1)
ایاز بٹ کی غیر مشروط اور باعزت رہائی۔اس گرفتاری کے بارے دو مختلف جج صاحبان نے 4 جولائی اور 26 جولائی 2025
کو سر اجلاس رولنگ دی ہے کہ یہ مقدمہ بنتا ہی نہیں۔ جب مقدمہ نہیں بنتا تو بندہ جیل میں کیوں؟
2)
آزاد جموں و کشمیر کی حکومت سے عوام کو ضمانت چاہیے کہ آئندہ کسی ریاستی کی تقریر و تحریر، نقل وحرکت کرنے، تنظیم سازی، اجتماع سازی اورجہاں مقامی قوانین ناکافی ہوں وہاں بین الاقوامی قوانین تک رسائی پر کوئی بیرونی، غیر قانونی ،غیر آئینی حوالداری مداخلت نہیں کی جائےگی۔
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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.
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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:
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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
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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
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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 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:
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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:
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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.
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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
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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
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
Here's the statement in full:
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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:
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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....
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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:
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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
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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
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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):
(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
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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:
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
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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.
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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:
Written at 1000hrs on 23/11/2024
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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:
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(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.
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Quayyum Raja paid a visit to Zubair Bhatti in jail today and subsequently wrote an Urdu note on Facebook:
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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:
The video above is also available at this hyperlink
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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
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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
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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:
The video above is also available at this hyperlink
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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
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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
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Mon 11/11/2024:
An English interview by myself of Zubair Bhatti, at Kothian (enroute towards Nikyaal):
The video above is also available at this hyperlink
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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
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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
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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
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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:
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The first written (in Urdu) statement supporting Zubair Bhatti's endeavour, was from Gilgit division and specifically Ghizer district, namely from Shafqat Inqalabi:
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
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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
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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:
