Terrorism that erupted in Kashmir valley in 1989-90 has seen several waves and turning points. Insurgency that was completely indigenous in composition to begin with was soon taken over by Pakistani mercenary terrorists. The next phase of the terrorism led by Lashkar e Toiba, Hizbul Mujhaideen etc was completely ‘foreign’ in character. About five years ago, home grown terror saw an upswing. Burhan Wani was seen as new ‘face’ of this home grown terror also known as ‘new age militancy’.

Born in Tral, a small hamlet in Kashmir valley, Burhan picked up arms in 2010 at the age of 15. Son of school headmaster, Burhan is said to have joined terrorism after his brother was allegedly mistreated by security forces. Since then Burhan became rallying point for young educated Muslim boys to join terrorism. This was the beginning of new age terrorism where highly educated local boys dropped out of school and college to join ranks of terror.

Burhan Wani as commander of Hizbul Mujhaideen used social media to recruit and entice young people to terror much before ISIS began to do the same. Young and restless brainwashed by Jihadist ideology, were attracted to Burhan’s call for Azaadi and waging a war against Indian State. There was 10 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest.

His ability to recruit young people to terrorist organizations had made him Kashmir’s most wanted terrorist in recent times. On July 9^th in an encounter near Kokernag, Security forces were finally able to corner Burhan Wani and he fell to bullets.

As expected Kashmir valley has erupted in rage since the news broke. The public funeral attracted thousands of men and women wailing in grief over the slain terrorist. The extent of radicalization in Kashmir valley was visible in the number of mourners who attended the public funeral. The state government has received some flak over allowing public funeral. The valley is expected to remain on boil for next few days. This remains Mehbooba Mufti’s single biggest challenge so far as Chief Minister. It remains to be seen how state government quells violence and restores normalcy as soon as possible.