JKLF London Branch Press Release - 19 August 2020
PRESS RELEASE
London (August 18,
2020)
Press Secretary,
JKLF, London Branch
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Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Wednesday, 19 August 2020
Thursday, 8 August 2019
Statement by Zafar Khan, the head JKLF’s Diplomatic Bureau On the Illegal Dismemberment of Jammu Kashmir by the Indian government:
Statement by Zafar Khan, the head of Jammu Kashmir
Liberation Front’s Diplomatic Bureau
On the Illegal Dismemberment of Jammu Kashmir
by the Indian government:
·
A
reunified and sovereign state of Jammu Kashmir will be in the best interest of
India, which in its composition as a society, is more disparate than Pakistan,
than a broken and dismembered Jammu Kashmir:
·
There
can be no compromise on our inherent, inalienable and internationally
recognised unfettered, and sovereign right to self-determination.
London 8 August:
In a statement issued in London from its international Secretariat, the
Diplomatic Bureau of the JKLF strongly condemned Indian government’s illegal decision
to dismember the state of Jammu Kashmir.
The head of JKLF’s Diplomatic Bureau Prof
Zafar Khan called the Modi government’s decision illegal as well as a
monumental folly. And said that abrogation of article 370 means that Jammu Kashmir’s
conditional constitutional relationship with the Indian union was at an end
both in terms of India’s domestic and international law which, renders India’s
presence in Jammu Kashmir as that of an occupying foreign power.
The head of JKLF’s Diplomatic Bureau said that
People of Jammu Kashmir have not only been betrayed by the right wing
chauvinist RSS supported BJP government of India, but it has also snubbed the
international community with utter disregard and disdain regarding India’s
international commitments and obligations to the people, and on their right of self-determination.
He
said that through illegal annexation the Modi government wilfully sought to break
up territorial unity of Jammu Kashmir and destroy its unique character and
identity through absorption as union territory to rule directly from New Delhi’
and also to inflame sectarian and communalism to aid his party’s political
objectives in India itself.
Zafar
Khan said that 5 August 2019 for ever will be etched in the memory of people in
Jammu Kashmir as a black day, and a catastrophe or a day of Nakba as Prime
Minister Modi and his ultra-chauvinist henchmen deviously contrived to replicate
a Palestine like situation, particularly in the valley of Kashmir to engineer a
demographic change.
He
said the world was watching this so called Modi’s RSS inspired final solution
of the Kashmir issue, which in reality means that millions of men, women and
children are now imprisoned in their own homes completely cut off from each
other in their own country and from the rest of the civilised world, with guns of
literally tens of thousands of India’s para military and military troops,
pointed at their heads throughout the greater valley of Kashmir, in the Pir
Panjal region, and in the regions of Doda, Kishtwar, Badarwah and parts of
Jammu including Rajauri and Poonch. He condemned the total siege and lock down of
Kashmir and demanded that the iron curtain which has descended on Jammu Kashmir,
turning the entire region from Kargil to Rajauri into a gigantic prison, must
be lifted.
He
said Indian government should not harbour any misconception of disunity among
the citizens of the state as there is an in build internal unity and solidarity
of long standing among the Dogras, in Jammu and Muslims in the valley and other
parts of the state on the sanctity of 35 A which is a direct attack on the
identity and wellbeing of inhabitants from all ethnic and social and religious
backgrounds.
Zafar Khan pointed out that absorption of
Jammu Kashmir into the Indian union in such an underhand and deceitful manner
will not be acceptable and will prove to be fatally detrimental to the Indian
union itself, as is being recognised by a very large number of people across
all sections of the Indian society. The head of the JKLF’s Diplomatic Bureau
strongly emphasised that a reunified and sovereign state of Jammu Kashmir will
be in the best interest of India, which in its composition as a society, is
more disparate than Pakistan, than a broken and dismembered Jammu Kashmir.
Zafar Khan strongly condemned the politically
motivated incarceration of JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik and many other Kashmiri
leaders who are being kept in Delhi’s Tihar jail. He said Yasin Malik, Shabir
Shah and many others are patriotic Kashmiris who want a peaceful resolution of
the Kashmir issue and supportive of dialogue between India, Pakistan and the
Kashmiri leadership. Keeping these leaders behind bars and others under house
arrest is not only inhuman, vindictive and politically motivated but also
colonialistic, and a loss to the achievement of a lasting resolution of the
conflict. He called on the Modi government to release the Kashmiri leaders as
they are a part of the solution not a part of the problem.
Zafar
Khan strongly emphasised that the just and historic struggle for a dignified
and peaceful resolution of the issue will continue, as there can be no compromise
made on our inherent, inalienable and
internationally recognised unfettered, and sovereign right to self-determination.
END
Prof Zafar Khan
Head of Diplomatic
Bureau
Jammu Kashmir
liberation Front-JKLF-
International
Secretariat-119-123 Cannon St Road London E1 2XL
Email: zafargk@aol.com
---------------------------
Wednesday, 7 August 2019
Jammu Kashmir's illegal annexation by the BJP/RSS government of India
5 August 2019 will
forever be etched in the memory of people in Jammu Kashmir as a black day.
It will be
remembered as a day when the so called largest democracy in the world, illegally
annexed the entire Indian occupied part of Jammu Kashmir with a stroke of a
pen, and took away the heritage, the identity,
hard fought fundamental rights, and centuries old ethnic, cultural and
religious harmony and tolerance amongst the sons and daughters of the soil.
5 August 2019 will be
remembered as a black day because, on this day millions of sons and
daughters of this beautiful but unhappy land, were imprisoned in their
homes by 820,000 Indian military and paramilitary troops at the point of
gun under orders from a communalist and hegemonic BJP /RSS government
in Delhi.
5 August 2019 will be
forever marked as a black by the people of Jammu Kashmir because, on this
day millions of the citizens of Jammu Kashmir were not treated as members
of humanity. This day will also be marked as a black day because, on this day
the BJP /RSS government under the erroneous rule of might is right, disregarded
the international law and legality, and forcibly annexed a country, and its
people whose political status is yet to be determined by themselves
through the exercise of their, fundamental, inherent and inalienable
sovereign right to self-determination.
On 5 August 2019
therefore, the BJP /RSS government of India has thrown an open challenge to
the world community by completely disregarding its obligations under the
United Nations Charter, and the inherent and inalienable sovereign right
of the people of Jammu Kashmir to self-determination under the UN Charter
and over some 18 UN Resolutions on the Kashmir issue/dispute -conflict.
Therefore, the
legitimate and just struggle to regain the lost sovereign right of
free will, by people of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, will continue until victory.
Prof. Zafar Khan
Chairman Diplomatic Bureau
Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front-JKLF-
Chairman Diplomatic Bureau
Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front-JKLF-
119-123 Cannon Street Road,
(Basement North)
London, E1 2LX
Email: zafargk@aol.com
Phone: 0795 6400 834
(Basement North)
London, E1 2LX
Email: zafargk@aol.com
Phone: 0795 6400 834
Dated: 7 August 2019
Friday, 19 July 2019
Release Yasin Malik Campaign delegate led by General secretary JKLF UK zone Liaqat Lone met with Phillip Bennion MEP (Lib Dem west midlands region).
Release Yasin Malik Campaign
delegate led by General secretary JKLF UK zone Liaqat Lone met with Phillip
Bennion MEP (Lib Dem west midlands region).
Nazam Bhatti & Masoom
Ansari the founder members of jklf were also present in the meeting. The
delegate raised their concerns on illegal arrest of yasin malik chairman jklf
under draconian law PSA imposed by indian govt.
Yasin malik life is under
threat due to serious health issues and lack of health facilities provided to
him. He has no access to medicine which has caused deterioration of his health.
His family is not allowed
to see him in Tihar jail Dehli. He has been pressurized to compromise on his peaceful
political struggle which he has refused to do so. He has no contact to his
family ever since he has been arrested since Feb 2019.
Indian Govt has banned JKLF
political peaceful struggle in Indian occupied Kashmir. India, so called world
biggest democracy is not allowing peaceful political movement in Kashmir. There
is more than 700000 troops deployed in Kashmir valley who is using pallet guns
on children, women raped cases, civilian killings, kidnaping of youth is daily
mission of Indian forces in Kashmir.
The Govt of India has
refused access to amnesty international, red cross and many other NGO’s in Kashmir.
It has been mentioned in UN human rights report published in 8th July 2019 and 14th June 2018. The Modi Govt
is propagating Hindu extremism and the lives of innocent people are in danger. The
ceasefire line has been violated many time with heavy shelling on civilians
living on both side of ceasefire line in Jammu Kashmir.
The delegate has also
raised concerns on the exploitation of natural resources by diverting the river
Neelum & Jhelum in Muzaffarabad AJK. Neelum Jhelum hydral project is
serious threat to 675000 people living in that area. There has been no environmental
consultation addressed which has caused the serious threat to local community
due to shortage of water and created health concerns in local vicinity. The
govt of Pakistan is making dams in AJK against the will of Kashmiris which is
the violation of united nation rules. India & Pak cannot build dams on a
disputed territory. We urge the international community to intervene and stop
both occupants to exploit natural resources of Kashmir.
The honorable MEP assured
the delegation to raise our concerns to EU Parliament as well as UN. Mr P
Bennion also support the ideology of independent Kashmir and admired the road
map of Amanullah khan in which he asked both countries to demilitarize Jammu Kashmir
state and give right to the people of Kashmir to decide their future. The referendum
which gives people unfettered right of self-determination.
The delegation presented
the report as well as letter to the honorable MEP for future actions and thanked
him for his help & support to raise the voice for voiceless Kashmiris.
Thursday, 27 June 2019
Indian government must release Yasin Malik from incarceration: JKLF
Statement
by Diplomatic Bureau of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front
JKLF leadership will never compromise on the sovereign
right of Kashmiris to freedom
Meaningful
dialogue over the status of Kashmir only possible under UN auspices
Modi
government must release Yasin Malik from incarceration
JKLF
has the capacity and the will to mount a concerted diplomatic/ political
campaign to expose India’s oppressive occupation of Kashmir
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
London-27
June 2019: Meeting at its International Secretariat
in London, the Diplomatic Bureau of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front-JKLF- called
on the Indian government to immediately release its Chairman Mr Yasin Malik who
is illegally incarcerated, in India’s Tihar jail.
Chaired
by its head, Professor Zafar Khan, the Bureau’s meeting took full stock of the
situation arising out of the initial arrest of Mr Yasin Malik under the
draconian and oppressive Public Safety
Act- PSA- in February, and the ban imposed on the JKLF in March ,and subjecting him to India’s
National Investigation Agency- NIA’s- strong arm tactics, and Modi government’s
continuous malicious campaign to malign and subvert the legitimate and political struggle, and peaceful dissent of
the JKLF, its leadership, and that of the Joint Resistance Leadership, the JRL in Indian occupied Kashmir.
In
a statement issued to press and media the
diplomatic Bureau strongly condemned the
inhuman, and ill treatment meted out to the illegally jailed leader by calling it
Modi government’s policy of intimidation, and a deliberate attempt to subject
the head of JKLF to physical and mental torture in solitary confinement. The
statement noted with grave concern at the rapidly failing health of Mr Yasin Malik
as a consequence of inadequate medical care, and noted that the severe
infection in one his eyes that requires urgent treatment, was a glaring example
of Indian government’s policy of
callousness towards Mr Malik to force him into submission.
The
statement warned the Indian government that the JKLF and the people of Kashmir
across both sides of their forcibly divided country between India and Pakistan,
are observing India’s cruel and callous policies towards the JKLF and its
Chairman, with great restraint as well as with serious concern.
Peaceful
dissent, noted the statement, is stifled with prominent leaders and activists
incarcerated under laws like the PSA, and political parties committed to a
peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict, are banned. The statement noted that
as well as stifling and silencing peaceful political dissent in Indian occupied
Kashmir, India’s policy in Kashmir of total impunity refuses to allow any scrutiny
of state oppression by independent observers, the international media and human
rights organisations including the United Nations. The recent refusal by the
Modi government to Amnesty International’s representatives to hold a meeting in
Srinagar, capital of Kashmir, to address India’s excesses arising out of
arrests and denial of civil and political liberties, is a clear example that
India and its occupation apparatus in Kashmir operates with impunity against the JKLF, its
leadership and hundreds of political leaders and activists, who like the JKLF
and its leadership, are committed to a just and peaceful resolution of the
Kashmir issue.
The
Bureau’s statement added that the JKLF as a political movement has the capacity
and the will, to mount and embark upon a concerted political and diplomatic
campaign throughout the world to expose India’s real face of militarised
oppression in Kashmir with her deployment of 780,000 military and paramilitary troops,
and her callously oppressive and vindictive policies towards political leaders
like Mr Yasin Malik who seek a just and equitable resolution of the 72 year old
Kashmir issue.
The
statement added that the JKLF is in an active engagement with human rights
organisations and interaction with various governments and political forces
across many countries to convey the reality of Indian occupation and oppression
in Kashmir; as well as to seek support against Indian government’s treatment
and continued incarceration of Mr Yasin Malik.
The
statement called on the international community in general, and the leading
powers, including the permanent members of the UN Security Council in
particular, to play their rightful role in resolution of the Kashmir issue, in
accordance within the principle of Kashmiri people’s sovereign to decide upon
their political status in a free, fair and democratic referendum under the
auspices of the United Nations. The statement continued that the conflict in
Kashmir has existed for more than seven decades, and remains a serious bone of
contention between the nuclear armed neighbours, India and Pakistan. Both
countries have fought wars against each other over this period, and came
perilously close to a potentially catastrophic war in February and March of
this year, when their Air Forces attacked each other soon after the Pulwama
suicide attack.
India
and Pakistan deploy thousands of their troops across the Line of Control-LoC-
or the ceasefire line -CfL-that forcibly divides Kashmir, and its people under
the 1949 UN sponsored armistice. Even when India and Pakistan are supposedly at
peace, their forces present an existential threat to lives and livelihood of
the civilian population with daily exchanges of fire, across the CfL. The
statement added that the on-going pro freedom political dissent in Indian
occupied Kashmir, has resulted in immense suffering and hardships for the
population. Actions by the Indian military and paramilitary forces, and the use
of repressive laws like the PSA and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act AFSPA,
that provide the Indian forces of occupation with an umbrella of total impunity
against the people, are a serious cause
for concerns by the JKLF leadership and the people of Kashmir.
The
statement reiterated JKLF’s position that its leadership will never compromise
over the fundamental and inalienable sovereign right of 20 million Kashmiris
across both sides of the LoC/CfL, and in the Diaspora spread across the world. The
statement added that the JKLF wishes see Kashmir as a bridge of peace rather
than a bone of contention in South Asia, and seeks a meaningful dialogue with
both India, and Pakistan under the auspices of the United Nations.
The
Bureau’s statement however, re-emphasised, that Indian government must release the
JKLF Chairman from illegal incarceration and lift its vindictive and
politically motivated ban on the JKLF and allow normal political activities to
take place in Indian occupied Jammu Kashmir. The statement strongly stressed on
the fact that Kashmir is an international issue, and not an internal matter for
India. Therefore, there can be no bi- lateral dialogue under the ambit or
constitution of the Indian state over the legitimate sovereign right to freedom
of Kashmiris divided between India and Pakistan, and can only exercise their
inherent and inalienable sovereign right under the supervision of the United
Nations ended the statement……
Prof
Zafar Khan
Head
of Diplomatic Bureau -Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front-JKLF:
International
Secretariat-119-123 Cannon Street Road- London E1 2XL
Email:
info@jklf.co.uk
Friday, 8 February 2019
The Kashmir Post - February 2019 Edition
Full pdf version can be downloaded here --- The Kashmir Post
Monday, 4 February 2019
JKLF TO COMMEMORATE 35th MARTYRDOM ANNIVERSARY OF MAQBOOL BUTT SHAHEED
(London 05 February 2019): Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF)
will commemorate the 35rd Martyrdom anniversary of
its founder Maqbool Butt Shaheed all around the world. JKLF will hold
seminars, public meetings and demonstrations in Indian Held Kashmir, all cities
of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit, many cities of Pakistan, India, Europe, Middle
ast and America. Chairman JKLF, Yasin Malik has directed all
Zonal, Divisional and District level JKLF office bearers to hold peaceful
programmes in order to pay tribute to the martyred leader.
A meeting of JKLF London Branch was held in connection of 11
February preparations. It was decided in the meeting that JKLF
London branch will participating in large numbers in a protest outside
Indian High Commission in London. During this meeting, senior leader of
JKLF in UK Mahmood Hussain said that struggle and martyrdom of Maqbool Butt is
a glorious chapter of our history that will always guide us through the tough
journey of freedom struggle. He said that we owe it to the future generations of Kashmir to
highlight and spread the vision of Maqbool Butt Shaheed for which he and other
thousands of Kashmiris laid their lives.
11 February is being commemorated as
Maqbool Bhat’s martyrdom anniversary. On this day Kashmiris all across the
world remember their hero with honour and pride. Maqbool But was hanged
by India in Tihar jail on 11 February 1984 and his body was
not given to his family for a proper burial.
Meeting was chaired by London branch
president Javaid Rashid, and attended by Mr Mahmoud Hussain, Mr Tariq Sharif,
Mr M Faiz, Mr Sanawar Hussain, Mr Nazakat Ali, Mr Iftikhar Sharif, Mr Umer
Ishaq and others.
Secretary Information
JKLF (London Branch)
Wednesday, 23 January 2019
JKLF Condemns Government of Azad Kashmir for issuing summons to 19 JKLF leaders
London (23 Jan 2019) : Jammu Kashmir
Liberation Front-JKLF London branch has strongly condemned the actions by Azad
Kashmir governments for issuing summons to 18 senior leaders of JKLF for
protesting and presenting their case of Kashmir.
In a statement issued from
London, it said that a resolution was unanimously passed which condemned the
summons issued against 18 senior leaders of JKLF in Azad Kashmir. Terming this
decision as war against freedom of expression in this part of disputed Kashmir,
statement further said that tight controls
on freedom of expression have
been a hallmark of government policy in Azad Kashmir in recent years and such acts go against articles 18, 19 and
20 of the universal declaration of Human Rights which Pakistani government is a
signatory. JKLF London branch has also extended
its full support to President of JKLF in Azad Kashmir, Dr Toqeer Gilani and
trusts his decision making to handle this situation. JKLF London branch will
also use all tools necessary to highlight this gross injustice making mockery
of human rights.
It was also decided
in the meeting that JKLF London branch will commemorate the 35th
Martyrdom anniversary of its founder Maqbool Butt Shaheed by participating
in large numbers in a protest outside Indian High Commission in London.
During this meeting, senior leader of JKLF in UK Mahmood Hussain struggle and
martyrdom of Maqbool Butt is a glorious chapter of our history that will always
guide us through the tough journey of freedom struggle.
11 February is
being commemorated as Maqbool Bhat’s martyrdom anniversary. On this day
Kashmiris all across the world remember their hero with honour and pride.
Maqbool But was hanged by India in Tihar jail on 11 February
1984 and his body was not given to his family for a proper burial.
Meeting
was chaired by London branch president Javaid Rashid, and attended by Mr
Mahmoud Hussain, Mr Tariq Sharif, Mr M Faiz, Mr Sanawar Hussain, Mr Nazakat
Ali, Mr Iftikhar Sharif, Mr Umer Ishaq and others. .
Secretary
Information
JKLF
(London Branch)
Thursday, 27 December 2018
WRITTEN EVIDENCE submitted to the UK All Parties Parliamentary Group (Kashmir) - Inquiry on Kashmir
Covers all major human, political and social rights violated over the past 3decades in both sides of Jammu – Kashmir.
Compiled and submitted by Azmat A. Khan (info@jklf.co.uk)
Head, International Campaigns, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF),
January, 2018
Click to Read / Download full report here
Monday, 30 April 2018
Tribute to a great visionary leader, Amanullah Khan -
Tribute to a great visionary
leader: speech delivered
on the second death anniversary of Amanullah Khan, legendary leader of the
freedom struggle in Kashmir
Friends and colleagues assalamo-alaikum.
As we
remember our beloved leader and mentor Mr Amanullah Khan on his second
death anniversary, our hearts are filled with sorrow at the loss of a fatherly
figure. To each one of us he is, and he was an important and special
person. We have many memories of Aman sahib, as we always referred to him,
and we will cherish these memories as we would of a very close family member.
I will not
tell you anything that you do not already know about Aman sahib. I am sure that
many of you have read all the three volumes of his book that chronicle his
contribution in the freedom struggle, and indeed about Aman sahib the person
who was the founder the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front-JKLF. I will however
reflect and make my observations on this iconic leader of our freedom struggle
who for me, as I am sure for many others, was not only the leader but a mentor
for almost four decades this year.
Aman sahib's importance goes beyond his party members however, and runs deep
into the lives of Kashmiris across our forcibly divided country. He
struggled all his life for the right of his nation to be free. In the pursuit
of this goal he was steadfast and tenacious to the very last breath. This side
of his persona for the freedom of our country, is quite clearly a hall mark of
a great leader, which he undoubtedly was.
In this regard we must follow Aman sahib's tried and tested approach. His experiences of facing adversity, and how he would remain firmly wedded to his political beliefs, and party line, despite the challenges that he faced. Such an approach must be a guiding light for all of us, especially in the current political and diplomatic climate within Jammu Kashmir’s neighbourhood and globally.
We must always review our current and future activities based on our abilities
and capacities, rather than our wishes and emotions. We have a much bigger
overall responsibility than we usually realise, and much more pressing
challenges than we usually care to appreciate. We often do and say things
that can take us off our desired and required direction. Therefore we must
remain focused on the overall objective guided by Aman sahib’s approach of
always being able, to find an alternative avenue to remain on course, for the
ultimate goal of azadi.
Aman
sahib lived and died for his nation and his people. His contribution to the
freedom struggle is incomparable. He has left a movement that has made an
indelible mark in the liberation struggle across all sections of society in Jammu
Kashmir, and has awaken the Kashmiris not only on either side of the ceasefire
line in Jammu Kashmir, but within the Diaspora spread right across the world.
Now
that his physical presence is no longer with us, it is incumbent upon each and
every one of us to take the liberation struggle to its logical conclusion. It
is also a test for the will of our party, and the leadership at all levels of
the party structures, to remain focused on the final destination, and the
challenges, both internal and external, that our party- the JKLF- is faced with
in the struggle.
Aman sahib was born in Astore in Gilgit, and at an
early age was taken to the valley of Kashmir for educational and family reasons.
He remained there until 1952 when he crossed over to Pakistan as a young man.
He was already an activist when he arrived in Pakistan, and remained actively
engaged in continuous struggle for freedom of his nation till he breathed his
last on 26 April 2016 in Rawalpindi.
In between he also spent ten years in the United
Kingdom from 1976 to 1986 where he was invited and facilitated by the
expatriates who were engaged in political activism with the Plebiscite Front. A
year later in 1977 he founded the JKLF in which he was supported by these expatriates
from Azad Kashmir.
In 1986 Aman sahib was deported to Pakistan by the UK government under an administrative order on allegations concerning the abduction and killing of an Indian diplomat, and also because India considered him as an enemy. He was tried in a court of law and was exonerated by the Crown Court of all the charges that were alleged against him by the British government.
Aman sahib however was implacably opposed to India’s occupation, and stance on Kashmir. His activism was indeed a factor that gave the Indian government the excuse of the diplomat’s killing, to have him removed from the United Kingdom. India did not like being exposed by him and the JKLF at the international level as a country, which completely reneged on her commitments given at the UN on Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Therefore the UK government caved in to intense pressure from India, which also threatened to shelve a deal to buy British Westland military helicopters, which in the end however, India purchased from France instead. Indian threat however, achieved its intended result of having the great freedom fighter removed from the international arena.
Seven years later in 1993, having been invited to attend a conference at the European Parliament on Kashmir, Aman sahib was arrested under an Interpol warrant executed by the Belgium authorities on India’s behalf. Aman sahib remained incarcerated in Brussels for nearly three months while a Belgian court addressed the 300 page dossier sent against him by the Indian government.
I visited Aman sahib in prison on number of occasions, and also assisted the team of lawyers which included the renowned Pakistani jurist MS Zafar sahib, in preparation of his legal defence. Seven years earlier in his 1986 trial, I also performed similar duties as well as appearing as one of only two witnesses recommended by Aman sahib to appear for him, the other witness was British Parliamentarian Mr Terry Davis who supported our cause.
Aman sahib was a selfless and single minded leader who dedicated, and devoted every second of his life, for the ultimate goal of freedom, and reunification of his divided country. Even in death this dedication, and devotion is clearly reflected in his wish to be buried in Gilgit, to symbolise the unity of Jammu Kashmir he so passionately advocated, and wanted to see as a free country.
Symbolism of Gilgit as his final resting place therefore, is important. It is important because it reveals his wisdom and vision in view of Gilgit Baltistan’s position since 1947. Especially since 1947 Pakistan has steadily sought to separate the region physically, psychologically and politically, from rest of Jammu Kashmir as whole.
Less than
three months before Aman sahib passed away, and despite in failing health, he
went to Gilgit to mobilise pressure against Pakistan government’s intentions to
annex Gilgit Baltistan into its federation as a province. For over a month Aman
sahib interacted with notables and opinion makers to create the desired momentum
against Islamabad’s decision. The momentum was reinforced later by Mr Yasin
Malik when he wrote to Prime Minister of Pakistan calling his government’s decision
detrimental to the freedom struggle regarding integration of GB as a province
of Pakistan.
During
this very intense few days in early January 2016 I was in contact with both
Aman sahib and Yasin sahib, and witnessed closely the astute manner in which
both leaders acted decisively, to avert a disastrous action by the Pakistan
government. Aman sahib however, did say something specific regarding Pakistan,
before he took the decision to visit Gilgit, about which I will not give any
details for the time being.
Suffice
to say however, that although he was critical of Pakistan’s Kashmir policy, he was of
the considered opinion that Pakistan must extend unconditional political, and
diplomatic support on the right of Kashmiris to independence, and unfeterred
self-determination. And in this context saw Pakistan’s place in the Kashmir
imbroglio different from that of India. And here I am not stating anything that
most of us do not know.
In his
life Aman sahib did not see Jammu Kashmir become an independent country.
However in his life time he succeeded in creating a political movement that transcends
the division of our country and the nation.
The fact that the JKLF is led by a single leader, and the fact that the
JKLF is the only political party spearheading the liberation movement since
1947 that operates on both sides of the ceasefire line, and among Kashmiris in the
Diaspora. This not only reflects the unity of a divided country, but also it is
a testimony of the achievement by a legendary a leader.
The party
has become an iconic political reality of Aman sahib’s legacy for the nation,
and indeed those who are committed to a reunified and sovereign political
status for Jammu Kashmir, irrespective of their political, ideological, ethnic
or religious background. The JKLF of Aman sahib therefore, by its existence
guarantees, and ensures the fundamental right of each and every one of us throughout
the geographically, fractured state of Jammu Kashmir, to be the real
stakeholders on the future status of our country
Aman
sahib was a man of wisdom and vision. And as a visionary leader he
gave the occupying powers, India and Pakistan an honourable way out that would
satiate their respective egos over the Kashmir conflict, and strongly advocated
that Jammu Kashmir should become a bridge of peace, and friendship, rather than
a bone of contention and enmity between the neighbours.
Aman
sahib was intensely loyal towards his comrades in the party. He knew most party members by name, and
always showed humility and respect to all. He was a courteous and kind person
with enormous generosity of character, and would find the courage to forgive
individuals who had wronged him. Aman sahib was spiritual person who was deeply
influenced by the example of the Holy Prophet PBUH.
Aman sahib’s loyalty to comrades is quite well exemplified in the manner in which he ensured from the platform of the JKLF, the JKSLF, and indeed through his own written and spoken words, that the sacrifice and shahadat of his colleague and co- ideologue Shaheed-e- Kashmir Muhammad Maqbool Butt becomes, etched in the psyche of the nation.
It is therefore, not incidental that Shaheed-e- Kashmir’s martyrdom has become an epitome of a subjugated nation’s struggle for azadi, for freedom, for liberation and indeed for the strong belief that people of Jammu Kashmir must become the masters of their own destiny in their own land.
Aman sahib has rightfully ensured beyond any doubt, that Maqbool Butt’s sacrifice merits, and deserves the recognition, the respect and the gratitude of the entire nation.
Therefore,
for his legacy to remain a potent force for
independence, we must remain focused and determined about our overall
strategy and policy objectives, especially when responding to situations
and challenges that might arise from time to time, as indeed they do arise,
whether in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan or in Indian held Jammu Kashmir.
Those of
us who can remember the world as it was twenty years or so ago, can recall how
relatively accommodating it was to talk about our cause in London, New York, in
Washington or even in many European capitals including Brussels. Not so now and
this raises some serious challenges which we as a party have to face up to in a
politically mature and objective manner.
Aman sahib’s example reminds us that we have a
solemn duty to be disciplined, and respect the others, not because we agree
with them but because it is the right thing, for us to do. Aman sahib as a leader
was a pragmatist and a democrat, who recognised the rights of those who
disagreed with his party’s ideology. He was an ardent advocate of consensus and
actively espoused it.
Even with the successive Azad Kashmir
governments Aman sahib made every effort to encourage and espouse within a self-serving
leadership, a commitment that would reflect a political and diplomatic
relevance of the Azad Kashmir government to the freedom struggle in the name of
nearly five million people of Azad Kashmir.
The struggle to gain our people’s freedom has moved on into a new phase, with new challenges, and new realities as I have alluded to above. We should take cognisance of these realities, especially in our neighbourhood. Our attitude to both India and Pakistan regarding their respective positions on the Kashmir issue, should reflect these realities.
Aman
sahib as the architect and ideologue of the struggle, has clearly laid this out
for the movement. The overall national interests and objectives of the movement,
must remain central to our political and diplomatic activism, irrespective of
our feelings and emotions about each country. This objectivity should inform
each and every step and action of our tactical and strategic policy
formulations, and policy execution, without in any way compromising on our
political ideology.
There should be no confusion about where we are
heading. Our destination is clear. Our struggle is for a reunified and independent
Jammu Kashmir, whose people must exercise their unfettered right across both
sides of the forcibly divided country. It is the people of Jammu Kashmir
who must shape a dignified status of their nation, which is consistent with
their fundamental rights, and which they exercise freely, and without external
domination.
We as a party must ensure through our struggle that
our people gain the opportunity to exercise their right to decide- the right
which is an inherent right, a right that is inalienable and cannot be denied to
them by force. This is the clear party ideology, and this is what Aman sahib
stood for, struggled for until his last breath.
This is Aman sahib’s legacy and this is what we
have to preserve, and move on with objectivity, sincerity, determination and
confidence. Aman sahib was
a strong willed leader with a steely determination. He was a brave leader who took bold and
calculated decisions.
Aman
sahib was a strong advocate of a political solution over the Jammu Kashmir
issue. He lived a simple life and remained absolutely focused on the freedom
struggle.
This is exactly what Aman sahib expected from himself in his life time, and this is exactly how we should carry on his mission. On the second death anniversary of the great leader, let us pledge that we will remain focused and united in preserving Quaid-e- Tehrek’s legacy. This would be the most appropriate tribute to his long struggle for a free and dignified future of twenty million people across forcibly divided Jammu Kashmir.
Today we
as a party, and our leadership is just as much committed, determined and
politically prepared, as we ever were, to achieve these cherished goals of
freedom with dignity, and peace with justice. This is what Aman sahib struggled
for seventy long years of his life, and this is the steadfast position of our
leader and Chairman Mr Yasin Malik today. And as Allah Subhanwa ta’ala is our
witness, this is also our position behind him.
Jazak-Allah
Khair for listening to me.
Zafar
Khan-
April 29- 2018
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 27 April 2018
JKLF London branch paid glowing tributes to Late Amanullah Khan on his second death anniversary
JKLF London branch paid glowing tributes to Late Amanullah Khan
on his second death anniversary during commemorative gathering.
Rich tributes were paid to this great legend and pledged to
continue with his mission for a democratic and independent state of Jammu
Kashmir.
President of JKLF London branch, Mahmood Hussain said Amanullah
Khan gave identity to Kashmiri people especially those living abroad. Mahmood
Hussain said that Amanullah Khan was an honest and selfless person who was
offered all sorts posts to compromise but always worked for the Kashmir cause
which was very close to his heart. He said that Amanullah Khan struggled for 70
years of his life for the cause of Kashmir and no example of such magnitude of steadfastness,
sacrifice and determination can be found.
JKLF London Branch
Friday, 9 February 2018
Kashmiri nation awaits Maqbool Butt’s return to the Homeland.
9
February 2018
Kashmiri nation awaits Maqbool Butt’s return to the
Homeland. His mortal remains must be released by government of India.
At
home and in the diaspora, on 11 February every year, people of Jammu Kashmir
mark the day, as a day of resolve and affirmation of their right to freedom,
and independence in reunified Jammu Kashmir. This is the day when Kashmiris demand that government
of India releases mortal remains of Muhammad Maqbool Butt, and hands them over
to his family, and his nation. Since his judicial murder by the Indian
government on 11 February 1984, Maqbool Butt’s mortal remains are buried in a
corner of the notorious Tihar Jail in India.
Indian
government with its usual obduracy, and intransigence on all issues relating to
the future status of Jammu Kashmir, refuses to release Maqbool Butt’s body,
despite repeated demands for its return to his homeland. Over the years
successive Indian governments have consistently, and in a blatantly callous
manner, refused to release the mortal remains, either to his family, or in the
care of his party-the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front-JKLF-.
Since
the day of his hanging, an empty grave awaits Maqbool Butt’s mortal remains, to
be interned at the Martyrs’ cemetery in Srinagar, with the respect and dignity
that befits a valiant son of the soil, whom the Kashmiris regard, across both
sides of the ceasefire line, as the father of their nation. Maqbool Butt is a
national hero, and his martyrdom is a symbol and epitome of peoples’ struggle,
to become masters of their destiny in a reunified Jammu Kashmir that is
cohesive, prosperous and at peace with itself, and its neighbours. Maqbool Butt
was a strong advocate of the sovereign rights of his compatriots over their own
country’s destiny, and did not accept either Indian, or Pakistani claims on his
nation’s political destiny.
Maqbool
Butt has become a symbol of resistance, and an inspirational icon to his people,
especially the young, who long to see their homeland freed and reunited, as
envisaged by their martyred leader. Demand for the return of Maqbool Butt’s
mortal remains will continue, as well as the demand and the struggle for which,
he was judicially murdered by a country’s government that has reneged on all the
solemn pledges, it made before the international community on the Kashmiris’
right to freedom.
India
also refuses to release mortal remains of Afzal Guru, whom the Indian
government hanged on trumped up charges in February 2013. This clearly shows
India’s tyrannical policies towards Kashmir, and an utter disregard for the
civil and political rights of Kashmiris. Undoubtedly Indian government follows
a vindictive, oppressive and colonialist paradigm, to reinforce its political
hegemony, and occupation of Jammu Kashmir by continued imprisonment of Maqbool
Butt and Afzal Guru even in death!
This
in reality, is the true face of Indian democracy, which on 34th martyrdom
anniversary of the most illustrious son of the soil, Kashmiris at home and
abroad will continue to expose, as they do today, on this 11th day of February 2018,
from Srinagar to Muzaffarabad, and from London to Brussels, North America and
in many other cities of the world. Rallies, vigils, seminars and public
gatherings held on this day, are a testimony of the expression of solidarity, and determination,
by the Kashmiris with Maqbool Butt’s struggle and sacrifice, and Maqbool Butt’s
right as the father of the nation, and Afzal Guru to be buried in their homeland-Kashmir.
Jammu
Kashmir Liberation Front:
The Diplomatic Bureau- International Secretariat:
119-123 (North Basement) Cannon Street Road,
London
E1 2LX
Email info@jklf.co.uk
The Diplomatic Bureau- International Secretariat:
119-123 (North Basement) Cannon Street Road,
London
E1 2LX
Email info@jklf.co.uk
Monday, 5 February 2018
JKLF- condemns killing of civilians across the ceasefire Line, and in Indian held Jammu Kashmir.
London (5 February 2018)
The JKLF has strongly condemned the ongoing firing and shelling across the ceasefire line between the Indian and Pakistani forces in Jammu Kashmir, and violent suppression of political dissent by Indian forces in Indian held part of the forcibly divided country. In a statement issued by the head of JKLF’s Diplomatic Bureau from London today, the JKLF has called on the United Nations to ensure safety of civilians both inside Indian held Jammu Kashmir, and along both sides of the ceasefire line as a priority, through strengthening the role of its UNMOGIP contingent in the region. The JKLF has called on the UN to institute urgent measures to demilitarise the ceasefire line and demand assurances from the opposing armies for safety of civilians in the border areas.
The statement also took a strong note of the continuing deaths of innocent civilians in Shopian and elsewhere in the Valley of Kashmir at the hands of the Indian army. And termed the current situation intolerable, and unbecoming of a civilised world when civilians are deliberately targeted by a professional army, whether in Shopian, Pulwama, Kupwara, Handwara, Bandipur in Indian held Jammu Kashmir, or in Jagalpar Kuiratta, Nykyal, Poonch, Neelam valley or indeed many parts of Pakistan administered Jammu Kashmir. The only result of such military actions is death and injury to innocent civilians of all ages. The international community has a moral and legal responsibility to censure those responsible for causing misery, death and desolation to innocent lives.
The JKLF statement pointed out that for seventy years, India and Pakistan are locked in conflict over their claims and counter claims on Jammu Kashmir. Both countries have fought full scale wars, and daily exchanges of fire by their armies along the almost five hundred miles long cease-fire line, makes it absolutely impossible for tens of thousands of civilians, to lead a normal existence. Many lives are destroyed through death and destruction. Children whose parents put them to bed at night are found dead in the mornings with bullets and bomb shrapnels pierced through their tiny bodies. This carnage of innocent lives takes place because Indian and Pakistani armies are deployed eyeball to eyeball along the ceasefire line.
The JKLF statement added that the Indo-Pakistan confrontation causes immense suffering and miseries for people on both sides with nothing in sight by way of redress and justice. The entrenched positions of both countries have rendered 20 million forcibly divided people invisible, which is nothing less than a tragedy of epic proportions for Jammu Kashmir- a country- as big as Great Britain in size. Indian and Pakistani military presence in Jammu Kashmir is a constant physical and psychological threat, and danger to the safety and wellbeing of the people. Their presence is also an impediment to peace in the region and the world as both countries are nuclear powers.
The JKLF statement concluded by exhorting the United Nations to take urgent actions to disengage Indian and Pakistani military forces from the civilian population not only on the borders across both sides of the ceasefire line, but also force Indian military into cantonments. The JKLF urged the United Nations to appoint a special rapporteur to investigate the many violations of basic human rights of the people of Jammu Kashmir. The statement called on the international community to persuade India and Pakistan to provide unhindered access to the international and local media to report freely on the current situation on the ceasefire line.
Zafar Khan: Head of Diplomatic Bureau, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front –JKLF-
London Secretariat:
Email:
London Secretariat:
Email:
JKLF London Branch to Participate in Protest outside Indian High Commission on 11 February 2018
(London 05 February 2018):
Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) will commemorate the 34rd Martyrdom anniversary of its founder Maqbool Butt Shaheed all around the world. JKLF will hold seminars, public meetings and demonstrations in Indian Held Kashmir, all cities of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit, cities of Pakistan, India, Europe, Middle East and America.
A meeting of JKLF London Branch was held in connection of 11 February preparations. JKLF London Branch will participate in large numbers in a protest outside Indian High Commission in London. During this meeting, senior leader of JKLF in UK Mahmood Hussain struggle and martyrdom of Maqbool Butt is a glorious chapter of our history that will always guide us through the tough journey of freedom struggle.
11 February is being commemorated as Maqbool Bhat’s martyrdom anniversary. On this day Kashmiris all across the world remember their hero with honour and pride. Maqbool But was hanged by India in Tihar jail on 11 February 1984 and his body was never given to Kashmiris for the burial.
Secretary InformationJKLF (London Branch)
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