Islamabad: Senior leader All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM), Altaf Ahmed Bhat, paid glowing tributes to prominent Kashmiri leader Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai on his 5th martyrdom anniversary, remembering his steadfast commitment and lifelong struggle for the freedom and dignity of the Kashmiri people.
In a statement issued on Monday, Altaf Ahmed Bhat said that Ashraf Sehrai's death in Indian custody in Jammu on May 5, 2021, remains a stark reminder of the serious human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He strongly condemned the circumstances surrounding his custodial death and demanded an impartial and transparent investigation to ensure accountability.
'Ashraf Sehrai stood firm in the face of repression and never compromised on his principles,' Bhat said. 'His martyrdom is a collective loss for the Kashmiri nation and a symbol of resilience against injustice.'
He emphasized that Sehrai's mission continues to inspire generations and reaffirmed that the struggle for justice and self-determination will persist until its logical conclusion. He also paid tribute to Sehrai's son, Junaid Sehrai, who was martyred in May 2020, stating that the sacrifices of the Sehrai family reflect the unwavering spirit of the Kashmiri people.
Highlighting the plight of Kashmiri political prisoners, Altaf Ahmed Bhat said that several Hurriyat leaders continue to languish in Indian jails under harsh and inhumane conditions. He specifically mentioned Masarat Alam Bhat, Yaseen Malik, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Aasiya Andrabi, Fehmeeda Sofi, Naheeda Nasreen, and Dr. Abdul Hameed Fayaz, who remain incarcerated.
He said these detainees are routinely denied basic rights, including proper medical care, fair trials, and family access. 'Their continued imprisonment is aimed at silencing the legitimate political voice of the Kashmiri people,' he added.
Bhat further stressed that thousands of Kashmiri youth arrested after August 2019 also continue to remain behind bars, many without due process. He called for their immediate release, stating that 'detaining an entire generation will only deepen alienation and prolong the conflict.'
He strongly condemned the declaration of Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom in Imam Sahib, Shopian, as an unlawful institution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), terming the move a clear example of 'educational terrorism.
Bhat said the decision reflects a troubling pattern where institutions that serve the people, particularly the underprivileged, are being targeted under sweeping and harsh laws. He described the action as a 'flagrant injustice' against those sections of society that rely on such institutions for accessible and affordable education.
The JKSM Chairman urged the international community, human rights organizations, and the United Nations to take urgent notice of the worsening situation and press for the release of all political detainees.
He concluded by reaffirming solidarity with the families of martyrs and detainees, stating that the sacrifices rendered by the Kashmiri people will not go in vain and will continue to guide the movement until the realization of their right to self-determination.