Incarcerated chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik today described the struggle and sacrifices of Muhammad Maqbool Bhat as a beacon of light for all people.
“Struggle and sacrifices of father of Kashmiri nation Muhammad Maqbool Bhat are beacon light for every oppressed nation. He stands as symbol of steadfastness and valor for us and serves a corner stone for our resistance against forcible control of our state,” a JKLF spokesman quoted Malik as having said in his message from police station, Kothibagh, where is currently lodged.
Yasin Malik said that “every aspect of Bhat’s life stands as a milestone for us and this nation can never forget his struggle and sacrifices. When rulers hanged Maqbool Bhat in Tihar Jail in 1984, they fancied about finishing Kashmiri resistance and thus disremembered about the reality of eternal life of martyrs. His martyrdom on gallows gave birth to thousands of young Maqbools who are till today striving for the righteous cause, sacrificing their lives in nooks and corners of Jammu Kashmir and writing new chapters of passion, valor and greatness.”
“Meanwhile, on the occasion of the 35th martyrdom day of Muhammad Maqbool Bhat various programs were held throughout the world in which Kashmiris remembered him with commitment and gratitude. Protest programs were held in Kashmir to commemorate the day. A total and exemplary shutdown was observed throughout the Valley. Despite stringent curfew and restrictions on JRL call a grand rally was held at Lal Chowk Srinagar, during which leaders got arrested. Protest program was also held at his birth place Trehgam Kupwara which was attended by various JKLF leaders. A candle light march was also held in which thousands including women participated and demanded the return of the mortal remains of their beloved leader. Police clamped a strict curfew in whole Trehgam but despite curfew, people in large numbers thronged the residence of the late leader and participated in a rally. At various district headquarters Quran Khawani was held for the great leader,” the spokesman said.
” Maqbool day was also observed at national Press club in Islamabad, Pakistan, Helsinki Finland, Barcelona Spain where JKLF leaders and others paid tributes to the great leader,” the spokesman added.