Srinagar: Former Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCCI) president Sheikh Ashiq on Saturday joined Er Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) in Srinagar.
Upon his entry into the politics of Jammu & Kashmir, Sheikh Ashiq vowed to fight for the rights of J&K, and its people.
The joining ceremony was attended by several political leaders and businessmen.
Speaking at the occasion, Ashiq said that he believes that AIP is the “only party that can restore the dignity and respect of people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
“I have joined politics and I firmly believe that AIP is the apt platform to serve the people in tough times,” he said.
“Our manifesto is to bring back honour, respect, dignity and trust of people of Jammu and Kashmir, and we will work on it vigorously,” he said.
He said incarcerated MP and AIP chief Er Rashid deserves people’s support, and added, “The party will try utmost to make Kashmir jail-free”.
“This is not the case of Er Rashid only. There are numerous cases that need to be addressed,” he said.
AIP leaders present on the occasion welcomed Ashiq in the party fold and said the joining will give new impetus to the party and make it strong in Kashmir.
Meanwhile, following his joining AIP, Ashiq according to news agency KNO confirmed that he would be contesting the upcoming assembly elections from Ganderbal constituency where National Conference (NC) has given mandate to its vice-president Omar Abdullah and PDP has fielded Bashir Ahmad Mir.
“The decision to field me from Ganderbal was made by the AIP high command despite earlier speculation that I might contest from a Srinagar constituency. I will go with the party’s decision and am ready to represent the people of Ganderbal,” he said.
