“The Narendra Modi government, by not engaging meaningfully with the people of J&K, is further deepening the sense of alienation,” RJD MP Sudhakar Singh said. File

| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament (MP) Sudhakar Singh, who visited MP Engineer Rashid in Kashmir to express condolences on his father’s death, on Friday (May 29, 2026), said the past agreement made to Kashmir should be respected, and a dialogue should be initiated to address issues.MP Singh warned that any attempt to “control Kashmir by virtue of policing may not help”. “All rights and freedoms enjoyed by 1.5 crore people of India should be extended to people of Kashmir too. Turning Kashmir into a police state is not the right path. All those commitments and agreements, which form the basis of the relationship between New Delhi and the people of J&K, must be respected and honoured in letter and spirit,” said MP Singh.Pitching for the Srinagar-Delhi dialogue, MP Sigh said the history bears witness to the fact that “dialogue resolves all issues, especially those that have the potential to cause social unrest”. He said the people of Kashmir have suffered “immensely and their voices must be heard with sincerity, dignity and seriousness”.“The Narendra Modi government, by not engaging meaningfully with the people of J&K, is further deepening the sense of alienation. This government is not even ready to talk to its own people. I hope a better sense prevails. The government must hold talks with MP Rashid and the people of Kashmir. The continued incarceration of Rashid is weakening the bridge between New Delhi and Kashmir. Rashid should be released immediately so that he can continue to serve the people who have overwhelmingly reposed faith in him,” said the RJD parliamentarian.Mr. Singh urged MP Rashid “not to give the space”. “MP Rashid believes in democracy. He won elections. I ask him not to leave the space.”Referring to the incarceration of MP Rashid, who is released on parole to attend the final rites of his father, MP Singh said, “We even have the leaders from Ladakh arrested by this government, besides Kashmir. Unfortunately, those who talk about human rights and democratic rights are being jailed. Unfortunately, the law is being misused,” said MP Singh.Mr. Singh, who met MP Rashid in north Kashmir’s Langate, offered condolences and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. The parliamentary delegation also included MP Umesh Bahubhai Patel. The MPs said that there was no dearth of voices across the country who genuinely feel the pain and sufferings of the people of J&K. “Democratic engagement and sincere dialogue are essential for lasting peace and reconciliation in the region,” said MP Patel.The visiting MPs also interacted with people from different walks of life and assured them that the “people of India were not enemies of Kashmiris”. Published - May 30, 2026 05:03 am IST