Daily Diary (DD) - Day 153 of 2026

1022hrs:

Sleeping earlier and waking earlier with incremental improvements every day is the optimum strategy.

There's a lot going on in our territory and our direct occupiers (the Pakistani State) seem to be spiralling back to their old tactics of trying to force circumstances in their favour. This is a foolish strategy which may have worked pre 2023 but is doomed to fail in the current scenario, where each and every village of AJK is determined to continue incrementally obtaining the basic rights they have been deprived of since 1947, with strong back up from our diaspora (especially in the UK).

....  

Haroon Shamsi vs. The State of Pakistan

The above named gentleman is an aspiring State citizen of Jammu Kashmir & Allied (areas), living in the village of Mohra Dhruti in tehsil Nikyaal, adjacent to the LOC. He has recently been harassed by a Pakistani clandestine operative, who goes by the name of 'Kamran' and is apparently deputed to that region. The grounds of this harassment are a couple of short WhatsApp notes on the subject of 12 refugee seats in Pakistan devoted to the AJK Assembly, ostensibly to provide political & administrative representation to those 'Muslims' of the State who had to flee from the other side of JKA post 1947, which are under the microscope as the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JK JAAC) is adamant that they are an unnecessary burden on the government in AJK, that they have nothing to do with the 'Kashmir Question' and they do not adhere to the mutual rights & responsibilities needed for taxation & representation.

Like thousands of other aspiring co-citizens of AJK Haroon Shamsi has also expressed his views in a couple of short messages via WhatsApp. The text (plus English translation) will be presented here followed by the threatening audio sent by this 'agency operative' to Haroon Shamsi.

Message No 1 of 2:

1947

سے 1974 تک یعنی 27 سال تک مہاجرین کی 12 نشستیں موجود نہیں تھیں پھر بھی مسئلہ کشمیر زندہ تھا۔

1974

سے 2026 تک یہ نشستیں موجود ہیں تو کیا اس دوران مسئلہ کشمیر حل ہو گیا؟

حقیقت یہ ہے کہ ان نشستوں کے ہونے یا نہ ہونے سے مسئلہ کشمیر کی حیثیت میں کوئی بنیادی تبدیلی نہیں آئی۔ البتہ ان نشستوں نے سیاسی انجینئرنگ اقتدار کے توازن پر اثراندازی اور مخصوص طبقات کو نوازنے کا ذریعہ ضرور فراہم کیا۔

اگر ان نشستوں کا مقصد مسئلہ کشمیر کو اجاگر کرنا تھا تو نصف صدی سے زائد عرصہ گزرنے کے باوجود اس کا کوئی عملی نتیجہ سامنے نہیں آیا۔

لہٰذا وقت آ گیا ہے کہ مہاجرین کی 12 نشستوں کو ختم کیا جائے ۔

یہ بارہ نشستیں صرف سیاسی جوڑ توڑ کے لیے رکھی گئی ہیں۔ مسلہ کشمیر سے انکا کوئی تعلق نہیں ۔ 

English translation:

From 1947 to 1974 (that is 27 years) there weren't 12 (Legislative Assembly) seats reserved for refugees, yet the 'Kashmir Issue' remained alive.

From 1974 to 2026 these (12 refugee seats) have existed. In this period, has the 'Kashmir Issue' been resolved?

In actual fact, whether or not these (12 refugee) seats exist hasn't made any fundamental difference to the status of the 'Kashmir Issue'. However, these seats have certainly enabled opportunity for political engineering, affected the balance of power (in the Assembly) and provided favour (or reward) to certain (specific) interest groups. 

If the purpose of these seats was to raise awareness about the Kashmir Issue then despite over half a century elapsing, no practical result has ever emerged.

Thus, the time has come to terminate these 12 seats for refugees.

These 12 seats have only been used (kept) to make or break political alliances. They have no significance in relation the 'Kashmir Issue'.

Message No 2 of 2:

اگرپاکستان کےحکمرانوں کوکشمیری مہاجرین سےاتناہی پیارھےتو انکوپاکستان کی اسمبلی میں 12نشستیں دےدیں ۔  ویسےبھی وہ رہتے توپاکستان میں ھیں، انکاآذادکشمیرکےمعاملات سےکیالینادینا؟ 

English translation:

If Pakistan's ruling elite have so much love & affection for Kashmiri refugees, then they should give them 12 seats in Pakistan's National (Legislative) Assembly. After all, they do live in Pakistan. What concerns do they have (share) with matters in Azad Kashmir?

End of text messages and translations..

..

Now, let's listen to the Pakistani clandestine agency operative's audio response to these innocuous text messages on WhatsApp:

Here's this operative 'Kamran's phone number: 0309 9297123

I have referenced this issue in today's daily FaceBook Live video podcast, which can be accessed here. It should be remembered that such threats are rife throughout AJK & GB (as well as in Indian-controlled Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh), which solidifies the allegation that India & Pakistan's 'ground forces' in the territory of JKA devote most resources and manpower in trying to control the public narrative on either side, in favour of their respective countries.

Update: 0232hrs (03/06/2026)

Inevitably, certain alarm bells rang in response to the post above, asking for it to be deleted! 

Well, nothing of public interest has ever been deleted before, despite similar requests over the past 2 decades. Once the arrow has left the bow, there is nothing stopping it!

These tactics are ridiculously out-dated.

....

کسی نے پوچھا مکالمہ کیا ہے؟

میں نے جواب دیا

ڈائیلاگ - دلائل - تحقیق - تحریر

جموں کشمیر کی تقدیر کا فیصلہ یہاں کے لوگوں کی تدبیر سے ہونا چاہیے....

اور اس کے لیے مکالمہ کا راستہ ماہانہ، وہ وقت کی ضرورت ہے....بہت بہت شکریہ۔

 JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #U214702062026 

....

Since we are on the topic of 12 refugee seats, here's an opinion piece by Shams Rehman:

# Refugee Seats: Representation or Political Intervention?

**By Shams Rehman**

The most common argument made in favour of the seats reserved in the Azad Kashmir Assembly for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan is that these seats are linked to the Kashmir question and to the political identity of displaced Kashmiris living in Pakistan. It is argued that if these seats are abolished, a symbolic connection with the Kashmir dispute will be weakened and the political identity of the refugees will be undermined.

At first sight, this argument appears emotional and important. But its practical implications also need to be examined. If the purpose is only to preserve identity, symbolic representation and a political connection with the Kashmir question, then it is not necessary to give these seats a full political and governmental role in the Azad Kashmir Assembly. A better, clearer and more limited form of symbolic representation can be devised for that purpose.

For example, refugee representation could be arranged on the pattern of technical or professional representation. Alternatively, a small number of symbolic seats could be retained whose purpose is limited to consultation, identity and the expression of historical association with the Kashmir question. A separate representative forum could also be created where Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan may present their views, issues and political position. But they should not have a decisive role in the making or breaking of governments in Azad Kashmir, nor in the formation of ministries, budgetary allocations or Assembly majorities.

Some commentators and analysts are also trying to create the impression that the Joint Awami Action Committee does not see the corruption of those Assembly members who are elected from within the territorial limits of Azad Kashmir. In my view, this objection is misplaced. The truth is that this entire public movement has emerged precisely against corruption, clan-based politics, misuse of authority, politics of privileges and an anti-people style of governance. Therefore, turning this debate into “Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan versus the people of Azad Kashmir” is neither correct nor constructive.

The real question is not about insulting any community or population. The real question is about the principle of representation. If representatives elected from within Azad Kashmir are corrupt, the people can directly hold them accountable. They can protest against them. They can reject them in elections. But the refugee constituencies based in Pakistan are outside the geographical, administrative and public sphere of Azad Kashmir. Yet they continue to play a decisive role in the formation of the Azad Kashmir government, in ministries and in the distribution of public resources. That is the fundamental issue.

There is another important aspect of this debate. Refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir also live inside Azad Kashmir. The question is: who represents them? If these refugees are living within Azad Kashmir and are part of the same society, economy, administrative system and public problems, then their representation takes place through the local constituencies of Azad Kashmir. They vote in the areas where they live, they are part of the same political system, and they are directly affected by the policies of the same government. By contrast, the refugee constituencies based in Pakistan are not part of the everyday administrative sphere of Azad Kashmir.

The basic question is this: what is the practical jurisdiction of the Azad Kashmir Assembly? Constitutionally and politically, it is often viewed in the wider context of the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir. But in practical terms, this Assembly governs only the areas administered as Azad Kashmir. Its budget, administration, development schemes, government departments, local bodies, education, health, roads and day-to-day governance are directly related to the people living in Azad Kashmir. Refugee constituencies based in Pakistan are not part of this practical administrative framework.

For this reason, giving these seats decisive power in the formation of the Azad Kashmir government is neither democratically justified nor administratively reasonable. Identity and symbolic connection have their own importance, but they cannot be used to weaken the right of representation of the people of Azad Kashmir.

At this stage, the Joint Awami Action Committee should also reconsider its position of complete abolition. If a clear, limited and dignified formula of symbolic representation can be developed to preserve the Kashmir question, refugee identity and historical connection, it can be accepted in principle. The strength of people’s movements does not lie only in taking rigid positions. It also lies in proposing fair and workable solutions that protect the people’s right to self-governance while also respecting sensitive historical identities.

Similarly, the government side must abandon its delaying tactics regarding the implementation of the Muzaffarabad Agreement and electoral reforms. If the government genuinely wants to prevent the situation from moving towards confrontation, it must show seriousness, transparency and immediate practical action. Continuous delays, vague statements and time-buying politics do not reduce public anxiety; they deepen it.

The better way forward is to preserve the Kashmiri identity of the refugees, their historical status and their connection with the Kashmir question, while limiting these seats to symbolic, consultative or specific representation. This would neither break the link with the Kashmir issue, nor erase refugee identity, nor allow external constituencies to continue influencing the public mandate inside Azad Kashmir.

Let the Azad Kashmir Assembly deal with the problems of the people of Azad Kashmir. Let refugee representation be given a dignified but limited symbolic form. The Action Committee should seriously consider a workable middle path, and the government must implement agreements and reforms instead of allowing the situation to deteriorate further. 

This path is democratic, just, practical, and much closer to the real spirit of the Kashmir question.

#RightsMovementAJK 

#AzadKashmir 

#jammukashmir 

#Mirpur

end of article..

It can be accessed and read at this link on FaceBook.

..

My comment in response to the article above:

12 refugee seats and representation vis a vis 'The Kashmir Question' is a charade, not least as in practical terms every political leader from Sheikh Abdullah & Mufti Sayeed to Sardar Ibrahim & K H Khurshid were actively prevented from representing the interests of their State.

If these local leaders had little representation, what representation do the local people within the State think they are getting, let alone those living for decades and across generations in Pakistani Punjab or Indian Rajasthan?

Most of us are analysing our current predicament on the basis of well designed obfuscation by the British since 1947. Thus, self serving assumptions taught to India & Pakistan to befool the people of JKA have been considered as some kind of 'Authority' devolved to these countries by the United Nations, when in reality no such devolution occurred. We have been tricked to replace demilitarisation with devolution.

As far as the Pakistan Establishment is concerned, there is ample evidence to suggest that they are not inclined to obey public will or cater to public interest in AJK. Their country has not been designed for such a benign purpose.

In the words of the late Abdul Majeed Malik (X CJ of AJK High Court) Pakistan needs to concentrate on demilitarisation as advised by the UN, not falsely assume that they have some sort of responsibility in AJK (& GB), which even if they wanted to, they could not fulfil.

end of comment..

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 245 of 2025

0316hrs:

I'm counting down the days left in the year, as well as automatically counting the days already behind us this year, courtesy this daily weblog.

Inclusive of today, there are still 121 days left. If I manage to get up at 0300hrs every morning and sleep at 2000hrs (8pm) every evening until the end of this year, then I can guarantee that there will be fireworks in this region.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 244 of 2025

0957hrs:

A little over 121 days remain to make a breakthrough in #RightsMovementAJK to the extent of giving solid shape to a genuinely free government in AJK.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 36 of 2025

1715hrs:

12 hours and 15 minutes later than it should have been. 

A day of changing directions but remaining on course. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 31 of 2025

2359hrs:

I almost lost my 100% record today. I had tried to log in the evening and despite wandering throughout the compound of the darbar of Mohra Sharif for over an hour, I couldn't make a connection. 

I then made another attempt just before midnight and just about succeeded, with seconds to spare. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 30 of 2025

1434hrs:

9 hours and 34 minutes after the intended daily start. I did try and input these details at c. 0700hrs this morning but the absence of internet connectivity prevented me from doing so. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 29 of 2025

1010hrs:

5 hours and 10 minutes later than intended. A lot less to do with any deficiency on my part on this occasion. The absence of internet connectivity played a larger role today. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 28 of 2025

1316hrs:

Inputting this blog entry 8 hours and 16 minutes later than I should have, despite waking up at 0700hrs today. I leapt into my morning walk on an empty stomach and then have only now got round to this daily duty. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 27 of 2025

1112hrs:

Logging this entry 6 hours and 12 minutes later than I should have. 

Nevertheless my 24 hour daily routine is becoming more efficient. I slept at 0030hrs last night and woke at 0730hrs. Ideally, I would like to sleep at 2000hrs every evening and wake up at 0300hrs every morning. For that, I would have to re-schedule our daily Spaces on X from 2100hrs (9pm) to 2300hrs (11pm). A more apt time would be 1800hrs (6pm) to 2000hrs (8pm), which I aim to do in due course. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 26 of 2025

0934hrs:

I'm making today's entry 4 hours and 34 minutes later than I should have but it is a marked improvement on the last couple of days. 

I have however, missed out on my morning walk on an empty stomach after successfully doing so for the previous 8 days. I will resume this crucial feature in my typical day tomorrow. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 324 of 2024

1415hrs:

We will be using today's date to provide a documented timeline of content and communication generated with respect to the transparent efforts of Kotli's Zubair Bhatti to return to his ancestral homeland in moza (village) Gould, tehsil (subdivision) Mendhar, district Poonch in Indian-controlled Jammu & Kashmir. A journey which he has been mulling over and consulting with many of his co-citizens for the past 2 years. 

It was about 3 months ago that he gave his first public statement to the media in relation to his intended plan to return to the land of his ancestors, by crossing the LOC in broad daylight and by giving ample notice to all 'Authorities' concerned. 

This procedure is being adopted in the interests of presenting a transparent, creative and peaceful initiative to our people in Jammu Kashmir & Allied (areas) and by logical extension to the rest of the world.

The unfolding improvised OBM (Ownership-Building-Measure)

Just so that everybody is clear on how communication with all concerned entities, in relation to Zubair Bhatti's quest to return to his ancestral homeland across the LOC, has proceeded thus far.

Zubair Bhatti began this journey on his 60th birthday on Sunday the 10th of November 2024, from the district courts complex in Kotli. He managed to walk up to Supply Bazaar (enroute to Nikyaal) by the evening of Wednesday the 13th of November 2024, before he was arrested by local police, taken back to the city's police station, where he was made to spend the night before being transferred to the district jail in the city, on the morning of Thursday the 14th of November 2024.

He continued to languish in jail (He was unconditionally released on Monday the 23rd of December 2024, having spent c. 40 days in jail) without any documentation of charges being provided to him, though verbally informed that his actions could create a fresh conflict between India & Pakistan, bringing the local population along the LOC (coinciding with his route) in mortal danger. Hence, a draconian British colonial law under some digit of MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) had been verbally conveyed to him.     

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We will adopt a reverse chronological procedure to document all important aspects of this issue (with the latest developments showing first, while those who are further interested in this matter will be able to scroll down to obtain deeper context):

The following record also includes public statements on this issue provided by notable people throughout our territory (AJK) and beyond:

Thu 09/01/2025:

Zubair Bhatti had his first date at the court since his release on the 23rd of December 2024. He was due to enter his plea. However, the court appeared to have other priorities and his case was adjourned till the 9th of February 2025.

..

Sun 05/01/2025:

While in jail, Zubair Bhatti had written a 3rd letter to the DC on the 12th of December 2024, hoping to present it to him in person, if possible. That was not to be and here he is, reading out the letter on video, on this day:

The YouTube video above is also available at the following hyperlink

For the record, the actual letter is provided below:

Page 1 of 5

Page 2 of 5

Page 3 of 5

Page 4 of 5

Page 5 of 5

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Sat 04/01/2025:

Zubair Bhatti has released an Urdu video statement today updating us on what has transpired over the past 2 months of this struggle and how he plans to proceed with this struggle to return home:

The YouTube video above can also be accessed from the following hyperlink

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Fri 03/01/2025:

We have just retrospectively updated our page at: 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 137 of 2024 

related to an AJK High Court decision (on 13/05/2024) to quash the arbitrary and ill-intended use of 3 MPO to detain a couple of lawyers in Kotli during the #RightsMovementAJK activity in May last year. It can be accessed from the hyperlink above. 

Sun 29/12/2024:

Despite severe net connectivity issues, we tried to conduct an interview of Zubair Bhatti, asking him to summarise his experience in detention and subsequent strategy to return to his ancestral home:

   

The Facebook interview above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

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Sat 28/12/2024:

Sikander Janjua of Dabsi in tehsil Nikyaal (adjoining Lanjot which is partly on the other side of the divide, which adjoins Zubair Bhatti's and Sikander's ancestral village of Gould in tehsil Mendhar) reminisces over a photo of his village, which he posted on Facebook 11 years ago, on this day:

The Facebook post above may be accessed from this hyperlink

.. 

Mon 23/12/2024:

So, after 40 days the local court relieves Zubair Bhatti of his agonising incarceration after 40 days, without the conditions of surrender the 'Authorities' were so desperately seeking up till this morning:

Yet another victory for public interest in AJK. This particular victory is not so minor, in terms of its implications.

The Facebook video above can be accessed from the following hyperlink

..   

Sat 21/12/2024:

We have just completed the documentation that we wanted to get to DC (DM) Kotli (Please refer to the documentation cited below for Mon 16/12/2024).

The last (remaining) document was the affidavit, which involved us having to visit the jail with a notary public accompanying us, whilst also gaining special permission from the jail superintendent in order to facilitate this meeting.

Here's the document, which will be submitted to the DC (DM) Kotli on Monday morning:

The above activity was also summarised in a live video from the courts:

The Facebook live video above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

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Thu 19/12/2024:

As public pressure on the 'Authorities' intensifies, a caged photo of Zubair Bhatti is published as an ominous warning:

The Facebook post above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

_

On this day, we received another huge vote of confidence from Rawalakot. Sitting alongside Rasheed Khan (whose video statement we re-produced 2 days ago; has Sajaad Afzal (lead role with Sarorajia Party) sitting to his immediate right, Yasir Irshad (also with Sarorajia Party) sitting to Rasheed's extreme right and Sardar Saajid (former district convenor of JKLF) sitting to Rasheed's left:

The video statement courtesy JKTV can also be accessed from the following hyperlink

..

Tue 17/12/2024:

Dr Nazir Gilani continues to diligently monitor the evolving case of Zubair Bhatti, as can be noted from this post today:

The Facebook post above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

_

Naeem Tabassum

The case of Zubair Bhatti Sahib is noteworthy and extremely important in many aspects, especially in the context of human rights, the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people, and the right of freedom and movement of the people living in Kashmir on both sides. Zubair Bhatti's arrest has highlighted some of the weaknesses in the state system and ongoing politics between the two countries.

Zubair Bhatti's desire to go to his native village is a natural human right. The Kashmiri people are victims of a conflict that has cut them off from their kinship, culture, and land for decades. Their arrest and imprisonment shows the extent to which political differences in our region have affected human values and fundamental rights.

This case is not only a question mark for Pakistan's justice system, but also brings into question the claims of both India and Pakistan's commitment to the Kashmiri people. The Kashmiri people have been scapegoated in the political narratives of both sides, and the arrest of Zubair Bhatti seems to be another link in this chain.

Zubair Bhatti's case illustrates that the state system operates only in the national interest, and individual human rights are often ignored. If a person only wishes to return to his roots and is imprisoned, it is a serious question mark on the legal and political system of both countries.

The solution to this issue should be that both countries ensure freedom of movement for the Kashmiri people on humanitarian grounds. Taking the cases of persons like Zubair Bhatti as an example, both the countries should revise their policies so that the Kashmiri people are not deprived of their basic human liberties.

This case is not only a demand for the release of Zubair Bhatti but also a sign that the people of both parts of Kashmir should have the right to meet each other, reach their roots, and live in peace and dignity.

Naeem Tabassum of tehsil Rawalakot in district Poonch is a textile engineer and is serving as a successful entrepreneur in his professional life. With his hard work and dedication, he has achieved a prominent position in the business sector and is contributing to the development and prosperity of the area through his professional skills.

_

We also received a video statement in favour of Zubair Bhatti's struggle from Rawalakot, in the shape of veteran activist Rasheed Khan, a senior leader of the JKLF, courtesy Aali News:

 

The video statement above can also be accessed from the following hyperlink

..

Mon 16/12/2024:

Dr Jahangir of Bagh, a prominent representative of the business community in Sudhan Gali and its Awami Action Committee provides a statement in favour of Zubair Bhatti's effort to return to his ancestral home. Alongside him are other members of the committee:  

This statement can also be accessed from this hyperlink

_

Earlier in the day, we began collecting documentation to provide to DC Kotli, so that the latter holds no ambiguities as to Zubair Bhatti's intentions, to return to his ancestral home across the enforced divide. It should also be noted, that the local administration is trying to use its 'agents' on the ground, to try and desperately dissuade Zubair Bhatti from aspiring to return home and effectively surrender his right.

The Facebook video above can also be accessed from the following hyperlink

What are these documents?

1) A petition written to the DC (DM) of Kotli by Dr Nazir Gilani:

2) Highlighted reference to paragraph 12 of United Nations Security Council Resolution number 47 of the 21st of April 1948, extracted and re-produced here:

3) State Subject Certificate of Zubair Bhatti:

4) Proof of Zubair Bhatti's ancestral home in village Gould, tehsil Mendhar, district Poonch; courtesy his cross LOC permit, which he used to travel in 2016:

Now, what remains is an affidavit - signed by Zubair Bhatti - that expressly clarifies his peaceful intent to return to his ancestral home, which the 'Authorities' are so intent on trying to make him compromise on; in order that they may continue to personally reap benefits from an inhumane system, enduring for almost 78 years.

..

Sun 15/12/2024:

Shah Nawaz Ali Sher Advocate of Nikyaal (the very tehsil adjacent to Zubair Bhatti's village of Gould on the other side of the LOC) provided the following statement in Urdu, urging the 'Authorities' to re-think their behaviour and acknowledge Mr. Bhatti fundamental right, to travel back to his ancestral home. This statement had the support of the tehsil lawyer's bar association:

The statement above was summarised at the following hyperlink

The above statement also featured on the Samaj Badlo Tehreek Nikyaal (Urdu) Facebook page. It can be accessed from the following hyperlink

It also received press coverage as indicated by the image below:

_

On this day, prominent activist Shafqat Gilani also released a statement urging the 'Authorities' to unconditionally release Zubair Bhatti, else a formidable public movement for the latter's release be invoked:

The press statement above can be accessed from the following hyperlink

Here's the statement in full:

..

Sat 14/12/2024:

In light of DC (DM) Kotli's attitude towards Zubair Bhatti's issue, Dr Nazir Gilani has used the Urdu phrase "Aah Bel Mujhe Maar" (Come bull, come and hit me!) to describe how the DC is exposing himself to all kinds of public ire:

The Facebook note above can be accessed from this hyperlink

_

Here is a short statement from Muhammad Kareem of Baitak tehsil Baloch in district Sudhnoti:

This issue is beyond the jurisdiction of DC. This needs to be taken up with UN to have meeting with India and Pak high commissioners to find a way out for this issue.

..

Thu 12/12/2024:

Today was an important day, as we had mobilised about 50 co-citizens from throughout the district of Kotli (including an important journalist from district Bhimber, tehsil Smaahni namely Choudhary Fazal Ur Rehman), to form a civil society delegation. In order to submit this documented record (updated to yesterday viz. 11/12/2024) to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or District Magistrate (DM) Kotli and suggest that he review his illegal detainment of Zubair Bhatti. 

The following is an assortment of content created throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

The delegation enters the DC's office: 

The material above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

-

The delegation comes out of the DC's office:

The material above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

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Various other content captured in the vicinity: 

The material above can also be accessed from this hyperlink 

-

Although I didn't accompany the delegation to the DC's office (for a number of principled and historic reasons), I did wait at the district lawyer's bar association's compound, where - soon after - we conducted a reasonably detailed public briefing, to summarise what had transpired at the above-mentioned meeting:

The YouTube video above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

..

Wed 11/12/2024:

The following video statement is of Aapa Shaheen, who is a UK returnee and a very vocal voice for the liberation of our territory:

 

The Facebook video above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

..

Tue 10/12/2024:

Yesterday evening (Mon 09/12/2024) Zubair Bhatti was taken from district jail Kotli to City police station Kotli for questioning. In the morning today, he was presented in court for the first time since his arrest on the 13th of November. He was taken back to jail soon after. The following is a video that we made with Zubair's brother Baabar Bhatti accompanying us:

The Facebook video above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

..

Thu 05/12/2024:

The following video statement in favour of Zubair Bhatti's stance is provided by Journalist Choudhary Fazal Ur Rehman of Chahi Smaahni. He also happens to live along the LOC:

 

The Facebook video above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

_

On this day we also learned that Zubair Bhatti has an FIR (First Information Report) filed against him too, in addition to the 3 MPO ordered by the deputy commissioner of Kotli. It was issued on the 18th of November and the complainant is - once again - the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kotli, Nasir Rafiq. 

This role also doubles up as the District Magistrate (DM). 

The charges are under 13 MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) and he is essentially being blackmailed, to give an assurance (with a bond) promising that he will not embark on this journey 'Back to Home', to his ancestral land across the LOC. 

The Urdu text will be translated into English in due course: 

    

An English translation of the FIR (First Information Report) above:

(words in brackets are for clarity, description of image above or emphasis)

Chapter Number: 24    (3 alif? and anything else above number 24? We are waiting to verify with original copy of whole FIR)

Book Number: 1

17 (Printed in red ink)

Superintendent Police District Kotli (stamped)

First information report related to a prosecutable crime as police report under section 154 of criminal prosecution code dated (time etc.) 13 November 2024

Accusation Number: 564/24        Police Station: City Police Kotli

(Boxed table)

1) Date & Time of Report:        

Dated: 18/11/2024 Timed: 1000hrs day

2) Name (&) Address of informant/complainant:     

Major (retired) Nasir Rafiq District Magistrate Kotli

3) Brief description of crime / section of law / if something is lost: 

13 MPO (Maintenance of Public Order)

4) Location of incident from police station (distance) and direction from police station: 

Location Qamrooti at a distance of 30 kilometres eastwards

5) Name (&) Address of accused:  

Zubair Bhatti son of Muhammad Sadiq Bhatti 

Tribe: Bhatti 

Resident of Dhamol tehsil & district Kotli

6) If a delay is warranted in actionable proceedings of concerned investigation, then provide reasoning:

The case has been filed on the order of the writer (complainant)

(End of boxed table)  Presumably a contact number has also been written vertically. It reads as 0321 5100426

Signature: (of SHO / Station House Officer)    Designation: Muhammad Shehzad Choudhary Inspector SHO

First (initial) report be written below:

The Free Government of the State of State of Jammu & Kashmir - Office of the District Magistrate Kotli - Reader 1667/2024 dated 15 November 2024.

Respected Superintendent Police Kotli under the title (subject) of acting upon rules Asalaam u Alaikum (Peace be upon you) 

The issue as centred on the title (above) with reference to your letter number SP/Reader/13389-90/2024 dated 15/11/24 is written thus:

Withal (Latin: as a further factor of consideration) Zubair Bhatti son of Muhammad Sadiq Bhatti - tribe: Bhatti - resident of Dhamol - tehsil & district Kotli was ordered that he must not enter an(y) area that is adjacent to 5 kilometres from the LOC, under section 5 of Maintenance of Public Order - Act 1985. 

That, if he is within the boundary of tehsil Fatehpur Thakyala (an administratively enforced political change in the name of sub-division that has historically been referred to as Nikyaal) then he must immediately leave (that tehsil/sub-division) and furnish a personal bond of 1 lakh (100,000 rupees). That he must also (additionally) furnish 2 bonds (assurance bonds by other citizens) of 1 lakh (each), providing assurance that he will not conduct such an act under any circumstances.  

Withal the aforementioned Zubair Bhatti - in the absence of this writer presented himself to the additional deputy commissioner (respected General) face to face but he did not submit a personal or (2) assurance bonds (as prescribed).  

Withal he continued his journey towards the LOC (and) tehsil Fatehpur Thakyala (Nikyaal), defying section 5 of the Maintenance of Public Order - Act 1985.

A cause de cy (Latin: for this reason) an FIR should be lodged against Zubair Bhatti son of Muhammad Sadiq Bhatti - tribe: Bhatti - resident of: Dhamol - tehsil & district: Kotli to complete the code of conduct (legal proceedings) necessary for the (alleged) crime of violating section 5 of the Maintenance of Public Order - Act 1985, as per signature in English letters by the District Magistrate.

The respected SHO in light of the written record (above) must undertake legal proceedings and furnish a report within 3 days.

SP (Superintendent) district Kotli as per signature in English letters (reference) DN0-13425/SP ' CR-175/SP sent for action by police station as written above. Upon receipt (of order) via post it has been written (copied) letter by letter in light of the categories (of crime) as mentioned in box 3 above (namely 13 MPO), a criminal offence has (allegedly) been committed by the accused (mentioned) in box number 5. 

(Thus) a case - accusation of the crime as referenced above has been registered and completion of record is underway. Requests for copies are passim (Latin: widely scattered or being made throughout).  

(back page)

Investigation of the case has proceeded as per written instructions) by your servant (subordinate)....(followed by signature of) 

Inspector SHO City police station Kotli

End of translation of FIR....

..

Wed 04/12/2024:

The following is a written statement in Urdu from Advocate Azhar Shah Kazmi in reference to Zubair Bhatti's predicament. It is also ironic that Kazmi Sahaab also hails from the tehsil of Nikyaal on the LOC:

A translation in English of the Urdu statement above:

Zubair Bhatti's historic and unusually brave struggle to re-unite divided Kashmiri families across the LOC - indeed to erase this Line of Control - are steps through which the movement for the freedom of Kashmir are being highlighted to the world afresh.

I salute your brave and long struggle.

This incarceration and struggle will have long term effects. 

His (Zubair Bhatti's) innocent (baseless) imprisonment by the government and administration, is condemnable.

In total solidarity with the honourable Zubair Bhatti, his family and colleagues; I assure them that within the ambit of the law & constitution, I will selflessly provide pro bono legal services to secure his release. 

Wasalaam

Syed Ali Azhar Shah Kazmi Advocate Kotli     

_

On this day we also obtained a video statement (in Urdu) from Dr Iftikhar Mughal, who is the former secretary-general of Jammu Kashmir Liberation League (JKLL) and a member of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) Mirpur:

 

The YouTube (Short) video above may also be accessed from the following hyperlink 

_

It took 22 days of Zubair Bhatti's incarceration for us to receive a written record of the 'alleged' grounds of his detention. Prior to today, Zubair had only been verbally read out his charge(s):

It would be in order to translate the above document into English:

(Letterhead):

The Free Government of the State of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the District Magistrate Kotli

(Content):

(Note: words in brackets and spaces are of this writer for ease of understanding) 

Superintendent Police Kotli under number: SP/Reader 2024/13234-35 

dated 11/11/2024 

has reported that (the following) named 

Muhammad Zubair Bhatti son/of Muhammad Sadiq Bhatti resident (of) Dhamol, tehsil (subdivision) & district Kotli 

was trying to cross the LOC via village Lanjot, tehsil Fatehpur Thakyala (Nikyaal), to go to the ancestral home of his parents in Mendhar, Poonch, Occupied Kashmir. 

The named has begun this adventure as "Back to Home" Kotli to Mendhar and has proceeded towards the LOC in walking mode. The (above) mentioned via various social media (platforms) is urging people to also join him in this adventure -  without someone else - there is a danger that the (above) mentioned is urging other innocent, un-armed people to join him (in his march) towards the LOC, as a result of which the occupying Indian army would be enraged. 

In this way, the (above) mentioned will not only put the life and wealth of the citizens living on the LOC in danger, that (furthermore) - in fact - the loss of human life is very likely. Such an individual must be collectively and individually prevented from such an endeavour, (hence) preventive action is necessary.

Thus, I, Nasir Rafiq, District Magistrate Kotli, with the powers conferred to me under article 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Act 1985 - bringing them into force - I give the order (that) namely Muhammad Zubair Bhatti son/of Muhammad Sadiq Bhatti resident of Dhamol, tehsil & district Kotli be taken into protective custody for the period of 30 days, to be detained in district jail Kotli.  

This order to be enacted upon with immediate effect.

(Stamp and signature of District Magistrate Kotli)

(Number reader/2024/1640-45 dated 13 November 2024)

A copy of the above to:

1) Secretary Law & Parliamentary Affairs - The Free Government of the State of Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad.

2) Special Secretary Interior - The Free Government of the State of Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad.

3) Commissioner, Mirpur Division, Mirpur.

4) Deputy Inspector General Police Region, Mirpur.

5) Superintendent of Police, District Kotli for immediate abiding of order.

6) Superintendent District Jail, Kotli.

....end of order and English translation

..

Fri 29/11/2024:

Zubair Bhatti writes his 2nd letter to the District Commissioner (DC) of Kotli - via the jail superintendent - in reference to his demand to be released from baseless detention in Kotli jail:

A summary in English of the Urdu letter above:

That the DC by not ordering his (Zubair Bhatti's) release continues to infringe on the latter's fundamental freedoms with baseless charges and is thus wasting the precious time of the complainant.

(Note: the date 13 October in the first paragraph of the letter as his date of arrest should read as the 13th of November)

In this letter he references the detainment of some activists of a non State (foreign namely PTI) political party for 10 days - apparently under the same MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) rule, as used against Mr. Bhatti. 

These activists were released without even an application whereas he mentions his earlier letter of the 23rd of November, in which he makes his own application for release. Bhatti Sb. is amazed at the discrimination he is facing in his own country.

Hence, his written appeal (demand) for release once again and that any protest that he decides to conduct (in jail), will be final and conclusive. 

Written at 1100hrs on 29/11/2024 

..

Mon 25/11/2024:

A seasoned European political scientist - who we will keep anonymous for the moment - with a good grasp of our region as well as other conflict zones in the world, sent us the following note:

"This is indeed a very good action. The only sad outcome so far is that Zubair Bhatti is now in jail, which is ridiculous. I hope he will be released quickly, because the charges are laughable. I would rather fear for his safety and life while crossing the LOC and entering India: I wouldn't be surprised if the Indian army would fire shots at him with the intention to kill him, but even if he managed to mysteriously cross the LOC, he would be arrested there and probable charged (and tortured) for espionage."

My response:

Well, he is acting in a very transparent way, walking only in broad daylight giving due notice to all 'Authorities' concerned of his intent - both regionally and internationally - and thus, there is no need to shoot at him or even arrest him. Indeed, if he were to be arrested on the other side, he would have some arguments to present in a court of law.

His response in turn (1):

Yes, I can see that and I am all aware that he is taking all precautions and making his rightful journey, in a most publicized and transparent way. However, there is a risk that the 'Authorities' on both sides may like to give a warning to the population with the shots. Hopefully not, and I do think this is a rather distant possibility.

My response in turn (1):

Yes...that is true and the possibility is always there.

..

Sat 23/11/2024:

Zubair Bhatti writes his first public letter from jail addressed to the Deputy Commissioner (district Kotli) via the jail superintendent, seeking immediate release: 

A summary in English of the Urdu letter above:

Bhatti Sb. describes himself as a peaceful law-abiding citizen, operating well within his rights as a first class citizen of the State, who has devoted much of his life in service of humanity, via the education sector. Neither has he committed any such act that would create disturbance or chaos in society. Not only is his detention an infringement of his basic rights but also a dark stain for a nascent democratic society.

Further, that the Deputy Commissioner (DC) should use his powers to immediately release him from jail, otherwise he (Zubair Bhatti) will have no option but to protest his innocence, which could also result in a hunger strike till his release.

Written at 1000hrs on 23/11/2024 

..

Wed 20/11/2024:

The following is what we can describe as both a public and legal note by the foremost jurist on the UN template on JKA - namely Dr Nazir Gilani - on Zubair Bhatti's case. It begins in Urdu but ends with some notes in English:

(The following text is the English part of his note):

1) Arresting Zubair Bhatti for attempting to exercise his legitimate right to return to his ancestral home violates these fundamental rights.

2) The preventive detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) is arbitrary and not proportionate to the individual's peaceful intent.

3) His family migrated from Mendhar during 1947 conflict,  making the area his ancestral home.

4) His actions are motivated by a desire to reconnect with his roots, not to disturb public order 

5) The case has Humanitarian element. Walking to Mendhar is a symbolic act of tracing his history and there is no evidence to suggest any malicious intent.

6) Peaceful walk does not constitute a threat to public safety or order

7) Detention under the MPO requires the government to prove that the individual posed a risk to  public order.  In this case his intent and actions were harmless

Under constitutional jurisprudence, any preventive action must be proportionate to the perceived threat. Arresting someone for walking to their ancestral home fails this test.

Government of Azad Kashmir should make an urgent reference to UNMOGIP and to the UN.

I am in Rawalpindi and my services and advice are available to the parties.

Dr Gilani's note above can also be accessed on his Facebook wall at this hyperlink 

-

Quayyum Raja paid a visit to Zubair Bhatti in jail today and subsequently wrote an Urdu note on Facebook:

Quayyum Raja's note above can also be accessed on his Facebook wall at this hyperlink 

..   

Mon 18/11/2024:

The following is a video statement in English by Quayyum Raja of Khuiratta, a formidable freedom fighter with decades of experience, who also runs the Centre for Jammu Kashmir Public Diplomacy:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tanveer Ahmed (@tanveerahmed202415)

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

-

Earlier in the day we obtained a video statement (in Urdu) from Raja Haq Nawaz, who happens to be the stand-in chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF):

The YouTube (Short) video above is also available at this hyperlink 

-

Even earlier in the day, we met Zubair Bhatti for the second time in jail. This is the live video (in Urdu) - taken outside jail - after visiting him, along with his wife and son:

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

..

Sun 17/11/2024:

Professor (Retired) Zafar Khan, who also plays his role as diplomatic representative for the JKLF in the UK (He was part of the panel at the recent Oxford Union debate on an 'Independent Kashmir' on Thursday the 14th of November), had this written statement in English to offer:

I support Mr Zubair Bhatti's and that of any Kashmiri's right to visit their ancestral homes and meet their loved ones across the cease-fire line (CfL) in their forcibly divided homeland, Jammu Kashmir.

-

We received a written Urdu response to Zubair Bhatti's incarceration from a very senior stalwart of the JKLF - residing in the UK as well as in Akaalgarh AJK - namely Choudhary Saddique:

The above Urdu statement is translated thus:

Despite all the enmity between India & Pakistan both agree on one point, that they will not grant freedom to Kashmir. They are happy to distribute it amongst themselves but will not allow an independent State to emerge.  

-

The following JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note was written for activists on this day:

An Appeal to Activists:

(In reference to Zubair Bhatti's incarceration and prevention of a peaceful, transparent 'freedom of movement' initiative to return to his ancestral homeland) 

His unconditional release is an immediate demand but his fundamental right to return to his ancestral home, is also something that our people and all concerned activists in the world, should support. 

The action to indefinitely detain him under draconian British colonial law, for peacefully and transparently returning to his ancestral home across the LOC - in the absence of a formal procedure to do so - is a heinous crime against humanity and should be called out so, by all peace seeking socio-political organisations. 

2 arguments/points are pivotal in this issue:

1) The very country that secretly sends arms, ammunition and personnel to the other side of JKA - to instigate conflict - is the same country that has ordered the imprisonment of Zubair Bhatti, for peacefully and transparently (informing all concerned governing entities in advance) of his intention. 

The AJK government's verbal argument (they have not provided any written details of charges against him, to him or anybody else) that Zubair Bhatti's movement towards the LOC will create instability in the region (lead to a fresh conflict between India & Pakistan, thereby putting the lives of local inhabitants in danger), are unfounded and self-serving. 

2) The inhabitants of JKA cannot be left to the mercy (which doesn't exist) of neighbouring countries or the 'international community', to create conditions or circumstances for them to exercise their fundamental rights, which have been denied them with the collusion and tacit agreements of the very same entities, in practice. 

The people of this territory, particularly so-called AJK, given that they have obtained more political space through their own peaceful efforts, compared to the inhabitants of other parts of the erstwhile princely State; indicates that they have the responsibility to undertake creative peaceful, ethical, legal and democratic initiatives, to restore their own fundamental rights. 

Zubair Bhatti's initiative is one such measure, which we at JKA PUBLIC AGENCY have described as an example of an OBM (Ownership-Building-Measure), as described by this writer in an article for Srinagar's 'The Rising Kashmir' in April 2011, which was duly referenced by the pre-eminent political scientist Professor Richard Bonney, at a British parliamentary committee room 'Kashmir' conference, in May of that year. 

International humanitarian law also recognises the right of humans to resolve their own dilemmas and that is the essence of exercising the right to self-determination, as referenced in the UN Charter. 

OBMs reference

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #E162617112024

- 

The following is a YouTube video (short), with English text kindly put together by Claire Bidwell, who energetically runs the campaign 'Let Kashmir Decide': 

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

..

Fri 15/11/2024:

Saddaqat Mughal Kashmiri of Athmaqam in Neelam Valley, who heads his own faction of the JKLF (Nazriyati), has released a warning to the AJK 'Authorities', to release Zubair Bhatti or else he will give a wholesale call to the public of AJK, to march towards the LOC:

The video above is also available at this hyperlink 

-

This is a public statement (in Urdu) given outside district jail Kotli, after meeting Zubair Bhatti for the first time since his incarceration, along with his wife: 

 

 The video above is also available at this hyperlink

..

Thu 14/11/2024:

This is a public statement in English I gave outside district jail Kotli, on the afternoon after his arrest and subsequent incarceration:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tanveer Ahmed (@tanveerahmed202415)

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

..

Tue 12/11/2024

This is an English video statement on the culmination of Day 3 of his journey, whereby he has reached Phwag Mora, enroute from Kotli to Nikyaal:

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

_

The following interview in Urdu by AJK News, was taken of Zubair Bhatti, which also acknowledges his wife's involvement on this walk:

  

The Facebook video above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

..

Mon 11/11/2024:

An English interview by myself of Zubair Bhatti, at Kothian (enroute towards Nikyaal):

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tanveer Ahmed (@tanveerahmed202415)

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

-

Zubair Bhatti felt empowered by the visit of his wife, children and siblings on Day 2 of his journey 'Back to Home'. Here's his video statement in Urdu:

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

-

Earlier in the day Zubair Bhatti was interviewed (in Urdu) by tehsil Nikyaal press reporter Shehzad Ahmed Chibb, for Sadae Nakial News Facebook page. which has to date generated over 246,000 views (updated 06/01/2025):

The video above is also available at this hyperlink 

..

Sun 10/11/2024:

By nightfall on Day 1 of his journey, Zubair Bhatti reached Drer enroute from Kotli to Nikyaal. This is a video statement in Urdu that he published - which has accumulated almost 50,000 views thus far - giving us all an indication of the interest generated by his journey:

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

-

A local newspaper also took the initiative of announcing the commencement of Zubair Bhatti's journey 'Back to Home', as the latter likes to describe it:

This newspaper headline announcement can also be accessed here 

-

The first written (in Urdu) statement supporting Zubair Bhatti's endeavour, was from Gilgit division and specifically Ghizer district, namely from Shafqat Inqalabi:

The post above can be accessed from the following hyperlink

.. 

Sat 09/11/2024:

Although the letter referenced was written on the 1st of November and made available publicly, initially this writer (Tanveer Ahmed) had left it to Zubair Bhatti to forward it to all concerned 'Authorities'. We emailed them when Mr Bhatti requested us to do so:

The note above is also available at this hyperlink  

..

Fri 08/11/2024:

A clear advance notice to all concerned is given by Mr Bhatti on Facebook:

The post above is also available at this hyperlink

..

Thu 07/11/2024:

The following is a video interview (in Urdu) I took of Zubair Bhatti, 3 days before his intended journey back to his ancestral home, in broad daylight and by giving ample notice to all 'Authorities' concerned:

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

..

Fri 01/11/2024:

Zubair Bhatti discusses his intentions at length in an Urdu video statement, subsequent to the English letter written on his behalf, by JKA PUBLIC AGENCY to the 5 'Authorities' referenced:

The video above is also available at this hyperlink 

-

The letter has already been logged here on this weblog and can be accessed from the following hyperlink

..

Sun 27/10/2024:

This is the video statement in English by Zubair Bhatti, referenced (in the subsequent 01/11/2024 letter written by JKA PUBLIC AGENCY), addressed to the local governments on both sides of JKA, India, Pakistan and the United Nations Security Council:

The video above is also available at this hyperlink 

..

Sat 26/10/2024:

The following Facebook post gives details on Zubair Bhatti's visit to the district courts of Kotli to solicit legal opinion on his forthcoming journey from local lawyers:

An English translation of his Urdu post is merited:

Today, with regards to my 'Back To Home' journey I have come to meet the senior most lawyers of Kotli District Lawyer's Bar Association, in the presence of representatives of the city's trader's association (namely Malik Yaqoob and Anwaar Baig). I shared the details of my forthcoming programme and sought legal opinion. In unison, they all emphatically shared the opinion that there was no legal impediment to travel between either side of the divide. That there was no such law that prevented me (Zubair Bhatti) from going back home.

End of English translation.....

The Facebook post embedded above can also be accessed from this hyperlink

..

Thu 03/10/2024:

This was the first time Zubair Bhatti made his intentions public, via this Urdu video interview given to Zulfiqar Malik Dogra of JK Leaks (subsequently referenced in the 01/11/2024 letter to the International Community, as requested by Mr Bhatti to JKA PUBLIC AGENCY):

The video above is also available at this hyperlink

....