J&K: PDP Leader Abdul Kabir Detained for Calling Terrorist Burhan Wani a ‘Martyr’

J&K: PDP leader Abdul Kabir has been detained at Kishtwar Police Station for questioning after glorifying Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist commander Burhan Wani by calling him a “martyr” during a PDP event in Kishtwar district of Jammu Kashmir.

 

Responding to the controversy, Kabir said that he had stated how BJP leaders visited Burhan Wani’s home and provided compensation after his killing. He said, “It is our freedom to decide whether or not to call him a martyr. We live in a democratic country. This is my personal view.”

 

Burhan Wani, a commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed in an encounter in 2016.

 

Kabir’s remarks have triggered a political controversy, with the BJP criticising the PDP leader for referring to the terrorist as a martyr.

 

J&K BJP chief Sat Sharma said the remark reflected the mindset of the PDP and its leaders. He said that freedom of speech should not be used to honour a terrorist and called on PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and the party to clarify their stand on terrorism.

 

“Regarding the way Burhan Wani was killed and subsequently hailed as a ‘martyr’, I believe the PDP and Mehbooba Mufti need to clarify their stance on this matter. They must state their position on terrorism and apologise to the people of Jammu Kashmir; furthermore, the strictest possible action should be taken against Abdul Kabir,” Sharma said.