Srinagar: Senior figures of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference commemorated the 8th anniversary of the death of Burhan Muzaffar Wani and his associates, using the occasion to reiterate their dedication to the ongoing freedom struggle in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Wani and his two companions were killed on July 8, 2016, by Indian forces in what was reported as a staged encounter in the Kokernag area of Islamabad district. His death led to widespread protests across the region, where numerous civilians were injured or killed by security forces.

During today’s remembrances, incarcerated APHC chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt, along with other detained leaders such as Shabbir Ahmad Shah and Nayeem Ahmad Khan, highlighted Wani’s significant impact on the Kashmiri resistance movement. They spoke of his profound connection to Islamic principles and the struggle for freedom, describing his legacy as a cornerstone of the ongoing movement against Indian rule.

The leaders emphasized that the sacrifices of Wani and others like him are vital assets to their cause, insisting on the continuation of the struggle until Kashmir’s self-determination is realized. They also stressed the importance of a resolution to the Kashmir issue in line with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, citing it as essential for lasting peace in the region.

Additional Hurriyat representatives, including Fayaz Hussain Jafari and Maulana Syed Sibte Shabbir Qumi, paid their respects to Wani and the other martyrs, vowing to maintain the momentum of the liberation movement despite India’s attempts to suppress it. They expressed confidence that the sacrifices made will lead to justice for the Kashmiri people, inspiring further generations to persist in the fight for freedom.