HOUSTON, Texas (Kashmir English): On the 41st death anniversary of Kashmiri martyr Muhammad Maqbool Bhat, Kashmiri diaspora staged a protest demonstration in front of the Indian Consulate in Houston, Texas in the USA.
The demonstrators condemned Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, demanded the return of Maqbool Bhat’s mortal remains, and called for the release of Chairman Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik.
During the protest, demonstrators attempted to present a memorandum to the Indian diplomatic mission. After receiving no response, Kashmiri activists hoisted the Kashmiri flag there and affixed the memorandum to its door.
The Indian consulate staff faced an unusual situation as they observed the protest from inside the building for two hours.
Several Kashmiri leaders, including Sardar Anwar Advocate, Imtiaz Ahmed, Sagheer Ahmed, Aslam, Sajjad Asghar, Siddique Kayani, Tariq Advocate, Javed and Manzoor Khan addressed the gathering.
HR violations in Kashmir
The leaders criticized the world community’s inaction regarding the ongoing human rights violations in Kashmir, including the use of pellet guns and oppressive laws.
Speakers emphasized that the spirit of Maqbool Bhat remains alive. They highlighted his sacrifice, stating that he chose to embrace the noose rather than submit to Indian rule.
Protesters demanded that India return his remains so he could be buried with honour in Kashmir.
Drawing a parallel to the case of Che Guevara, whose remains were repatriated to Cuba later with full national honours, the demonstrators insisted that Kashmiri people deserve the right to honour their hero in a similar manner.
They argued that Maqbool Bhat’s martyrdom has only strengthened the Kashmiri freedom movement, inspiring a new generation to continue the struggle.
The protesters urged the global community to intervene, ensuring the return of Maqbool Bhat’s remains and the release of all detained Kashmiri leaders, including Yasin Malik.
They further asserted that India’s presence in Jammu and Kashmir is unsustainable and called for its demilitarization, advocating for the region to be recognized as a neutral state modeled after Switzerland.
The Kashmiri leaders warned India of the escalating conflict, saying that any attempt to impose a solution against the will of the Kashmiri people could lead to severe geopolitical consequences.
