On August 5th, 2025, the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) North America Zone organized an “Independent Kashmir Conference” in New York to observe 5th August “The Kashmir Exploitation Day”.
Muhammad Rafiq Dar, JKLF Central Chief Spokesman, was the Chief Guest and keynote speaker in the conference.
Mr. Dar is a close associate of Yasin Malik, the incarcerated Chairman JKLF and a protégé of JKLF Supreme Head and Founder, Late Amanullah Khan.
About Muhammad Rafiq Dar
Mr. Muhammad Rafiq Dar is a 57-year-old well-educated, knowledgeable, and experienced politician who believes in the peaceful struggle for a Reunited and Independent state of Jammu Kashmir. He was twice unanimously elected as Central Chief Spokesman of JKLF by party’s supreme council. He has been a close and trust worthy comrade of Late Amanullah Khan for his role played so far, sacrifices rendered in the freedom struggle and the competence he possesses.
Key Points of Mr. Rafiq Dar’s Speech
During the conference, Mr. Dar emphasized the importance of continuvity of the peaceful struggle for Kashmir’s freedom. He advised the Kashmiri diaspora to reach out to human rights organizations, international forums, the United States, and elected peoples representatives of democratic countries to ensure their support for the Kashmir freedom movement.
Main Points
- Uniting Kashmiris: Mr. Dar advised JKLF members to unite all Kashmiris of different political doctrines on a common ground without compromising the ideology of a “Reunited and Independent State of Jammu Kashmir”.
- Peaceful Struggle: He emphasized the continuation of peaceful struggle and diplomatic efforts on international platforms, including the United States, European Union, OIC, and United Nations.
- Training and Education: Mr. Dar stressed the importance of political workshops to train and educate JKLF cadres including the leadership.
- Avoiding Violence: He cautioned against getting provoked into violence by occupying forces, which would only lead to harm the innocent civilians and demoralize the people of Kashmir.
Unity and Discipline within JKLF Ranks
Mr. Dar also stressed the need of unity and discipline within JKLF ranks. He said that the extremism in any form is always detrimental to the cause.
While citing the examples of Maqbool Butt Shaheed, Late Amanullah Khan and Yasin Malik, Rafiq Dar termed these leaders as role models for JKLF cadres who led the nation with a balanced, pro people and nationalistic approach. He said that our party leaders in the past have always selflessly and consistently worked for national unity and never preferred solo flights. Exhibition of this kind of approach has actually valued them as national hero’s, he added.
Condemning Extremism
As the Chief Spokesman, Mr. Dar strongly recommended the JKLF cadre to pay homage to these party leaders and ideologues by following them in every respect. He warned the participants of the conference, especially of those with extrmistic views, of failure and giving the bad name to the party if they do not follow the party leadership.
Peaceful Struggle: A Strategic Choice
The JKLF leadership has wisely suspended the armed struggle and the extremism, opting instead for a peaceful struggle that has garnered clear support from the population of Kashmir and international sympathy and support for the cause.
Mr. Dar emphasized that this approach will continue to guide the party’s efforts to achieve a Reunited and Independent Kashmir.
M. Haleem Khan
Member of the Supreme Council Jammu Kashmir liberation Front .
