British Kashmiri Leader Advocates for Unity in Kashmir Freedom Struggle
Mirpur: Chaudhry Liaquat Ali, a prominent British Kashmiri politician and former Mayor of Walthamstow, London, reaffirmed the commitment of Pakistanis and Kashmiris in the UK to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, stressing their ongoing support for Kashmir.
Speaking to Dr. Sardar Muhammad Tahir Tabassum, Ali highlighted the importance of a strong and stable Pakistan in achieving this goal and underscored the continued sacrifices made by Kashmiris for their freedom over the past seventy years.
“We will never abandon our Kashmiri brothers in the face of Indian oppression,” Ali said, emphasizing that the struggle for Kashmir’s independence remains a priority for the diaspora. The meeting, which also included notable figures such as Labour Friends for British Muslims Chairman Chaudhry Shaukat Ali, businessman Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, INSPAD Vice President Colonel Rethard Mohabbat Ali, and Mirpur Press Club Kashmir Committee Chairman Zafar Mughal, focused on strengthening the unity and coordination of Kashmiri organizations.
Councilor Ali reflected on the brutal 1947 Jammu massacre, describing it as one of the darkest tragedies in Kashmir’s history, which continues to haunt the community. He called for a unified approach to Kashmir’s freedom movement, stressing the need for coordinated action and new initiatives to move the cause forward.
Chaudhry Shaukat Ali echoed this sentiment, advocating for a fresh strategy and spirit in the Kashmir movement. “We must learn from past mistakes and advance the freedom struggle with renewed vigor,” he said. He also expressed optimism that the Labour Party government would work more effectively for Kashmir’s cause in the current term.
Dr. Tahir Tabassum, President of INSPAD, emphasized the importance of organizing the British Kashmiri community to advance the Kashmir movement through better planning and collaboration. He highlighted the role of NGOs in achieving key diplomatic goals, noting INSPAD’s long history of promoting dialogue and diplomacy for both Kashmir and Palestine over the past three decades.
Ali commended INSPAD’s contributions and expressed hope that the organization’s efforts would continue to grow in the UK. He also welcomed the prospect of establishing an INSPAD chapter in Britain to further enhance the community’s activism.
