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PDP Leader Calls Burhan Wani a Martyr, Triggering Backlash
At a political party meeting in Kishtwar, Abdul Kabir spoke about Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen commander who was killed in 2016.
Kabir called Wani a “martyr.”
He also said BJP leaders had visited Wani’s home with compensation after his death.
When reporters questioned his words, Kabir said he had the freedom to express his opinion.
A representative of Roots in Kashmir said the comment hurt families affected by terrorism.
BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi also condemned the remarks.
He said the PDP should apologize to families of soldiers killed fighting terrorism.
The comments led to political criticism of the PDP.
Senior PDP leader Abdul Kabir called Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani a “martyr” at a party workers’ convention in Kishtwar.
Kabir said BJP leaders had gone to Wani’s home with compensation after Wani was killed.
When challenged by reporters, Kabir said he could choose what to call Wani and cited freedom of expression.
Amit Raina of Roots in Kashmir said the remarks hurt families of terrorism victims.
BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi called the remarks shocking and demanded an apology to families of soldiers killed fighting terrorism.
- Who
- Abdul Kabir, a senior Peoples Democratic Party leader, and critics including Amit Raina and BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi.
- What
- Kabir called Burhan Wani a “martyr,” prompting criticism and a demand for an apology.
- Where
- Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir.
- When
- At a PDP workers’ convention; the article does not specify the date.
- Why
- Kabir’s description of Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen commander killed in 2016, was criticized as glorifying a terrorist.
Kabir’s defense
Critics’ objections
Calling Wani a “martyr”
Kabir’s defense
Kabir defended his wording, saying it was his choice and that people in a democratic country have freedom to say what they feel.
Critics’ objections
Amit Raina and Yudhvir Sethi condemned the description, saying it glorified a terrorist and hurt victims’ families; Sethi called for an apology.
Key facts
- Speaker
- Abdul Kabir, senior PDP leader
- Event
- PDP workers’ convention
- Location
- Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir
- Person discussed
- Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen commander
- Wani’s death
- He was killed in an encounter in 2016.
- Criticism
- Amit Raina criticized the remarks on behalf of Roots in Kashmir.
- BJP response
- Yudhvir Sethi called the remarks shocking and demanded an apology.
Quotes
Abdul Kabir
Senior PDP leader who made the remarks at a party programme in Kishtwar.
“It is my choice what I call him. We live in a democratic country and we have the freedom to say whatever we feel like.”
NDTV
“When Burhan Wani was martyred, BJP leaders went to his house with compensation.”
NDTV
Yudhvir Sethi
Senior BJP leader who criticised Kabir’s remarks.
“PDP leaders should apologise to the families of soldiers who laid down their lives fighting terrorism in the Kashmir Valley. Such glorification of terrorists is unacceptable.”
NDTV
Sources
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