HomeArticleAsiya Andrabi-the voice of Kashmir struggle

Asiya Andrabi-the voice of Kashmir struggle

Asiya Andrabi is the founder of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) or daughters of the nation, which is fighting for Kashmir freedom.

Holder of master’s degree in Arabic literature, and bachelors in biochemistry, Andrabi shot to prominence in the late 1980s, when launched a campaign against social evils under the banner of DeM.

She was, first time, arrested in 1993 and since then faced many detentions. Last time, she was taken into custody in October 2016. Though she was released a few months later but was kept under house arrest, only to be arrested again and shifted to Amphala Jail Jammu in 2017.

In July 2018, she was shifted to Tihar Jail, where two top Kashmiri leaders- Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru- were hanged in 1984, and 2013 respectively.

During her days as a student, she stumbled upon a book, Khawateen Ke Dilon Ki Baten (Inner Feelings of Women) by Ma’el Kairabadi, in her father’s library.

The book was a compilation of essays on women who had embraced Islam and worked towards its expansion.

Speaking about the Kashmir struggle she said, she still stands firm on her views against India. “My body has resigned but we have full faith in Allah. How can we turn back after giving so many lives,” she broke down. “I can’t forget the faces of our shaheeds (Matyrs).”

When she was asked about freedom struggle, she replies “Our struggle has not ended. They can kill us but not our aspirations. We would not want to derail but instead die,” Asiya firmly puts forth and it is perhaps the first time I see the “iron lady”.

Andrabi gained recognition as Kashmir’s first woman delivering speeches, heading protests and holding meetings to get freedom from India.

Three years after she constituted the DeM, Andrabi married Mohammad Qasim, a founding member of the Hizbul Mujahideen, in 1990. He is currently in jail. The couple has two sons, one of whom is said to have pursued higher studies in Malaysia and Australia.

Andrabi encouraged women to join the DeM for “the sake of Islam and Kashmir’s freedom” and mobilised several of them, membership to the group was based on strict criteria.

Inspiring story of freedom struggler Asiya Andrabi

Our Correspondent

Andrabi is the founder of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) or daughters of the nation, which is fighting for Kashmir freedom.

Holder of master’s degree in Arabic literature, and bachelors in biochemistry, Andrabi shot to prominence in the late 1980s, when launched a campaign against social evils under the banner of DeM.

She was, first time, arrested in 1993 and since then faced many detentions. Last time, she was taken into custody in October 2016. Though she was released a few months later but was kept under house arrest, only to be arrested again and shifted to Amphala Jail Jammu in 2017.

In July 2018, she was shifted to Tihar Jail, where two top Kashmiri leaders- Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru- were hanged in 1984, and 2013 respectively.

During her days as a student, she stumbled upon a book, Khawateen Ke Dilon Ki Baten (Inner Feelings of Women) by Ma’el Kairabadi, in her father’s library.

The book was a compilation of essays on women who had embraced Islam and worked towards its expansion.

Speaking about the Kashmir struggle she said, she still stands firm on her views against India. “My body has resigned but we have full faith in Allah. How can we turn back after giving so many lives,” she broke down. “I can’t forget the faces of our shaheeds (Matyrs).”

When she was asked about freedom struggle, she replies “Our struggle has not ended. They can kill us but not our aspirations. We would not want to derail but instead die,” Asiya firmly puts forth and it is perhaps the first time I see the “iron lady”.

Andrabi gained recognition as Kashmir’s first woman delivering speeches, heading protests and holding meetings to get freedom from India.

Three years after she constituted the DeM, Andrabi married Mohammad Qasim, a founding member of the Hizbul Mujahideen, in 1990. He is currently in jail. The couple has two sons, one of whom is said to have pursued higher studies in Malaysia and Australia.

Andrabi encouraged women to join the DeM for “the sake of Islam and Kashmir’s freedom” and mobilised several of them, membership to the group was based on strict criteria.

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