Residents of Massachusetts Join Other States to Rally for Kashmir in Front of the UN Building
By Tahir Ali
Photos by Rizwan Shaikh, Majid Ali, M. Aslam and Rashid Ali
New York City: When six concerned American-Kashmiris visited Congressman McGovern on September 3, 2019 to talk about the Human rights violation in Kashmir - it led to a letter sent to US Secretary Michael Pompeo just a week later, by Congressman McGovern and Congresswoman Jayapal, stating, "We write to raise significant concerns about the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crisis in Jammu and Kashmir...". The voice of the American-Kashmiri's was very loud and clear. Other Officials joined in and demanded the required action for UN and international intervention.
Then on September 27, 2019, a huge protest rally in front of the UN building took place while the world leaders, including PMs' Imran Khan and Narendra Modi spoke at the UN General Assembly session. Tens of thousands concerned Muslims from many States near and far ascended in front of the UN building. Some came by bus, some by car and some NY residents (like Uzma Ali) on shanks' mare.
Rashid Shaikh and Naseema Khan motivated the Boston and Worcester Community to join in the Bus. The huge responsibility was taken on by Rashid Shaikh as he charted the bus and sent emails to the community at large.
The bus left around 6:30 AM from the Worcester Islamic Center. The three-hour ride was very educational. The passion and spirits of everyone on the bus was high. Sandwiches, and various snacks were distributed among the passengers while others kept the trip lively educating the group on the valley of Kashmir, its history and the people of Kashmir. A few patriotic songs were sung in Urdu and some emotionally in Kashmiri language. Everyone felt the Kashmiris' pain as they spoke of their land and the atrocities carried out by the Indian Army, especially with the internet access blocked and long hours curfew that meant virtually house arrest. Each American Kashmiri categorically thanked everyone for coming out to fight for their cause.
On the way to NYC some slogans were thought of and chanted. Rashid Shaikh took on the microphone and raised slogans that were repeated by all: "Awaaz do Hum EikHaiN", "HumenkyaChaate - AZAADI", "Le keRaheNge - AZAADI", "ScheenkeLeNge - AZAADI" - and thus all the way to the rally emotions were high, Passion was high, morale was high and the voice of one was a voice of all.
We got off the bus a few blocks away from the UN building and marched holding banners, waving Kashmir and Pakistan flags, carrying various posters and wearing customized printed shirts courtesy of MianMeher Ashiq saying: 'End the Occupation - Free Kashmir'.
As we came toward the UN building we met with thousands of protesters already in action and chanting away.
The Muslims and Sikhs were kept together and much closer to the UN building, there were some Modi supporters as well, but they were kept far away from the UN building.
There were many people in the protest rally addressing the crowd from a makeshift stage. A representative from Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders read the Senator's message supporting the Kashmiris and condemning the occupation and human rights violations and asked Modi to get out of Kashmir. The crowd was cheering loudly making the best use of their lungs. Some Muslims also had access to the UN assembly General Session, for instance Amir Sharif, Dr. Riffat Sharif and family. Explaining how he felt to be there, "Part of history," was his knee-jerk reply. "When Imran Khan spoke I had goose bumps on my goose bumps, he was just marvelous. He made me feel proud to be a Pakistani. He made all of us proud today. He got many standing ovations." Amir said excitedly and added, "during Imran Khans' speech the Indians sitting there had long faces with their jaws dropped."
I had a chance to talk to some media and also to Malik Abid, the Ambassador to UN. It was because of his efforts that the rally was taking place, "I pulled the permit for this huge rally." he told QaseemChoudry, Saqib Zulfiqar, Majid Ali and myself (Shaheen XI cricketers); Qaseem found the UN Ambassador to be a down to earth person.
Rashid Shaikh met with Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan. Shaikh is seen in the picture while she is being interviewed. Rashid Shaikh found satisfaction in the company of the crowd, "To me staying here among the crowd is more rewarding. I want my boots on the ground where it matters most."
Rizwan Shaikh and Rashid Ali who took a lot of photos in the Bus and in the rally were also there when Aleema Khan was talking to the media. Rashid Ali also met with one of the IK Cabinet Minister (seen in photo).
Dr. Khalid Sadozai, Trustee Islamic Society of Greater Worcester (ISGW) was busy chanting and was one of the chant leaders who with the help of a bull horn was able to reach out deep into the crowd. He along with another woman was shouting slogans so loud that I wouldn't be surprised if they are wondering why they lost their voice at the end of the day. Amjad Bhatti, the President of ISGW, proved equally energetic.
Taufique Maher, Haseeb, his father Rahman, Sarwar and Furqan of Worcester Islamic Center (WIC) decided to carpool. Taufique and others were quite satisfied as they ferociously whipped Modi's effigy with their shoes.
On the way back to Massachusetts we all felt a sense of accomplishment, especially since we walked the walk. The speech that was delivered by PM Imran Khan at the UN General Assembly was broadcast on the BUS speakers. The speech was very well received as it reflected the true sentiments of not only the Kashmiris and Pakistani, but Muslims the world over.
Rashid Shaikh reminded the group that this was a real successful rally, "and we were part of it." He thanked everyone for their participation. Rashid and Naseema Khan rightly got an applause for making this bus trip happen. Dr. Riaz Khan recited Qur'an and prayed for Kashmir and the Kashmiris.
The following message from an accompanying fellow American-Kashmiri sums it all: "My heartfelt thanks on behalf of all Kashmiris for everyone's active participation in NYC UNGA rally. It was a watershed movement of expression of solidarity with caged and disenfranchised people of Kashmir, who are not asking much more than their right of self-determination. Most importantly, it was a very emphatic statement of protest against the Fascist Face of India its Avatar of Narendar Modi..."
Meanwhile, on the following Sunday the youth group led by ShazadSadozai and Abdullah Kazi invited Professor Junaid to ISGW. Dr. Junaid hailing from Kashmir presented history of Kashmir and explained the UN article 370. The presentation was very informative and rich in detail.
The awareness level of what is happening in the valley of Kashmir has been increased to a higher level of understanding. The American people and the people of the rest of the world are just finding out the sad truth behind the RSS curtain.
A Congressional briefing on Kashmir will take place on Tuesday 1/8/2019 in DC.
Similarly, a meeting upon the request of the Kashmiri delegation has been sought with Presidential candidate; Senator Elizabeth Warren.
