Voices for Kashmir Echo in Birmingham at Major Solidarity Conference
Birmingham: An important Kashmir Solidarity Conference was held in Birmingham under the auspices of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, reaffirming the commitment to highlight the Kashmir issue globally and to continue supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
The conference was chaired by Raja Fahim Kayani, President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, while Dr Muhammad Mushtaq Khan, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Jammu & Kashmir & Gilgit-Baltistan, attended as the chief guest. Addresses were delivered by Jahangir Khan (Secretary General, JI AJK & GB), Muhammad Ghalib (President, Tehreek-e-Kashmir Europe), Habib ur Rehman Afaqi (Deputy Secretary General, JI AJK & GB), Raja Qamar Abbas (Convenor, JI UK), Mufti Abdul Majeed Nadeem (Vice President, TeK UK), Ch. Ikram ul Haq (President, TeK Birmingham), Raja Mushtaq, and other leaders.
Speakers emphasised the need for a UN-mandated plebiscite in accordance with United Nations resolutions and strongly condemned the continued Indian occupation of Jammu & Kashmir, as well as the reported human rights violations and atrocities against civilians. Particular concern was expressed over illegal detentions under black laws, enforced disappearances, and the confiscation of properties belonging to pro-freedom activists and families. Speakers also highlighted that much of the All Parties Hurriyat leadership remains imprisoned under what they described as politically motivated or fabricated cases, calling for the immediate release of all Kashmiri political prisoners.
The speakers praised the vital role of the overseas Kashmiri and Pakistani community in raising the Kashmir issue effectively before the global conscience. They stressed the importance of unity within the diaspora and continued engagement with political representatives, media platforms, and human rights forums across the UK and Europe.
Participants called on the international community to take practical steps to address the humanitarian and political situation in Kashmir, to ensure accountability for human rights violations, and to uphold the democratic rights of the Kashmiri people in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.
A large number of men and women from Birmingham and surrounding areas attended the conference. On this occasion, honorary awards were presented to individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the Kashmir freedom movement. The event concluded with special prayers for the martyrs of Kashmir, for the release of political prisoners, for the early freedom of Kashmir and Palestine, and for peace, justice, and unity in the Muslim world.
