Divisions only serve to weaken our cause, while unity strengthens our collective voice: Raja Muzaffar

Dallas, Texas. USA. February 10, 2025.(TW) __ 41st death anniversary of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat organized by Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front via zoom, attended by 66 participants from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, United Kingdom., United States, Canada, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Gilgit-Baltistan, France, Germany, Norway, Middle East, began with the key-note 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 Sahib 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 added that our people have sacrificed beyond imagination, more than hundred thousand people have been killed, great heroes, like Maqbool, Bhat and Afzal Guru were sent to gallows in the same Tihar jail, yet, despite these facts, these atrocities, and all the evidence, after 78 years of oppression by a 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 such 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 the unity, justice, democratic rights and above all for an independent Kashmir. He had an unshakeable belief that one day the nation of Kashmir will be free, provided we will 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 for only one job: independence of Kashmir.

Javaid Maqboo, Bhat said, “I see many individuals and organizations pursing 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 to be taught hatred but love for one another. Our strategy should be to unite our nation irrespective of our conflicting slogans.”

Shoukat Maqbool Bhat, sone of Maqbool Bhat suggested to have always follow-up after a seminar or a conference so as to develop a practical strategy and to reach to a concrete solution. He added that if we work diligently with sincerity, discipline, and continuity, we will achieve our objective – independence of our state.

Shouat Maqbool Bhat added that the resolution of Kashmir will also help India and Pakistan to invest in education, healthcare and social development by saving billions of dollars which they are wasting for their military buildup.

Speaking on her experiences, Lubna Maqbool Shaheen said that she has vague physical and intellectual memories of her interaction with her father because she was just five years old then. My experiences kept shifting Lubna Shaheen added and fluctuating while hearing conflicting slogans of independence and plebiscite. However, my passion for Kashmir is first the gift of Allah and then of my father. And I do believe if we are sincere and have clarity of vision and strategy and our objective is defined, we will definably achieve our objective.

Mohammad Rafiq Dar, Central Information Office, JKLF emphasized the need for having a united front not only in the base camp but also at the intentional level. We must have the unity of thought and action, Dar added. He remembers the days when he felt honored in bringing people of various factions together.

Rafiq Dar highlighted that the best way to pay tribute to Maqbool Bhat is that we must bring people on one platform. As India and Pakistan have their national policy,, people of Kashmir must also have their own national policy where everybody irrespective of their political opinions should become the part of the whole.

Sardar Haleem Khan, member, Supreme Council JKLF and Former President JKLF, North America said that each one of us must dissolve our ego. Disunity has cause indescribable damage to the cause of Kashmir. Sardar Haleem Khan suggested that whether there are 10 or 13 groups of JKLF, Raja Muzaffar is our mentor, he must bring them together on one plat form. We owe it to the movement and to the people of Kashmir.

Dr. Waleed Rasool, well-known recognizable expert on Kashmir said that the role of diaspora is paramount because there is no freedom of expression and opinion in Indian occupied Kashmir. It is the responsibility of the diaspora to become the ambassadors of our people. The real tribute to be paid to Maqbool Bhat – the hero of Kashmir – is that diaspora must speak with one voice.

Dr. Mubeen Shah, President, Kashmir House, Istanbul said that it is imperative that we get united on one single platform which is recognized by the world powers and that is right of self-determination. Right of self-determination should be the theme of everyone. All stakeholders should have consensus on one point and that is the implementation of UN resolutions through a plebiscite.

Rabia Raja Muzaffar was unapologetic when she said that Kashmir will become independent provided, we all get together. She quoted Maqbool Bhat who has said that his colleagues should never be dissuaded by unfavorable circumstances. They must remain steadfast. Rabia Ji, however added that let be various organizations if they do not want to disband them but is there a way that we will develop joint strategy based on one common agenda item whatever that item be.

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai is also the Secretary General
World Kashmir Awareness Forum.
He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435. Or. gnfai2003@yahoo.com
www.kashmirawareness.org