JUSTICE FOR ARIF SHAHID AND HIS FAMILY

JUSTICE FOR ARIF SHAHID AND HIS FAMILY

A nationalist Kashmiri leader, Arif Shahid, was callously killed outside his house in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on 13 May 2013. Kashmir National Party strongly condemns this targeted killing of a Kashmiri leader who peacefully promoted independence of Jammu and Kashmir; and exposed Pakistani designs on Jammu and Kashmir.

Arif Shahid spoke for the oppressed and victimised people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, and strongly advocated for rights of the people of Gilgit Baltistan as well. In his long struggle he bravely challenged the Pakistani policy in Jammu and Kashmir and strongly criticised role of ‘Lent Officers’ of Pakistan, and the Pakistani secret agencies.

We share this view of other Kashmiri parties that he was eliminated because of his nationalist struggle; and those forces which did not like his struggle, finally eliminated him to send the message that they will not tolerate true Kashmiri nationalist struggle on this side of the Line of Control.

KNP is observing this hunger strike to protest against this brutal killing and to express our solidarity with martyred Arif Shahid and his family. We want to expose Pakistani government’s hypocritical stand on the Kashmir dispute and tell people that they have imperialist designs on Jammu and Kashmir.

It must be pointed out that the KNP declared to observe hunger strike for 5 days, however after consultation with senior KNP leaders in England and in Azad Kashmir, and other like - minded people and organisations it was decided that it was a long drawn battle with the Pakistani authorities, because they are insensitive to peoples sentiments, therefore, we should use our work force and resources carefully. So, instead of observing 5 day hunger strike and then remain quiet, it is better that we hold 1 day hunger strike on Monday 20^th May; and then hold 1 day hunger strike every Wednesday until killers of Arif Shahid are arrested.

Reliable sources have revealed that Pakistani secret agencies have decided to crush our peaceful Kashmiri struggle in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, against the Pakistani occupation. For this purpose, they have prepared a list of more than two dozen key leaders and political activists, which include those living abroad.

It is believed that Arif Shahid won’t be the last victim of the targeted killing. It is, therefore, imperative that we Kashmiri nationalists and members of the civil society stand up and be counted.

KNP will spearhead this campaign and our branches in Pakistani Administered Kashmir are also holding a protest outside Central Press Club in Muzaffarabad. Our demands are that the Pakistani authorities:

·      1/   Should constitute a judicial inquiry into the murder of Arif Shahid Shaheed;

·         2/Arrest and punish all those involved with the conspiracy and murder of Arif Shahid;

·    3/Immediately stop policy of harassment and intimidation in Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan;

·       4/  Allow people of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan to enjoy their fundamental human rights;

KASHMIR NATIONAL PARTY

Contacts: Abbas Butt: 0794 9812543                Dr Shabir Choudhry: 0779 094 2471