Dallas, An international webinar convened in Dallas, Texas, marked the martyrdom anniversary of Muhammad Maqbool Butt, a prominent figure in the Kashmiri liberation movement. This digital gathering, organized by the Kashmir Council Europe (KCEU), drew participants globally to honor Butt’s legacy and discuss the ongoing struggle for Kashmiri self-determination.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the webinar saw contributions from a diverse group of speakers, including Shoukat Maqbool Butt, son of Shaheed Maqbool Butt, and notable figures such as Engineer Farooq Siddiqui, Dr. Toqeer Gilani, and Barrister Asif Khan. The event, attended by more than 120 individuals directly and hundreds more via social media, focused on Butt’s vision, its impact, and the responsibilities it imposes on current and future generations advocating for Kashmir’s freedom.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman of the World Forum for Peace and Justice, although unable to join live due to travel delays, shared a comprehensive paper with attendees. Fai’s message centered on Maqbool Butt’s enduring vision for an independent, democratic Jammu and Kashmir, organized as a federation of five provinces. He hailed Butt as a symbol of integrity and dedication, whose execution by Indian authorities in 1984 for his role in the freedom movement has since prompted annual commemorations of his life and mission.
Fai also highlighted the continuation of Butt’s legacy through Mohammad Yasin Malik, the current leader of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), who remains imprisoned by Indian authorities. Fai praised Malik’s commitment to nonviolence and democratic principles, drawing parallels between Malik’s peaceful resistance and the legacies of global icons like Dr. Martin Luther King and Gandhi.
The webinar served not only as a tribute to Maqbool Butt and Mohammad Yasin Malik but also as a call to action for the Kashmiri Global Diaspora (KGD) and the international community. Fai urged global leaders and organizations to advocate for Malik’s release and to support the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict, emphasizing the critical role of nonviolent activism in achieving justice and self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event underscored the ongoing struggle for Kashmiri rights and the importance of international solidarity in advancing the cause of freedom and independence for the region, reflecting on the sacrifices made by leaders like Maqbool Butt and the path forward in the spirit of nonviolence and dialogue.