The Incredible Story of Two Fugitive Schoolboys Who Grew Up to Change a Nation

In 1957, two young schoolboys, Maqbool Bhat and Ashraf Qureshi, ran away from their homes in Srinagar, the capital of Indian-occupied Kashmir. They were both members of the Muslim Conference, a political organization that was fighting for the independence of Kashmir. By the time they were in their early twenties, they had become leaders of the resistance movement against Indian rule and symbols of the Kashmiri struggle for freedom.

Bhat was born in 1938 in a small village in the Anantnag district of Kashmir. His father was a farmer and his mother was a housewife. Bhat was a bright student and excelled in his studies. He was also a keen sportsman and played cricket and football for his school. However, Bhat's childhood was overshadowed by the political turmoil that was gripping Kashmir. In 1947, India and Pakistan were partitioned and the Muslim-majority state of Kashmir was divided between the two countries. India claimed the entire state, but Pakistan disputed this claim and the two countries have fought several wars over Kashmir.

Educated for Freedom: The Incredible Story of Two Fugitive Schoolboys Who Grew Up to Change a Nation

by Anna Mae Duane

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3642 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	247 pages

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Qureshi was born in 1940 in Srinagar. His father was a businessman and his mother was a teacher. Qureshi was also a bright student and excelled in his studies. He was also a talented artist and loved to paint and draw. However, Qureshi's childhood was also overshadowed by the political turmoil in Kashmir. He witnessed the violence and repression that was being perpetrated by the Indian security forces against the Kashmiri people.

In 1957, Bhat and Qureshi joined the Muslim Conference. The Muslim Conference was a political organization that was fighting for the independence of Kashmir. It was led by Sheikh Abdullah, a charismatic leader who was revered by the Kashmiri people. Bhat and Qureshi quickly rose through the ranks of the Muslim Conference and became leaders of the resistance movement against Indian rule.

In 1965, Bhat and Qureshi were arrested by the Indian security forces. They were accused of being involved in a plot to assassinate Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Bhat and Qureshi were sentenced to death, but their sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment.

Bhat and Qureshi spent the next two decades in prison. During this time, they continued to lead the resistance movement against Indian rule from behind bars. They smuggled out letters and articles that were published in the Kashmiri press and they organized hunger strikes and other forms of protest. Bhat and Qureshi also wrote books and poems about their experiences in prison and about the Kashmiri struggle for freedom.

In 1984, Bhat was hanged by the Indian government. His execution sparked widespread protests in Kashmir and around the world. Qureshi was released from prison in 1985 and he continued to lead the resistance movement until his death in 2001.

Bhat and Qureshi were both martyred in the struggle for Kashmiri freedom. They are remembered as heroes by the Kashmiri people and their legacy continues to inspire the current generation of Kashmiri activists.

The story of Maqbool Bhat and Ashraf Qureshi is an incredible story of courage, sacrifice, and hope. It is a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Educated for Freedom: The Incredible Story of Two Fugitive Schoolboys Who Grew Up to Change a Nation

by Anna Mae Duane

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3642 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	247 pages

FREE