Engineer Rashid, recently released on interim bail, has declared his conditional support for the opposition INDIA alliance in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections, contingent on their promise to restore Article 370, which previously granted special status to the region. He emphasized that addressing the Kashmir issue is crucial for India to become a global power and criticized the current government's handling of the situation since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Rashid, who has faced imprisonment under terror-related charges, stated he is not an enemy of India nor an agent of Pakistan, but rather an advocate for his constituency's rights. He challenged the National Conference and PDP to fight for Kashmir's statehood, arguing that true advocacy requires protest and action, not just rhetoric. Rashid's remarks reflect a significant political stance as he seeks to unify his supporters around the Kashmir issue, urging the opposition to take concrete steps if they seek his backing. His statements underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding Kashmir's political landscape and the implications for upcoming elections.