Separatists call for week-long protests to mark Wani’s death

The separatist leadership in the Kashmir Valley has called a week-long protest to mark the first death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, whose death plunged the region into unprecedented public unrest.

The programme includes a complete shutdown on July 8, the day the militant leader was killed last year, and July 13 when 22 Kashmiris died during protests against the regime of Maharaja Hari Singh in Srinagar in 1931.

More than 100 people lost their lives in prolonged clashes with security forces after Wani’s death. The protest call came from separatist hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderates Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF leader Yasin Malik and more.

The leadership asked people to visit homes of slain militant leaders on July 9. Kashmiris, especially those living abroad, are asked to mount a social media campaign on July 11.

The protest coincides with a similar call by the United Jehad Council, an umbrella group of outfits, to mark Wani’s death.

The Pakistan-based Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin said in a video message that a Hafta-eShuhuda, or week of the martyrs, will be observed on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).

It is the first time militant organisations, including those based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), have issued calendar of protest.

Salahuddin asked the people to begin the programme on July 7, followed by shutdowns on July 8 and July 13 across the state.

On July 10 and 11, he wants people to visit families of militants and help them with money.