Indian-occupied Kashmir observed a total shutdown on the eighth death anniversary of Burhan Wani, a prominent leader killed on July 8, 2016.
Born on September 19, 1994 in Pulwama’s Dadasar village, Wani joined Hizbul Mujahideen at the age of 16.
Known for his effective use of social media, Wani has gained significant popularity among the Kashmiri youth. In August 2015, the Indian government put a reward of 1 million rupees on him.
Indian forces killed Wani in Kokernag on 8 July 2016. Wani’s influence on the Kashmiri separatist movement is felt even years after his death, with many young Kashmiris seeing him as a symbol of resistance.
