Protests Escalate in Azad Kashmir Demanding Release of Student Leader

MUZAFFARABAD: Sustained protests have erupted across Azad Kashmir, with activists and political groups demanding the immediate release of Khawaja Mujtaba Banday, a prominent student and youth leader arrested twice within a week in Muzaffarabad the capital of Pakistan administrated Kashmir. Pandey’s initial detention followed his participation in events commemorating the death anniversary of Maqbool Butt, a contentious Kashmiri nationalist figure, sparking accusations of political repression by local authorities.

Details of the Arrests

Khwaja Mujtaba Bandah, a vocal advocate for Kashmiri self-determination, was first arrested on May 13, 2025 by Muzaffarabad police after organizing a gathering to mark the 40th anniversary of Maqbool Butt’s execution. Butt, co-founder of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), was hanged in India’s Tihar Jail in 1984 and remains a polarizing symbol of resistance in Kashmir. Though briefly released, Banday was rearrested shortly afterward under undisclosed charges, igniting outrage among civil society groups. Protesters allege his detention is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

Protests and Political Backlash

The Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JK NSF) and Jammu Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP) have spearheaded demonstrations, branding Banday’s arrest as an attack on “the voice of Kashmiri youth.” In Muzaffarabad, rallies have drawn hundreds, with protesters chanting slogans like “Release Mujtaba Banday!” and “Stop silencing dissent!” Social media platforms are flooded with hashtags such as #ReleaseMujatabaBanday, where users accuse the state of fearing his influence. “A young student leader’s vision threatens those in power,” read one viral post.

Context and Reactions

Pandey’s case underscores rising tensions over political expression in Azad Kashmir. While public commemorations of Maqbool Butt are not uncommon, authorities often view such events through a lens of security sensitivity, given Butt’s legacy in the Kashmir conflict. JKNAP leader Sardar Liaqat Hayat condemned the arrests, stating, “Mujataba’s only crime is demanding rights guaranteed under international law. This repression exposes the state’s insecurity.” Meanwhile, Muzaffarabad police have yet to issue an official statement, despite repeated requests for clarification.

Broader Implications

Analysts note a pattern of targeting youth activists in the region, where calls for autonomy or criticism of governance are frequently met with scrutiny. Pandey’s dual arrests highlight the precarious space for political activism, even in areas nominally under Kashmiri administrative control. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for transparency, urging authorities to “either charge Pandey legally or release him unconditionally.”

What’s Next?

Protest organizers vow to intensify demonstrations until Pandey is freed, with plans for a sit-in outside the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly. International human rights groups are being urged to monitor the situation, as fears grow over escalating state responses. As nightfall descends on Muzaffarabad, the chants for justice grow louder. Khawaj Mujtaba Banday,s case has become a rallying cry for Kashmiri youth, symbolizing both their aspirations and the systemic challenges they face. In a region where political voices are often stifled, his detention tests the boundaries of dissent and democracy.