Jailed Baramulla Lok Sabha member Engineer Rashid's father, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, passed away in Delhi on Monday, 18 May at the age of 85, prompting his party, the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP), to make an urgent humanitarian appeal to the Centre to allow the imprisoned MP to attend the funeral.

Who Was Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh

Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh was a veteran teacher widely regarded across Jammu and Kashmir for his simplicity, wisdom, and lifelong commitment to education and social values. AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi described him as 'a noble soul and a deeply respected personality who dedicated his life to education, morality and social values.' He was, according to Nabi, a pillar of strength behind Engineer Rashid throughout his political and social journey.

AIP's Appeal to the Centre

Nabi made an emotional public appeal for the immediate temporary release of Engineer Rashid, stating that 'no pain can be greater than a son being deprived of bidding a final farewell to his own father.' He urged that humanitarian considerations must prevail over political differences in moments of personal tragedy. 'A father has departed from this world, and his son remains behind bars. This is a deeply painful moment for the entire family,' Nabi said.

Background: Engineer Rashid's Imprisonment

Engineer Rashid, founder and head of the Awami Itihaad Party, is currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail on charges of terror funding. Despite being incarcerated at the time of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he won the Baramulla constituency by defeating then-candidate Omar Abdullah, who subsequently became Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, a court had permitted Rashid to visit his ailing father at a Srinagar hospital, after which the family arranged for Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh to be brought to Delhi for further treatment.

Impact on Family and the Party

The AIP spokesperson said the passing of Haji Sahib has created 'a huge void' not only within the bereaved family but also among students, well-wishers, and admirers across Jammu and Kashmir. The party's entire leadership and cadre have expressed solidarity with Engineer Rashid and his family in their grief.

What Happens Next

The AIP's appeal now awaits a response from the Centre and the concerned judicial authorities. Whether Engineer Rashid will be granted temporary custody or parole to attend the last rites remains to be seen, as such decisions typically require court orders in cases involving terror-related charges. The family and party are pressing for an urgent resolution given the time-sensitive nature of funeral proceedings.