Srinagar: Shabbir Ahmed Shah, the detained senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, has paid tribute to Shaheed Burhan Muzaffar Wani and his associates ahead of their martyrdom anniversary on July 8.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Burhan Wani, a recognized youth leader, and two others were killed by Indian troops in what was described as a fake encounter in the Kokernag area of Islamabad district on July 8, 2016. From Tihar jail, Shah praised the sacrifices of Wani and his colleagues, stating, “Their unparalleled sacrifices for the freedom movement will serve as a beacon to illuminate our pathway to freedom.”

Shah urged the people of Kashmir to commemorate the anniversary of Wani’s death with a renewed commitment to continue the struggle for freedom from Indian rule. Describing Wani as a symbol of resistance, Shah remarked on the lasting influence Wani’s legacy would have on future generations in Kashmir. He also addressed the broader implications of the 2016 uprising following Wani’s death, noting the ongoing detention of Kashmiri political activists and calling for international intervention to secure their release.

Shah’s comments come at a time when he urged the Indian government to reassess its policies and foster dialogue to resolve the longstanding conflict in the region.