India imposes curfew across occupied Kashmir on Burhan Wani's 3rd martyrdom anniversary

Published July 8, 2019
Indian forces have sealed Burhan Wani's house and blocked all ways leading to his hometown Tral to prevent marches and protests. — AP/File
Indian forces have sealed Burhan Wani's house and blocked all ways leading to his hometown Tral to prevent marches and protests. — AP/File

A complete shutdown, marked by curfew imposed by Indian forces, was observed across occupied Kashmir on Monday to commemorate the third martyrdom anniversary of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, an iconic young mujahid commander, Kashmir Media Service (KMS) reported.

The shutdown call was issued by the Joint Resistance Leadership in order to pay tribute to Wani and his associates. Wani, who was chief of operations in Hizbul Mujahideen, the largest and mainly indigenous fighter group in Indian-occupied Kashmir, was martyred along with two other colleagues by the Indian army during an alleged encounter in Bamdoora village of held Kashmir’s Kokernag area on July 8, 2016.

Also read: I'll never forget the day Burhan Wani was killed

The authorities sealed Wani's house as well as the graveyard where he is buried in his hometown Tral. All roads leading to the town were also completely blocked with concertina wires to prevent people from marching towards his house.

According to KMS, internet services in Islamabad (Anantnag), Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian districts were also suspended. In Srinagar, Indian forces arrested two young men for putting up pro-Wani posters.

Thousands of Indian soldiers, paramilitary forces and police personnel were deployed across occupied Kashmir to enforce strict curfew. Special restrictions were placed in areas falling under the jurisdiction of police stations, including Maisuma, KralKhud, Khanyar, Nowahatta, SafaKadal, Maharaj Gunj and Rainawari in Srinagar.

Despite restrictions, thousands of posters carrying Wani's pictures, saying 'March Towards Tral', were seen on highways and streets of major cities in occupied Kashmir, including Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Islamabad as well as other districts and cities, KMS said. In Wani's hometown Tral, graffiti portraying his face and messages of support emerged on shutters and walls.

Burhan Wani

The son of a school headmaster, Wani had become the iconic face of armed struggle in Indian-occupied Kashmir since 2011. Dressed in military fatigues and holding assault guns, he would regularly post video messages on social media sites and invite young men to join anti-India struggle.

In the wake of his martyrdom, the held territory underwent the longest ever curfew of more than 100 days during which scores of people were mercilessly killed and injured by the occupation forces while trying in vain to suppress massive anti-India protest demonstrations.

Contrary to New Delhi’s assumptions, Wani’s elimination is believed to have revitalised the popular anti-India movement with the inclusion of hundreds of educated youngsters.

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...