Srinagar, Burhan Wani, widely regarded as an icon of resistance and a pivotal figure in the Kashmiri freedom movement, continues to inspire the region’s youth and stands as a symbol of resilience against oppression.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Wani is celebrated as a hero by the Kashmiri people, remembered for his courage and ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom from what is described as Indian domination. Wani, who was only 22 years old at the time of his death, utilized social media effectively to galvanize and lead the youth in Kashmir’s struggle for freedom. He was killed by Indian forces during an encounter in Kokernag area of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on July 8, 2016, which has been widely criticized as a fake encounter.

Wani’s influence extended beyond his life as millions participated in his funeral, underscoring his massive popularity and the profound impact he had on the region’s socio-political landscape. Born in 1994 in Tral, in a climate of intense state conflict, Wani was deeply affected by the violence and injustice experienced by his community, which eventually propelled him into a leadership role within the resistance movement.

His family has also been a target of what has been reported as oppressive tactics by Indian forces, which included the killing of Wani’s brother Khalid Muzaffar in another alleged fake encounter. Despite these personal tragedies, the spirit of resistance among his family and supporters remains unbroken, with his father, Muzaffar Wani, continuing to speak out against Indian policies in the region.

The article underscores that the ongoing struggle in Kashmir is a direct response to the harsh conditions imposed by Indian authorities, with many young people choosing resistance over submission. It suggests that the legacy of Burhan Wani and others like him has instilled a robust spirit of defiance and a commitment to the freedom movement among the Kashmiri youth, predicting an eventual triumph over what they see as colonial oppression.