rki.news
By Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), February 11: A massive public rally was held in Mirpur on Wednesday to observe the 42nd martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed-e-Kashmir Maqbool Bhat, drawing a large number of political activists, civil society members, lawyers, students, and citizens from different walks of life.
The rally, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) along with like-minded social and political groups, paid tribute to Bhat’s legacy and reiterated calls for the restoration of the historical unity of Jammu and Kashmir. Participants also demanded the release of JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik and other Kashmiri detainees held in various prisons in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and India, urging global attention to their situation.
The venue was adorned with banners and portraits reflecting Maqbool Bhat’s life, struggle, and political vision. Slogans were raised in support of self-determination, while participants reaffirmed their commitment to continue what they described as his unfinished mission.
Addressing the gathering, Saad Ansari Advocate, Zonal Head of the JKLF Political Wing, said that Maqbool Bhat laid down his life for the sovereignty, unity, and complete freedom of Jammu and Kashmir. He described Bhat’s ideology as a continuing national vision that inspires generations and reaffirmed the party’s position that the state is historically, geographically, and politically one entity whose unity must be restored.
Raja Danish Advocate, Chairman SLF, termed Bhat’s sacrifice a symbol of perseverance and resilience in the struggle for freedom. He strongly criticized the continued detention of Yasin Malik and called upon the United Nations and international human rights organizations to play a proactive role in ensuring his immediate and unconditional release.
Raja Ali Asghar, Senior Vice President of the UK Zone, stated that overseas Kashmiris remain steadfast in advocating the Kashmir cause at international forums. He emphasized that the right to self-determination is a fundamental and internationally recognized right that cannot be suppressed.
Speakers also demanded that the mortal remains of Maqbool Bhat be handed over to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for burial with national honors.
The rally concluded with special prayers for Kashmiri martyrs, the release of political prisoners, and a renewed pledge to continue peaceful political efforts for the realization of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.