Engineer Rashid explains why he joined hands with Jamaat for J&K polls

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, has called his Awami Ittehad Party’s (AIP) alliance with former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami for the Jammu and Kashmir election the “need of the hour”.
Speaking exclusively with India Today TV, the independent MP from Baramulla said Jamaat-e-Islami participating in the electoral process should be welcomed.
“I have many differences with them (Jamaat), but we agree on one point that Kashmiris need a dynamic leadership which will work for peaceful Kashmir,” Rashid said.
Engineer Rashid, who was lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with a 2017 terror funding case, was recently released on interim bail. His party is contesting in the upcoming Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir.
When asked about Jamaat-e-Islami’s Islamist outlook and links to separatist elements in Kashmir, Engineer Rashid said, “I believe every Muslim should be proud to be being a fundamentalist Islamist like every Hindu should be proud of being a fundamentalist Hindu. But being radical is different.”
“Jamaat has contributed a lot in the education and social sector. They have also made sacrifices and have been victimised. If the Government of India and (Home Minister) Amit Shah can talk to people in Nagaland and make 6,000 militants to surrender, why should anyone raise questions here?” he asked.
Engineer Rashid’s release from jail ahead of Jammu and Kashmir polls has been criticised by the regional parties such as National Conference and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who have accused the BJP-led central government of trying to dent their vote share.
On this charge, Engineer Rashid said, “Had they (NC, PDP) been established political parties, they should not have been afraid of me. The fact is that gthe NC, PDP and Sajad Lone have destroyed Kashmir. They have become puppets of Narendra Modi.”
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls will be held in three phases – September 18, September 25 and October 1 and results will be declared on October 8.