With Shehla Rashid on his side, Shah Faesal begins political journey

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With Shehla Rashid on his side, Shah Faesal begins political journey

I have not come here to engage in traditional politics, Shah Faesal says while launching his party

Monday March 18, 2019 1:03 PM, ummid.com News Network

[While addressing the launching event, Shah Faesal said that he had initially arrived at a wrong diagnosis of the Kashmir situation. (Photo: Shehla Rashid/Twitter)]

Srinagar: Former IAS officer Shah Faesal on Sunday launched his political party 'Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement' at a function in Rajbagh area of Srinagar - two months after he quit government service in protest against "unabated killings in Kashmir" and "marginalisation of Indian Muslims".

Former JNU Students' Union leader Shehla Rashid was sitting on his side and hundreds of people watched as Shah Faesal, who hit the headlines in 2010 when he had topped the UPSC Civil Services exam, began his political journey.

“I have not come here to engage in traditional politics", Faesal said, promising to bridge the distance between New Delhi and Islamabad in order to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

“This party doesn’t belong to any particular religion or group. It is people’s party, and I invite all of you, particularly the youth, to join us,” Faesal said.

"Initially, I thought I will join any prominent political party of Kashmir valley, but their reaction towards me was very negative. So, I decided to launch my own political party which will be a new platform for Kashmir valley's youth", he said to a cheering crowd.

While addressing the launching event, Shah Faesal said that he had initially arrived at a wrong diagnosis of the Kashmir situation.

"When I joined the civil services 10 years ago, I believed that we can change the lives of the people by providing roads, electricity and safe drinking water. But, I have understood that as long as the youth in Kashmir live in a state of constant fear, and as long as our mothers and sisters face the prospect of losing their dignity and dear ones, nothing will work here," he said.

Shehla Rashid, who decided to join Shah Faesal's party since its launch, also addressed the rally and said, "We need basic living facilities and we need development. We will work fo the peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue."

She also requested the women to come forward and join the newly formed political party.

The launch of Shah Faesal's party has received mixed reactions on social media - with messages of support surpassing those downplaying it.

"Must say that @Shehla_Rashid and @shahfaesal forming a new political party is the most inspirational story that has come out of Kashmir in years", Arfa Khanum Sherwani, senior journalist, wrote on Twitter.

"Having known both of them closely,I wish my friends good luck and hope they will revive faith and help strengthen Indian democracy", she added.

"More power to you @Shehla_Rashid and @shahfaesal", former JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar tweeted.

"Hoping that your initiative will provide a much needed political platform to the Young Minds and bring peace, growth and stability in the valley", he added.

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