5 Kashmiri Militants Who Are Considered Heroes in the Valley

In early 90s, it was a common sight in Kashmir to see youngsters with kalashnikov rifles in their hands. They were successful in winning hearts and minds of Kashmiris in general. As time passed, the people of Kashmir began distancing themselves from armed revolution, and it reflected in the dipping numbers of local militants.

But in the second decade of the 21st century, Kashmiris have started celebrating the deaths of militants, giving them the stature of martyrs and heroes of the Kashmiri fight to attain freedom.

Here are five militants who are considered to be heroes by people in the Valley.

Burhan Wani

19 September 1994 – 8 July 2016

A social media savvy commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen. An Indian Army ambush resulted in Wani's death and those of two other militants. Kashmir has been flooded with violence after Wani's killing.

Maqbool Bhat

18 February 1938 –11 February 1984

He is the hero of the valley's separatist movement and JKLF's co-founder. The Indian government hanged him in Tihar Jail in New Delhi for murdering CID inspector Amar Chand Maqbool. Bhat is still remembered by Kashmir's separatist movement.

Afzal Guru

30 June 1969 – 9 February 2013

The Kashmiri separatist, convicted of concealing the 2001 Indian Parliament attack plot, was hanged on 9 February 2013 at Tihar Jail. Kashmiris hail Afzal Guru as a martyr, gathering at his marked but empty grave every year.

Abu Qasim

Date of Birth: Unknown

Lashkar-e-Taiba's senior-most commander, top strategist, and main recruiter. He masterminded the 2015 Udhampur attack. He was killed in a joint operation of the Indian Army at the estimated age of 30. Security forces obstructed people from taking part in militant's funeral, which only resulted in mass protests.

Shariq Ahmad Bhat

Date of Birth: Unknown

Member of the Hizbul Mujahideen, killed in an Indian Army operation. Shariq's encounter surprised everyone, with thousands of men, women and children gathered for his funeral.