Detained Kashmiri Leader Pays Tribute to Burhan Wani from Jail

Illegally detained senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, has paid glowing tributes to Shaheed Burhan Muzaffar Wani and his associates on their martyrdom anniversary, observed on July 8.

Burhan Wani, a popular youth leader, was martyred by Indian troops during a fake encounter in the Kokernag area of Islamabad district on July 8, 2016, alongside two other associates.

In a message from Tihar jail, Shabbir Ahmed Shah praised the supreme sacrifices of the martyred commander and his colleagues, who were killed while fighting occupation forces. “Their unparalleled sacrifices for the freedom movement will serve as a beacon to illuminate our pathway to freedom,” Shah stated.

Reiterating the Kashmiris’ pledge to uphold the martyrs’ mission, Shabbir Shah urged the Kashmiri masses to observe the martyred commander’s anniversary with renewed commitment to continue the ongoing freedom struggle until achieving the cherished goal of freedom from Indian illegal occupation. He termed Shaheed Burhan Wani as an icon of resistance. “Shaheed Burhan Wani left behind a proud legacy that will continue to inspire Kashmir’s incoming generations. The way he rejuvenated the freedom movement in his short life will serve as an inspiration for future generations.” He commended the Wani family for their courage and commitment to the freedom cause.

“The martyrs of Kashmir and their supreme sacrifices can never be forgotten,” he said, adding that the memories of those who faced deadly bullets and pellets during the mass uprising triggered by Burhan Wani’s martyrdom remain fresh in their hearts. “Thousands of martyrs who laid down their precious lives during the ongoing liberation struggle will continue to live in our hearts and minds,” he said.

Shabbir Shah also highlighted the plight of political activists, especially young boys, who were arrested and booked under draconian laws during the 2016 uprising and continue to languish in various jails in and outside IIOJK.

He urged the international community to take effective notice of the matter and called on world bodies to impress upon India to secure the early release of all Kashmiri prisoners detained before and after August 5, 2019.

Shabbir Shah emphasized that it was high time for the Indian government to revisit its policy and create a conducive environment where all stakeholders could sit together to resolve the lingering dispute that has caused prolonged bloodshed and instability in the region.