The Government of India Act of 1858 marked the transition of power from the British East India Company to Queen Victoria, leading to 90 years of direct British colonial rule until independence in 1947. However, this independence came with its complexities, particularly regarding Kashmir, which has been occupied by India since 1947.
Our conversations that were held 9th August 2024 delved into the historical context of Kashmir’s struggle against colonisation and its ongoing quest for self-determination. We critically examined the implications of upholding Islamic values amidst these challenges and reflect on how the narratives of both historical and present-day experiences resonate with our identities as Muslims today.
Together, we engagedin meaningful discussions about the importance of preserving our histories in the face of attempts to rewrite them, as well as how these narratives can inform pathways towards a liberated future.
In Algeria, following its colonisation by the French beginning in 1834, a powerful collective movement emerged against oppressive rule, culminating in their independence in 1962. Our event looked to honour the legacy of collective Algerian resistance while also highlighting stories of individual resistance in against colonisers in their prison cells and torture chambers. The discussion linked to



the ongoing struggles of political prisoners and their fight for freedom and dignity.
The stories of individual resilience and the power of communal solidarity during the Algerian War served as pivotal points in our discussions, illuminating the lessons we can draw from this rich history.
As a community we sought to learn and grow from the diverse experiences of resistance and resilience evident in these critical narratives, inspiring both individual integrity and collective strength among Muslims around the globe. Facilitated by our expert speakers:
Dr Muzammil Ayyub Thakur
President of World Kashmir Freedom Movement WKFM (formed in 1990) and director of The Justice Foundation: Kashmir Institute of International Affairs
Elias D'Imzalène
Speaker: Elias d'Imzalène
French Algerian political influencer and political advisor for Perspective Musalamanes and Urgence Palestine
https://www.instagram.com/eliasdimzalene?igsh=MTA4Mm41aG9yc2c5Nw==