Remembering Kashmir’s Martyrs: A Tribute to the Struggle for Freedom

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) recently paid heartfelt tributes to the prominent martyred Hurriyat leaders Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq, Khawaja Abdul Ghani Lone, and the Hawal martyrs on the anniversaries of their martyrdom. These figures are revered as heroes of the Kashmiri freedom movement, symbolizing the enduring struggle for self-determination.

Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq was tragically assassinated by unidentified gunmen at his residence in Srinagar on May 21, 1990. The day was further stained by the massacre of over 70 mourners who were shot indiscriminately by Indian troops during his funeral procession in the Hawal area of Srinagar. Twelve years later, on May 21, 2002, Khawaja Abdul Ghani Lone was similarly assassinated by unknown attackers as he returned from addressing a gathering at the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar.

In their statements issued from Srinagar, APHC leaders emphasized the profound impact of these martyrs on the Kashmiri freedom movement. They reiterated their commitment to achieving the goals for which these leaders sacrificed their lives. The APHC leaders called upon the Kashmiri people to hold special prayers for the departed souls, underlining the collective grief and solidarity within the community.

The APHC also drew attention to the ongoing challenges faced by pro-freedom leaders and political prisoners in Kashmir. They appealed to international bodies such as the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other human rights organizations to intervene and help protect the lives of the Kashmiri people.

The remembrance of these martyrs serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and justice. The legacy of Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq and Khawaja Abdul Ghani Lone continues to inspire the Kashmiri people, reinforcing their resolve to continue the struggle against oppression.

The annual commemoration of their martyrdom is not just an act of remembrance but also a reaffirmation of the Kashmiri people’s commitment to their cause. It underscores the ongoing struggle for self-determination and the desire for international recognition and intervention in addressing the human rights abuses in the region.