Divisions only Serve to Weaken Our Cause while Unity Strengthens Our Collective Voice: Raja Muzaffar
Dallas, Texas: The 41 st death anniversary of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front via Zoom and attended by 66 participants from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, the United Kingdom., United States, Canada, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Gilgit-Baltistan, France, Germany, Norway, and Middle East, began with the keynote speech by Raja Muzaffar, Acting Chairman, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front.
Today, is a day of reflection, stated Raja Muzaffar, of remembrance, and renewed commitment to the ideals Maqbool Bhat stood for - an unwavering pursuit of justice, independence, peace, and dignity for the people of Kashmir. Today, we gather not only to honor Maqbool Butt’s legacy but also to draw inspiration from his life and the vision he had for a free Kashmir. His sacrifice has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals who continue to strive for the rights and freedoms that every human being deserves.
Raja Muzaffar added that Maqbool Butt’s ideology was a clarion call for justice, highlighting the importance of unity and resilience in the face of oppression. His commitment to the Kashmiri cause continues to resonate with us, urging us to carry forward his vision with the same tenacity and courage. Only a united Kashmiri diaspora can significantly amplify our demands for justice and freedom for the people of Kashmir. Together, we can ensure that our struggles are heard and understood far beyond our borders, fostering solidarity and support from the international community.
“As we move forward, our third topic emphasizes the importance of unity among all groups advocating for independence. The struggle for Kashmiri independence is not the responsibility of a single entity; it requires a collective effort that transcends differences and unites us under the common goal of freedom and justice. Divisions only serve to weaken our cause, while unity strengthens our collective voice. It is essential that we highlight the importance of solidarity in our movement, ensuring that we are all pulling in the same direction, Raja Muzaffar maintained.
Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice, expressed his gratitude to Raja Muzaffar for providing him the opportunity to pay tribute to the hero of our nation who has become the source of inspiration for millions of Kashmiris. Maqbool Bhat was an institution and a giant of Kashmir’s turbulent history. The best way, Dr Fai added, to pay tribute to this son of the soil is that we must not forget his sacrifices given for the liberation of the nation of Kashmir.
Dr Fai said our people have sacrificed beyond imagination, more than a hundred thousand people have been killed, and great heroes, like Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru, were sent to gallows in the same Tihar jail, yet, despite these atrocities, and all the evidence after 78 years of oppression by foreign occupation, we have not achieved our objective.
Dr Fai informed the participants that when a survey was conducted by a London-based think tank Chatham House, which was released by BBC on May 27, 2010, asking a simple question, what do you want? An overwhelming 85 to 95 percent of the people of the Valley of Kashmir demanded Aazadi. The people know what they want. It is important that we work together to make the voice of the people strong and effective through unity.
“It’s imperative at this stage in our history for the Kashmiri diaspora to recognize that real change is needed and cannot happen without a change in our thinking process. Foremost, what is needed is a united front among all diaspora organizations that will inspire the people as well. A united front will demonstrate to our people that we are Kashmiris first and foremost, and not simply members of some little political offshoot that has no real mandate. Only a united people can bring about the change that will help us achieve our ultimate objective. If Mohammad Yasin Malik (symbol of independence) and Syed Ali Geelani (symbol of accession to Pakistan) along with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, can form a united front, “Kashmir Resistance Leadership, (KRL), Dr Fai asked why not Rahim & Karim? KRL was responsible for initiating all activities regarding the political resistance movement in Kashmir for more than six years, Dr Fai explained
Speaking on behalf of the family, Javaid Maqbool Bhat said Daddy’s message was for unity, justice, democratic rights, and an independent Kashmir. He had an unshakeable belief that one day the nation of Kashmir will be free, provided we show continuity, dedication, and commitment to the political struggle of Kashmir which is our cherished goal.
Javaid Maqbool Bhat added that Daddy broke free from materialistic tendencies and found peace and tranquility in simplicity and straightforwardness. He rejected many prestigious jobs and dedicated his life to only one job: independence of Kashmir.
Javaid Maqbool Bhat said, “I see many individuals and organizations pursuing the mission of Maqbool Bhat. Unfortunately, they have fallen into the trap of egoism and individualism. They do not want anyone else to lead but themselves. What do we want to achieve when we say, ‘hell with this individual and hell with this organization?’ Our youth, which is our treasure, need not be taught hatred but love for one another. Our strategy should be to unite our nation irrespective of our conflicting slogans.”
Shoukat Maqbool Bhat, son of Maqbool Bhat, suggested having a follow-up after a seminar or a conference to develop a practical strategy and to reach a concrete solution. He added that if we work diligently with sincerity, discipline, and consistency, we will achieve our objective – the independence of our state.
Other speakers on the occasion included Lubna Maqbool Mohammad Rafiq Dar (Central Information Office JKLF), Sardar Haleem Khan (member, Supreme Council JKLF and former President JKLF, North America),
Dr Waleed Rasool, Dr Mubeen Shah (President, Kashmir House, Istanbul), and Rabia Raja Muzaffar. -gnfai2003@yahoo.com , www.kashmirawreness.org
