“Time to Set Aside Personal Interests and Reclaim the Movement,” Say Founders

London, (Shahzad Ali) __ Some founding members of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) have convened an important consultative meeting in Luton, marking what they describe as a “new beginning” for the struggling independence movement. Amid increasing internal discord and a decline in public trust, the meeting aimed to restore unity, effective leadership, and ideological clarity.

Held on the outskirts of London, the gathering included some senior and respected founding figures of the JKLF, such as Professor Raja Zafar Khan, Nazim Bhatti, Ejaz Malik, Qari Ajaib, Malik Latif Khan, Haji Muhammad Iqbal, and Chaudhry Muhammad Rafiq. The group conducted a thorough review of the organization’s current state and the significant challenges it faces.

In a joint statement, the founders expressed serious concerns about rising internal divisions, ideological fragmentation, and a leadership crisis, which they believe have severely damaged the organization’s reputation. “Once regarded as the vanguard of the Kashmiri freedom struggle, the JKLF now finds itself weakened by internal rifts and ineffective leadership,” the statement read. “This situation has led to widespread disillusionment among dedicated activists and longtime supporters.”

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the founders unanimously decided to hold a representative and decisive assembly of all surviving founding members. The goal is to create a transparent and practical roadmap to restore the organization’s credibility, reunify its divided ranks, and regain the trust of the Kashmiri people.

Describing this initiative as a “first serious step” towards revitalizing the movement, the founders emphasized a return to the JKLF’s original principles—unity, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to self-determination.

In a strong message directed at all factions, activists, and supporters of the cause, the founders called for an end to personal rivalries and factional politics. “The time has come to rise above individual interests and internal disputes and work towards a shared national vision,” the statement concluded.