Naila Khaneen was a symbol of
struggle.
Speech of Dr Shabir Choudhry, delivered
in London on occasion of condolence reference of late Naila Khaneen on 09 October
2018.
Mr Chairman Usman Kiani, Chief
guest, Zahid Tabbasam, and respectable guests Aslam o alaykam.
Naila Khaneen, Senior Vice Chair of United Kashmir Peoples National
Party is no more with us. We have lost a great human being, a leader, a
thinking person with a vision and love for humanity. She was a source of
inspiration and strength, not only for women, but also for men as well.
She was polite, friendly and spoke softly; but she was an iron lady of
Jammu and Kashmir. She tirelessly worked for united and independent Jammu and
Kashmir with a secular and democratic society. She was a symbol of peaceful
struggle against forces of occupation and oppression.
Mal Allah forgive her sins and grant her a place in Heaven. Despite her dedication
and sincerity, her struggle is incomplete. The best way to pay her tribute is
to continue her struggle; and spread her message to the suffering people.
In a male dominated society of Pakistani Administered Jammu and Kashmir,
where women were not encouraged to go to schools, and were trained for submissive
and domestic roles in homes. The forces of status quo feared that education
will empower them and make them aware of their rights.
In that kind of society, where weak, and underprivileged were abused and
exploited, and they did not feel appropriate to speak out for their rights, Naila
Khaneen rose up and challenged the forces of status quo. She courageously confronted
the forces of occupation and oppression. She encouraged education for female
members of the society; and urged women to come out and play their due role for
the betterment of the people.
Perhaps, it will be wrong to say that she spoke for rights of the women,
as she also actively spoke for the rights of men too. She spoke for equality
and fundamental rights for all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. She spoke for
rights of all minorities. She wanted independence and basic rights for Hindus, Pundits,
Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians and Muslims for all sects.
Mr Chairman
Many times, we have paid tribute to fellow men by standing up in their
honour. I hope it is not too much to ask, if I request my fellow men to stand
up for 30 seconds to pay tribute to the lady who is no longer with us, but her
memories and tremendous contribution to the struggle will always remain with us.
By standing up in her honour, we will send this message that we men know how to
admire a woman who has made enormous contribution for the betterment of
humanity.
Members of UKPNP, you should be proud of your party and the leadership. Despite
the social, cultural and political taboos associated with the role of women in
our society, the party trusted her skills and wisdom and provided her an
opportunity to lead a revolutionary party in a male dominated society.
She accepted the challenge and proved beyond any doubt that she was the most
relevant person for the role of Senior Vice Chair, and Acting Chairperson. She not
only united the party cadres, but also effectively took the message of the Party
to every nook and corner of Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit
Baltistan.
Her struggle was peaceful; and she wanted to empower local people, and
resolve immense problems of those living on this side of the forced division.
Mr Chairman
Our struggle is for the fundamental rights of our people- citizens of
Jammu and Kashmir State. We want them to live with respect and dignity. We want
to promote peace and stability in our motherland. We want to help and support
the under privileged and suffering people.
Our beloved Prophet was forced to leave his motherland, Makkah. After
arriving in Madina, he concentrated on resolving problems of Madina. He did not
say to his followers that people of Makkah are oppressed, or people of Jeddah
or some other town are victimised; and that we should go and help them and
liberate them. Instead, the Holy Prophet made agreements with non-Muslims for
peace, safety and defence of Madina.
After ten long years, and after many battles and arduous struggle, when
Madina was made safe, and peace and tranquillity prevailed there, only then He marched
towards Makkah and liberated the city and the people.
Lesson of Holy Prophet’s practice is to make safe the area where you
reside. Resolve problems of the people that they can live in peace, and with dignity
before you go and help others.
It is sad that secret agencies and rulers of Islamabad, and their
puppets and jihadi warriors force us to forget our problems, forget our
miseries, and forget oppression and exploitation we have to endure daily, and
cross the LOC with Pakistani weapons to fight India.
This strategy is illogical, impractical and clearly against interests of
people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is sad that those who understand conspiracy of
Islamabad, are projected as anti-movement and traitors. Friends and colleagues,
your leadership understood this conspiracy a long time ago, and strenuously opposed
it.
Friends, good thing is our message is getting across to the people, and
more and more people are understanding that our struggle is on this side of the
divide. However, we fully support those who are genuinely struggling for united
and independent Jammu and Kashmir.
Long live UKPNP, and long live struggle for united independent Jammu and
Kashmir.
Writer is a renowned writer and author of many
books. He is also a senior leader of UKPNP and Chairman South Asia Watch,
London.
No comments:
Post a Comment