Burhan Wani Remembered: Symbol of Resistance and the Undying Spirit of Kashmir’s Freedom Struggle

Nine years after his martyrdom, Burhan Wani remains the fearless face of Kashmir’s resistance—a symbol whose legacy continues to inspire the fight for justice and freedom.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has solemnly commemorated the ninth martyrdom anniversary of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, reaffirming their commitment to Kashmir’s struggle for the right to self-determination against India’s illegal occupation. Burhan, who was killed on July 8, 2016, in a staged encounter by Indian forces in Kokernag, Islamabad district, has become an enduring symbol of resistance for Kashmiris across the globe.

Burhan Wani’s extrajudicial killing was not the end—it marked the beginning of a massive uprising. In the months that followed, protests erupted throughout Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Indian forces responded with brutal force, killing over 150 unarmed civilians using live ammunition, pellets, and tear gas. His death became a rallying cry that united Kashmiris across regions and generations.

Prominent APHC leaders, including Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, Muhammad Haseeb Wani, Maulana Mus’ab Nadvi, Fayaz Hussain Jafari, Syed Sibte Shabbir Qummi, and Advocate Imtiyaz Ahmed, issued statements in Srinagar praising Burhan for reinvigorating the youth-driven movement for freedom. They hailed his ideological clarity and deep-rooted connection with Islam and Pakistan—values they say remain the foundation of the ongoing resistance.

The APHC emphasized that the sacrifices of Burhan Wani and his fellow martyrs are a sacred trust that the Kashmiri people must continue to honor and protect. “These martyrs are not just part of our history—they are the guardians of our future,” the leaders stated. They vowed to continue the struggle until the ultimate goal of liberation is achieved.

Dismissing India’s hopes of quelling Kashmiri aspirations through violence and occupation, APHC leaders stressed that every martyr only strengthens the resolve of the people. They reiterated that true and lasting peace in the region can only come through a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, as per UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Burhan Wani’s memory lives on—not just in the hearts of those who knew him, but in the collective consciousness of an entire movement. His courage, conviction, and ultimate sacrifice have immortalized him as #SymbolOfResistance, reminding the world that freedom is a right, not a request.z