Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and worldwide are observing the 12th martyrdom anniversary of prominent martyred leader Muhammad Afzal Guru today, with renewed pledge to continue struggle for freedom from Indian occupation.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Afzal Guru was secretly hanged in New Delhi's Tihar Jail without informing his family on this day in 2013.

Legal experts and rights activists had termed the execution a judicial murder, carrying a glaring stain on India's so-called democracy.

Guru's mortal remains were never returned to his family for proper burial.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference in a statement issued in Srinagar has said that the martyrs like Afzal Guru have reinvigorated the Kashmiri people's freedom struggle.

His sacrifice inspired new generations to resist India's illegal occupation.

The APHC has reaffirmed that India's brutal actions, including the systematic killing of youth, will never suppress the Kashmiris' aspiration for self-determination as acknowledged by the United Nations.

Other pro-freedom leaders have urged the international community to hold India accountable for its human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to push for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions.

Meanwhile, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference has appealed for a complete shutdown in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday marking the 41st martyrdom anniversary of prominent martyred Kashmiri leader Muhammad Maqbool Butt.

Indian troops have intensified crackdown across the occupied territory.

Many youths were detained during house raids to prevent pro-freedom activities.

Indian police confirmed to have arrested over 30 people associated with the SIM card business alone during massive raids in multiple districts, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Islamabad, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora, Samba and Kishtwar.