Srinagar, Apr 03 (KNS): Hizb-ul-Mujahideen on Wednesday paid tributes to its slain commander Ghulam Hassan Khan alias Saif-ul-Islam on his 16th anniversary.

In an e-mailed statement issued to KNS, Hizb spokesman Saleem Hashmi quoted the outfit’s Deputy Chief, Saifullah Khalid as paying tributes to the slain commander, saying that “the slain who was killed on April, 02, 2003 was a great leader.”

He said that “Saif-ul-Islam rejected the luxurious life and sacrificed his entire life for the freedom struggle and for Islam. He preferred to sacrifice his life rather bowing before the enemy.”

“History stands testimony that Saif-ul-Islam’s every drop of blood has generated the militants and the people stand united to ensure the freedom is achieved,” he added.

He said that “sacrifice of Saif-ul-Islam and others won’t go waste and the struggle will be taken to the logical conclusion.”

Meanwhile, the statement issued to KNS reads that a function was organized on the 16th anniversary of Saif-ul-Islam in which people in large number participated and paid tributes to the slain. (KNS)