J&K MLA Engineer Rashid says ready to join Separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Hurriyat

Srinagar: Independent MLA and Awami Itehad Party (AIP) chief Engineer Abdur Rasheed on Thursday announced to join Hurriyat Conference. 

"I would love to join Hurriyat the way Syed Ali Geelani wants. I will meet them to understand their view point. We have to stand together. If NC and PDD people could not join Hurriyat but they should work for a common minimum program," Rashid said while addressing a press conference in Srinagar.

He said that first he will meet Hurriyat leaders and will discuss the mandate first. 

"Syed Ali SHah Geelani had urged mainstream leaders to join Hurriyat. I have an appointment with him and will meet Yasin Malik too,"he said.

When asked about resigning from assembly, Rashid said, "Why should I leave the seat. If I need to do so I will love to do that. If speaking truth amounts anti-national yes I am an anti-national then."

Meanwhile, reacting to Rashid's announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "I think he wants to go to Pakistan; he can join anyone there, he can even join Masood Azhar."