UK council withdraws permission to Burhan Wani rally

LONDON: Birmingham city council today withdrew its permission for a planned rally to mark “Burhan Wani Day” on Saturday after India lodged a protest with the UK Government against the “glorification of terrorists”.

The rally was being planned by UK-based Kashmiri groups to mark the first death anniversary of the commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit killed in a gun battle with Indian armed forces in the Kashmir Valley on July 8 last year.

India on Monday protested to the UK over the planned rally.

“We took a booking for a peaceful rally highlighting the human rights abuse in Kashmir. However, we are now aware of concerns raised about the promotional leaflet and, having assessed the material, have not given permission for the use of Victoria Square,” a Birmingham City Council spokesperson said. (AGENCIES)