Following the footsteps of her own colleague and ex JNUSU President Kanhaiyya Kumar, JNU activist cum separatist Shehla Rashid Shora officially joined politics by attaining the membership of retired IAS officer Shah Faesal’s political outfit, Jammu & Kashmir People’s Movement. Launched with the slogan ‘Hawa Badlegi’ at Gindun Park in the Rajbagh area of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir People’s Movement is projected as an alternative to the political parties like the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party.
To quote Shah Faesal’s statement to the press,”I believed that by providing roads, electricity and safe drinking water, we could change the lives of the people. But I have understood that as long as the youth in Kashmir live in a state of constant fear, as long as our mothers and sisters face the prospect of losing their dignity and dear ones, nothing will work here.”
The retired bureaucrat further added, “It is natural for many to discredit a new idea and understate a revolution, when they see one in the making. Some say we are agents of the army. I am ready to face all criticism, but our pursuit to usher in a new tomorrow will continue undeterred.” Shehla Rashid, who is supporting this outfit, added, “This is not a party, but a movement for peace and development and a movement for our dignity and unity.”
She had earlier spoken about her decision to PTI as she said, “During the past five years, as a student activist, I have been in conversation with all political parties. To join the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ movement was a conscious decision. However, whether or not I will be contesting elections is something I am still giving a thought. For now, I will be focusing on strengthening the party’s base in different areas.”
However, what attracted people was not Shehla’s induction into active politics, but her dramatic conversion as an individual. Before this development, Shehla projected herself as a liberal individual, who refused to bow to religious dogma. However, during the launch ceremony, we saw a different Shehla Rashid, who wasn’t only conservative, but wore her religious identity on her sleeves. Were her statements on women empowerment mere rhetoric? It looks like that.
