Justice 4 Arif Shahid Campaign castigate Pakistani authorities for their failure to investigate targeted killing of Kashmiri Nationalist Leader
On the 1st martyrdom anniversary of Arif Shahid Shaheed, one of the icons of people resistance movement against foreign occupation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The members of Justice 4 Arif Shahid Shaheed Campaign paid rich tribute to the life and struggle of Arif Shahid Shaheed. The renowned Kashmiri leader who was allegedly killed by agents of state security forces on 13 May 2013 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Arif Shahid Shaheed with Kashmiri political and Civil society leaders from across the line of control (file photo)
“Arif Shahid Shaheed is beacon of unity in ranks and files of civil resistance movement in all regions of Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Kashmir and their generations to come will remember the ultimate sacrifice he rendered in the service of his nation,” said Sardar Aftab Khan, Coordinator Justice 4 Arif Shahid Campaign.
Arif Shahid’s family, friends, political associates and members of ‘Justice 4 Arif Shahid (Shaheed) Campaign‘, and Kashmiri people want an effective action to bring the conspirators and killers of Mr. Shahid to justice. Since, 14th May 2013 hundreds and thousands of people participated in peaceful protest within AJK and Pakistan. Their main demand is a judicial enquiry into targeted assassination of their beloved son of the soil and a leader of national independence movement in Jammu Kashmir.
In support of this demand over 3650 people in UK and Europe signed and presented a petition at Pakistan High Commission London on 13 June 2013, and over 100 representatives of civil society and human rights organisation from Indian occupied J&K presented same petition to Pakistan High Commission, Delhi. Similarly, over 2500 signed this petition in AJK and presented to Raja Ishfaq Sarwar, Minister for Labour and Manpower in Punjab Government.
“We are disappointed that the Pakistani authorities failed to investigate and arrest the killers of Arif Shahid Shaheed. The Campaign has been knocking all the doors for justice and will continue to lead on highlighting the failure of Pakistani authorities in investigating alleged extra judicial targeted killing of Arif Shahid Shaheed” said Mahmood Kashmiri, Chairman Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA).
Azmat A. Khan, president JKLF (UK & Europe Zone) said: “The cold blooded assassination of a prominent Kashmiri independence leader in mainland Pakistan and subsequent inability of Pakistani authorities to properly investigate the targeted killing is deeply disturbing and remain a source of suspicious behaviour on part of Pakistani authorities. This expose their claim that they are supporting and sympathising with Kashmiri struggle. It is utterly condemnable situation and Kashmiri expatriates will continue to protest until the culprits are brought to justice and retribution.”
Ghulam Hussin, President Kashmir Freedom Movement (KFM) said: “We are disappointed to note that there is no formal response from the Punjab Government. This demonstrates serious lack of interest and disregard by Punjab Government and possibly breach of the obligation to investigate alleged targeted killing of Mohammed Arif Khan Shahid and bring those responsible to justice, Re: FIR No.48 Dated 14/05/2013, City Police Station, Rawalpindi.”
Usman Kiyani, President United Kashmir Peoples National Party (UK Zone) said: “The diaspora Kashmiri community and the people believing in the right to life, liberty and security of citizens are very concerned and want AJK Government help and support to take up the issue with Punjab Government to bring the all the offenders involved in the targeted assassination of Mr. Arif Shahid to Justice.”
Justice 4 Arif Shahid Campaign calls for action from all civil society organisation and political parties to support the Campaign in its efforts to seek justice for Arif Shahid family and the people of Kashmir.