Burhan Wani’s 3rd martyrdom anniversary observed on both sides of LoC

MUZAFFARABAD/SRINAGAR (KMS) – Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) commemorated the third martyrdom anniversary of popular Kashmiri youth leader, Burhan Muzaffar Wani with the renewed pledge to continue Kashmiri martyrs’ mission, against all odds. Complete shutdown marked by curfew and other restrictions was observed across occupied Kashmir on Monday. Call for the strike was given by the Joint Resistance Leadership to pay tributes to Burhan Wani, his associates and other martyrs of 2016 mass uprising. Burhan Wani was martyred by Indian troops in a fake encounter in Kokernag area of Islamabad district on this day in 2016. The Indian authorities snapped internet services in Islamabad, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and other districts and suspended the train service across the Occupied Valley. Thousands of Indian soldiers, paramilitary forces and police personnel were patrolling deserted streets across the territory. All roads leading to Tral were completely blocked with concertina wires. The authorities sealed the house of Burhan Wani in the town. Youth on the other hand created pro-Burhan graffiti on the shutters and walls across the town. Posters to pay homage to Burhan Wani were displayed at many vantage points. In Islamabad, a walk was held from China Chowk to D Chowk to pay tributes to the martyred young Kashmiri leader. It was organized by APHC-AJK chapter and was attended by a large number of people. Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Raja Farooq Haidar addressing the participants said Burhan Wani played an important role in highlighting the Kashmir freedom struggle. Big rallies and marches were also held in Muzaffarabad, Kotli and other parts of Azad Kashmir. Youth in large numbers wearing white shirts with Burhan Wani’s pictures gathered at Burhan Wani Chowk in Muzaffarabad and offered salute at his monument in the echoes of Pakistani national anthem. Flags of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were also hoisted on the occasion. Meanwhile, according to the data issued by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service, today, Indian troops in their continued acts of state terrorism martyred 1020 Kashmiris including 70 in fake encounters since the killing of Burhan Wani on July 8, 2016. During the period, 27, 659 people were injured due to the use of brute force on peaceful protesters. 10,298 of them were injured by pellets. The eyesight of 147 youth was damaged and 215 youth lost their sight in one eye. On the other hand, the incarcerated Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir liberation Front, Muhammad Yasin Malik was, once again sent to judicial custody for another month by an NIA court in New Delhi. Speakers at a seminar in Geneva urged the United Nations to implement its promised referendum in Jammu and Kashmir. The event was hosted by International Human Rights Association of American Minorities and it was moderated by Ambassador Ronald Barnes. Another event organized by the Organisation of Kashmir Coalition in Geneva demanded constitution of an independent enquiry commission to investigate all crimes committed by Indian forces in occupied Kashmir.