Burhan Wani’s killing ‘deplorable’, violates Kashmiris’ rights: Pakistan

Pakistan condemned on Sunday the killing of a top insurgent and the deaths of 16 Kashmiri protesters in clashes with security forces as fresh waves of violence triggered fears of a resurgence in militancy in the troubled state.

In a statement, Islamabad called the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani “deplorable”, a day after tens of thousands of people showed up at the funeral of the 21-year-old and chanted slogans against the army, police and government.

“Such acts are a violation of fundamental human rights of Kashmiris and can not deter the people of Jammu and Kashmir from their demand for the realisation of the right to self determination,” the Pakistan press release read.

Wani – the face of militancy in the Valley in the past five years -- was wrapped in a Pakistani flag as many militants reportedly showed up at the funeral.

Pakistan also criticised India for detaining top separatist leaders, calling upon India to fulfil its “human rights obligations as well as its commitments under the United Nations Security Council Resolutions”.

Ties between the two countries have been on a roller-coaster ride in recent years, especially on the tricky question of involving separatists in talks over the Kashmir dispute.

In its statement, Pakistan again called for a “fair and impartial” plebiscite under the UN – a stand that India has repeatedly rejected over the years.