Jailed MP Rashid’s father ‘critical’ in Srinagar hospital, release him on humanitarian grounds: AIP

The condition of jailed Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief and Member of Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid’s father on Thursday (April 16, 2026) grew “critical” in a Srinagar hospital, according to the party. Meanwhile, Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Peoples Conference leader Bilal Lone visited the ailing at the hospital and demanded his release.

“Mr. Rashid’s father Khazir Mohammad Sheikh is battling a critical phase of illness, and the entire family is going through an extremely painful and distressing time. The absence of his son, who remains in custody, has only added to the family’s anguish during these testing moments,” said AIP spokesperson Inam Un Nabi.

According to the party, the health condition of Mr. Sheikh was “worsening”. “He (Mr. Sheikh) has now been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a further deterioration in his condition,” said Mr. Nabi.