
Mon Aug 25 17:38:29 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Supporters of incarcerated Member of Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid, leader of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), staged a demonstration in New Delhi, demanding his immediate release. Rashid has been imprisoned for six years on “terror funding” charges under the UAPA. Protestors, led by Rashid’s brother, MLA Sheikh Khursheed, highlighted the injustice of his continued detention despite his recent electoral victory. They called on the Supreme Court to release Rashid and other prisoners, arguing that his imprisonment undermines the democratic mandate of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
**News Article:**
**Protests Erupt in Delhi Demanding Release of Kashmiri MP Rashid**
**New Delhi, August 25, 2025** – Supporters of imprisoned Member of Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid, head of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), took to the streets of New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar today, demanding his immediate release after six years of incarceration. Rashid, who represents Baramulla in north Kashmir, was arrested in 2019 and faces “terror funding” charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) levied by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The demonstration was spearheaded by Rashid’s brother, Sheikh Khursheed, a Langate MLA. “It’s a symbolic protest to highlight the issue of prisoners, including MP Rashid. He represents four million people. We are protesting for his release,” Khursheed stated. “We appeal to the Supreme Court that Rashid and all those youth lodged in jails of the country be set free.”
Protesters carried placards declaring “Prison walls cannot silence people’s mandate” and voiced concerns that Rashid’s continued detention is “an assault on democracy.” They emphasized the MP’s recent electoral victory, where he defeated National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Parliament election while campaigning from jail.
AIP leaders argue that imprisoning Rashid, despite his strong public support, constitutes a travesty of justice. Despite being granted short-term bail last year, Rashid was required to surrender again in October. He is currently held in Tihar Jail and bore the costs of attending the recent parliamentary session himself. The protestors are hoping to shine light on the injustice of the situation and encourage for his release.