Srinagar, Apr 04 (KNS): The representatives of various Kashmiri pro-freedom parties in United Kingdom (UK) on Monday condemned the continuous detention of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah. They also decided to approach the World Human Rights Forum to seek Shah’s release.
As per DFP spokesperson, the pro-freedom Kashmiri leaders organised a meeting in Lutton, UK, wherein they expressed concern over Shabir Ahmad Shah’s continuous detention in police station after already serving long time under house arrest.
The leaders paid tribute to Shabir Ahmad Shah for his efforts, dedication and determination towards Kashmir’s freedom struggle. “It was decided that a committee comprising of Advocate Ershad Malik, Dr Misfar Hassan, and Haji Hussain will approach international organisations particularly the World Human Rights Forum to seek cognisance of Shabir Ahmad Shah’s continuous detention. Also a joint letter will be written to Amnesty International and other human rights organisations in this regard,” the spokesperson said.
Democratic Freedom Party representative in UK, Advocate Dr Ershad Malik, on the occasion shed light on Shabir Ahmad Shah’s life and sacrifices towards the freedom movement of Kashmir. “Shabir Ahmad Shah, known as the ‘jail bird’ was first arrested when he was just 14, since then he has proven his mettle. He also rejected highest offers by the government of India,” he said.
President Jammu Kashmir Liberation League, Dr Misfar Hussain said he is a great admirer of Shabir Ahmad Shah.
Dr Zulfikar Ali while addressing the meeting said, “It is astonishing that a leader of international reputation is lodged in a police station by Indian authorities without being showing cause of arrest.
Professor Liaqat of Watford in his address demanded release of Shabir Ahmad Shah saying, the pro-freedom leader’s health condition is deteriorating.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“We must approach the human rights forum in this regard,” he said.
Those who addressed the meeting and paid tribute to Shabir Ahmad Shah include JKLF UK president Sabir Gul, JKLF general secretary Taqdeer Gilani, Jammu Kashmir Freedom Movement vice-president, Councilor Waheed Akbar of Lutton, Ex-Mayor of Lutton Reyaz Bhat, National Awami Party ex-president Advocate Sadiq Subhani, JK Liberation League general secretary Barrister Ashraf Mughul, Chowdhary Tufail Khosa, Gul Bahar, Najeeb Ansari, Chowdhary Zaffar Iqbal, Liaqat Lone, Saood Hussain Salah, Reyaz Raza, and Shahrukh Ali of Gligit.
Meanwhile, the aunt of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah passed awayon Monday morning. However, Shah, who continues to be lodged in police station Rajbagh, Srinagar, since February 24, was not allowed to participate in her funeral prayers.
As per party’s spokesperson, DFP general secretary Moulana Abdullah Tari led a delegation comprising of Molvi Bashir Ahmad and others visited the bereaved family at Kadipora, Islamabad of south Kashmir. They also participated in the deceased’s funeral prayers and expressed condolence and solidarity with the bereaved family besides prayed for the deceased soul.
Reacting against the authorities’ disallowing of Shah to partake in last rites of his aunt, the spokesperson said, “Such attitude on the first day of the so-called new government in the State makes it clear that in reality, J&K is ruled by a clerk in Indian prime minister’s office who follows the dictates from Nagpur.”
Terming the situation as “unfortunate”, the spokesperson said such attitude of administration nullifies its own claim that people in Jammu and Kashmir enjoy their religious rights. (KNS)