A rally was held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir's Muzaffarabad on Wednesday to commemorate the 10th martyrdom anniversary of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, drawing attendance from the leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), government officials, refugees from Indian-occupied Kashmir, as well as a large number of young Kashmiris.
Burhan Wani's Legacy and the Rally
The death of 21-year-old Wani, a prominent Kashmiri activist, had sent shockwaves throughout the region and brought the long-standing conflict in the occupied territory to the forefront of international attention. His martyrdom on July 8, 2016, had sparked widespread protests, leading to another wave of violence by Indian occupation forces in the region.
AJK Prime Minister's spokesperson Shaukat Javed Mir, Muzaffarabad Development Authority Chairman Yasir Gilani, APHC leaders, government employees and members of civil society participated in the rally. The rally began at Burhan Muzaffar Wani Chowk and culminated at the Alamdar Chowk.
Participants carried Pakistani and AJK flags and chanted slogans against India and in support of Pakistan and Wani.
Speakers Highlight Wani's Symbolism and Struggle
Addressing the gathering, the speakers said July 8 was observed across the Line of Control (LoC) as a 'Day of Resistance' in remembrance of Wani. They described him as 'a symbol of the Kashmir freedom movement', adding that his struggle continued to inspire Kashmiri youth across the divide.
Speaking on the occasion, Mir said the people of occupied Kashmir remained committed to their struggle for the right to self-determination and supported accession to Pakistan. He stated that many young people in the territory still followed Wani's legacy.
Human Rights Violations and Political Detainees
Mir lambasted India for human rights violations in the region, highlighting that over 97,000 Kashmiris had been killed, 22,000 women widowed and more than 4,000 young people imprisoned during the past 36 years by the Indian-occupying forces.
The AJK PM's spokesperson further said that APHC leaders, including Shabbir Shah and Yasin Malik, remained in Indian custody and called on New Delhi to release all political detainees and withdraw its forces from the disputed territory.
Call for UN Resolutions and Tribute to Military
The speakers also urged the United Nations to implement its resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and ensure that the people's right to self-determination was granted. They also paid tribute to the military, saying that the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos (Iron Wall) had enhanced Pakistan's stature at the international level.
