Srinagar, March 18 -- Member of Parliament from Baramulla Er Rashid slammed the government for Jamia Masjid closure and also sought 2% rail reservation for J&K youth besides pushing for opening of Sharda Peeth, in Parliament on Tuesday. Referring to past instances where "voices of dissent were branded harshly", Er Rashid thanked the government for releasing Sonam Wangchuk. He criticised the closure of Jamia Masjid, Srinagar. "I strongly condemn the government for sealing Jamia Masjid and not allowing prayers there. When you shower flowers on religious congregations from helicopters in other places, which is good, then why is our Jamia Masjid in Kashmir closed," he asked. He sought removal of restrictions from Jamia Masjid. On employment, Er Rashid said that at least 2% reservation in jobs should be provided, because since 1999 we have faced immense hardships due to militancy. He also advocated for improved connectivity and long-term peace. "Whenever you find it appropriate, you should engage with the government across the border so that our Sharda Peeth temple can be made accessible. our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and devotees want to visit it; it is a historic monument," he said, adding that today the world has become a global village. "This railway line can be connected through Muzaffarabad to Sharda Peeth and further ahead," he added. htc...