During the address, Hizb commander is also seen sermonising the state police in a condescending statement.
Strategically leveraging the power of social media yet again, Burhan Wani, after having gradually emerged as the ‘poster boy’ of new age militancy in Kashmir, has for the first time sent out a message for valley’s youth in his latest video.
The 21-year-old Hizb commander had recently grabbed headlines when video and photos featuring him went viral on social media platforms including Facebook and Whatsapp.
In his latest five and half minute video, which comes after an earlier minute and half video circulated about two months ago, Burhan is seen sitting between two of his associates. One has been identified as Saddam Padder on the left side while as the other militant has his face covered. Both of them are standing while brandishing two AK guns. In front of them is placed another rifle, a pistol and a copy of Quran.
The wanted commandeer, having a prize of Rs 10 lakh on his head, in the video message says “If you can’t join us, then you should support us in other ways.”
During the address, Burhan, is also seen sermonising the state police in a condescending statement. “We will not bring any harm to your family like you have been doing because it is not wise,” he says while quoting from Islamic holy book Quran.
A new challenge for security apparatus?
Arguably, the latest video has emerged as a new worry for security apparatus in the state. Earlier in July, a top commander of Indian Army GOC Subrata Saha expressed concern over ‘any youth’ joining militancy in Kashmir. The video has, apparently, has raked up fresh concerns in this regard.
The young commander, regarded as the new face of tech-savvy militants in the valley contrary to his traditional counterparts, also explains why he has joined militancy in this video message. “We are safeguarding the chastity of of sisters and mothers,” he says adding that they will continue to ‘fight unless Caliphate is established in Kashmir and the world’.
Burhan has been an active militant reportedly for the last five years after he joined the ranks just before his matriculation exams. His brother, Khalid, was killed earlier this year when the duo reportedly met in the forest area of Tral.
A police official stationed in Tral, however, told iamin that the video will have no impact on youth and his ‘good looks’ make him popular among a handful of youth not his activities.
