Archive · 10 Oct 2026
PDP Leader’s Burhan Wani Remarks Prompt Arrest and Calls for Expulsion
At a meeting in Kishtwar, PDP leader Abdul Kabir Khan called Burhan Wani a “martyr.”
Wani was a commander of Hizbul Mujahideen and was killed in 2016.
Khan said people have freedom to choose the words they use.
The report says Khan was arrested on Friday after his remarks.
The VHP called on the PDP to expel him and apologize.
Roots in Kashmir and BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi also criticized what he said.
They argued that the wording was hurtful and unacceptable.
The articles describe strong criticism, but do not include a response from the PDP leadership.
PDP leader Abdul Kabir Khan called slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani a “martyr” at a party function in Kishtwar.
Khan defended his choice of words, saying people in a democratic country have freedom to express themselves.
The report says Khan was arrested on Friday following the remarks; it does not give the year or arrest details.
VHP demanded that the PDP expel Khan, and spokesperson Vinod Bansal called for an apology from party leadership.
Roots in Kashmir spokesperson Amit Raina and BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi also criticized the remarks and called for an apology.
- Who
- PDP leader Abdul Kabir Khan; critics included VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal, Roots in Kashmir spokesperson Amit Raina, and BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi.
- What
- Khan called Burhan Wani a “martyr”; critics condemned the remark, and the VHP demanded Khan’s expulsion.
- When
- Khan made the remarks on Thursday, according to the PTI report; that report says he was arrested on Friday and was published October 10, a Saturday.
- Where
- At a PDP function in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- Khan defended his terminology as a matter of personal choice and freedom of expression; critics said it glorified a militant and insulted or hurt victims and soldiers’ families.
Khan’s defense
Critics’ objections
Choice of terminology
Khan’s defense
Khan said the terminology used for a person was a separate matter and that people have freedom to express themselves in a democratic country.
Critics’ objections
VHP, Roots in Kashmir, and BJP figures condemned calling Wani a “martyr,” arguing it glorified a militant and disrespected victims and soldiers.
PDP’s response
Khan’s defense
The reports quote Khan defending his own remarks but do not provide a response from PDP leadership to the demands.
Critics’ objections
The VHP urged PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and the party leadership to clarify their position, apologize, and expel Khan.
- Speaker
- Abdul Kabir Khan, a PDP leader
- Person discussed
- Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen commander
- Event location
- Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Wani’s death
- Killed in an encounter on July 8, 2016, in Kokernag, Anantnag district, according to the PTI report
- Reported arrest
- The PTI report says Khan was arrested on Friday following the remarks
- VHP demand
- VHP called for Khan’s expulsion and an apology from PDP leadership
- Other criticism
- Amit Raina and Yudhvir Sethi criticized the remarks; Sethi called for an apology to soldiers’ families
