17/10/2026
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT KHAWAJA MANZOOR QADIR OPPOSES MILITARY INTERVENTION IN POLITICAL DISPUTE; DEMANDS JUSTICE, RELEASE OF JAAC LEADERS AND IMPLENENTATION OF 4TH OCTOBER 2025 AGREEMENT
London : 17 October 2026
The Jammu Kashmir Liberation League (JKLL), under the leadership of its President, Khawaja Manzoor Qadir, has reiterated its firm support for the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the legitimate civil, political and economic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
President Khawaja Manzoor Qadir strongly opposed the proposal to involve Pakistani forces in addressing the political crisis during the All Parties Conference convened by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on 3 June 2026. He maintained that a political dispute must be resolved through political dialogue, meaningful negotiations and the fulfilment of commitments—not through the deployment of armed forces against unarmed civilians.
His position was clear: the armed forces must not be used to suppress peaceful dissent or settle political disagreements. The protection of civilian life must remain paramount.
The subsequent escalation, arrests, restrictions on communications and prohibition of JAAC have deepened concerns about civil liberties and the space available for peaceful political activity. International reporting has documented the unrest, arrests and internet disruptions for over three months.
HONOUR THE AGREEMENT OF 4TH OCTOBER 2025
JKLL calls upon the Government of Pakistan and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government to implement the 38-point Charter of Demand agreement reached with JAAC on 4th October 2025. Commitments made through negotiations must be honoured in good faith, with a transparent timetable and meaningful participation by JAAC representatives.
RELEASE SHOUKAT NAWAZ MIR AND OTHER JAAC LEADERS
JKLL demands the immediate release of Shoukat Nawaz Mir and other detained JAAC core members and activists, unless lawful grounds justify their continued detention. In every case, detainees must have access to lawyers, their families and an independent judicial process.
Political leadership and peaceful civic activity must not be criminalised merely because they challenge government policy or demand accountability.
END INTIMIDATION OF TRADER AND BUSINESSES
JKLL condemns reported attempts to force businesses to open and the reported sealing of commercial premises as a means of intimidation or retaliation. Traders must be allowed to exercise their lawful rights without threats, coercion or collective punishment. Any enforcement action must have a lawful basis and comply with due process.
NAJIB AFSAR CALLS FOR SOLIDARITY AND PROTECTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS
Najib Afsar, Senior Vice President of JKLL, supports the committee's demand for justice, civil liberties, democratic representation and implementation of the agreed Charter of Demands. The League calls upon political parties, lawyers, trade associations, civil society and human rights organisations to support peaceful dialogue and the protection of civilians.
KASHMIRI DIASPORA STANDS WITH JAAC
JKLL recognises the solidarity demonstrated by Kashmiri diaspora communities and supporters through protests and advocacy in London, New York and other countries. These efforts help bring international attention to the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their demands for accountability, dignity and political rights.
The League urges diaspora organisations to continue peaceful advocacy and to call upon their elected representatives and governments to raise these concerns through appropriate diplomatic and human rights channels.
APPEAL TO THE UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
JKLL calls upon the United Nations Secretary-General, relevant UN human rights mechanisms and democratic governments to:
1) Support an independent investigation into reported civilian deaths and alleged unlawful use of force.
2) Press for the release of detained JAAC leaders and activists where their detention lacks lawful justification, and insist upon due process for all detainees.
3) Urge the authorities to review JAAC's prohibition and safeguard peaceful political association and assembly.
4) Demand implementation of the 38-point agreement of 4 October 2025 through a transparent and time-bound process.
5) Call for reliable internet access, independent media access and an end to intimidation of traders and peaceful protesters.
6) Encourage direct negotiations between JAAC and the relevant governments to secure a peaceful, sustainable resolution.
PRESIDENT KHAWAJA MANZOOR QADIR'S MESSAGE
The position of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation League is unequivocal: political grievances require political solutions. Force cannot substitute for dialogue, and intimidation cannot replace justice.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir must be able to express their grievances peacefully, organise collectively and seek accountability without fear. The Government of Pakistan and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government must honour their commitments, protect civilian life and engage meaningfully with the representatives of the affected population.
Release the detained JAAC leaders. Stop intimidation. Restore civil liberties. Implement the agreement. Respect the people's rights.
Issued by:
Jammu Kashmir Liberation League (JKLL)
Najib Afsar
Senior Vice President, Jammu Kashmir Liberation League
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
