Islamabad: The third death anniversary of Sheikh Tajammul-ul-Islam, a prominent intellectual and leader in the Kashmir freedom movement, was marked today with remembrances of his dedication to the cause of Kashmiri self-determination. The late Executive Director of Kashmir Media Service, who passed away in 2021, was commemorated for his significant contributions and leadership.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Sheikh Tajammul-ul-Islam died after a brief illness at a hospital in Islamabad on this day in 2021. A special prayer session was held at the Kashmir Media Service office, attended by all staff members, where they shared memories of their late mentor, describing him as a fatherly figure and under whose guidance the service became a leading and trusted news source on issues related to Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Born in Srinagar in 1954, Sheikh Tajammul-ul-Islam was an influential student leader and a passionate advocate for Kashmiris’ rights. He completed his LLB and M.A Urdu from Kashmir University and was notably active in organizing students under the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba during the 1980s. His journalism and legal careers in the occupied territory included roles such as Chief Editor of Daily Azaan and practicing law, where he consistently supported the self-determination movement.
Throughout his career, Sheikh Tajammul-ul-Islam faced significant opposition and was arrested multiple times by Indian forces for his activities against India’s illegal occupation. His resistance led him to migrate to Pakistan, where he continued his advocacy and played a pivotal role in uplifting the spirits of the Kashmiri people, particularly after the discouraging events of the Fall of Dhaka in 1971 and the Indira-Abdullah Accord in 1975.
Sheikh Tajammul-ul-Islam’s efforts included planning an international conference on Kashmir in 1982, which, despite being disallowed by India, mobilized the Kashmiri youth and revitalized their struggle for self-determination. He attended numerous international conferences and was a respected figure in journalistic circles for his integrity and intellectual depth.
On the anniversary, speakers at a seminar highlighted his strategic contributions to the Kashmir liberation movement’s communication efforts, emphasizing how his writings and speeches effectively exposed Indian tactics in the region. They remembered him as a visionary leader whose work has left an indelible mark on the history of the Kashmir freedom movement.