Srinagar: Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rashid, known as Engineer Rashid, has achieved a remarkable victory in the Indian Lok Sabha elections, despite being imprisoned in Tihar Jail for the past five years.

Rashid secured over 100,000 votes, defeating former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and BJP-aligned People’s Conference candidate Sajjad Gani Lone from North Kashmir (Indian administered).

Engineer Rashid, the leader of the Awami Ittehad Party, has been a vocal advocate for the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He has served twice as a member of the legislative assembly and was known for his outspoken demands within the legislative assembly.

Rashid was arrested under charges related to terrorism funding and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) following the Indian constitutional changes on August 5, 2019.

His detention has been seen as part of a broader crackdown on both traditional and non-traditional leadership in Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite his imprisonment, Rashid decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate. His sons, Abrar Rashid and Israr Rashid, led his campaign in his absence, garnering significant public support. This overwhelming support led to his victory over two major candidates who had been campaigning for months.

Engineer Rashid’s electoral success is seen not just as a personal triumph but as a symbol of the enduring resistance and demand for self-determination among the people of North Kashmir.

His victory underscores a significant shift in the political landscape, reflecting the resilience and determination of Kashmiri citizens to have their voices heard despite ongoing challenges.

The South Korean military has reported that North Korea has once again sent trash-filled balloons towards the South, despite warnings from Seoul about retaliatory measures against such activities.

According to a report, based on AFP news agency’s information, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that earlier this week, North Korea sent approximately 260 trash-filled balloons. These balloons contained items such as used batteries, cigarette butts, and fertilizer.

Seoul authorities condemned this act as a disgraceful action. South Korea’s Ministry of Unification warned that the government would take retaliatory measures if Pyongyang continued such unreasonable provocations.

In a text message sent to reporters, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff advised the public to avoid touching the balloons and to report them to authorities. They confirmed that North Korea was again sending waste-filled balloons towards the South.

Earlier this week, Pyongyang defended its actions, claiming the balloons were “sincere gifts” in response to propaganda balloons sent into North Korea by activists, which were aimed against leader Kim Jong-un.

North Korea has long been aggravated by balloons sent by South Korean activists, which often contain anti-Pyongyang leaflets. Sometimes these balloons also carry cash, rice, or USB thumb drives with South Korean drama series.

South Korea’s Defense Minister Shin Won-sik stated on Saturday that North Korea’s act of sending balloons filled with trash is an unimaginably low and disgraceful behavior. He added that the balloons sent by activists into the North were humanitarian aid balloons.

Leepa Valley: Sajid Maqbool has become the advocate from Leepa Valley to be enrolled in the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

This milestone has garnered widespread attention and congratulations on social media, with people from various sectors extending their best wishes to Sajid Maqbool and his family.

Sajid Maqbool, who previously served as a civil judge for three years in different areas of Pakistani-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir, is now officially an advocate in the Supreme Court.

Known for his dedication and hard work, Sajid Maqbool has made significant contributions as a rising legal expert in the region.

In an interview with Azadi Times, Sajid Maqbool expressed his gratitude for this enrollment, attributing it to his persistent efforts.

He emphasized his commitment to assisting the poor and addressing serious societal issues through his legal practice.

Maqbool’s enrollment marks a new chapter in his career, promising impactful contributions to the legal landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Muzaffarabad: Ahmad Farhad, a prominent Kashmiri poet from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, was allegedly abducted by Pakistani agencies in Islamabad. He was later found abandoned from Azad Kashmir.

Last night, amid deteriorating health conditions, Farhad was brought to a CMH Muzaffarabad hospital in Azad Kashmir, where he is currently fighting for his life.

This incident has sparked outrage, with strong accusations directed at the Pakistani military and the authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Reports indicate that during his captivity, Farhad was subjected to slow poisoning.

Local police in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, have been criticized for allegedly acting in collusion with the military rather than protecting citizens.

Should anything happen to Ahmad Farhad, the full responsibility will be laid on the Pakistani military and the rulers of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

This case highlights the severe human rights concerns in the region and calls for immediate international attention and intervention.