CONTROVERSIAL: NC Leader Omar Abdullah calls terrorist Burhan Wani 'Sahab'

In a massive controversy, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and NC leader Omar Abdullah has given respect to commander of terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen Burhan Wani and called the terrorist "Sahab". 

In a recent interview to UK media, Omar Abdullah was questioned on the crackdown on Zakir Musa, during when there was a shutdown in majority areas in Kashmir. Responding to the question, Omar Abdullah said that when "Burhan Wani Sahab had died, Kashmir was shut down..."

This development has come almost two months after Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is an ally of the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir referred to the now global designated terrorist and Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, as 'Masood Azhar Ji' while addressing a rally.

Rahul Gandhi's 'Masood Azhar ji' comment created a massive stir in the political discourse with the BJP leaders slamming the Congress leaders and Grand Old Party coming for his rescue

WATCH THIS: Rahul Gandhi Says "Masood Azhar Ji" In Poll Rally, Smriti Irani And BJP Launch 'Rahul Loves Terrorists' Attack

Burhan Wani, commander of terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed by Indian security forces on 8 July 2016, which sparked protests across Kashmir. The unrest following his death was described as the worst in the region since 2010, with Kashmir being placed under 53 consecutive days of curfew, which was lifted around in August 2016.

In a massive victory for the security forces, all the terrorists affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen-led by Burhan Wani were neutralised in the Kashmir Valley in J&K on May 3.

Jammu and Kashmir Police and the security forces carried out a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the in Imam Sahab area of the Shopian district, based on credible inputs. Later on May 24, Burhan Wani's Successor and chief of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda, Zakir Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in Tral in Pulwama.

READ | Burhan Wani's Successor Zakir Musa Gunned Down By Security Forces During Joint Operation In Tral, J&K