SRINAGAR: As the 15th martyrdom anniversary of Shaikh Abdul Aziz approaches on August 11, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and other pro-freedom organizations are uniting to pay homage to this prominent Kashmiri leader who left an indelible mark on the struggle for self-determination.
Shaikh Abdul Aziz’s legacy continues to inspire and embolden those fighting for the rights of the Kashmiri people.
Shaikh Abdul Aziz, a key figure within the APHC, met his untimely demise on August 11, 2008, when he was leading a monumental march towards Azad Kashmir. Indian troops cut short his journey, as he was struck down while protesting against the economic blockade of the Kashmir Valley orchestrated by Hindu extremists from the Jammu region.
A coalition of voices within the APHC, encompassing leaders such as Abdul Ahad Parra, Syed Bashir Andrabi, Khawaja Firdous, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Javaid Ahmed Mir, Abdul Samad Inqilabi, Sleem Zargar, and others, along with organizations like the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, Jammu and Kashmir Social Justice League, Jammu and Kashmir Youth Social Forum, Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Movement, Jammu and Kashmir Students Youth Forum, and Tehreek-e-Istiqamat Jammu and Kashmir, have joined together in solemn remembrance of Shaikh Abdul Aziz.
They collectively underline that Shaikh Abdul Aziz was a devoted leader of the Hurriyat movement, and it remains the responsibility of the Kashmiri people to safeguard the invaluable sacrifices made by their martyrs. Through trials and tribulations, Shaikh Aziz steadfastly embraced his role in the ongoing Kashmiri struggle for the right to self-determination, eventually sacrificing his life for this noble cause. His martyrdom injected renewed vigour into the Kashmiri freedom movement, reshaping its trajectory.
The leaders and organizations emphasize that Shaikh Abdul Aziz’s memory will remain enshrined in the history of Kashmir, celebrated for his unwavering commitment and unmatched contribution to the quest for freedom. They urge the residents of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to stand in solidarity with all Kashmiri martyrs on August 11 by organizing special prayer gatherings. The Kashmiri populace’s determination to fulfil the mission set by their martyrs remains resolute, despite the challenges they face.
In Srinagar, posters commemorating Shaikh Aziz echo his courage, boldness, and unwavering dedication. These visual tributes remind everyone that he chose martyrdom over surrender, becoming a beacon of resistance against oppressive forces. The posters reiterate the collective resolve of the Kashmiris to persist in their ongoing struggle for freedom until they achieve their ultimate goal.
Shaikh Abdul Aziz’s memory is not confined to a single date on the calendar. His story, his sacrifice, and his commitment resonate through the years, serving as a guiding light for those who continue to fight for justice, self-determination, and the rights of the Kashmiri people. As the years pass, his legacy remains a testament to the unyielding spirit of Kashmir and its quest for a brighter future.
