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Brussels: Ali Raza Syed, Chairman of the Kashmir Council Europe (EU), has called on India to hand over the mortal remains of Kashmiri martyrs Afzal Guru and Maqbool Butt to their families, enabling them to perform the final rites in accordance with their traditions.
Speaking on the anniversaries of the two freedom fighters, Ali Raza Syed paid tribute to them, describing Afzal Guru and Maqbool Butt as beacons of Kashmir’s struggle for freedom. He noted that Afzal Guru was executed in Tihar Jail on February 9, 2013, and buried there without the consent of his heirs, while Maqbool Butt was hanged on February 11, 1984, and similarly denied proper burial according to his family’s wishes.
Ali Raza Syed emphasized that hanging Kashmiri leaders cannot end the region’s freedom movement. He urged India to recognize the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, in line with international law, and called for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue through dialogue and adherence to United Nations resolutions.
Highlighting the importance of the Kashmir issue for South Asian peace and development, he urged the international community, particularly the UN and the European Union, to play an active role in resolving the dispute. He also demanded an end to restrictions in occupied Kashmir, the release of political leaders including Yasin Malik, and an end to extrajudicial killings.
Under the auspices of the Kashmir Council EU, a commemorative event for Afzal Guru and Maqbool Butt will be held on February 10 at the Council’s Central Secretariat in Brussels.
