Online Desk: Top leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) commemorated the 8th martyrdom anniversary of Burhan MuzaffarWani and his associates, reaffirming their dedication to the Kashmiris’ struggle for freedom against Indian occupation.Burhan Wani, a popular youth leader, was martyred alongside two associates in a staged encounter by Indian troops in Kokernag, Islamabad district, on July 8, 2016. His extrajudicial killing triggered a mass uprising across the occupied territory, during which Indian forces used bullets, pellets, and teargas, resulting in the martyrdom of over 150 innocent protesters.

The APHC leaders, including incarcerated chairman MasarratAalam Butt, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Molvi Bashir Ahmed Irfani, and AasiyaAndrabi, praised Burhan Wani for reinvigorating the freedom struggle and igniting a fervent spirit among Kashmiri youth against Indian subjugation. They emphasized Wani’s deep connection with Islam and Pakistan, asserting these foundations are integral to the ongoing freedom movement, a sentiment deeply rooted in the collective memory of Kashmiri Muslims.

The leaders stated that the sacrifices of Burhan Wani and other Kashmiri youth are a precious asset to the freedom movement. They stressed that it is the duty of the Kashmiri people to protect this asset and continue their struggle against Indian occupation until achieving their sacred goal of freedom. They underscored that lasting peace in the region hinges on a just resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Other Hurriyat leaders, including Fayaz Hussain Jafari and Maulana Syed SibteShabbirQumi, paid homage to Burhan Wani and other martyrs, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to fulfilling the martyrs’ mission. They dismissed India’s hopes of suppressing the liberation movement, asserting that every martyr only strengthens the resolve of Kashmiris. Expressing confidence in the enduring impact of Wani’s sacrifices and those of other martyrs, they asserted that justice will ultimately prevail for the Kashmiri cause. They emphasized that Burhan Wani’s lasting legacy will continue to inspire the youth of IIOJK, recognizing his profound contribution and sacrifice as a pivotal chapter in the history of Kashmir’s struggle for freedom.

The APHC leaders’ statements reflect a steadfast commitment to the freedom struggle, highlighting the significance of Burhan Wani’s martyrdom in reigniting the movement and the continued resolve of Kashmiris to achieve their goal of freedom.