Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today paid tributes to militant commander Burhan Wani, saying his death "infused a new spirit in the struggle for freedom" in the Valley. Sharif in a message on the first death anniversary of Wani's killing said that India cannot suppress the voice of the people of Kashmir through use of brute force.
Wani, a commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed in an encounter with Indian security forces on this day last year. "The blood rendered by Burhan Muzaffar Wani has infused a new spirit in the freedom movement. The Kashmiri people are steadfast to take their movement to logical conclusion," he said.
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. He also emphasised the need for implementing the United Nation resolutions on Kashmir and asked India to accept their right of self-determination of Kashmiris.
Pakistan Army Chief hails Wani
Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday sought to praise Burhan Wani. "Sacrifices of Burhan Wani and generations against Indian atrocities are a testimony of their resolve," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG said on Twitter.
Pakistan and India have been in a tense standoff with an upsurge in ceasefire violations and cross-border infiltration by Pakistani militants into Kashmir. India says Wani was a terrorist who had taken up the gun.
