Under the banner of the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation, the “Azadi Convention” of JKNSF University of Poonch was held at a private hall in Rawalakot. Prior to the convention, a protest rally titled the “Students Caravan” was also organized from Sabir Shaheed Stadium to highlight demands including the immediate announcement of the student union election schedule and other student related issues. Students of the University of Poonch, along with representatives from other educational institutions across the district, participated enthusiastically in the rally.
Led by JKNSF Central President Badr Rafiq and other leaders, the rally began at Sabir Shaheed Stadium and, amid passionate slogans, passed through Maqbool Butt Shaheed Chowk before concluding at the private hall. There, as part of the convention, the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected cabinet was held, followed by a conference titled “Youth and Revolution.”
The conference was presided over by the newly elected Chairman of JKNSF University of Poonch, Aman Habib, while JKNSF Central President Badr Rafiq attended as the chief guest. Addressing the conference, Aman Habib and Badr Rafiq, along with other guests, central office bearers, and numerous student representatives, spoke on various issues. Other speakers included former Chairman of JKNSF USA Branch and Organizer of the South Asia Solidarity Network USA Zahid Hussain, Central President of the United Gilgit Baltistan Students Organization Kashif Ali, JKNSF Central Secretary General Arsalan Shani, Central Spokesperson Mujeeb Khan, editor “Azam” Umair Khurshid, Chairman Finance Board Adil Farooq, Chairperson Publication Department Saima Batool, Chairperson Study Circle Aliza Aslam, former District General Secretary Danish Fida, newly elected General Secretary University of Poonch Daniyal Faizi, Organizer Mahnoor Aslam, In charge Study Circle Mehreen Nisa, Deputy General Secretary Samar Ishaq, Media Secretary Mehak Zahid, former Organizer University of Poonch Abdul Wahab, Organizer Post Graduate College Rawalakot Salik Rashid, Organizer Degree College Hajira Sharjeel Shah and Saad Ahmed Saadi, Organizer Government College of Technology Rawalakot Ali Rashid, and several other student leaders.
While addressing the “Youth and Revolution” conference, speakers stated that JKNSF has always played a strong and decisive role in the struggle to resolve student issues, including repeated and unjustified increases in university fees. They emphasized that unless students are given representation and participation in decision making related to university infrastructure, curriculum, education systems, campus environment, fee determination, and other essential matters, student problems will continue to grow.
The speakers stressed that the only practical and collective solution for student participation in decisions affecting their present and future is the immediate announcement of the student union election schedule, rather than mere promises made before every election campaign. This would enable students to raise their fundamental human and democratic rights through their elected representatives.
Addressing the gathering, the central leadership and other speakers further demanded that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and all other regions connected to the Jammu Kashmir issue be given the opportunity to exercise their internationally recognized fundamental human and democratic right of self determination, including the right to freedom.
The speakers stated that NSF has always represented the revolutionary consciousness of students and youth and will continue its struggle by further organizing students and youth across educational institutions, district headquarters, and throughout Jammu and Kashmir on the basis of scientific socialism, until the end of imperialist control and the capitalist system.
They added that a free, sovereign, secular, and socialist Jammu and Kashmir is not only the sole revolutionary solution for the future of the region, but also the foundation for establishing a federation based on equality of all nations in South Asia and ensuring lasting global peace.
Additionally, during the conference, District Bagh Organizer Comrade Khawar Khalil performed a revolutionary anthem, which was warmly received by the audience, while Zamar Haris presented the convention resolution to the participants. All demands included in the resolution were unanimously approved. The resolution demanded the following:
- The immediate announcement of the student union election schedule and the right of students to elect their democratic representatives.
- The immediate reversal of budget cuts imposed by the Higher Education Commission, along with a substantial increase in funding for the University of Poonch and other universities.
- An end to the privatization of educational institutions and a ban on the commercialization of education.
- The formulation of a uniform and modern scientific curriculum at the state level to ensure quality education for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir at all levels.
- The immediate completion of all under construction buildings at the University of Poonch and other educational institutions, along with the provision of essential infrastructure in line with both collective and departmental requirements.
- The formation of anti harassment committees on all campuses, with meaningful inclusion and representation of students in these bodies.
- Provision of all basic facilities including hostels, transport, internet, cafeterias, libraries, laboratories, playgrounds, and other necessities.
- The granting of the right to self determination, including the right to separation, to the people of all nationalities in Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and other regions linked to the Jammu Kashmir issue
