In a recent turn of events, a post made by Sadaqat Mughal, Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (Nazreyati), has raised alarms over what appears to be an act of intimidation by government authorities in Neelum Valley, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Mughal’s public account of receiving a threatening call from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Neelum has sparked widespread debate about the government’s approach to managing both public dissent and the ongoing crisis in the region.
This alarming phone call, as narrated by Sadaqat Mughal, took place after the tragic deaths of three local residents, who were reportedly killed by an avalanche while transporting military supplies. The incident, which took place in the upper reaches of Neelum Valley, has captured the attention of local media, with many questioning the region’s preparedness and response to such disasters.
Mughal, who leads the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (Nazreyati) – a group advocating for the complete independence of Jammu and Kashmir from both India and Pakistan – took to social media to express his condolences and share the details of the tragic incident. He also raised concerns about the lack of official response to the victims’ families. This led to a call from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Neelum, which Mughal claims was not just a reprimand but an attempt to censor his public statements.
The Avalanche Incident: A Call for Transparency
The tragic avalanche in Neelum Valley claimed the lives of three men, who were reportedly returning after delivering military supplies to a remote location. The victims were buried under a heavy snow mass, and the news of their deaths has deeply affected the local community. According to Mughal, the victims were not only local civilians but also part of a larger effort to support the military by transporting critical supplies.
In his post, Mughal shared that the families of the deceased had confirmed the tragic events, and the local community was left to deal with the aftermath on their own. The villagers, despite facing severe snowstorms and the risks of further avalanches, embarked on a desperate search to recover the bodies of their loved ones. Mughal described the selfless efforts of the local people in searching for the bodies of the fallen, a task that no official rescue teams appeared to take responsibility for at the time.
Despite the tragedy, what followed seemed even more alarming. Mughal’s social media post quickly turned controversial after he highlighted the failure of local authorities to provide sufficient support during this difficult time. In a society where official narratives often attempt to shield the government from criticism, his candid expression of grief and frustration sparked a response from the administration.
A Threatening Call from the DC of Neelum
According to Sadaqat Mughal, the very next day, he received a threatening phone call from the Deputy Commissioner of Neelum. Mughal claims that during this call, the DC instructed him to delete the post he had shared about the tragedy. Describing the conversation as “threatening,” Mughal emphasized that the DC’s tone was not just disapproving, but also coercive, as if the government official felt entitled to dictate the content of Mughal’s social media activity.
The call, which Mughal claims came at around 1 PM, took a disturbing turn as the DC allegedly demanded that the post be deleted immediately. The Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (Nayeerati) stated that such interference in his personal expression was not only a violation of his rights but also an attempt to suppress the truth about the local government’s failure to act during the crisis.
Mughal expressed his frustration, saying that the Deputy Commissioner, whose job is to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Neelum, should have been on the ground assisting in the recovery operation, rather than attempting to censor social media posts. According to Mughal, the people of Neelum were left to fend for themselves in the midst of a natural disaster, and the local administration did nothing but try to silence those who pointed out their negligence.
A Call for Accountability and Justice
Mughal’s post and his subsequent revelations have raised serious questions about government accountability in Kashmir. His claims have not only sparked a debate on the role of local authorities in disaster response but also on the larger issue of political censorship and freedom of speech in the region.
Kashmir, long embroiled in political unrest and turmoil, has seen an increasing tendency to stifle dissent, especially when it concerns government shortcomings. The act of censoring posts on social media, particularly those pointing out failures or injustices, has become a common tool of authorities to avoid scrutiny. However, Mughal’s response reflects a growing trend among certain segments of Kashmiri society that refuses to accept this silencing of voices, especially when it comes to the rights and dignity of the people.
For a region that has seen decades of conflict, authoritarianism, and administrative negligence, Mughal’s stand highlights a crucial issue: the right to speak freely and the need for justice for the people of Kashmir. The people of Neelum, like many other areas in Kashmir, are struggling not only with the challenges of natural disasters but also with the compounded burden of a system that often prioritizes its narrative over the lived realities of the people.
Mughal’s Vision: A Struggle for Kashmiri Rights
Mughal, known for his firm stance on Kashmiri independence, has always been an outspoken advocate for the region’s right to self-determination. His message, however, goes beyond political rhetoric. His commitment to the cause of the Kashmiri people is evident in his words: “I am leading a revolutionary movement for the complete independence of my homeland, and I will continue to fight for the rights and safety of my people until my last breath.”
Through his leadership in the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (Nayeerati), Mughal has worked to push for a complete rethinking of Kashmir’s political future. His criticism of the Neelum administration is rooted in the broader context of his ideological beliefs – a desire for a free, independent, and just Kashmir, where the voices of the people are not stifled, and their rights are not compromised.
In his message, Mughal clearly rejects the notion that local authorities can dictate what the people can or cannot say. He also draws attention to the greater struggle for justice in Kashmir, emphasizing that the fight is not just for independence but for the dignity and protection of every Kashmiri citizen, whether in the face of natural disasters, political repression, or military interventions.
The Bigger Picture: Kashmir’s Struggle for Justice
Mughal’s experience is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of the larger issues facing Kashmir. The region has long been plagued by a lack of accountability, government corruption, and a deep sense of alienation among its people. This incident in Neelum Valley, tragic as it is, serves as a microcosm of the struggles faced by Kashmiris who are constantly at the mercy of both natural calamities and a political system that often appears indifferent to their suffering.
The people of Kashmir, from all walks of life, continue to face these harsh realities, and Mughal’s call for justice resonates with many who feel unheard and marginalized. Whether it is the local people trying to recover bodies from an avalanche or activists like Mughal speaking out against government neglect, the underlying issue remains the same: the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
As Kashmir continues to navigate its troubled political landscape, the people of the region are watching closely. Will the government continue to ignore their voices, or will it begin to recognize the importance of justice, transparency, and accountability for all? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the fight for a just and free Kashmir will continue, no matter the obstacles.
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