Mujtaba Banday, Detained in Muzaffarabad Jail: Silence on His Arrest?


MujtabaBanday, a prominent leader from Muzaffarabad, is the central president of the Jammu Kashmir NSF (National Students Federation), the largest student organization in the region. He is also a member of the core committee of the Joint Awami Action Committee. His role in the region's politics is transparent, and he stands as a symbol of resistance and struggle in Muzaffarabad. Though young, his influence in the political landscape of the region is deep and impactful.

Mujtaba Banday's contributions to the ongoing movement for public rights, including student rights, national freedom, and class struggles, are fundamental and unforgettable. His sacrifices and efforts live on in the hearts of many.

He has been arrested multiple times in his fight for public rights, and numerous cases have been filed against him. On February 18, he was arrested for celebrating the martyrdom day of Maqbool Butt Shaheed in Muzaffarabad, confronting the occupiers, advocating for national freedom, and challenging the unlawful occupation of the region. He was brutally tortured and detained by the occupying forces, along with the current government, administration, and police. He was released after two days but was arrested again the same evening while out shopping, subjected to further violence.

 

Currently, Mujtaba Banday is enduring severe torture, and his life is at grave risk in the Muzaffarabad City Police Station.

His family is under intense pressure to persuade him to distance himself from the ongoing national public struggle and to remain silent on political matters. The situation they are facing is extremely concerning, and we strongly condemn it.

However, Mujtaba remains steadfast, refusing to succumb to these low tactics. As a result, not only is he denied freedom, but he is also subjected to extreme exploitation, physical and mental torture.

Mujtaba Banday is currently imprisoned under false and baseless terrorism charges. His first fast is being observed in the harsh conditions of the jail.

While he is detained in jails under Pakistani-administered Kashmir, Yasin Malik is similarly imprisoned in Indian jails.

In response, the Jammu Kashmir NSF and Jammu Kashmir NAP have organized protests across the state, including in Europe and Canada, demanding Mujataba Banday's release. Mujataba Banday is an active voice of the Joint Awami Action Committee and a regular member of its core committee. He is the sole prisoner held by the ruling class at the moment.

However, it is deeply concerning that no activities or statements have been issued by the Joint Awami Action Committee's core committee for Mujataba Banday's release, which is causing confusion and doubt among the public, freedom fighters, and students.

An even more troubling aspect is the lack of a unified response from the alliance of freedom fighters, progressives, and nationalists in the region.

It is true that Mujtaba Banday belongs to an revolutionary student organization and is linked to the idea of autonomy, but this does not mean he is any less important as a member of the Joint Awami Action Committee's Muzaffarabad division. He has always participated actively in all activities, from Neelum to Bhimber, organizing the youth and the public.

Without a doubt, Mujtaba Banday's current punishment is a direct result of his advocacy for freedom and revolution. His role in the Joint Awami Action Committee's Muzaffarabad division has been vital, independent, and energetic, which has made him a target of state violence. The silence of the JAAC at this stage is both concerning and regretful.

As a member of the JAAC, and as a citizen and human rights activist of this state, I raise the question: The committee must clarify its position. This is not just about Mujtaba Banday; it is about the entire question of state oppression. When a citizen is targeted by state violence, when their rights are stripped away, and when freedom of speech is suppressed, the Joint Public Action Committee must resist and stand against this oppression.

Human freedom and rights must never be compromised, and no injustice should be tolerated.

Mujtaba Banday represents the freedom, revolution, and public rights of not only the state but particularly the Muzaffarabad division. He is our strength.

If the ruling class succeeds in silencing Mujtaba Banday's voice, it will not just be the silencing of one voice, but it will shake the very foundations of the entire resistance movement. After this, questions will arise, and voices will be raised against the contradictions in the state system and the decaying structure.

Therefore, in these challenging times, it is not just the duty of freedom fighters, progressives, and nationalists, but of every citizen who believes in human freedom, democracy, and human values to raise their voice for Mujtaba Banday's release, express solidarity, and take to the streets.

 

 

Through this writing, I appeal to the students of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to launch an effective protest movement so that the ruling class in Muzaffarabad faces the same fate as the rulers in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

My intent is not to target the Joint Awami Action Committee or any of its proud members, but to draw attention to the violations of human rights and the injustices faced by its members.

Indeed, the Joint Awami Action Committee has its own Charter of Demands and code of conduct, but the growing contradictions in the current system have created the need for renewed commitment to the committee. Progressive, humanist, and class-conscious comrades like Mujtaba Banday are assets to the entire public, nation, state, and society, and they should not be restricted or limited in any way. It is our duty to support these youth.

 

Written By: Shah Nawaz Ali Sher Advocate, Member Joint Awami Action Committee Nakyal

Edited By: Zaara Kashmiri

 

 

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