Remembering Burhan Wani: A Victim of Genocide in IIOJK

On the eve of death anniversary of Burhan Wani, the pain of his loss is felt profoundly across Kashmir. Burhan Wani, a young and fascinating leader, became a symbol of confrontation and hope for the Kashmiri people against Indian atrocities. His bravery brought new life to the Kashmiri freedom movement and inspired countless others to continue the fight for freedom.

Burhan Wani was born into a well reputed family in Tral, in South Kashmir. His father, Muzaffar Wani, was a school principal while his mother, Maimoona Muzaffar was a housewife. Burhan’s education was marked by a blend of traditional values and a keen awareness of the socio-political realities of Kashmir. However, the persistent sense of injustice and the daily dishonors faced by Kashmiris under Indian rule sowed the seeds of resistance in his heart.

Burhan Wani, along with his two aides, was martyred by Indian forces in a fake encounter in the Kokernag area of Islamabad on July 8, 2016. His death anniversary is more than just a commemoration; it is a reiteration of the people of Kashmiri for freedom. Every year, his death anniversary is marked by various events that underline the ongoing struggle and the lasting impact of Burhan’s legacy.

Complete shutdown was observed on the 8^th martyrdom anniversary of Burhan Wani, poster and banners paying tribute to the hero of freedom struggle were displayed across the valley. APHC AJ&K leader Ghulam Muhammad Safi led a rally in Karachi to pay tribute to Shaheed Burhan Wani and reiterated the firm resolve of Kashmiri people across the world to continue their fight for self-determination in light of UN resolutions. He further emphasized that “the youth of IIOJK are following the footsteps of Burhan Wani. India could not suppress the freedom spirit of Kashmiris and cannot maintain occupation of the valley”. According to Kashmir Media Services, the Illegally detained Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference Masarrat Alam Butt has paid tribute to Shaheed Burhan Wani and his associates on their martyrdom anniversary. Masarrat Alam Butt, in his message from Tihar Jail, praised Burhan Wani as a role model for the people of Kashmir in their struggle against Indian oppression. Mushaal Hussain Malik in a video message said that “Burhan Wani’s planted seeds has become trees now as Burhan fought the usurping Indian army with courage and bravery”. Protest rallies were also taken out in all districts of AJ&K by Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Commission, Pasban-e-Hurriyat other Hurriyat organizations.

For many young Kashmiris, Burhan Wani is a source of inspiration. His courage and conviction have motivated a new generation to continue the fight for freedom. He demonstrated that despite of devastating odds, the will to resist can flame a powerful movement. Burhan Wani embodied the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination, symbolizing the spirit of boldness against a powerful oppressor. His martyrdom in 2016 at the hands of Indian forces only amplified his status, transforming him into a real hero for the cause.

The plight of the Kashmiri people has been a subject of international concern for decades. Since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019, the region has faced a severe clampdown, including prolonged lockdowns, communication blackouts and heightened military presence. These measures have disrupted daily life, leading to economic hardships and restricted access to essential services.

In addition to these hardships, there are widespread reports of human rights abuses. The intensified Indian state terrorism includes extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions. The Updated Kashmir ‘Fact Sheet’ released by Pakistan “highlights these incidents, particularly since July 8, 2016, marking a period of intensified violence against innocent and unarmed civilians”. The Kashmiris struggle for freedom is also a fight against the existing human and religious rights violations. The martyrdom of Burhan Wani also brought atrocities against innocent Kashmiris by occupied forces into focus, warranting calls for accountability and justice. It is on the record that despite facing such type of repression, the Kashmiri people continues to push for self-determination and independence.

The struggle of Kashmiri people is available in the principles of self-determination preserved in UN resolutions. Despite several resolutions calling for a plebiscite, the situation remains unsettled. The weak response by the international community to ensure implementation of these resolutions has further strengthened the resolve of the Kashmiri people for freedom. Kashmiri people and diaspora are vigorously working to bring forth the quandary of Kashmiris and gain international support for their cause. They send a clear message to the world that the Kashmiri struggle for independence is far from over.

It is high time for the international community to take immediate notice of the grave human rights and religious violations perpetrated by Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The extensive abuses, including enforced disappearances demand pressing intervention to hold India accountable and to resolve the Kashmir issue once for all by executing the UN resolutions that give the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination. The ongoing atrocities must end to guarantee peace and justice for the oppressed Kashmiris.