Let Kashmiri Diaspora Choose Wisdom over Division: Raja Muzaffar

 

Dallas, Texas: A webinar was organized on April 27, 2025, on the ninth death anniversary of Amanullah Khan, by a well-known pro-Kashmir freedom leader and Acting Chairman, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, Raja Muzaffar. The webinar was attended by more than 60 scholars, intellectuals, academics, journalists, human rights activists from 15 countries.

The webinar began with the recitation of Al-Qur’an by Qari Muzaffar Iqbal Naeemi Sahib.

In his inaugural remarks, Raja Muzaffar said that Amanullah Khan was truly a remarkable individual who believed in an independent pluralistic society.

Raja Muzaffar pleaded that let us rise above divisive voices and reject hate. To the vibrant Kashmiri youth and social media champions: harness the power of your platforms to illuminate Kashmir’s breathtaking beauty, unyielding spirit, and bold dreams for a free, democratic, and inclusive future. Champion harmony with India, Pakistan, and China, fostering peace over discord.

Raja Muzaffar continued that envision a thriving, peaceful Kashmir—a cornerstone of regional stability and a radiant symbol of progress. Let’s paint Kashmir as the ‘Switzerland of Asia,’ where diverse cultures unite and hope flourishes. Your words carry immense power. Choose love over hate, wisdom over division. Let every post reflect your integrity and inspire unity. Together, let’s show the world that Kashmir is a land of serenity, resilience, and boundless hope.”

Raja Sahib was passionate about the situation in Pahalgam. He said that this tragic incident amplifies the existential threats our homeland faces, reminding us that the struggle for peace and security is far from over. We bear a profound responsibility to stand united and vigilant against such violence that seeks to undermine our rights and aspirations. We must channel our collective strength into advocating for justice, ensuring that the dreams of a peaceful and independent Kashmir are not extinguished.

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice said that Amanullah Khan was an iconic personality, a glowing example of perseverance and determination who remained committed to his mission of an independent Kashmir until the end of his life

Dr Fai added that Aman Sahib had defined the parameters about the talks. One, that the issue of Kashmir was about the right of self-determination; second that the right of self-determination cannot be restricted to only choosing between India and Pakistan but it must also include choosing for independence; third that the leadership of the people of Kashmir can never be sidelined in any final settlement. Aman Sahib had said it time and again that he was primarily an advocate of the people of Kashmir and was never against the prosperity of the people or the state of India or Pakistan.

Dr Mubeen Shah, President, Kashmir House, Istanbul and Senior Vice President, Kashmir Diaspora Coalition said while attending this important zoom meeting it is imperative to take the work of one of the leaders of the freedom movement, Mr Amanullah Khan to its destination. 

Dr Shah added that it was important and high time that all factions of JKLF as well as all Kashmiris diaspora whatever their ideology is to come on one platform and under one slogan and that is the #RightOfSelfDetermination and leave it to the Kashmiri people to decide whatever they want - merger with Pakistan or an independent Kashmir. 

Dr Mubeen Shah communicated that there is an opportunity again of joining of all Kashmiri diaspora of different ideologies. We could start by taking back the ownership of our water resources because of the action taken by India of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. This taking back process has been started by Dr Nazir Gilani Sahib by writing on behalf of his organization to the United Nations. It is also an opportunity to reopen the case of Kashmir in the United States by suspending the Simla Accord.

Engineer Farooq Siddiqui, President Kashmir Global Council urged the participants to attend the forthcoming international conference in July at Niagara Falls. The objective of the gathering is to assess the past and chalk out a strategy for the future.

Engineer Farooq Siddique added that he would have appreciated if any political leader of Azad Kashmir would have shown the empathy as Kashmiri for the ethos and hospitality that Kashmiris are so famous. He understood that India may have orchestrated it but sympathy for the victims would have been a great show to the world that Kashmiris across are in unison

Mr Zia Malik, retired scientist and a well-known Kashmiri expert said that as we remember Amanullah Khan—a fearless voice for the freedom and dignity of the Kashmiri people—we are reminded that a truly free society must be built not only on political ideals, but also on strong, people-oriented institutions.

Mr Malik added that in the 1970s, the Cooperative Bank initiative in AJK was launched to promote self-reliance among the people—especially farmers, small business owners, and workers. Although this initiative was not led by Amanullah Khan personally, its spirit aligned with the kind of just, democratic, and inclusive society he envisioned.

“Today, many such institutions have lost their original purpose. Let this anniversary be a moment to reflect—not only on Amanullah Khan’s legacy of resistance and unity—but also on our responsibility to reform and reclaim systems that were meant to serve the people. Freedom is not just a slogan—it is a responsibility. Let’s rise to it,” Mr Zia Malik stated.

Mr Azad alerted that the current situation is more important since too many fellow Kashmiris are looking up to senior leadership of JKLF for clarity, of the emerging as well as developing situation, post-Pahalgam incident. Such incidents sometimes transform the whole landscape in history and need not be ignored by the leadership. 

Sardar Haleem Khan, former President, JKLF, North America said that circumstances demand unity and not division and it is time to overlook the differences and identify the common ground for a future strategy.

Javaid Rathore, President Kashmir Solidarity Council, said that we can't move forward unless we get out of controversial ideologies and get united under the single objective of a plebiscite. Let us agree that the people of Jammu & Kashmir demand the right to self-determination.

Irshad Mehmood, a prominent columnist and human rights activist, said that the people of Kashmir demand the resolution of Kashmir through peaceful tripartite negotiations. Let us agree that war is not an option. War can bring death and destruction not only to Kashmir but the whole region of South Asia. Our common cause is the right of self-determination that has been guaranteed by the United Nations and agreed upon by both India and Pakistan.

Mujeeb Qadri, President, Voice of Kashmir and leading voice of Muslim Community of Dallas, Texas, was the moderator along with Engineer Qasim Khokher, a prominent leader of JKLF, Tanveer Choudhary. and Umar Zaman.

Others who spoke included among others, Dr Touqeer Gilani, Mr Javaid Maqbool, Sardar Naseem, Ms.Sabira Sultana, Councilor Mohammad Maroof of UK, Ms Rabia Mujeeb Qazi, Mr Haleem Kham, Chicago, Mr Waheed Hayat, Mr Mehmood Bhatti, Mr. Shakeel Choudhary, and Mr Ayaz Karim.

Hafiz Mohammad Siddiq Sahib concluded the webinar by making Du’a.

For more information, please contact Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General, World Kashmir Awareness Forum. - gnfai2003@yahoo.com