 crore compared to last year.”

The MP also took a veiled dig at Jammu and Kashmir's leadership, stating that while the government in Srinagar might hesitate to raise such demands, he had no qualms about seeking economic justice for the region.

“Our Chief Minister may feel shy to say this, we don't know what stops him, but we demand that J&K be given its full share,” he asserted.

Read Also Er Rashid Challenges Rs 1.45 Lakh Per Day Travel Cost Delhi HC Refuses Urgent Hearing To Jailed J&K MP Er Rashid

Rashid also challenged the 'double-engine government' narrative, questioning the rationale behind selective financial aid.

“If we are all under the same Constitution, then all states and people should be treated equally. Why do you give packages to some states and ignore others?” he asked.

Notably, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday permitted Rashid to attend the ongoing Parliament session under custody, rejecting the NIA's concerns about him being a flight risk.

The court, in its March 25 order, imposed strict conditions, barring Rashid from using any communication devices, accessing the internet, or interacting with anyone outside jail except within Parliament premises. He is also prohibited from addressing the media. Additionally, Rashid will bear the cost of his travel and security arrangements.

Currently lodged in Tihar Jail, Rashid has been in judicial custody since his arrest by the NIA in 2019 in connection with a 2017 terror-funding case. He had initially sought interim bail or custody parole to attend the Lok Sabha session but later requested in-custody attendance instead.

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