Maqbool Bhat: The Martyr Who Lit Kashmir’s Flame of Freedom

February 11 marks a solemn yet significant day in Kashmir’s history the martyrdom anniversary of Maqbool Bhat, the pioneer of Kashmir’s struggle for independence. He was not just a revolutionary but a thinker, leader, and symbol of resistance who laid the ideological foundation for an independent and sovereign Jammu and Kashmir.

A Leader Who Challenged the Status Quo

Maqbool Bhat once delivered a historic speech in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, where he made a bold statement that continues to resonate:

“I cannot be unjust to history. I must state clearly that whether it is the challenge of harvesting crops, education, or the national liberation struggle—unless the Kashmiri people themselves rise to solve their problems and take a leading role, they will remain at the mercy of others. It is the verdict of nature and history. I will abandon my struggle if anyone can provide a single example from history where one nation fought another nation’s war for independence. Never! But unfortunately, Kashmiri leadership has always invited outsiders to lead our struggle, which contradicts the aspirations of our people. The command and leadership of our national freedom movement must rest solely in the hands of the people of Kashmir.”

Maqbool Bhat awakened the national consciousness of Kashmiris, who had long been lost in the illusion of accession. He redefined the struggle by introducing the vision of a united and independent Kashmir—a vision that challenged the status quo and ignited a movement for complete sovereignty.

The Hijacking of Ganga and the Fight Against Accession

The infamous Ganga hijacking case was weaponized against Maqbool Bhat and his comrades, but the reality was far different. The hijacking was not an act of terrorism; rather, it was a symbolic strike against the ideology of accession. Maqbool Bhat and his fellow revolutionaries declared:

“We did not hijack the Ganga to commit terrorism, nor do we believe that a single act will free Jammu and Kashmir. But through this action, we wanted to awaken our youth and make them realize that our state has been divided and enslaved. Our resources—minerals, water reserves, foreign exchange, waterfalls, towering mountains, and most importantly, our sovereignty and freedom—have been stolen from us. We are pacified with the illusion of accession while our true independence is denied. The hijacking of Ganga was the death of the accession ideology. Remember how the people raised the slogans of complete freedom and sovereignty? The local collaborators of the accession agenda lost their sleep.”

A Leader Who Endured the Worst Tortures for His Nation

Maqbool Bhat not only fought for national liberation but also endured extreme hardships to set an example for his people. His unwavering commitment to the cause saw him imprisoned, tortured, and isolated for over fifteen years. Yet, his spirit remained unbroken.

One such testament to his influence comes from Shahi Qila (Lahore Fort), where his companion, Nasir Wani, was subjected to brutal torture. Even in a state of unconsciousness, Nasir Wani stood up and saluted Maqbool Bhat when he passed by. This act enraged his torturers, who asked:

“You were unconscious a moment ago, but as soon as Maqbool Bhat walked by, you saluted him. Why?”

Nasir Wani’s response immortalized the love and devotion his comrades held for him:

“You may cut my body into a thousand pieces, and if you make each piece witness Maqbool Bhat’s presence, every piece will salute him.”

This was the level of loyalty and admiration Maqbool Bhat inspired among his followers.

The Leader Who Foretold Kashmir’s Future

Maqbool Bhat warned against the perils of dividing Kashmir’s freedom struggle along religious, ethnic, or regional lines. He declared:

“If any group or individual tries to shape Kashmir’s freedom movement based on caste, sect, or religion, they are the greatest enemies of the Kashmiri nation. Such divisions will fragment our homeland, and history shows that divided nations are enslaved by others. If Kashmir’s freedom struggle is driven by regional or religious sentiments, no power in the world will support us. Our national liberation can only be achieved if we fight as a united force for a unified, sovereign Jammu and Kashmir.”

Maqbool Bhat’s Legacy Lives On

Decades have passed since his execution on February 11, 1984, but his predictions have proven true. Despite the sacrifices of over 100,000 Kashmiris, the struggle continues, and the dream of complete sovereignty remains unfulfilled. If Maqbool Bhat were alive today, perhaps the path to freedom would have been clearer.

His sacrifice was not in vain. His ideology continues to guide generations of Kashmiris who refuse to surrender to oppression. The spirit of Maqbool Bhat remains an unyielding flame, lighting the way for those who seek a free and independent Jammu and Kashmir.

“He who conquers death itself,
A martyr of the sword of tyranny,
You are not just a memory,
You are the very essence of life itself.”