Gaw Kadal Massacre "I saw a dog eating a human arm"

Jagmohan was appointed on January 19, 1990. That night, in response to the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed and other militant attacks, Indian security forces conducted warrantless and thus illegal house-to-house searches in Srinagar, hunting for illegal weapons or other evidence of support to the militants. They dragged many people out of their beds into the bitter cold. Many Kashmiris complained that they were beaten and abused.Jagmohan maintains that he had nothing to do with the decision.

The next morning, as word of the searches and beatings began to spread, people began to pour out into the streets of Srinagar. From the mosques, loudspeakers urged Kashmiris to come out and fight for azaadi, or freedom. Thousands of Kashmiris gathered to protest the actions of the security forces.

The state government declared a curfew, but few if any Kashmiris observed it.It was early evening when one group of marchers reached the Gaw Kadal Bridge on Srinagar's Jhelum River. They were shouting slogans and some were pelting the soldiers with stones. Troops from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) opened fire into the crowd. Eyewitnesses say the shooting was a brutal and excessive use of lethal force against demonstrators. Many demonstrators were shot from behind as they turned to run away.Kashmiri news photographer Meraj-ud-din described the scene:

"When I reached Gaw Kadal, all I could see were the dead. I saw bodies of children, bodies of women, bodies of men.... Later they brought the bodies to the police compound. I saw them again. There I cried. I shouted, screamed. 'Don't do this to the people.' That day I saw everything."

Human Rights Watch, in its 1991 report on the shootings, criticized the killings and concluded that the use of lethal force was not proportional to the threat.

At least thirty-five people died. Many estimates put the toll near one hundred. Until then, this was the highest number of persons killed on a single day since the violence erupted in Jammu and Kashmir.The killings drew international attention. The London based daily,the Independent, carried an interview with one of the survivors, a thirty-eight-year-old mechanical engineer called Farooq Ahmad, who worked for the government:

"I was just standing watching the procession of Muslims demonstrating against India. It was curfew time and there were CRPF on both sides of the lane. They should have given a warning, telling people to go back to their rooms. But there was no warning, so people thought the procession was allowed. Then there were two shots in the air, and more shots, shots and shots – people were falling down. I also fell down. Someone pushed me down. The CRPF took control of the area. There were a lot of dead and injured. But I was safe, no bullet. Then came somebody, they said I was still alive, and that fellow, an officer, came with a Bren gun, a light machine gun. He aimed at me and started firing."

Farooq Ahmad survived. But few in Jammu and Kashmir have forgotten that incident. Human Rights Watch recently met with an eyewitness who recalled the events at Gaw Kadal.

"I remember that scene perfectly. There were so many people. I remember thinking that all of Srinagar must be out on the streets. They were shouting slogans and calling for freedom. There was a CRPF bunker just near the bridge. Suddenly the soldiers opened fire. It was machine-gun fire and all I could hear is the rat-a-tat sound. At that time, we were not used to the sound of firing like we are today. I think everyone was shocked. No one had expected the troops to start firing. Soon, there were people falling down all over the place. I remember the man standing next to me saying, 'I know I have been shot but I can't feel anything.' I looked at him. And then I saw his foot. There was a bullet stuck inside his shoe... All around people were groaning with pain. Everyone that could ran away. I stayed where I was in case they fired at me. I stood there for many hours. Finally, the police brought trucks and started taking the dead and wounded away. But they had been lying there for many hours before the trucks came. I remember that there were dogs sniffing at the bodies. I will never forget one sight. I saw a dog eating a human arm."

The shooting at Gaw Kadal Bridge and the way the Indian government responded may have been the turning point in the rebellion. As Human Rights Watch said in a May 1991 report, "In the weeks that followed as security forces fired on crowds of marchers and as militants intensified their attacks against the police and those suspected of aiding them, Kashmir's civil war began in earnest".Almost every day there were protests. Teachers, students, and government employees came out into the streets shouting slogans. At the same time, there were increased attacks from militants, now with a religious dimension. Hindu Kashmiris, called pandits, came under attack. Many were abducted or killed. Many received anonymous notes that were threatening and abusive.Thousands of pandits began to flee the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley, relocating to squalid camps in Jammu and Delhi. At least three hundred thousand Kashmiri Hindus still remain displaced.

The state administration, led by Jagmohan, sought to end the militancy and the mass protests through the increased use of force. Government forces fired live ammunition on crowds of unarmed demonstrators.Round-the-clock curfews were imposed for days in major towns to prevent protests.Paramilitary troops conducted large-scale searches, called "crackdowns" in Jammu and Kashmir. Residents were forced to gather outside while troops ransacked their belongings, looking for hidden weapons. Informers, in hoods, identified alleged militants to be taken into custody, who were then often tortured and sometimes killed.

No known action was taken against any CRPF officials who ordered their forces to open fire at Gaw Kadal, or against the officers present during the shooting. No public inquiry was ordered into the incident.The police did file complaints against demonstrators who pelted stones at security forces, but they were not investigated. Without an investigation into what exactly happened in Gaw Kadal, there will be no chance of holding those responsible accountable.

The consequences of Gawkadal and the failure to hold the security forces accountable have been far reaching. Many young Kashmiris began to join the militants, whose popularity shot up. One man told Human Rights Watch that he and other parents watched helplessly as their sons enlisted with the militants: "Boys, as young as fourteen or fifteen, crossed the border and came back with guns. No one could stop them."

"Gaw Kadal remains an emotional and sentimental subject for Kashmiris even today".

Fake Encounter at Qamarwari Srinagar 29 November 2010

Srinagar, Nov 29: Four persons including three youth and a policeman were killed while one person sustained injuries during a brief shoot-out in busy Qamarwari Chowk here on Monday afternoon. Following the incident, violent protests rocked ...the area. Father of one of the killed youth, a B.A Ist year student of Degree College Bemina, said his son was innocent.Police claimed that all the three killed youth were motorcycle-borne militants and had come to shoot policemen guarding the Chowk. They also claimed that weapons of crime were recovered from the possession of all the three.The residents of Qamarawari said at around noon they heard sound of one bullet shot in the Chowk.“Instantly a policeman fell down near the Chowk entrance,” a resident told Greater Kashmir. “Within seconds, I heard a volley of bullets ringing in the air. There was traffic jam and huge rush of people here. The gun shots spread panic all around and people including shopkeepers ran out of fear to save their lives. There was complete chaos.”The killed policeman was identified as selection grade constable Muhammad Ashraf Shah having belt no. 1653/S.A shopkeeper, eyewitness to the incident, said he saw a man wearing pheran lying down on the road in a pool of blood.“I don’t know who he was,” the shopkeepers said.Just meters away from the body, was another corpse near a motorcycle which skidded into a drain.“On the right side of motorcycle where the road bends to cement bridge was another body,” an eyewitness said. The residents said they are not sure whether all of them were militants.“I have seen the motorcycle. It was Pulsar bearing number 3503. The man who was riding it had gone to buy meat and was wearing a court and pants,” a resident said. “The police opened indiscriminate fire in the air that time, to create chaos.”Soon after, the residents said they discovered a pakoora seller who had also received a bullet injury. They identified him as Muhammad Maqbool of Panzinara.“His shop is near the site where the policeman was killed. He was injured during the militant shoot out,” a resident said.Meanwhile a senior police official, who was present on the spot, told Greater Kashmir that the militants after shooting the policeman from a close range took away his rifle along with them.“We could not have identified them, but it was the rifle of dead policeman slung on the shoulder of a militant which led to his identification,” he said. “The militant was running towards a motor-bicycle before we shot him dead mid way. Then we shot two more accomplices of him. All of them were wearing pherans.”When asked about retaliation from militants, he said there was none. “We have identified them. And weapons have been recovered. But we can not divulge details.”Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, SM Sahai said the incident happened at 12:35 pm.“We had already laid a naka there. The militants came on a motorcycle. When they were intercepted, they fired on us,” Sahai said.“The remaining police party retaliated and all three militants were shot dead,” IG said. “One police man also laid down his life.”Sahai said they had prior information that some militant movement was taking place in the town. “We had put on checkpoints to catch them. We recovered two pistols and a grenade from their person.”Terming the killings as big success, Sahai said all of them are still unidentified. He also said the three bodies lay scattered since they were being chased by police. “The distance between bodies was just few yards,” he said.Late in the evening, police approached one Bashir Ahmad Peer of Alsafa Colony Sopore with the photograph of one of the killed youth. Bashir immediately identified the photograph as that of his son Peerzada Arshad, a first year student of Govt. Degree College Bemina.Bashir, while talking to Greater Kashmir on phone, said Arshad had left home Sunday afternoon for depositing examination form in the college. “He is innocent, he is not a militant,

Masarat Aalam

A student of missionary, Tyndale Biscoe School, Masarat belongs to a middle-class family in Zaindar Mohalla area in old city. He did his graduation in Science from SP College and subsequently joined the political movement in 1987. He participated in rallies of the Muslim United Front which contested the 1987 elections. Aghast over the alleged rigging of the elections, Alam joined the militancy in the early 1990s and became a commander of the Hizbullah outfit. Later, he was arrested.
Alam has been jailed for more than 10 years on various charges. He came into limelight during the Amarnath land row in 2008. He is considered to be instrumental is formulation the ‘Ragda’.
Alam’s family comprises mother, sister and wife who live in a modest house amidst abject poverty.Masrat Alam has spend his life almost in jail.From the very begining of his life he used to join freedom protests.He used to organise rallies in his locality.
The General Secretary Hurriyat (G) Masrat Alam was the architect of the current movement. (Quit Kashmir Movement). Mr. Bhat a science graduate who speaks fluent English and wears a long, unkempt beard in the Islamic fashion is the leader of a separatist party called the Muslim League. He is also the deputy of the hard-line faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, a separatist group with conservative, Islamist leanings that rejects talks with India on Kashmir's status.He supports stone pelting.

    Arrests of Masrat Alam Bhat:
    1987 First Arrest by Indian forces For 3 days
    Again arrested in Oct 1990 For 13 months
  Again arrested in Feb -1993 Released in 1997
   Again arrested in 1998 by STF During torture for 6 days Right Leg gets major fractured
    Again arrested in Sept 1999 Along with all leaders of APHC Released May2000
    (Jail Jodpor Rajastan India)
    Again arrested in Jan -2001 Released Aug-2003(Sangror jail in Punjab)
    Again arrested in July -2005 For 1 year (Udhampur Jail Jammu)
    Again arrested in Apr -2007 Released May-2008 (Kotbalwal Jail Jammu under PSA ACT)
    Again arrested in sep - 2008 Released june 25 2010
     Again arrested in  18 October 2010.......

Speech of Syed Ali Shah Geelani at LTG Dehli

Text: Speech of Syed Ali Shah Geelani
Speech delivered by APHC Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani at LTG Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi on 21st of October, 2010.

I thank the organizers for organizing this historic and impressive gathering. It is not important that all the people over here should agree with the idea of azadi.

However, we should love all humans and respect their feelings. Quran mentions that “we have created Human Beings as dignified.” We should not lose sight of this human bond in response to any provocation.

For Kashmiris azadi is the only way.... We are often asked: What do you mean by azadi? Whether we will be able to uphold and ensure justice for all after azadi? Sitting in Delhi, when we talk about what azadi is, the answer should not be difficult. Indians also fought British colonialism. Similarly, Kashmiris also aspire for freedom from the Indian occupation. Questions are being asked about justice we are aspiring for and its implications in context of minorities. I want to assure that we will guarantee protection to them with respect to their person, faith, places of worship, culture, and other symbols of religion. No one should be in any doubt in this respect. We have been ordained to uphold justice towards our adversaries. We are not allowed to use abusive language against the deities of other faiths. It is our duty to abide by these injunctions. liquor remains forbidden for Muslims, in the state of our estimation yet non-Muslims will be free to consume it if their religion permits such consumption. If even a pot containing a liquor of a non-Muslim is broken state has to compensate for it.

India has no justification for forcible occupation of Kashmir. We have suffered a lot under the Indian military rule. Since 1947 lakhs of Kashmiris have been killed by the armed forces of India. We are victims of and witness to continued suffering, trampling of dignity and the murder of our children. This terrible experience makes us to demand azadi from India. Through this august gathering, we want to tell millions of Indians that it is your responsibility to rise up against the oppression of Kashmiris. Keeping quiet in the name of national interest when human life is being trampled and inhuman treatment is being meted out to people goes against the basic principles of humanity. There are 8 lakh Indian army personnel in Kashmir, and they have occupied more than 28 lakh kanals of land. Kashmiris are being forced to show their identity by personnel of an alien army in their own land. The natives are asked to prove their ‘nativity’. Till this day, dozens of our daughters who were gang raped by your army in Kunan Poshpora area in the early 1990s remain in shock. It is the duty of the people of India to fight and raise their voice against this injustice. All those who believe in justice should extend their hand of solidarity to the people of Kashmir.

Asiya Jan and Nilofer were raped and killed in Shopian by the Indian forces. Investigations were ordered only when massive protests erupted across the valley against it. The official report predictably denied any rape and concluded that ladies drowned in a shallow stream. This is the model of justice which Indian state upholds in Kashmir. Moreover, the army is felling forests and has set up saw mills to plunder the forest resources of Kashmir. Electricity is generated out of our waters but the people of Kashmir do not get any benefit out of it. Azadi is indispensable for our survival. When India’s forces first came to Kashmir in 1947, it was said that their stay will not be permanent. This was the promise of the Indian state. Later on it was said in 1948 that Kashmir is a disputed territory. Indian government signed documents and endorsed UN resolution to this effect. Later on it backtracked from its commitment. India needs to fulfill its promises. We are reminding them of their promises through our struggle.

But the price we are paying for it is enormous. Some eminent Indian historians have called into question the very legality of accession by arguing that Hari Singh never signed the instrument of accession with India. The accession is a blatant concoction of history. The aspiration for azadi cannot be crushed by force and violence. We tried to raise our voice even in the State Assembly, but the Indian rulers paid no heed to it. We believe that the way Subhash Chandra Bose mobilized the people of India against the British for freedom, same way it is our right to mobilize and fight for our freedom. We all witnessed what happened when the Amarnath Shrine issue came up in 2008. How millions of Kashmiris came out to protest. Indian State responded with bullets. Those who ask us about what will happen to minorities after azadi should remember how our people opened langars for the Amaranth yatris even when we were being killed by Indian Army. It was not a favour on our part but as an obligation towards humanity. We want to tell the Indian state, even when your army is killing and dishonoring us, we take care of your injured soldiers. This is because we adhere to human values. Unfortunately, Indian State never reciprocated to this humane behaviour of Kashmiris. Indian armed forces have killed 111 Kashmiris in the last four months. Not a single member of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or Army personnel has been killed by the unarmed people of Kashmir. Even if India engages all its forces in Kashmir, it cannot crush Kashmiri aspiration for freedom. It is better for Indian State to read the writing on the wall. Till the time India’s military occupation continues, we will not give up resistance. It is completely non-violent and indigenous resistance.

Today, in this gathering when we hear the voices of support from across India, we feel encouraged and emboldened. In India, there are others who also remain victims of oppression and are fighting for justice. We support them. We should stand against injustice and oppression everywhere. Everyone within Jammu and Kashmir be they Dogras of Jammu or Budhists Ladakh are our brothers. We have repeatedly appealed to Kashmiri Pundits to return and stay with us. We assure them that they will be safe in Kashmir. In a democratic spirit decision of the majority has to be accepted regarding future of the state. Our vision is the demand for azadi. We want an end to the forcible occupation of Jammu & Kashmir. Our slogan is Go India Go Back. We are not against dialogue butt all dialogues in the past have failed because India on the one hand expresses its willingness for talks while on the other hand it insists that Kashmir is an integral part of India. We cannot be a part of such dialogues which don’t concede the vision of Azadi. We have put forward a Five-Point charter this August on the basis of which can create conducive atmosphere resolution. Kashmir as an international dispute and has to be recognized so. Only then can a dialogue begin. The killing of 111 people during the last 4 months in police firing must be probed and the guilty punished. The geographical integrity of Jammu & Kashmir has to be upheld, and the decision of the majority of its population has to be respected.
We are also asked whether in a free Kashmir the minorities will have a chance to flourish. It is strange to hear such questions from a country where 13,500 members of Sikh minority were massacred within days after the assassination of India...n Prime Minister. We wonder such a question come from a country where thousands of Muslims were killed in cold blood for no crime of theirs. It is surprising the question is asked from a state where a 500-hundred-year-old mosque is demolished by Hindu extremists with tacit support of the state. Yet, we want to assure all and one that justice will be the guiding principle of free Kashmir, where the well being of minorities will be guaranteed. I want to affirm that we will behave as brothers towards members of religious and national minorities of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian state has appointed a group of so-called interlocutors to talk to the people of Kashmir in order to find out what they really want, and what they are struggling for. If Indian state, after all the killings, murders, rapes, atrocities and 150 rounds of negotiations stretching over a period of six decades does not know what the Kashmiris want, we remain justified to conclude that this is another time-buying tactics on their part. I want to declare from this platform today that the interlocutors will be boycotted, and all the people of Kashmir must boycott them entirely. We will not talk till the time you show sincerity. We have been demanding Azadi in the face of naked oppression, and we will continue fighting for it till it is achieved. We feel encouraged by the support that has been extended to us by the oppressed people of India. We too extend our solidarity to all the voices of resistance against injustice in India. I once again thank the organizers for conducting the convention.

Habba Khatun ( The legend of Kashmir)

Habba Khatun was a 16th century Muslim poet from the village of Chandrahar of Kashmir. She was born in the small village Chandrahar, and was known under the name Zoon (the Moon) because of her immense beauty until her marriage with Yusuf Shah Chak, who later became ruler of Kashmir, after which she was called Habba Khatun.Habba Khatoon the greatest kashmiri poetess of the sixteenth century, has been a source of many imaginative narratives, poems, plays, films, discursive essays and television serials. It is her charismatic personality and at the same time our historians’ inexcusable negligence that Habba Khatoon has been left as subject for un-academic and speculative debate as if she were a character of folk myth. As a corollary, Habba Khatoon is still shrouded in a multi-layered, almost impenetrable, shroud and a part of collective myth. The only authentic thing about her is a body of poetry (recently anthologized by Mr. Amin Kamil), that remains unparalleled to date not only for its lyrical sublimity but also for its popularity. No other poet in the Kashmiri language can excel her in representing common man’s longings, yearnings, nostalgia and romantic fervor in verse. The intensity of sentiments, brilliant imagery and ecstatic mellifluous rhythm make her lyrics universal in appeal, comparable to the greatest poetry in any other language.Habba Khatoon Our historians, chroniclers, literary critics, and professionals have exhibited an unpardonable nonchalance toward Habba Khatoon who choose to write in the vernacular. It was about two hundred years after her death that Abdul Wahab Shaiq (1765) for the first time mentioned her name (Habibah) in his history in Persian verse. He, however did not give any remarkable details about her life. It seems that Habba Khatoon’s life sank into oblivion soon after the fall of the Kashmiri Sultans. Other historians used their reckless conjecture in molding the story of a historical personality in such a way as suited their purpose. In recent years, an absurd, tough astounding, addition to the irresponsible conjectures has been made by Mr. Anis Kazmi whose oral statement was recorded by Dr Bashar Bashir. Mr Kazmi with reference to a chronicle entitled Gulistani Shahi (source unknown), says that Habba Khatoon hailed from the genteel of her time as her father was one Syed Baha-ud-Din and her mother was one Bibi Badi-Ul-Jamalata (Srinagar). A verse ascribed to Habba Khatoon has been quoted to support this new tale. We have always to bear in mind that the singers of various times have made several interpolation in the popular lyrics of Habba Khatton. In 1951, Late Jagannath Wali wrote a play, entitled Zoon, on the life of Habba Khatoon. Besides changing the events to his convenience, he composed a few songs and ascribed them to Haba Khatoon, the famous song in the form of a dialogue between Yousuf Shah Chak and Habba Khatoon is Wali’s own composition. Yousuf Swandrah che dramits chalith ti chukith rud maa wale lolioaay Zoon aiy paadshaom dul thaami thaav saafiy, taaphyiy karey lolioaay Of late, Amin Kamil’s Kulyati Habba Khatoon, an admirable attempt indeed to collect every lyric and tale ascribed to Habba Khatoon, too, does not reveal any thing authentic about the life of the epoch-making poetess. Similarly, Ghulam Rasool Bhat’s book, Habba Khatoon : Tarikh Ke Aine Main, adds only to the amorphous, contradictory and confusing statements. It is deplorable that TV film Habba Khatoon and Shafi Shauq’s script of 13 – episodes TV serial Habba Khatoon have also mislead the public by presenting figments of their own making. Since the process of distortion has reached it critical point, time has come for a serious reconsideration so that the bits of history are re-arrayed to reconstruct the profile of Habba Khatoon and the future generations are no more mislead by the tradesmen in learning. Gurez Valley; Habba Khatoon mountainThe most cogent historical narrative of Habba Khatoon emerges from a long poem in the form of a mathnavi composed by Ghulam Mohammad Hanafi (1867-1927) of Sopore. Hanafi has drawn upon a legend very popular in Kamraz and Gurez. The outline of the story is that Zoon or Habba Khatoon was a lovely daughter of Raja of Gurez. He was inundated by debts and owed also huge money of Hayaband, a trader of Lalahome village of Kamraz Being unable to repay him, the Raja gave his loving daughter in marriage to Hayaband’s son, names Aziz Lone. (A sizable population of Gurez is still of the Lone caste). She was ill-treated by her in-laws and she gave vent to her suffering in many a poignant lyric. Meanwhile the king of the time Sultan Yousuf Shah Chak, who also belonged to Dardistan, saw her and was eventually captivated by her beauty and melody. He listened to the tale of her suffering and decided to marry her. Yousuf Shah Chak got her divorced from her husband, married her and took her way to his court. Yousuf Shah Chak, at that time, was already father of a grown up son, Yaqub Shah Chak. Although romantic in nature and given to pleasure – mongering. Yousuf shah could not enjoy peace as he was constantly at strife with the mughals who were adamant to annex Kashmir. He ws greatly consoled by Habba Khatoon who, besides being a poet, possessed prowess in music. The king was arrested by Akbar and then sent on forced exile to Biswak Bihar. Habba Khatoon languished in separation from Sultan and composed several heart – wrenching lyrics which she sang while wandering from village to village. It was Abdi Rather of Tsandhaar (Pampore) who gave shelter to the lovelorn Queen Poet. The narrative is almost entirely different from the story popularized by those writers who, without any documentation and research, wrote about her for various considerations. The above life sketch of Habba Khatoon was supported by one of the most profound researcher of the late twentieth century, Prof. Mohi-us-din Hajani who recorded the narrative of Mala Habib Hajan. In his extremely valuable collections of essays in folk lore, luki ras, Prof. Hajani has not only refuted the officials version of Habba Khatoon’s life but also produced some thought provoking evidences in favour of the version widely popular among the folks of north Kashmir. The present excursus is an attempt to highlight some more irrefutable evidence to prove that the great romantic poetess hailed from Gurez and not from Pampore. Dardistan, being the watershed where the Central Asian languages and culture came into contact with the Indo-Aryan languages and culture, retains many archaic linguistic expressions that cannot be ignored while searching for the genealogical kinship of the Kashmiri language. A glossary of such archaic words, now obsolete in Kashmiri proper spoken in the Valley, is urgently required. Similarly, many places of north Kashmir have retained names that besides being antique, speak volumes for being intimately related to myths, legends and history of Kashmir. Some of the names are profoundly symbolic in nature, for example, Harmwakh, Krishan Ganga, Kanzalwan, Tistarnar, Madhumati, Arin, Burzibaal, sharda, Pushkar etc. All these places reflect the fact that the mountains terrain of the north-west of Kashmir was dear to the sages and hermits of the past as its suited them for spiritual meditation. Habba Khatoon’s famus life. wana ki tapreshi vani aay vesith dwoh dari yaamath loosith goom, Seems to be poetic reference to the sacred places of the region. There are some glaring evidences from the verses of Habba Khatoon that refer to such names.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz (1952-2008)

One of the prominent Hurriyat Conference leaders, 55 year old Sheikh Abdul Aziz was killed by the bullets of Indian paramilitary forces on 11th August 2008 while leading a peaceful public demonstration against the ‘economic blockade’ of the Kashmiri Muslims being enforced by militant Indian Hindu groups allegedly with the tacit support of the Indian government. He was born in 1952 in Namblabal, Pampore close to the capital city Srinagar but in Pulwama district. Soon after passing his 10th grade from a local school, Aziz joined his father’s agriculture business including growing high yield saffron, for which his hometown is famous throughout the Kashmir valley.

As a teenager, Aziz watched moe-e-muqqadus movement when millions of Kashmiris
came out on streets against the mysterious theft of highly revered holy relic of Prophet
Mohammad (SAW) from the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. The agitation soon transformed into pro-freedom public outpouring with millions of Kashmiris demanding freedom from India.


Although the relic was later recovered without ever revealing any culprits, it is generally
believed that the then Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, himself a Kashmiri
Pandit was behind the conspiracy using it as a pretext to unseat the local Kashmiri Prime Minister.

Moe-e-Muqqadas movement renewed decades old Kashmiri demands for freedom,
giving inspiration to a new generation of Kashmiris including Aziz. In 1972 he joined
pro-freedom political group Young Men’s League that called for the Kashmiri right to
self-determination according to the UN Resolutions. He was soon targeted by the
police and his first arrest came at the age of 20 when he was booked under
the infamous and draconian National Security Act. At that time, he was the Block
Secretary of the organisation. In 1973 the Young Man’s League merged into other
pro-freedom groups forming the Jammu and Kashmir People’s League to which
Aziz remained associated with till his death. In 1986 he became the general secretary
of the People’s League, the responsibility he carried on till 1990, when amid massive
public resentment against the Indian rule; he ditched his political avatar and joined
the militant resistance movement. He became the chief commander of Al-Jihad, a
formidable militant group in early 1990s that was supported by his parent organisation,
Jammu and Kashmir People’s League.

Due to his involvement with the pro-freedom struggle, the arrests and prison sentences became a permanent fixture of Sheikh Aziz’s political life - he spent more than 15 years in prison under various charges including sedition, seeking to separate Jammu and Kashmir from the Indian control and waging a militant struggle etc. His longest spell of incarceration came on 21st May 1993 when he was arrested as the chief commander of now defunct Al-Jehad and lasted till 27th September 2000. Following his release after nearly nine years of gruelling prison life, Aziz re-joined political struggle but was again arrested on 1st August 2001 for nearly three years and released in February 2004 at the peak of India-Pakistan peace process. After his release, he supported the peace process and called for peaceful solution of the Kashmir issue. He later visited Pakistan to encourage the ongoing India-Pakistan peace process and supported the end of hostilities. However, a year later, he was again arrested on 5th February 2005 and released only last November. After his release this time, Aziz joined the ‘moderate’ faction of the Hurriyat Conference, a conglomerate of the pro-freedom Kashmiri groups and once again reiterated his demand for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir problem.

 However, as the current crisis that was triggered by the illegal transfer of Kashmiri land to a semi-government Hindu body - Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) unfolded, Aziz along with other Kashmiri leaders took a strong stand, keeping in view the strong public sentiment against it, who see the land transfer as a covert Indian plan to seek demographic changes in the Muslim majority Jammu and Kashmir. Only days ago, Aziz was instrumental in bringing the two factions of the Hurriyat Conference together, forging a common Kashmiri response to the SASB controversy and therefore was seen unfavourably by both the local pro-Indian administration and the Indian state.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz is the second chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s League to have been killed by the paramilitary forces. Earlier, Abdul Hamid Wani popularly known as S Hamid was killed in a staged encounter on April 19, 1998 at Ahmad Nagar on the outskirts of Srinagar. With his brutal death, Aziz will emerge as new ‘martyr’ of Kashmiri cause in league with Maqbool Bhat and may cause a serious blow to the current India-Pakistan peace process, further narrowing down chances of any rapprochement between the beleaguered Kashmiri nation and the increasingly militant Indian state.

Name of Martyrs of 2010 movement

With the advent of the 2010 spurt in human rights violations in Indian Administered Kashmir was witnessed. Though all along the conflict in Kashmir worst form of Human Rights violations have been reported, people demanding Self-Determination have continuously come on streets and greeted by brute use of force by Indian troops and Police, which includes use of tear gas canisters, bullets, pellets etc... That too most often fired directly above the chest level with an intention to kill and not to disperse.

On 8th of January, 2010, 16 year old Inayat Ahmad of Dalgate Srinagar was killed in CRPF firing at Budshah Chowk. Another teenager Wamiq Farooq, 13, of Rainawari Srinagar was killed when a teargas shell fired by police hits him on his head on 31st Jan. Which was followed by killing of Zahid Farooq aged 16 of Nishat Srinagar by Border Security Force (BSF) party without any provocation on 5th of Feb. Kashmir valley was yet to recover from these gruesome killings another youth Zubair Ahmad Bhat,17, of Jamia Qadeem, Sopore was forcibly drowned by CRPF in Jhelum river.

Summer in Kashmir has been drenched in blood which witnessed killing of many civilians, mostly teenagers, allegedly in police and CRPF (Central Reserve {Police Force) action mostly since 11th June.


   1. Tufail Ashraf Mattoo, 17, of Saida Kadal killed by police tear gas canister at Gani stadium Rajouri Kadal on June 11.

   2. Muhammad Rafiq Bangroo, 24, of Dana Mazar Safa Kadal beaten by CRPF on June 12 near his residence. He succumbed to injuries on June 20.

   3. Javed Ahmed Malla, 19, of Palpora Noorbagh killed by CRPF or police on June 20 at Waniyar Srinagar.

   4. Aziz Malik of Chuntwari, Machill Kupwara, killed by armed forces on June 20 at Machill sector of LoC.

   5. Mazloom Malik of Chuntwari Kupwara, killed by armed forces on June 20 at Machill sector of LoC.

   6. Firdous Ahmed Kakroo, 16 of Niglee Sopore, Baramulla killed by CRPF on June 25 near Jamia Qadeem in Sopore.

   7. Shakeel Ahmed Ganai, 24 of Lalad Sopore killed by 177 batallion of CRPF at Chankhan Sopore.

   8. Bilal Ahmed Wani, 22, of Kraltaeng Sopore, killed by CRPF bullet in Kraltaeng on June 27.

   9. Tajamul Bashir Bhat, 17, of Wadoora Sopore, killed  by CRPF or SOG at Kapra Cinema in Sopore outside headquaters of 92 battalion of CRPF.

  10. Tauqeer (Asif) Ahmed Rather, 09, of Rather Muhalla of Delina, Baramullah, killed by CRPF on June 28.

  11. Ishtiyaq Ahmed Khanday, 15, of SK Colony, Islamabad, killed  by police on June 29.


  12. Imtiyaz Ahmed Ittoo, 17, of Watergam Dailgam Islamabad, killed by police in SK Colony Islamabad on June 29.

  13. Shuja'at ul Islam, 17 of Anchidora Islamabad, killed by police at SK Colony Islamabad on June 29.

  14. Muzaffar Ahmed Bhat, 17, of Gangbug, Batamaloo, and body recovered from Doodh Ganga Nallah in Baramullah on June 06 alegedly arrested by CRPF on July 05 and tortured to death.

  15.  Fayaz Ahmed Wani, 24, of Gangbug Batamaloo, killed  by CRPF or police firing at Batamaloo on July 06

  16.  Yasmeen Jan, 25, of Lashmanpora Danderkha, Batamaloo, killed by CRPF/police firing at her residence in Danderkhah on July 06.

  17. Abrar Ahmed Khan, 16 of Maisuma Bund killed alegedly by police CRPF firing at Maisuma on July 06.

  18.  Faizaan Ahmed Bhuhroo, 13, of Jalal Sahib Baramulla, died by drowning after SOG men were trying to arrest him on July 17.

  19. Fayaz Ahmed Khanday, 23, of Binner Baramulla, killed by CRPF in Baramulla.

  20. Tariq Ahmed Dar, 17 of Panzala, Rafiabad, Baramulla, killed in police custody on July 25.

  21. Muhammad Ahsan Ganai, 45 of Amargarh Sopore killed by CRPF at Krankshivan Colony on July 30.

  22.  Showkat Ahmed Chopan, 17, of Amargarh Sopore killed at Kranshivan Colony on Juky 30.

  23.  Adil Ramzaan Sheikh, 13 of Pattan killed by CRPF at Pattan on july 30.

  24. Nazir Ahmed Mir, 23, of Sheeri Baramulla killed by CRPF at Pattan on July 30.

  25. Javid Ahmed Teli, 20, of Bungalbagh Baramulla, killed by SOG at cement bridge baramulla on July 31.

  26. Mudassir Ahmed Lone, 17, of Herpora Naidkhai, Sumbal killed by CRPF/police at IRP camp in Naidkhai on July 31.

  27. Nayeem Ahmed Shah, 20 of Pampore killed by CRPF at Pampore on August 01.

  28. Rayees Ahmed Wani, 18 of pampore killed by CRPF at Pampore on August 01.

  29. Afrooza Teli of Khrew of Pampore killed by CRPF at her residence on August 01.

  30. Javed Ahmed Sheikh, 18 of Wuyen Pampore killed in blast in police station at Khrew on August 01.

  31.  Muhammad Amin Lone, 22 of Shalnag Khrew killed in blast in police station at Krew on August 01.

  32. Basharat Ahmed Reshi, 14 of Wachi Sangam killed by police near his residence on August 02.

  33. Irshad Ahmed Bhat, 17 of Reshipora, Sangam tortured and killed alegedly by CRPF and police on August 02.

  34. Ashiq Hussain Bhat, 15, of Kulgam Islamabad killed by CRPF at Chawalgam on August 02.

  35. Rameez Ahmed Bhat, 16, of Kulgam killed by CRPF at Kulgam on August 02.

  36. Hafiz Muhammad Yaqoob Bhat, 22 of Zadoora Kakapora Pulwama killed  by CRPF at Kakpora on August 02.

  37.  Tariq Ahmed Dar, 17 of Semthan Bijbehara wounded by CRPF on August 01 and succumbed to injuries on August 02.

  38. Khursheed Ahmed War, 27, of Shumnag Kralpora Kupwara killed  by CRPF at Khuzunmati bridge near Kralpora on August 02.

  39.  Sameer Ahmed Rah, 09 of Batamaloo Srinagar killed by CRPF at Batamaloo on August 02.

  40.  Mehraj ud din Lone, 23 of Barthana Qamarwai killed by CRPF at Qamarwari police station on August 03.

  41. Anis Ahmed Ganai, 17, of Dangerpora Narwara killed by CRPF at Eidgah on August 03.

  42.  Suhail Ahmed Dar, 15, of Zainakote Srinagar killed by CRPF at Parimpora on August 03.

  43. Jehangir Ahmed Bhat, 23, of Chenigam Yaripora killed by CRPF at Kulgam on August 03.

  44. Riyaz Ahmed Bhat, 25 of Khrew injured by CRPF at Khrew on August succumbed to injuries on August 03.

  45.  Muhammad Yaqoob Bhat, 20 of Nund Reshi Colony Bemina, killed by CRPF at Bemina on August 04.

  46. Muhammad Iqbal Khan, 22 of Lone Muhalla Chanapora injured by CRPF on July 30 at Chanapora succumbed to injuries on August 04.

  47.  Shabir Ahmed Malik, 30 of Lonepora Newa Pulwama, killed by CRPF at Pulwama on August 04.

  48. Ghulam Nabi Badyari, 48 of Ganpatyar, Habba Kadal, killed by CRPF at his residence on August 05.

  49. Rameez Ahmed, 22, of Mundji Sopore killed by CRPF at Warpora on August 06.

  50. Aisha Sheikh of Ganpatyar Habba Kadal succumbed to sling shot injury at her residence on August 07.

  51. Fida Nabi Lone, 20, of Qamarwari, injured in CRPF action at Qamarwari on August 03 and succumbed to injuries on August 08.

  52. Farrukh Bukhari, 19, of Kreeri Pattan whose body was found at Kreeri on August 11 after 13 days of his disappearance.

  53.  Mudasir Ahmad Zargar, 16, of Trehgam Kupwara, killed in police and CRPF firing on August 13.
  54.  Ali Mohammad Khanday, 60, of Khanday Mohalla Pattan, killed in police and CRPF firing on August 13.

  55.  Arif Mir, 19, of Lagropora, Sopore killed in CRPF firing on August 13.

  56. Sameer Lone, 18, of Lagropora, Sopore killed in CRPF firing on August 13
  57. Irshad Ahmad Latoo, 35, of S K Colony Islamabad killed by police and paramilitary CRPF troopers on 14th August

  58. Umar Ahmad Dar, 16, of Narbal Srinagar killed by CRPF on 14th August

  59. Muhammad Abbas Dhobi, 30, of Mattan Islamabad beaten up by police and CRPF succumbed on 17th August.

  60. Milat Ahmad Dar An eight-year-old boy of Harnag , Islambad, injured and later succumbed on 19th August. He was critically injured by paramilitary forces while playing in a field.

  61. Mudasir Ahmed Hajam, 19, Sopore, sustained bullet injury on 19th Aug by CRPF and succumbed on 20th August morning.

  62. Nazir Ahmed Sheikh, 25, Bijbehara in South Kashmir’s Islamabad district. Fired by CRPF on 20th August died on way to hospital.

  63. Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, 22 year old, succumbed to his injuries on 23rd Aug was seriously injured on 14 August. A resident of Singhpora Pattan.

  64. Omar Qayooom Bhat, 17 year old. Of Anchar Soura. Ruthlessly beaten by paramilitary CRPF troopers and police on 20th August. Admitted in Hospital on 23rd August after his release and Succumbed on 25th August.

  65. Irshad Ahmad Parray, 11, Old Eidgah Islamabad, sustained pellet injuries in his vital organs and succumbed on his way to hospital on August 30.

  66. Feroz Ahmad Malik, 17, Palhalan Pattan, fired by cops on 6th September and brought dead to sub district hospital Pattan.

  67. Mudasir Ahmad Mir, 23, Ussan Pattan, fired by cops on 6th september scummbed to his injuries on way to hospital same day.

  68. Noorudin Tantray, 26, Tantrypora Pattan, fired by cops on 6th september and scummbed to his injuries on way to hospital.

  69. Muhammad Ramzan Mir, 45, Ussan Pattan, fired by cops on 6th september and scummbed to his injuries on way to hospital. It was fourth killing on 6th September.

  70. Imran Ahmad Dar, 25, Zadibal, crtically injured by CRPF on 2nd Septemeber scummbed on 8th Septemeber at Soura Hospital.

  71. Ghulam Muhammad Guroo, 55, maloora Khujibagh Sumbal, received head injury in clashes on 8th September and scummbed on 9th Septemeber at Soura hospital.

  72. Muhammad Ashraf Mir,34, Palhallan Pattan, Sustained critical injuries in neck in indiscriminate firing by police on 6th September and scummbbed to his injuries at Soura hospital on 12th September.

  73. Nisar Ahmad Bhat, Ajas Bandipora, fired upon by Border Security Force (BSF) killing him onspot on 13th September.

  74. Nisar Ahmad Kuchay,22, Humhama , Fired upon by police injuring him critically. Taken to Soura hospital where he succumbs after few hours on 13th September.

  75. Ghulam Rasool Tantray, 50, sustained bullet injuries at Humhama  on 13th September sccumbs on the same day at Soura hospital.

  76. Danish Nabi, 13, Charar-i-Sharief, was killed in CRPF firing near Hanwari near Char town on Sep 13. He was a seventh class student.

  77. Mudasir Ahmad Parray, Kreshama Tangmarg, Killed in Police and CRPF firing on Sep 13.

  78. Tariq Ahmad Ganai, Tillegam Tangmarg, Killed in Police and CRPF firing on Sep 13.

  79. Abdul Majid Kuzzar, Bonegam Kunzer, killed in Police and CRPF firing on Sep 13 in Tangmarg north Kashmir.

  80. Iqbal Ahmad Malik, Tumberhama Tangmarg, Killed when CRPF and Police opened fire on people on Sep 13.

  81. Abdul Qayoom Wani, Waniloo Tangmarg, Killed in Police and CRPF firing on Sep 13.

  82. Afaq Ahmad Khan, Iqbal Colony Tangmarg, Killed in Police and CRPF firing on Sep 13.

  83. Javaid Ahmad Rather, 24, Kadalbal Pampore, Killed in Police and CRPF firing on Sep 13.

  84. Ajaz Ahmad Wagay, 26, Kadalbal Pampore, Killed in Police and CRPF firing on Sep 13.

  85. Riyaz Ahmad Sheikh, 28, Tengan pampore, Killed in Police and CRPF firing on sep 13.

  86. Javaid Ahmad Teli, Humhama, Killed by troopers and Polce firing on Sep 13.

  87. Rafiqa Bano, (Female), Ompora Budgam, Killed when CRPF and Polce opened fire in Budgam to disperse protestors on Sep 13.

  88. Showkat Ahmad Mir, Budgam, Was district president of JKLF (R), killed by CRPF and Police firing when he was leading a procession in main Budgam town on Sep 13.

  89. Aqib Ahmad wagay, 14, Islamabad, Killed by CRPF and Polce men at Sarnal Islamabad outside the house of NC MP Mehboob Beigh in an unprovoked firing on Sep 13.
  90. Muhammad Rafiq Teli, Chanikhan Sopore, Killed in CRPF firing on Sep 13.
  91. Adil Ahmad, Humhama, Sccumbed to his injuries at SMHS hospital on Sep 13. It was a bloody monday (Sep 13) in which more than 17 people were killed in a single day with many crtical and many missing.

  92. Abdul Qayoom, Sangrama, injured in CRPF and police firing at Tangmarg on Sep 13 and sccumbed to his injuries on morning of 14th September.

  93. Arshad Khan, Arari Mendhar Poonch, killed when Policemen led by local SDPO opned fire on students protesting against desceration of Quran in US and in Soldarity with Kashmir on Sep 15.

  94. Baghdad Hussain Shah, Gulad Mendhar Poonch, Killed in Police firing at Mendhar Poonch on Sep 15.

  95. Shameem Ahmad, Jagil Mendhar Poonch, Killed in Police firing in the frontier district on Poonch on Sep 15.

  96. Alamdar Shah, Gulad Mendhar, killed in CRPF police firing in poonch district on Sep 15. It was fourth killing on a single day in Poonch

  97. Mudasir Ahmad Kana, 20, Batapora Sopore, killed when CRPF opned fire on protestors in Sopore. Received bullet injury and died on way to hospital on Sep15.

  98. Hajira, 55, Redwani Kulgam, died of heart attack after CRPF ransacked her house. She was taken to hospital but was decleared brought dead by doctors.

  99. yasir Hameed Sheikh, Maisuma Srinagar, Cousin of JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik, injured in police firing on August 30 succumbed on Sep 16.

 100. Fayaz Ahmad Dar, 22, Surpura Beeru in Budgam, Killed when Army's 2 RR opened fire on group of people. He got seriously injured and was taken to hospital where he succumbed on Sep 17.

 101. Ghulam Rasool Bhat, Tapper Pattan, Killed when Indian forces opned fire at protestors killing him and injuring many others on Sep 17.

 102. Imtiyaz Ahmad, 23, Pallipora Shopian, Killed when Indian forces resorted to indiscriminate firing him and injuring six others on Sep 17.

 103. Raju Nath, 14, Nathpora Khanbal, he had jumped into the river Jehlum after being chased away by Indian forces. His body was fished later on Sep 18.

 104. Fayaz Ahmad Naikoo, Bemina Srinagar, injured on Sep14 in forces and police firing and Succumbed to his injuries at Soura hospital on Sep 18.

 105. Noor-ul-Amin Dagga, 30, Naibasti Islamabad, Killed when CRPF and Police opened fire on funeral procession of Raju Nath, 14 year old boy. Noor-ul-Amin died on way to hospital on Sep 18.

 106. Insar Ahmad Tantray, 27, Palhalan Pattan, Killed when Indian forces opened fire on people, he received bullet in chest and died on way to hospital on Sep 18. He was a student of Kashmir University doing Masters in English.

 107. Ali Muhammad Waza, 30, Tantray Mohalla Pattan, Killed when Indian forces opened fire on people. He received critical injuries and succumbed in hospital after few hours on Sep 18.

 108. Muhammad Amin Ganai, 25, Tappar Pattan, has sustained firearm arm injury to his spine when police opened fire on protestors at Tappar Payeen on Sep 17. he succumbed to his injuries on Sep 19 at Soura hospital.

 109. Shabir Ahmad Dar, 25, Lider-mund Pulwama, sustained firearm injuries to his abdomen on Sep 13 when forces opened fire on people. He succumbed on Sep 19 at Soura hospital.

 110. Bilal Ahmad Najar, Khanabal Islamabad, injured on Sep 18 in forces firing. He succumbed to his injuries on Sep 19 at SMHS hospital.

 111. Mubeena Akhtar, 30, Natipora Sopore, sustained firearm injury in abdomen when patrol party of forces opened fire on pedestrians. She was taken to sopore hospital and referred to SMHS hospital srinagar were she was decleared brought dead on Sep 19

 112. Altaf Ahmad, 25, Matipora Islamabad, beaten by army and got severely injured and was rushed to hospital and succumbed on Sep 20 after battling with life for three days.

 113. Sajad Ahmad Pandit, 25, Sheikhpora Humhama, was seriously injured on Sep 13 at Humhama when CRPF and police opened fire to quell pro-freedom demonstration. He succumbed to his injuries at Soura hospital on Sep 22.

 114. Umar Sulaiman Bhat, 16, Puthka Sopore, had received firearm injury in thigh when Indian troops belonging to Rashtriya Rifles (RR) firied on him on September 16. He succumbed to his injuries at Soura hospital on October 02.

 115. Ghulam Nabi Mir, 55, Kadalabal Pampore, injured in Police (SOG) Special Operation Group and CRPF beating on October 07 resulting into severe head injuries, was taken into Soura hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on October 15.



116 . Zahoor Ahmad Hajam , M.A Student R/o: Ward 5 Bandipora ,teacher in kousera drasgah was martyred on 29 November at Qamarwari in a fake encounter

117. Arshid Ahmad, B.Com Student, Degree College Bemina R/o: Alsafa colony Sopore was martyred on 29 November at Qamarwari  in  a fake encounter

118. Sameer Ahmad Dar R/o: Hamam Sopore was martyred on 29 November at Qamarwari  in  a fake encounter

119. Zahoor ahmad dar 37 , R/O : Bunglow Bagh Baramulla  succumbed to his injuries on 7th December

Shaheed Tufail Ahmad Mattoo (29 June 1992 - 11 June 2010)

Tufail Ahmad Mattoo, the 17 year old teenager of Saida Kadal, Srinagar who was martyred at Gani Memorial Stadium, Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar by the J&K Police personnel on Friday 11th June 2010, who fired a tear gas shell directly on his head while he was returning home from tuitions.

Tufail had done his schooling from R P School, Malla Bagh on the city outskirts. Presently he was a student of science in 12th class at Government Higher Secondary School, Hazratbal, Srinagar and had an ambition to become a doctor.

If anything differentiated Tufail from other teens, it was his generosity. Tufail’s friends can’t just stop talking about his generosity. “He had some sort of obsession with the needy. Wherever he spotted a person in need of something, he would always help him", they say.

Tufail, the only child to his parents, had few days back (before his martyrdom) alongwith his father Muhammad Ashraf Mattoo made a choice of buying a red-colour Maruti Alto for the family. They were to purchase the car next week, little knowing that he would never be able to drive it.

Tufail was the centre stage of all happenings in the family. Everybody used to envy his shy but intelligent self.

A popular football player of the area, Tufail had knack for the computers as well. During leisure time, it was all him and his computer.

Tufail seemed to have foreseen his death. "He gave me a long and passionate hug while coming out of the mosque after Friday prayers on the ill-fated day. He did not utter a word and just smiled. As if we were meeting for the last time. And it proved true," says Muhammad Afnan, a friend of Tufail.

"Tufail was an extremely gentle boy. He would never look at teachers eye to eye. There were 120 students in that class in 2008, but Tufail was the most polite one,” said Shabir Ahmad, principal of RP School. “He would never ever argue with teachers. All I can say is that his gentleness made him very different from other students.”

Kashmir valley is witnessing a fresh phase of unrest since Tufail's killing with people of the valley demanding India to Quit Kashmir. Already more than 110 people have been martyred in the Kashmir valley during 3 month long turmoil which is still continuing.

Shaheed Maqbool Bhat

 Maqbool Butt was born on 18th February 1938 to a peasant family in Trahagam village Tehsil Handwara, district Kupwara. His father was called Ghulam Qadar Butt. All we know about his mother is that she died when Maqbool Butt was 11 years old pupil in the village’s primary (junior) school. He had a younger brother Gulam Nabi Butt. As per traditions Ghulam Qadar married again to provide mothering for his children. From second wife he had two sons, Manzoor Ahmed Butt and Zahoor Ahmed Butt and three daughters. The early years of Maqbool Butt’s life, like thousands of other Kashmiri children were shaped by the harsh living conditions that characterised the life of peasants at this juncture of Kashmir history.

It was the feudal system in the Maharaja’s Kashmir that forced Maqbool Butt to participate in the first political action in his life long struggle against suppression, occupation and for equality, freedom and social justice. Telling this story on 12 April 1972 from Camp Prison Lahore in a letter written in reply to Azra Mir, the daughter of veteran Kashmiri political activist and intellectual, G.M. Mir who was in prison with Maqbool Butt in relation to the hijacking of an Indian plane ‘Ganaga’, Maqbool Butt wrote:

Further Education After completing his secondary school certificate, Maqbool Butt moved on to St. Joseph College in Baramula. This was a private missionary college. Here he gained his first degree (BA) in history and political science.

Crossing the Divide First Time The journey on that road to great sacrifice for Maqbool Butt was started while still a student at St. Joseph College. Responding to a question about crossing over to Pakistan in the above interview that was recorded in room number 26 of Mujahid Hotel International, Maqbool Butt said:

In Pakistan First and foremost problem before Maqbool Butt in Pakistan was to continue his education and at the same time find a job to meet the expenses. For with out that “it was hard to live in Pakistan’. Therefore, I joined ’Injam’ (end/conclusion/performance), a weekly magazine, as sub-editor and started my working life as a journalist.  I did my MA (from Pehswar university) in Urdu literature and worked with ‘Anjam’ till the start of full time politics in 196 (Khawaja, 1997). Meanwhile his marriage was arranged by his uncle with a Kashmiri woman Raja Begum in 1961. He had two sons from this wife, Javed Maqbool born in 1962 and Shaukat Maqbool in 1964. In 1966 he married to a school teacher Zakra Begum and had a daughter Lubna Maqbool from her.

First Crossing Back to IHK For the next ten months the group of four recruited more people into the ranks of NLF including GM Lone (the vice president of PF) and on 10th June 1966 the first group of NLF members secretly crossed over to the Indian occupied Kashmir. Maqbool Butt, Aurangzeb, a student from Gilgit, Amir Ahmed and Kala Khan, a retired subedar (non commissioned officer from AJK force) went deep into Valley while Major Amanullah and subedar Habibullah remained near to the division line. The former were to recruit Kashmiris in the IOK into NLF while the latter were responsible for training and weapon supply. Maqbool Butt along with three of his group members worked underground for three months and established several gorilla cells in IOK.

Escape from Prison Soon they started planning escape from the prison and within a month and half managed to escape from the prison in Srinagar. Maqbool Butt later wrote in great detail about the escape and submitted that before the Special Trial Court in Pakistant where he was tried along with other NLF members for ‘Ganga’ hijacking. However, only a brief account of the escape is included here from one of his interviews:

The Ganga Hijacking The event that brought Maqbool Butt and the Kashmir Issue in limelight in Kashmir, South Asia and at international level was the hijacking of an Indian Fokker plane ‘Ganga’. There are several official and common theories about the background and impacts of this hijacking which can not be discussed in the scope of this article. Therefore only a brief account is presented below.

Ganga, an Indian airliner was hijacked on 30 January 1971 at 1305 hours while on its routine flight from Srinagar to Jammu. In total it was carrying 30 people including four crew members. The Hijackers were two young Kashmiris Hashim and Ashraf Qureshi. They brought the plane to Lahore airport and demanded the release of about

The Last Crossing With NLF dismantled and PF demoralised, Maqbool Butt once again crossed over to the Indian occupied Kashmir against the advice of many of his friends and comrades in May 1976. This time he went with Abdul Hammed Butt and Riaz Dar. Within few days of crossing they were spotted and arrested by the Indian forces. In 1978 the Indian Supreme Court restored death sentence on Maqbool Butt and he was transferred to Delhi’s Tihaar Prison. After eight long years in prison Maqbool Butt was hanged on 11th February 1984 while the legal team was waiting for Maqbool Butt’s case to be reopened on the grounds of flaws in the trial that convicted Maqbool Butt of murder. His execution was carried out in haste to avenge the killing of an Indian diplomat in Birmingham by an unknown group ‘Kashmir Liberation Army’. Rovendra Mahatre was kidnapped in the first week of February 1984 from his Birmingham office by KLA who demanded among other things the release of Maqbool Butt. Thus was ended the life of one of the greatest revolutionary of modern Kashmiri history and was born what Kashmiris remember as Shaheed e Azam (the greatest martyr). Ironically, death warrants of Maqbool Butt were signed by Dr Farooq Abdullah the then Chief Minister of IOK who spent several days with Maqbool Butt in ‘Azad’ Kashmir and Pakistan in 1974 and who said later that ‘I have found Maqbool Butt a very romantic man, just like Che Guevara. He could have added ‘like Shiekh Abdullah in 1930s’, whose politics initially inspired Maqbool Butt as a student at St Joseph College.

An Imprisoned Martyr in the world’s largest democracy India is acclaimed by the democratic world as the largest democracy on earth. While there is no doubt that democratic traditions and institutions in India are far more established, when it comes to Kashmir India is no more than an occupier and oppressive state that rules Kashmir through colonial like structures and authoritarian means with little regards for the democratic values, human rights and civil liberties. This neo-colonial face of Indian rule in Kashmir was demonstrated in its worst form in the way Maqbool Butt was hanged and what followed.

He had a dream Twenty two years on, since Kashmir’s first dreamer for an independent Kashmir was sent to the gallows, his dream, his prophecy and his legacy lives on, comments

While the political scene on both side of Kashmir changed dramatically after that fateful February day in 1984 - when Kashmir’s little known revolutionary was hanged in India, his hanging changed the fate and fortunes of Kashmir. That momentous change which evolved into an armed revolution has meant that the issue of Kashmir is not going to be brushed under the carpet until his mission is complete.   He is now known as the Shaheed-e-Azam, ‘father of the nation’. He has become an icon for countless political groups both within and outside the vale of Kashmir.

11 February is being commemorated as Maqbool Bhat’s 22nd death anniversary. On this day the scene was set to make a modern day legend for Kashmir.   On this day Kashmiris remember their hero with honors and pride. Kashmiri nationalist groups, on both sides of the dreaded line of control and all over the world, remember him well but his adversaries who had hoped that he would be forgotten with the passage of time wish their nightmare was over. Born after his death, young men of age 22 who have grown up with the only undisputed name in Kashmir’s turbulent history are not likely to forget his dream and his mission. That name will live on for centuries to come.

Asiya Andrabi

Asiya Andrabi is the leader of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of the Nation). This ultra-Islamic group is part of the separatist APHC in the Kashmir valley. The main aim of the organization is the imposition of Islamic Law Sharia in Kashmir as well as separation from India .

Background

Born Born in 1962, Asiya Andrabi, a vociferous orator, graduated in Home Science from University of Kashmir in 1981. Daughter of a physician, Syed Sahabuddin Andrabi, Aasiya wanted to become a scientist and to move to neighboring, Himachal Pradesh in pursuit of higher studies. But her brother’s refusal changed her destiny. Her close aides said she used to spend most of her time at home and one day, by chance, read a book ‘Khawateen Ke Dilon Ki Bateen’ from her father’s library based on the rights and duties of Muslim women. She was moved by the status of women in Islam and this proved a turning point in her life. She learnt Arabic to propagate the teachings of Islam. Aasiya formed the Dukhtaran-e-Millat (daughters of the community) in the eighties. However, after the eruption of militancy, she spearheaded a reformist movement among women prompting a ban of her organization. Around the same time, she found a match in Muhammad Qasim alias Aashiq Husain Faktoo, then a commander of Jamait-ul-Muhajideen. However, the couple couldn’t stay together for long. They were arrested along with their newborn, Muhammad Bin Qasim. They were booked under Public Safety Act and shifted to Jammu Central Jail. Her husband was booked under Terrorism and Disruptive Act and given life sentence. Despite passing of over 17 years in jail, he has not been released yet. Over the years, Aasiya has been arrested and booked for various charges. During the Amarnath land row and subsequent killing of over 60 youth, Aasiya led massive protests and was again booked under the PSA. She remained in custody for over six months. Though, the High Court quashed the PSA and released her, Aasiya was again arrested after she staged protests against the Shopian double murder and rape in 2009. She along with her associates were booked under PSA. Aasiya’s fame even reached Bollywood and inspired filmmakers to depict her life in films. But she halted their efforts by threatening legal action against the producer.
In 1981, after differences over several issues with the Jamaat-e-Islami leadership, Andrabi decided to form a female only exclusive organisation called the Dukhtaran-e-Millat. This organisation first started as an Islamic awareness organisation for women. Later on, it started to stage demonstrations in 1987, and protests against Human Rights Violations in Kashmir.It resorted to symbolic protests by defacing posters and hoardings depicting un-Islamically dressed women. Her organization is presently running a campaign in Kashmir Valley to achieve Right to Self Determination In 1990, when anti-India resistance started rolling in Kashmir Valley and many innocents were killed at the hands of Indian Army, Indian govt imposed ban on them.
Aasiya was recently in dock after some New Delhi based newspapers accused her of double-standards for demanding passport for her elder son, Muhammad Bin Qasim to study abroad.However she had vehemently denied the charges terming it as an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing situation in the Valley. Her sons are still in the Indian Occupied Kashmir and have not left the troubled state.
Her organisation is very famous female organisation in Kashmir having lakhs of supporters. Andrabi formed Dukhtaran-e-Millat to bring morals to women and propel Islamic Morals,Values & Laws to impose an Islamic Law in the Muslim dominated Kashmir Valley .
Asiya Andrabi has been arrested and sent to prison on many occasions. The last occasion happened in 2004 and has been placed under house-arrest several times ever since. In an expression of to save the community from social evils she proposed shuttering liquor shops, cyber cafes and restaurants offering seating arrangements for couples claiming that these establishments had become dens of vice. She was again arrested on 28 August 2010. Pertinently Aasiya along with senior Hurriyat Conference (G) leader Masarat Alam have been spearheading the ongoing “Quit Jammu and Kashmir Movement” for over two months. Since the launch of the movement, Aasiya had gone underground to evade arrest..
In 2006, she initiated an anti-prostitution campaign which later led to uncovering of a high-profile scandal involving many of the top-post government officials.

Quotes 
I don't believe in Kashmiriyat, I don't believe in nationalism. I believe there are two nations - Muslims and non-Muslims
I'm Andrabi, I'm from the Syed dynasty. I'm not actually Kashmiri, I'm Arab, my ancestors had come from Arabia to Central Asia.[
I do not call myself a Pakistani but a Muslim[
So, the strong belief of Dukhtaran-e-Millat is that we want the whole universe to be governed by the laws of Allah the Almighty. Based on Islamic teachings, we are fighting against India. I am telling you that this is Islam, this is my religion.
I don't believe in Kashmiriyat, I don't believe in nationalism. I believe that there are just two nations—Muslims and non-Muslims. I am a Muslim; I am least bothered whether I will be called a Kashmiri. I'm Andrabi, I'm from the Syed dynasty. I'm not actually Kashmiri, I'm Arab, my ancestors had come from Arabia to Central Asia. I believe in Islamic nationalism.
So as far as our ideology is concerned, Kashmir is not a part of India because united India was divided on the basis of religion. No one can deny this fact. We want our future too to be solved on the basis of religion.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani

Syed Ali Shah Geelani

Syed Ali Geelani is one of the renowned leaders of the Islamic movement and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. He is one of the few leaders of the held Kashmir who raised his voice effectively and forcefully against the Indian occupation. He has spent 14 years of his life in prison and has thus become one of the few public leaders to spend so long a period of his life in prison.
He is one of the few persons who strengthened the Islamic Movement in Kashmir and is, again one of the few persons who have been leading the Islamic forces quite admirably. During the past 50 years he has manfully braved persecution and faced tremendous difficulties.
Syed Ali Geelani commenced his struggle in 1950. Afterwards he associated himself with the Islami Movement which under the name of Jama'at-e-Islami had started its crusade against the Indian imperialism right from 1947 when India committed her ignominious military interference under the garb of a questionable Accession by the fugitive autocratic ruler of the State.
It was on August 28, 1962, at the age of 30 years, that Syed Ali Geelani was for the first time arrested and imprisoned. He had to remain in prison for 13 months. During this imprisonment his father passed away but he was not allowed to participate in his obsequies.
On 7th of March 1965 Mr. Syed Ali Geelani along with several of his companions was arrested and imprisoned on charges of having secret contacts with Pakistan. He was set free after one year and ten months.
In between 1967 and 1977 he was several times alternately jailed and released.
In the month of October, 1983, when a cricket match between India and West Indies was scheduled to be played in the State Capital, Srinagar, it was Mr Syed Ali Geelani who vociferously opposed the holding of the match on the plea that Kashmir, being a disputed territory and not a legitimate part of India, could not be a proper venue for the match. He was jailed and tried in the court of law at the behest of the government of India. Seeing that crowds of people would remain in and outside the court room during the proceedings. The government arranged to hold in-camera trial.
Again. from 1983 to 1986 he was several times put behind the bars 20 months & 10 months.
In 1972 Mr. Syed Ali Geelani returned to the State Legislative Assembly on the ticket of Jama'at-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir.
For sometime i.e. from 1987 to 1989, he was actively associated with the combined of eleven parties namely, The Muslim United Front whose appearance had a far reaching effect on the politics of the State. It was after his release in 1986 from a fairly long incarceration that he started a campaign for attracting the Muslim youth towards jihad (holy war) against the continued occupation of Kashmir by India. Almost all his lectures and discourses were full of the powerful rhetoric in favour of this jihad. On 7th of September 1986 during his incarceration he experienced cardiac trouble and was kept under the Intensive Care. During the illness the rumour of his death brought his followers and well-wishers on to the streets in rallies and processions Upon the contradiction by the government broadcast over the radio the worried followers and admirers across the valley heaved a sigh of relief.
From March 1987 to 1989 Syed Ali Geelani effectively led the Muslim United Front within the Legislative Assembly and kept on highlighting the Kashmir problem to the utter chagrin and discomfiture of Indian government and its local supporters. When in 1989 the armed resistance against the continued Indian presence in the State began he alongwith his colleagues in the Front resigned his seat in the Legislature to join the public in support of the said resistance. All the Pro-freedom parties joined in a new combine under the name of Tahreek-e-Hurriyat with the reputed advocated Miyaan Abdul Qayoom as its chairman. The Indian government responded with a ban on all the constituents of this combine and got the leaders of these constituents arrested. Mr. Syed Ali Geelani was among those arrested and shifted to torture centre before sending them to different prisons in India.
By the end of 1991 Syed Ali Geelani along with the other jailed leaders were brought to the Indian capital, New Delhi where they were offered conditional release which they rejected vehehemently.
To sum up, Syed Ali Geelani is a sincere, capable and courageous leader who has been constantly influencing the Kashmiri youth with his sincerity of purpose perseverance and steely determination. who has inspired by his indominatable fighting spirit which has kept the flame of the struggle for the Kashmiris right of self-determination burning in the hearts of the millions of the freedom-loving people of the State.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani - A Profile
Name:                    Syed Ali Geelani
Father’s Name:         Syed Peer Shah Geelani
Place of birth :         Zoori Munz, Tehsil Bandipora, District Baramullah
Date of birth :          27-9-1929 (Twenty Seventh September, Nineteen
                               Hundred andTwenty Nine)
 Qualification:
i) Adeeb-e-Aalim, Punjab University
ii) Adeeb-e-Faazil, University of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar.
iii) Munshi Faazil, University of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar.
Started his career in 1949 as a government teacher and taught in the following institutions during the brief tenure:
* Primary School, Pather Masjid, Srinagar.
* High School, Rainawari, Srinagar.
* Middle School, Kani Kaddal, Srinagar.
* Middle School, Bomai, Sopore
* Intermediate College, Sopore.
* Middle School, Dangarpora, Sopore.
MIGRATED in 1950 from Zoori Munz to Duroo, Zainagear, Tehsil Sopore. Became member of Jama'at-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir in 1953.
RESIGNED from the government service in 1959.
Held the following offices in the Jama'at-e-Islami:
Ameer-e-Halqa Sopore; Ameer District Baramulla; Qayim-e-Jama'at; Editor 'Azaan'- the Party's official organ; acting Ameere-Jama'at; Chairman Political Bureau; editor 'Tuloo'.
Details of imprisonment spread over for 28th August 1962 to 9th June, 2002:
Date of Arrest Detention Period
1st Imprisonment 28-08-1962 13 months
2nd" 07-05-1965 22 months
3rd " 05-07-1975 04 months
4th" 07-12-1975 04 months
5th" August 1980 04 months
6th" 06-03-1984 10 months
7th" 28-01-1985 20 months
8th" 10-04-1990 24 months
9th" 22-10-1993 12 months
10th" 1995 03 months
11th" 1999 07 months
12" 09-06-2002 10 months
So many times house arrested by the Government. Especially on the occasion of Eid and Friday's Prayers.
Details of participation in various elections to State Legislature:
Year of Election Result
1972 Victory
1977 Victory
1987 Victory
Resigned the Assembly seat on 30th August, 1989
Books Authored:
A Pamphlet in urdu titled "Vinoba Bhave Say Mulaqaat"
Aulad-e-Ibraheem (Pamphlet)
Ek Pahloo Yeh Bhi Hai Kashmir ki Tasweer Ka (Pamphlet)
Qisa-e-Dard First Edition
Qisa-e-Dard Second Edition
Roodad-e-Oafas I
Roodad-e-Oafas II
Roodad-e-Oatas III (Script seized by the BSF on 09-03-1993)
Muqadama Ilhaq
Malit-e-Mazloom
Too Baki Nahien
Mera Payan aur Hai
Kargil
Talakh Hakayak
Ellan-e-Jangbandi
Hijrat Aur Shadat
Kralkhud se Joidhpur Tak
Qurbani
Kari Jahan Bay Sabat
Kuno Ansarullah
Rehrawani Ishiq
Sahadat Gaye Ulfat
Umedi Bahar
Wa Tasimu Bi Hablillahi Jamia
Iqbal Apni Paygam ki Roshni Main
Rasool-e-Rehmat(pbuh) Asri Hazir Main
Sadaie Dard -I
Sadaie Dard -II
Sadaie Dard -III
11 September ka Bad "Paschi Bayad Karad"
Shayad Ki Utar Jayay Tera Dil Main Meri Baat
Payam-e-Akhreen
Maqtal Se Wapsee
Nawa-e-Hurriyat-e-Kashmir
A letter to V.P. Singh, an Ex-Prime Minister of India.
A letter to Chandra Shekhar an Ex-Prime Minister of India.
Qual-e-Faisal-Deposition addressed to the tribunal.
Deed-u-Shaneed
Eid Paygam, 2004, 2005
Present Public Positions.
Chairman, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir
Chairman, All Parties Hurriyat Conference.
Address
Rehmatanbad Hyderpora Srinigar Kashmir 190014
Telefax. 91-0194-2439774
Mobile.
E.Mail. geelanisyedali@yahoo.co.in

Yasin Malik

Yasin Malik is the chairman of one of the two factions of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, the chairman for other faction is Farooq Siddiqi (Farooq Papa). The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), founded by Amanullah Khan and Maqbool Bhat, is a Kashmiri nationalist organization founded in Birmingham, UK on May 29, 1977. Within a couple of years branches were established in several cities and towns of the UK; and also in several countries of Europe, USA and Middle East. In 1982 branches were established in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Pakistan and in 1987 in Indian-administered Kashmir (Jammu and Kashmir) which shows it essential foreign origin. The organisation, Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front split in two after the senior leaders of the party disagreed with his policy of dealing Kashmir issue on bilateral level with India on the basis as was done in Nagaland, for which he held secret meetings with Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh. He started his movement[3] for separation of Jammu & Kashmir from secular India as an Islamic Nation of Darul Islam while silent on freedom of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. He spent almost 6 years of his life in jail and in interrogations. Yasin Malik originally came to prominence as a Militant Area Commander under the chief commander of Ishfaq Wani of JKLF who was killed in an encounter with Indian army. In 1994, Yasin Malik renounced violence after he was released from jail and thenceforth, he and his organization called for a peaceful method to come to a settlement on the Kashmir Conflict. He supports the return of Kashmiri Hindus back to the valley

Personal life

Yasin Malik was born in 1968 in a modest Kashmir household of Maisuma Bazar in the centre of Srinagar. His father was a Government Bus Driver, driving through the toughest routes of the world between Srinagar and Laddakh. He is married to the famous artist Mishal Malik. Mishal, a graduate from the London School of Economics and an artist, is the daughter of Rehana Hussain, chief of the Muslim League (women’s wing). Her father, the late M.A. Hussain Malik, was an internationally renowned Pakistani economist. Yasin Malik met Mushaal during one of his tours to Pakistan two years ago.

Militancy

Yasin Malik has admitted killing 4 Indian Airforce Personnel. In 1987, he was arrested, taken to an interrogation center for twenty days and then imprisoned for a year under the Public Safety Act. It was during this period that the four core activist member of the JKLF, Ashfaq Majid Wani (The JKLF Chief), Hamid Sheikh, Javid Mir and Yasin Malik met to form the famous HAJY group, an acronym formed of the first letters of their first names.

Two members of the HAJY Group Hamid and Ashfaq, were killed during encounter with security forces. Yasin Malik and Javid Mir were caught and imprisoned until 1994. In that year, Malik was released on grounds of ill- health. Soon after his release, he announced a unilateral cease-fire on the part of his party. He has stuck, to this day, to his commitment of reverting to a non-violent struggle. Even since his release in 1994 he has been arrested numerous times by Government and had six attempts made on his life by other terrorists. Yet despite this, he has sought to moderate the militant attitudes of fellow party workers.[6] Meanwhile the years of imprisonment have left him frail. Yasin Malik recently completed two lengthy visits to the United States for health reasons. He undertook campaigns to educate the U.S public and garner support for the cause of Kashmiri struggle.

Yasin Malik was arrested in October 1999 by Indian Authorities under the Public Safety Act and was again arrested on March 26, 2002 under the POTA. He was detained for almost a year. In recent times Yasin has had one to one meetings with President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Prime Minister of India and other world leaders. In 2007 Yasin Malik and his party launched a \campaign known as Safar-i-Azadi (Journey to Freedom). This journey was to create an atmosphere for anti-Indian agitations among public which lasted for one year and during it, Yasin Malik and his colleagues visited about 3500 towns and villages of Kashmir. Stone pelting and sporadic attacks by Muslim majority of Kashmir of security forces have increased hence forth.

Some of his prominent party workers include Adv. Bashir Butt, Enj. Ghulam Rasool Dar, Noor Mohammed Kalwal, Showkat Ahmed Bakhshi and Mohammed Hussain Khan Altaf etc. Yasin Malik has Shaheed Maqbool Bhat, Jinnah & Yaser Arafat as his ideals. Yasin has studied only up to 5th standard but claims that most of the studies he has done are self studies done in various jails. He loves poetry of Allama Iqbal and writings of Imam Gazali. He is influenced with the visions of struggle of Che Guevara.

In January 2010, asked Kashmiri Pandit migrants to return to their homes in the Kashmir valley

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq born 23 March 1973) is the chairman of the Awami Action Committee and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference- a grassroots coalition of pro-independence secessionist groups in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. He attended Burn Hall School in Srinagar.

As a Mirwaiz (preacher) of Kashmir and head of the Hurriyat he has both an important religious and political role in the politics of the Valley.

Placed on the stage at the age of 17, following the assassination of his father, Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq,then the leader of Awami Action Committee, Umar Farooq united 23 Kashmiri militant organizations into the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). He has constantly tried to raise much awareness about the Kashmir issue internationally. He was also shown among the Asian Heroes by the Times magazine.^[1][2] He maintains that dialogue must take place with India and Pakistan, so long as the Kashmiri aspirations are heard as well.

He inherited as the 12th Mirwaiz (Kashmiri term for traditional preacher of Muslims in Kashmir) in 1990.Before joining the pro-freedom Kashmir politics,Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was an alumnus of the prestigious Burn Hall School in Srinagar,he had interests in computers and he wanted to become a software engineer. But fate had something else in store for this man, who became founder-chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference at the age of 20. He also holds a masters degree in Islamic Studies from Cairo University Egypt.