Muzaffarabad, February 11 – The 40th martyrdom anniversary of Kashmiri leader Maqbool Butt is being observed with immense fervor and national spirit across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PaJK) today. Various political and nationalist organizations have organized rallies, seminars, and commemorative events in major cities, including Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Pallandri, and Dadyal, to pay tribute to the iconic pro-freedom leader.
In Muzaffarabad, the Jammu Kashmir National Student Federation (JKNSF) is leading a central program at Upper Adda, where political activists and students gathered to honor Maqbool Butt’s legacy. Shoukat Nawaz Mir, a member of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, addressed the gathering, highlighting Butt’s lifelong struggle for Kashmir’s independence and self-determination.
Throughout the region, special prayers were offered for the liberation of Kashmir, with participants reiterating their commitment to the cause of self-rule and resistance against oppression.
Maqbool Butt, a prominent figure in Kashmir’s pro-freedom movement, was executed in Tihar Jail, India, on February 11, 1984, in what many consider a politically motivated case. His last words, “A time will come when every Kashmiri will be Maqbool Butt,” continue to inspire generations advocating for Kashmir’s sovereignty.
Security remains heightened in key areas as authorities anticipate large-scale public gatherings. The martyrdom anniversary serves as a reminder of Kashmir’s long-standing struggle, with nationalists vowing to carry forward the mission of their slain leader.
