PDP leader Abdul Kabir arrested for calling slain Hizbul commander Burhan Wani 'martyr'

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday arrested PDP leader Abdul Kabir following his statement where he called slaim Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani 'martyr' at a party programme in Kishtwar, according to PTI. Kabir claimed that BJP leaders had visited Wani's family and offered compensation after his death. Responding to questions from reporters about referring to the designated terrorist as a martyr, Kabir defended his choice of words, saying he was free to use the term in a democratic country.   News Alert! J&K Police arrests PDP leader Abdul Kabir following his statement calling Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani "martyr". -- Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 9, 2026 Asked whether it was appropriate to call Burhan Wani, a militant, a martyr, Kabir said the terminology used to describe a person was a separate matter. "It is our own saying. Whether we call someone a martyr, say they were killed, or use some other term is a separate matter. What is that? We have freedom. We live in a democratic country," he said.   #WATCH | Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir: On referring to Burhan Wani as a 'martyr' in his speech during a PDP event, PDP leader Abdul Kabir says, "I had stated that when Burhan Wani was killed, BJP leaders visited his home and provided compensation. 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." (08.10) -- ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2026 His remarks have triggered a political controversy over how the slain militant commander is being portrayed. Asked whether calling Burhan Wani a martyr was his personal opinion, Kabir replied in the affirmative. "Yes, it is personal." Kabir said that when the PDP was in power in coalition with the BJP, it kept the saffron party under curbs.   Kishtwar, J&K | PDP leader Abdul Kabir has been detained at Kishtwar Police Station for questioning following his reference to Burhan Wani as "Martyr" in his speech at a PDP event https://t.co/0nJafZvPUZ -- ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2026 Burhan Wani was a Hizbul Mujahideen commander in Kashmir who became a prominent face of militancy among local youth through his use of social media. He was killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on July 8, 2016. His death triggered widespread protests and unrest across the Valley, leading to months of curfews and clashes.