Srinagar: On the 16th anniversary of his martyrdom, incarcerated senior leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and other figures in the Kashmiri resistance movement have paid tribute to Shaikh Abdul Aziz, a prominent figure in the struggle for Kashmir’s self-determination who was killed during a protest in 2008.

According to Kashmir Media Service, APHC leaders Shabir Ahmed Shah and Nayeem Ahmed Khan, both currently detained in Tihar Jail, released statements commemorating Aziz’s dedication and sacrifice. They described him as a pivotal leader who endured significant hardships in pursuit of justice and freedom for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Shah and Khan, along with other detained leaders, emphasized Aziz’s role in leading a significant march towards Azad Kashmir which was aimed at protesting an economic blockade imposed by extremists in Jammu.

The tributes highlight Aziz’s leadership during the pivotal march on August 11, 2008, which was met with lethal force by Indian troops, resulting in his death. This event marked a significant moment in Kashmir’s recent history, symbolizing ongoing resistance against Indian rule and the struggle for Kashmiri identity and autonomy.

Other Hurriyat leaders, including Bilal Ahmed Siddiqui, Molvi Bashir Ahmed Irfani, and figures from the APHC-AJK chapter, also expressed their respect and remembrance, calling Aziz a symbol of the struggle against Indian oppression. They pointed out the continuous inspiration drawn from his legacy, urging current and future generations to persist in the fight for freedom.

These commemorations come amid what many local and international observers describe as an intensification of oppressive measures by Indian authorities in the region, aimed at quelling dissent and altering the demographic and cultural fabric of the area.