London, (Shahzad Ali) __ The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) UK Zone held its first major working committee meeting in Luton, declaring that the Kashmir issue is not merely a territorial dispute between two countries but rather a matter of self-determination, identity, and national freedom for over 20 million Kashmiris.

Chaired by the newly elected UK Zone President Liaqat Lone, the meeting brought together a diverse group of senior Kashmiri leaders and community activists. Speakers at the event paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the people of Kashmir, particularly honoring the youth who laid down their lives and the women who endured immense suffering during the struggle for independence.

“The Kashmiri nation has made unmatched sacrifices for freedom, unity, and sovereignty,” participants stated. “This just struggle cannot be halted and will continue until Kashmir is free.”

Key participants included: Academic Prof. Raja Zafar Khan, Sabir Gul, Tariq Sharif, Yusuf Chaudhry, Malik Latif, Gulfraz Khan, Malik Ijaz, Mushtaq Malik, Asad Kayani, Rehmat Hussain, Jamil Ashraf, Hafeez Khan, Amjad Nawaz, Haji Iqbal, Haji Rasib Kashmiri, Hanif Malik, Raja Zafar Junior, Chaudhry Rafiq, Adnan Malik, Raja Naseer, Sikandar Khan, Sanwar Hussain, Iftikhar Sharif, Hasnain Raja, Basharat Bukhari, Raja Ajaib, Sana Malik, Hammad Malik, Raja Raees, and Zafeer Khan.

During the session, members of the new working and executive committees were formally elected, and President Liaqat Lone administered the oath of office. The meeting included a comprehensive review of the organizational structure, strategy, and future planning.

JKLF leaders paid tribute to party chairman Yasin Malik, who is currently imprisoned in India’s Tihar Jail. They praised his leadership and resilience, calling for increased diplomatic efforts for his immediate release and reaffirming their dedication to advancing the movement for an independent Kashmir within the UK.

The meeting emphasized that all organizational affairs would be managed according to the party’s constitution and foundational principles. A detailed strategy was laid out to expand JKLF’s presence across the UK, particularly focusing on engaging the youth, raising political awareness, and launching cultural and educational programs.

Participants also appreciated ongoing efforts to build national and organizational unity and encouraged progress in that area.

The committee was briefed on the upcoming Kashmiri Identity Campaign, which includes flag-hoisting events and cultural programs scheduled for October 24 in Luton, Birmingham, Manchester, and other cities. JKLF committed to actively participating in these events.

The meeting also praised the election commission for its effective handling of the recent convention and internal elections, extending its tenure for another three years.

Tributes were paid to the martyrs of July 13, and prayers were offered for their souls. Those who lost their lives during the current phase of the movement were also honored.

The committee expressed full support for the general strike and wheel-jam protest announced by the Joint Public Action Committee of Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for September 29.

The meeting concluded with prayers for the deceased, including the father of Mr. Latif from Srinagar, the brother of Malik Ijaz of Luton, and other departed members.
The session was conducted by Tanzeer Malik and began with a recitation of the Quran by Haji Rasib Kashmiri.