Srinagar
The United Jehad Council (UJC), an amalgam of militant organisations in Kashmir Monday called for week-long protests to mark the first death anniversary of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
Wani’s death on July 8, 2016 triggered a powerful people’s uprising in Kashmir. At least 90 civilians were killed in force’s actions to break the uprising.
The latest week-long protest calendar was announced by UJC chief Syed Salahuddin through a video message.
‘Hafta-e-Shuhuda (martyrs’ week) would be observed beginning July 7 on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC),’ Salahideen said in his message.
Complete strike would be observed in the state on July 8 to pay tributes to Burhan Wani for whom public gatherings will also be held, especially in Tral, Salahuddin said.
Kashmir has seen one of its bloodiest years since Wani’s death, and more than 45 people — civilians, forces and militants — were killed since May 28 only.
Salahuddin said, the week-long agitation will also be to remember the Kashmiri civilians who died on July 13, 1931 during a protest in Srinagar.
“Resistance leadership and clerics should start the programme on July 7 and explain the significance of martyrdom to people during Friday sermons,’’ The video shows Salahuddin as saying.
“On July 10 and 11, people will visit the families of martyrs to express solidarity with them and help them financially,” he said.
He asked people to offer special namaz (prayers) for the “freedom movement and destruction of the enemy’’ on July 12.
Salahuddin said UJC will be organising conferences across Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Pakistan. “Massive public rallies will be held in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakote on July 8 and 13 to pay homage to Burhan Wani and the 1931 martyrs,’’ he added.
