Preparations for August 5 Protest March Outside Indian High Commission in Full Swing

London, (Shahzad Ali) __ Community leaders, faith representatives, and political activists gathered at Luton Central Mosque to commemorate the martyrs of July 13, 1931, and to mobilize support for the upcoming protest against India’s actions in Kashmir, scheduled for August 5 outside the Indian High Commission in London.

Organized with the support of various Pakistani and Kashmiri organizations, the event underscored the continuing relevance of the Kashmir issue and called for greater unity and advocacy within the diaspora.

Spiritual Opening and Message by Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad

The programme began with a heartfelt recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad, who also emphasized the need for moral and spiritual solidarity with the oppressed people of Kashmir and Palestine. In his address, he paid deep tribute to the martyrs of July 13 and offered prayers for their sacrifice to be a source of strength in the ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination.

Unity Urged Across Political and Faith Lines

The session was chaired by Chaudhry Muhammad Shafaat Pothi, President of Luton Central Mosque, while a former Mayor of Luton, Tahir Mehmood Malik, conducted the proceedings.

In his keynote remarks, Allama Ijaz Ahmad, the mosque’s imam, welcomed all attendees and provided a detailed briefing on the historical and current significance of the Kashmir issue. He urged all sections of the community to remain engaged and united in their efforts.

A former Mayor of Luton Mohammed Riaz Butt recalled the events of July 13, 1931, when 22 Muslims were killed by Dogra forces for attempting to complete the call to prayer. “Their sacrifice is a beacon in our history,” he said.

PTI leader Chaudhry Shakeel Rafiq Thothalvi announced full participation in the August 5 protest, while Dr. Yaseen Rehman urged every mosque in the area to arrange at least one coach to the London demonstration. He personally pledged one coach from his side, a gesture warmly acknowledged by the audience.

Councillor Idrees, Malik Ghulam Mohiuddin (PPP), Chaudhry Asif, Ch Ishtiaq, Professor Mumtaz Butt (Muslim Conference), and Shabbir Malik echoed similar sentiments, calling for unity, awareness, and robust participation from across the community.

Coordination Committee Formed for August 5

Chaudhry Zahid of Tehreek-e-Kashmir stressed the need for structured coordination, while Hafiz Saeed and Hafiz Farooq called for educating youth about the Kashmir issue, describing it as a moral and generational responsibility.

Inam-ul-Haq, Secretary of the Kashmir Liaison Committee, emphasized that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri and Palestinian people will not go in vain. He invoked the UN resolutions on Kashmir and appealed to the British-Kashmiri community to mobilize in strength on August 5.

Faheem Kayani: Kashmir Now an International Flashpoint

Faheem Kayani, President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK and guest of honour, declared that August 5 marks a “Black Day” in the history of Kashmir. He said the abrogation of Article 370 by India had internationalized the issue and urged the community to show unified strength by attending the London protest in large numbers.

He also called on all political parties and organizations to collaborate, stating: “Kashmir has become an international flashpoint. We must respond as a united voice.”

Committee to Oversee Protest Planning

A special coordination committee was formed to lead the preparations for the August 5 demonstration. Members include:
Chaudhry Shafaat Pothi, Dr. Yaseen Rehman, Haji Chaudhry Muhammad Qurban, Chaudhry Muhammad Sharif, Professor Mumtaz Butt, Shabbir Malik, Mehrban Malik, Malik Ghulam Mohiuddin, Ramzan Chaudhry, Engineer Muhammad Arif, and Faisal Kayani.

The committee will be responsible for organizing transport, outreach, and ensuring a peaceful, impactful protest in London.

Notable attendees included: Tariq Aziz, Shakoor Malik, Babar Awan, Chaudhry Muhammad Yousaf, Liaqat Malik, Malik Hameed Basheer, Haji Chaudhry Zulfiqar, Chaudhry Mehmood, Sufi Tariq, Sajid Malik, and Umar Malik.