Yasin Malik Views
Procession in Srinagar the Capital of J&K
on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the
Maqbool Butt Shaheed February 11, 2025
London February 11, 2025
British Kashmiri organized a procession march from Parliament Square, London to the Indian High Commission Aldwych, London, on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the father of the Kashmiri Nation Maqbool Butt.
Protestertors were holding banners and placards. The big banner read "Indian and Pakistani Forces Out of Jammu and Kashmir. Release all political prisoners, Release Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Yasin Malik. Release Shabir Ahmed Shah and many more.
Protesters continued raising slogans "What Kashmiri want - Freedom" What we want, - freedom, all foreign forces out; Indian forces out; Pakistan forces out; we are united from Aksi Chin to Mangla; from Lakhanpure to Hunza and many more.
The precession march was organized by all Kashmiri political groups under the banner of "Watan Dost Ithad (an alliance of British Kashmiris) and at the end they presented a memorandum to the government of India through Indian High Commissioner, London.
Text of the Memorandum:
"Memorandum to the Government of India Through Indian High Commissioner, London.
From: Watan Dost Ithad (An alliance of British Kashmiris.
Date: 11th February 2025
Subject: Honouring Commitments to the People of Jammu & Kashmir for Maqbool Butt Shaheed
Respected High Commissioner,
On the solemn occasion of the anniversary of Maqbool Butt Shaheed, we, the British Kashmiri community on behalf of Watan Dost Ithad, submit this memorandum to remind the Government of India of its historical commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly its promises to allow them to determine their future status in accordance with their will. These commitments, made at national and international forums, remain unfulfilled, leaving the people of Jammu and Kashmir in a state of continued uncertainty and political subjugation.
Maqbool Butt Shaheed dedicated his life to the cause of an independent Jammu and Kashmir. He is remembered for his uncompromising struggle for an independent and sovereign Jammu and Kashmir, free from both Indian and Pakistani occupation, believing that the people of this land should have the right to determine their own destiny. His struggle was met with an unjust death sentence, carried out on 11th February 1984. This act echoes the fate of Bhagat Singh, who was executed by the British colonial rulers for resisting foreign domination and fighting for the independence of undivided India. Just as Bhagat Singh is revered as a hero in India today, Maqbool Butt is a symbol of resistance and heroism for Jammu and Kashmir.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir were promised by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the international community that they would be given the right to determine their own future through a democratic process. However, instead of fulfilling these commitments, successive Indian governments have subjected the region to military occupation, political repression, and extreme violations of human rights. Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed, women have been subject to sexual violence, and draconian measures such as the use of pellet guns have blinded and maimed countless young people. The horrific phenomenon of "half-widows" women whose husbands have been forcibly disappeared by security forces remains one of the most tragic consequences of India's oppressive policies. These ongoing violations are not just a betrayal but a stain on the conscience of the International community.
India and Pakistan are both occupiers of Jammu and Kashmir and must end their occupation of the region. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured decades of suffering under the control of both states, neither of which has allowed them to exercise the right to choose their future according to their will. Their struggle is not against one occupier alone but against all forces that deny them their fundamental freedom and sovereignty. The continued division and military control of Jammu and Kashmir by both India and Pakistan contradict the principles of justice, democracy, human rights, and the right to be independent. Today, the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer under systematic state of oppression. Arbitrary detentions, restrictions on freedom of expression, and suppression of political voices hae created an environment of fear. We demand the immediate release of all political prisoners who have been incarcerated simply for advocating for the rights and dignity of their people.
Furthermore, it is a matter of deep pain and injustice that the mortal remains of Maqbol Butt have not been returrned to his family. This denial violates fundamental humanitarian principles. We remind the Government of India that in 1974, the remains of Sardar Udham Singh, who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and was executed by British authorities, were respectfully repatriated to India. We demand that the same principle be applied in the case of Maqbool Butt, and his remains be returned to his family for a dignified burial.
India, as the world's largest democracy, must honour its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by allowing them to determine their future without external interference. Stability and peace in the region cnanot be achieved through military repression and denial of fundamental rights but through a just resolution that respect s the aspiration of its people.
We urge the Government of India to take the following steps immediately:
- Release all political prisoners, including Yasin Malik, Shabir Shah, and others detained for their beliefs and peaceful political activism.
- Return the mortal remains of Maqbool Butt to his family for a dignified burial.
- End human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, including extra judicial killings, sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and the use of pellet guns.
- Allow an atmosphere of political freedom by lifting restrictions on expression, assembly, and dissent.
- Honour commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by allowing them to determine their own future through an impertial and democratic process. We trust that the Indian government will reflect on these demands with the seriousness they deserve and take meaningful steps toward justice, peace, and the dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sincerely,
Mehtab Ahmed
Watan Dost Ithad"
No comments:
Post a Comment