Kashmir organisation reactivated in UK

Kashmir Watch

London, August 17: World Kashmir Freedom Movement (WKFM), an organistion founded by late Dr Ayub Thakur, has been reportedly re-activated in United Kingdom after five years. Sources told Kashmir Watch that World Kashmir Freedom Movement had been defunct after the death of Dr Ayub Thakur in March 2004. Since then the leaders of the organisation were seen only to assemble and celebrate the death anniversaries of their founder leader.




World Kashmir Freedom Movement (WKFM) is an umbrella organisation of expatriate Kashmiris from Indian administrated Kashmir working internationally for the promotion of the Kashmir cause. It was set up on 17 June 1990 with Dr. Ayub Thakur as it president and has offices in Europe, America and Middle East.




In an attempt to re-activate the organisation a round table on Kashmir was organised by World Kashmir Freedom Movement (WKFM) here, which was moderated by eminent Kashmiri American physician, Dr. Qazi, member of General Council, WKFM. Leaders of all the major diaspora, political parties, councillors, intellectuals and a cross section of community leaders living in Britain participated in it. America based leaders of WKFM including President Dr. G.N.Mir, Secretary General Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai attended the meeting. Senior Vice President Mr. Nazir Ahmed Qurashi welcomed the participants and urged the audience to brainstorm a workable, pragmatic and joined strategy for taking the moment to the logical conclusion.




Speaking on the occasion, the President of WKFM, Dr. Mir enumerated various goals that need to be achieved and further the sacred cause i.e. liberation of occupied territory and redeem the right of self determination of the people of J&K. He further emphasized that a non-violent political movement should attract the international attention and creates an opportunity for facilitating a peaceful resolution of the dispute.




Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai in his remarks referred to some important voices who are widely respected in the international arena. This is complimented by some sane voices of India as well. He hoped that the dialogue could be productive and meaningful provided the authentic Kashmiri leadership is made an integral component of this process. He further said that the inalienable right of self determination of people of Kashmir is non-negotiable. He also eulogised the role of Kashmiri diaspora, particularly the brethren from Azad Kashmir living in Great Britain who have kept this struggle alive by their commitment and dedication.




Professor N.A. Shawl Executive Director Justice Foundation briefed the audience about the diplomatic thrust pursued to highlight the situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir . Human right violations are the prime focus of this activity. He thanked the International human rights organisations for their unbiased reporting about the pain and suffering of people of J&K.




Mohamed Ghalib President, Tehreek-e-Kashmir gave an overview of the political activities carried out by All Parties Co-ordination committee in UK .




On this occasion services of diasporas, elders Mohamed Yaqub Chisti and Haji Nizam-ud-din were recognised and they were awarded Dr. Ayub memorial award.




Sareer Fazili, member of General Council in his heart touching address referred his nostalgic association with the freedom struggle and he mentioned the pain and the suffering of the people of J&K which he has personally witnessed whenever he had a chance to visit occupied Kashmir .




This meeting unanimously expressed its concern over the continued human rights violation taking place in Indian Occupied Kashmir . The resolution passed expressed concern about the deteriorating health of Syed Ali Geelani, Shabir Shah and other detained Kashmiri leaders. It also welcomed a peaceful resolution through a dialogue which is inclusive of legitimate and popular Kashmiri leadership. Resolution asked for restoration of pre 14th August 1947 position of J&K. It stressed that India does not deserve to be member of UNSC till it redeems the UNSC's resolutions on J&K. It called for an international enquiry regarding the deliberate contamination of DNA in Shopian Rape case. It also demanded an appointment of special envoy on Kashmir by UN that will hasten the process of peace in South Asia.




Members of different political parties from Kashmiri diaspora also spoke on this occasion and reiterated their support for the freedom movement. They include Irshad Malik, Counseller Qurban, Counsellor Raja Shakil, Dr Misfer , Maulana Bostan Qadri, Dr Zulfqar Ali, Prof Riyaz of JKLF, Raja Ayub , Dr Saboor, Abdul Karim Saqib, Vice President of Muslim Conference UK, Raja Jahangir of Jamat e Islami AJK Muhabat Ali, Shabir Hussain of UKIM.