The 42nd martyrdom anniversary of pro-freedom Kashmiri leader Muhammad Maqbool Butt was observed on Wednesday.

India hanged Muhammad Maqbool Butt on this day in 1984, in the infamous Tihar Jail in New Delhi for his leading role in the freedom movement.  Instead of handing over his body to his family, Indian authorities buried him within the jail premises.                                     

Shutdown was observed in different parts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir today on the call of All Parties Hurriyat Conference and Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front.   

The shopkeepers observed the shutdown to honour their great leader despite threats from Indian forces that their shops would be sealed if they observed the strike.

Large number of troops were deployed in the territory to prevent the commemorative events.     

Meanwhile, programs were held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and other cities worldwide to pay tribute to Maqbool Butt.

Illegally detained APHC chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt paid glowing tribute to Muhammad Maqbool Butt, stating that the best way to honor martyrs is to continue their mission with determination.          

In a message from Tihar Jail, he said Kashmiris will never forget the sacrifices of their martyrs, adding that Muhammad Maqbool Butt, Shaheed Afzal Guru, and other martyrs remain guiding lights for the Kashmiri people.                    

On the other hand, Indian forces continued cordon and search operations in Kishtwar and Doda districts.                                            

Employees of Public Health Engineering Department staged a protest in Jammu city against the occupation authorities, saying the authorities have failed to address their longstanding demands.