Burhan Wani death: 'Azaadi' slogans for Kashmir and Manipur raised in Kolkata

Azaadi slogans were raised at a rally, organised in Kolkata to protest against the death of over 30 people in Kashmir following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Left-backed organisations comprising students and other members of rights groups converged at the College Square and marched towards the Sealdah station, sporting placards which read, ‘de-militarise Kashmir’ and raised slogans like, ‘Kashmir maange azaadi, Manipur maange azaadi’.

“We are demanding azaadi for Kashmir and Manipur. Azaadi for us means withdrawal of army and AFSPA. The people are oppressed by the army and it has resulted in so many deaths. It’s high time that these two states should be freed from armed forces and AFSPA,” said Mrinmoy Sarkar from the Progressive Democratic Students' Federation​ (PDSF) organisation.

Sarkar alleged that ever since the rally was announced, they received a number of threats from right-wing organisations. “There was every attempt to silence us. A lot of people who were to participate in this rally were threatened. But, we can’t be silent anymore. Everyday, the death toll and number of injured is rising in Kashmir. We must stand united for the people of Kashmir.”

This protest rally comes in the wake of simultaneous protests being organised by the several groups across the country. On Wednesday, similar rally was organised at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.